EDITOR'S NOTE: There will be no update on Thursday, 23 February to Friday, 24 February 2012 because we'll be in Boracay Island for the launch of the 2012 Toyota Innova.

However, please make it a point to follow us live on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/carguideph for the latest scoops, pictures and specs fresh and hot from the launch event. Of course, once we come back from the sun and the sand, we'll post a full story right here!

Goodyear Philippines is extending its free fuel offer up to March 31, 2012. With Goodyear's New Year Bonanza, buyers are entitled to free fuel e-cards ranging from P 500 to P 1,000.

Press Release
Goodyear Announces Free Fuel Promo

• A P500 fuel card for every single-receipt purchase of two (2) tires of Assurance ArmorGrip, Fuel Max, Fortera, Wrangler HP, Wrangler HP AW, Wrangler AT/SA, Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2, Eagle F1 Directional 5 or Eagle EfficientGrip, or for every purchase of four (4) DuraPlus tireA
• A P1,000 fuel card to every single-receipt purchase of four (4) tires of Assurance ArmorGrip, Fuel Max, Fortera, Wrangler HP, Wrangler HP AW, Wrangler AT/SA, Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2, Eagle F1 Directional 5 or Eagle EfficientGrip.

With the Holy Week travels coming up, it is a good time to check tires and get free fuel. The New Year Bonanza promo, with DTI permit number 0513 series of 2012, runs until March 31, 2012. Log on to goodyear.com.ph for details.

The Car Awards Group, Inc. (CAGI), the nominating body behind the Car of the Year - Philippines has elected a new board for the 2012-2013 year. Strong support is shown to its current set of officers as they have a re-election rate of 80 percent. Ferman Lao, Editor-in-Chief of automotive website kotse.com as well as Technical Editor of Top Gear remains President.

Globally, Ford is promoting driving safety through proper training of drivers, new and old. In fact, they have been doing the Driving Skills for Life as a global program. In the Philippines, it now enters its fifth-year and here's the whole press release for your information.

Press Release
Ford's Global Driving Skills for Life Program Enters Fifth Year in the Philippines

•  Globally, the DSFL program has trained more than 500,000 drivers through online and professional hands-on driver instruction, including more than 20,000 in the Philippines\
• In the Philippines, the program has been tailored to suit the local driving environment and is aimed at raising awareness of safe and fuel efficient driving techniques through classroom and practical learning 

Despite industry figures dipping 16 percent in January 2012, Members of the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) reported a 37 percent increase.

AVID members sold a total of 2,526 units for the first month of 2012 driven mainly by passenger car sales which counted for 71 percent. Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) contributed a 6 percent growth. The top AVID performer remained HARI. Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc., the official distributor of Hyundai cars in the Philippines contributed 20,297 units. Meanwhile, The Covenant Car Company, Inc., the official distributor of Chevrolet vehicles sold 2,763 units.

AVID members are: PGA Cars, Inc. (Audi and Porsche), Auto Ventures, Inc. (Chana and FAW), The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (Chevrolet), CATS Motors, Inc. (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Mercedes-Benz), Foton Motor Philippines, Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc., Jaguar Philippines, British United (MINI) and Volvo.

Photo courtesy of Kia Press

Photos courtesy of Honda Press

After much delay, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) has finally unveiled the all-new 2012 Civic at the start of their weekend-long festivities dubbed Honda Mania at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City.

Though it looks pretty much close to the previous-generation Civic, Honda has repeatedly said that the ninth-generation Civic features an all-new sheet metal as well as extensive work done on its proven platform and drivetrain. Known for its sporty handling and practicality, Honda said that they have kept these traits while focusing more to improve the Civic's fuel efficiency for this all-new model. Among the changes include a design that has a co-efficient of drag that's 3.8 percent lower, a body that's seven percent lighter thanks to 55 percent high-tensile steel and bigger interior room with a wider shoulder width and rear seat room. Honda engineers have also improved the 2012 Civic's overall visibility by over nine percent.

