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| Photo courtesy of Hyundai Press |
May 11, 2012
Hyundai-DOT Partnership Out to Bring More Fun to PHL Exhibit at Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea
Ford Philippines April Sales Rise Nine Percent
The all-new Ford Fiesta led the April performance with sales of 265 units, increasing its year-to-date sales to 1,039 units. The Ford Escape SUV turned in a strong month with retail sales rising 33 percent from March to 149 units.
Drive with Confidence, Have More Fun with the 2012 Isuzu Crosswind Special Edition
With over 7,100 islands, the Philippines has no shortage of breathtaking sights to offer visitors and local tourists alike. The more than 60,000 Isuzu Crosswind units on Philippine roads, meanwhile, are rolling testaments to the multipurpose vehicle’s enduring popularity and usefulness.
So fittingly, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) staged a road trip to one of the country’s premier destinations—the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan—in introducing the 2012 Isuzu Crosswind Special Edition. In the event dubbed “It’s more fun with the Isuzu Crosswind in Palawan” that was held from April 18-20, 2012, IPC reinforced the proven strengths and exciting new features of the latest Crosswind in a way that showcased some of the Philippines’ unique scenic attractions, and allowed access to no less than Palawan’s underground river that was newly included as among the world’s Seven Wonders of Nature.
May 7, 2012
Review: 2012 Chevrolet Spark 1.0 LT A/T
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
May 3, 2012
Review: 2012 Subaru Impreza WRX STI A-Line
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
Rally-derived sports sedans such as the
Subaru WRX STI certainly appeals to a lot of buyers. After all, what’s not to
like about its bodacious good looks, powerful turbocharged engine and
all-weather security courtesy of an advanced all-wheel drive. However, even if
you can afford one, since it’s only available with a manual transmission, it
takes a select few—the purist—to truly appreciate a beast such as this. Fortunately
for the rest of the populace, thanks to the increasing trend towards automated
gearboxes on high-performance machines, Subaru is now offering an automatic
transmission option on its WRX STI for the very first time and it’s called the
WRX STI A-Line.
From the outside, there’s absolutely no way
to distinguish between the manual and automatic transmission variants of the
WRX STI. Both the self- and automated-shifting models carry its rally-bred
heritage on its shoulder with the wide body design, copious amount of air
vents, high-luster alloy wheels and of course, a large rear wing. Thus, Motor
Image Pilipinas, the distributor of Subaru automobiles in the country, has
taken upon themselves to offer one big differentiating factor: the six-speed
manual is only available as a sedan while the automatic is exclusively a
five-door hatchback.
May 2, 2012
All-New BMW 3 Series Launching on May 10
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| Photo courtesy of BMW Press |
May 1, 2012
We'll be Sorta Gone Until May 9!
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| Photo courtesy of Jollibee |
In the mean time, you'll get some scheduled updates, but we'll be slow on the news until May 9. Until then, wish us luck! Hopefully by the time you read this, we'll beat the crap out of these pretty boys and girls!
For more information about the Jollibee Drive Thru Cross Country Challenge, you can check out their facebook page: Jollibee Philippines. Likewise, you can PROBABLY (but we're not sure), follow us on twitter throughout the event at: @carguideph and @neilonradio.
April 30, 2012
Toyota Philippines Offers Certified Pre-Owned Program
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) launches the Toyota Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles (TCPOV) program. The TCPOV is a new program where in customers can enjoy utmost value for money in purchasing pre owned vehicles. TMP aims to cater to the market where purchasing a reliable used car is given much importance. Now a days finding dependable pre owned vehicles can be a difficult task. In launching the TCPOV, Toyota is able to provide buyers an avenue where they can always be assured of the vehicle’s quality and reliability.
April 27, 2012
Toyota Launches All-New Camry
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| Photos courtesy of Toyota Press |
Suzuki Philippines Unveils Kizashi Sports Sedan
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| Photos courtesy of Suzuki Press |
Known primarily as a maker of small cars
such as the Celerio and Swift as well as motorcycles, Suzuki Philippines
takes a bold step forward with the introduction of the Kizashi sports sedan.
Marking the company’s first foray into the highly competitive, brand conscious
executive sedan market, the Kizashi comes extremely prepared: it’s benchmarked
against some of the world’s best cars including those from European brands. Meaning
“a sign of things to come” in Japanese, the Kizashi delivers a unique blend of
performance, design and craftsmanship into the executive sedan segment.
Isuzu Philippines Launches Crosswind XS
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| Photo courtesy of Isuzu Press |
The Crosswind XS is a six-seater model. Without the third-row seat, the vehicle can carry more than 1.8-cubic meter cargo as its entire rear area is now a dedicated load space. This makes the Crosswind XS perfect for small families or those with young children because the vehicle can easily accommodate strollers, toys, extra clothes, groceries and other similar items. Also, the Crosswind XS becomes an even more ideal choice for business use as it can serve as a taxicab, service/delivery shuttle, or courier vehicle that’s able to load balikbayan boxes and other oversized baggage.
Hyundai Grand Starex: Official Transport of Annual ADB Meet
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| Photo courtesy of Hyundai Press |
In the Philippines, if there’s one Hyundai
that’s already recognized for being an iconic on its own right, it’s the Grand
Starex. Known for its extreme comfort, durability, and reliability, the Grand
Starex is always been one of the country’s best-selling large family van.
Therefore, it shouldn’t come as a surprise when the Hyundai Grand Starex has
been chosen as the official mobility partner for the annual Asian Development
Bank (ADB) meet.
What to Expect When You're Expecting: Ford Explorer 2.0 EcoBoost
The all-new Ford Explorer with the 2.0 EcoBoost engine is still a full three months away, but we’ve been lucky enough to have sampled, by all intents and purposes, the entry-level Explorer. Of course, the P 2.350-million price tag is anything but entry-level, but it still saves you something like P 200,000 compared to the V6. However, as with anything that’s more affordable, expect the Explorer experience to be diluted. The question is, by how much? The Ford Explorer V6 has raised the bar quite a bit by providing excellent driving manners and numerous creature features at a truly competitive price. So, how will its little brother, the 2.0 EcoBoost fair? Without passing judgement (that will come at a later time), here’s what you can expect from the Explorer V6’s little brother.
April 25, 2012
Review: 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer EX Ralliart
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
At first glance, the Lancer Ralliart looks
pretty much like the typical Lancer EX it’s based on. In fact, while the Lancer
Evolution takes the path of being a sophisticated, no-holds-barred flagship
that offers track-honed features and the capability of outperforming more
expensive sports cars, the Lancer Ralliart feels more like a well-done tuner
car—a reincarnation perhaps of the original Evolution.
April 24, 2012
The Full Monty: Toyota Auto Salon Amlux
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
Honda Cars Philippines Launches All-New CR-V
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| Photos courtesy of Honda Press |
Ford Unveils Production EcoSport in Beijing
Ford has finally taken the wraps off the production version of its B-segment crossover--the EcoSport at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. This all-new crossover, dubbed as the "SUV for the urban world", will be available in over 100 countries mostly likely including the Philippines.
Based off Ford's B-segment platform (which happens to underpin the Fiesta as well), the EcoSport comes with Ford's newest and most advanced EcoBoost turbocharged engine yet: a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder engine with 118 horsepower.
Other key features of the Ford EcoSport are: the Ford SYNC infotainment system, 16-inch alloy wheels, a push-button engine start/stop, and a cooled glove box. For safety, it gets 6 airbags, ABS, and Electronic Stability Program or ESP that integrates Hill Start Assist.
The Ford EcoSport will make its way to other markets in Asia including the