Under the hood, the Civic carries on with the previous model's 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter two-stage VTEC engine. Power generated is 141 horsepower and 155 horsepower respectively connected to a 5-speed automatic. The suspension is independent all-around with MacPherson Struts upfront and Multi-Links at the back. The 2012 model features a longer suspension stroke to further reduce the transmission of unwanted "shocks" into the cabin.


Though the Civic is traditionally Honda's most mainstream model, because of the Thailand plant's shutdown, HCPI is currently offering the Civic in a single flavor: the 1.8 EXi. This sole model, available in four colors (Urban Titanium, Taffeta White, Carnelian Red and Crystal Black) is imported as a completely built-up model from Japan. Because of this, the Civic has a slightly prohibitive price of P 1.074-M. Nonetheless, it comes fully loaded with almost everything as standard.

Features on the 2012 Honda Civic 1.8 EXi include: projector-type halogen headlights, front fog lamps, 16-inch alloys with 205/55 R 16 rubber, door-mounted side turn lights, rear reversing camera, an integrated audio system with CD/MP3/USB connectivity with 6 speakers, steering wheel controls, cruise control, Bluetooth hands-free phone function, 60/40 split-fold rear seats, leather steering wheel, dual SRS airbags, ABS and vehicle stability assist.

More photos and the Press Release after the break.

Photos courtesy of Honda Press

Honda Cars Philippines is saying that the Jazz is back in stock in very big way: by launching the Jazz Special Edition.

Now imported as a completely built-up unit from Japan (as opposed to Thailand), the Jazz Special Edition (1.5 EX) features different front and rear bumpers with fog lamps from the regular Jazz 1.5 (it actually shares its bumpers with the 1.3 variant). Aside from that, the Jazz Special Edition gets cruise control, steering wheel audio controls as well as a cooled upper glove box and power folding door mirrors. In terms of engine, the Jazz Special Edition has a 1.5-liter VTEC engine with 120 horsepower and a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Priced at P 899,000, the Jazz Special Edition is available in three colors including a new retina-burning Fresh Lime color.

More details in the Press Kit after the break.

Want to test drive the all-new Honda Civic? Want to see the Honda Jazz Special Edition? Well, mark your calendars this weekend for Honda Mania at the Bonifacio Global City.

Photo courtesy of Mitsubishi Motors Press

Top Gear Philippines Editor-in-Chief Vernon Sarne has revealed that Mitsubishi Motors Philippines is very, very close to bringing in a gasoline-powered Montero Sport. In a story published late last week, Mr. Sarne has quoted Mitsubishi Motors Philippines vice president for marketing services, Froilan Dytianquin that a 3.0-liter V6 from the outgoing Outlander will make its way to the Montero Sport.

In the same story, Dytianquin was quoted as saying that the MIVEC-equipped engine will be available initially in limited numbers starting April of this year. Dytianquin also said that this version will only be equipped with a 2WD system. Pricing will be close to that of the diesel variant.

Source: Top Gear Philippines

Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Press

CATS Motors, Inc., the official distributor of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and trucks has reported a 10 percent sales increase year-on-year when comparing 2010 and 2011. Sales are up to 653 units compared to 596 units a year earlier.

CATS Motors, Inc. is saying that its aggressive fleet deliveries as well as the introduction of the new-generation C-Class is largely the reason for its success. In fact, the C-Class is the luxury segment's best-selling passenger car.

Meanwhile, CATS Motors's mainstream American brand--the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands reported a 12% sales growth year-on-year. For 2011, the group sold 341 units, up from 304 units in 2010. CATS is expecting the CJD brands to do even better in 2012 thanks to dealer expansion in the Alabang area as well as new vehicles to be launched.

The CATS Motors, Inc. growth is despite the fact that the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI), an umbrella group of Philippine manufacturers and distributors reported a net decline of 2.97 of the overall automotive industry.

Photo courtesy of Dodge Press

CATS Motors, Inc., the official Philippine distributor of the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands has finally added a new model to their line-up: the Challenger SRT8 muscle car.

Dubbed as the "Ultimate American muscle machine", by Reid Bigland, the President and CEO of Dodge, the SRT8 is available with a massive 6.4-liter V8 HEMI that tops off at 470 horsepower. Couple this with a track-tuned suspension as well as heavy-duty brakes, the Challenger SRT8 is a dream come true for any performance car enthusiast.

Read more on the Dodge Challenger SRT8 launch after the break.

Photo courtesy of Mitsubishi Press

Mitsubishi Motors has chosen the 82nd Geneva International Auto Show to unveil its all-new Outlander. Though the show will run starting March 6, Mitsubishi has already released a teaser photo of the compact crossover.

For European markets, the Outlander will be offered with a choice of gasoline and diesel engines. For those who prefer petrol, the Outlander will use a 2.0-liter SOHC 4-cylinder engine equipped with MIVEC (4J11). The lean-burning model will use a 2.2-liter CRDi with a very low compression ratio and MIVEC technology. Mitsubishi promises excellent CO2 emissions as well as fuel efficiency thanks to its new Auto Stop&Go idle-stop system as well as a lighter body.

Inside, the Outlander promises a high-quality interior thanks to a "soft-touch dashboard" as well as a gloss black instrument panel. Some models will also come with third-row seating just like the current Outlander while a power tailgate makes it to the options list.

Initially, the 2012 Outlander will be launched for the Russian market followed by the European, Japanese, Chinese and North American market. No word yet whether the Outlander will come back to the Philippine market.

Ah, February--the month of love. Well here at carguide.ph, there's nothing we love more than cars. So, here's your monthly dose of the latest car prices in the Philippines.

For this update, we've made some improvements. Now indicated is the last time a particular price list has been changed. This month, the notable entries include the Chevrolet Orlando and Traverse as well as the 2012 Honda City, Kia Rio, Range Rover Evoque and Toyota Avanza.

See the price list after the break.

Photo courtesy of Mazda Press

A report on Top Gear Philippines's official website points to the fact that the much anticipated second-generation Mazda 3 will soon be available for Philippine buyers.

In an interview with the website, Ford Group Philippines Assistant Vice President for Communications, Anika Salceda-Wycoco said that the all-new Mazda 3 will be available later this year, but won't be assembled in the Philippines.

The rumor mill is currently speculating that the all-new Mazda 3 along with the CX-5 compact crossover could be made available as early as the First to Second Quarter of 2012 given that Mazda is now running out their inventory of the current 3. In fact, in the latest price list, only the 1.6 S and 1.6 V (both four door models) are the only ones available.

According to Top Gear Philippines's, the Mazda 3 is currently being assembled in Thailand, so it's pretty much certain that the Philippines's supply of the 3 will come from there. Meanwhile, the CX-5 is currently only being assembled in Japan.

Source: Top Gear Philippines

Photo courtesy of Volvo Press

Viking Cars, Inc., the official distributor of Volvo automobiles in the Philippines shared an amazing bit of news to start the new year.

With their "What can you do with P 1 Million?" promotion, buyers of the Volvo XC90 or S80 T5 is made to enjoy up to P 1-million in savings. How does that happen? Well, it could be one of three ways:

1. Straight up cash discount of P 1-million.
2. Trip for 2 to the Volvo Museum in Sweden.
3. 30% downpayment, 48-months to pay at 0% interest.

Whatever you choose, all Volvo models also come with an unprecedented 5-year warranty and roadside assistance package which is very generous compared to the other luxury makes.

Hurry, this promotional offer is only good until the 15th of February!

A source from Hyundai Automotive Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines has revealed a price increase for all variants of the Tucson compact crossover as well as the Starex van.

The source said that the price increase will take effect within the month of February. So, if you're in the market for these two vehicles, better put down that deposit to lock in your price.

Photo courtesy of Ford Press

Ford Group Philippines, celebrating a banner year in 2011 has revealed that Ford Alabang is their 2011 Dealer of the Year.

Aside from being lauded as the Dealer of the Year, Ford Alabang also was recognized as the dealer that sold the most number of Fiesta sub-compacts in Metro Manila as well as Everest.

The good folks from Petron has sent us some news regarding their Vision Petron exhibit which runs from January 17, 2012 to April 2012. This exhibit presents the winners of the recently concluded Vision Petron National Student Art Competition

Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) surprised everyone when they unveiled the 2012 Prius C at their annual Media Thanksgiving Party last Friday evening. Aimed with individuals without children (or at most, young children), the Prius C combines a Yaris-sized sub-compact with Toyota's legendary Synergy gasoline-electric hybrid engine.

Retailing for P 1,475,000 for the Standard model and P 1,525,000 for the Full Option model (an additional P 15,000 for the exclusive White Pearl color), the Prius C is powered by a 1.5-liter 1NZ-FXE 4-cylinder engine that is Euro V compliant and uses the highly-efficient Atkinson cycle. The 73 horsepower, 111 Nm powerplant is supplement by a 60 horsepower, 169 Nm permanent magnet synchronous motor giving the Prius C combined figures of 133 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque. The sole transmission is an electronically controlled CVT with Eco and EV mode settings. Toyota claims a combined city/highway figure of 21.27 km/L for the Prius C.

Inside, the Prius C comes standard with the same digital vacuum display on the larger Prius model, a multi-information display situated in the middle of the dashboard as well as the touch-sensitive Touch Tracer controls for audio and air conditioning controls. All Prius C models come loaded with a 6-speaker sound system with Stereo/CD/MP3/USB playback capability, Bluetooth hands-free, automatic climate control and a split-folding rear seat. The Full model adds a leather steering wheel, leather seats and power retracting side view mirrors.

Read the full Press Release and view more photos after the break.

Our sister website motioncars.com has picked up an interesting news tidbit from Motor Image Pilipinas, the Philippine distributor of Subaru vehicles in the Philippines.

According to the website's reports, the all-new Subaru XV is set to join the rest of the Subaru line-up when it is unveiled at the 2012 Manila International Auto Show which runs from March 29 to April 1, 2012 at the World Trade Center.

Based on the all-new Impreza chassis (G4 or Generation 4), the XV is differentiated from its road-biased cousin thanks to an upgraded suspension system which has increased ground clearance to 218 mm versus 145 mm on the regular Impreza. Aside from that, the XV will share its drivetrain components with the all-new Impreza from the all-new 2.0-liter FB flat-4 engine (150 horsepower, 196 Nm of torque) as well as its continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The all-new Subaru XV is also the first Subaru to be assembled at the Tan Chong Motor Assemblies Sdn. Bhd. in Malaysia making it the first locally available Subaru to be assembled outside the United States of America (Tribeca) and Japan (the rest of the line-up).

Motor Image Pilipinas hasn't said anything about pricing yet, but according to Motor Image Pilipinas General Manager Nicky Mariano, it will be priced above the current Impreza 2.0 R hatchback.

Source: motioncars.com

Photo courtesy of BMW Press

Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official distributor of BMW vehicles in the Philippines has revealed itself to be the best-selling luxury automotive brand for 2011. In a recent press conference, ACC President Ms. Maricar Parco said that for 2011, BMW has garnered a 33 percent market share in the segment. With an annual sales of 792 units, it represented a 19 percent gain year-on-year, bucking the downward sales trend seen by the local motoring association CAMPI or Chamber of Automobile Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc.

Likewise, Ms. Parco has also revealed that for 2012 they are targeting 850 units or an additional growth of 7 percent fueled by the recently launched BMW 1 Series. In addition, she has also said to expect no less than 3 new models to enter the country which includes the new BMW 3 Series as well as a refreshed BMW 7 Series. ACC also expects to receive a shipment of the highly anticipated BMW M5 sports sedan early this year.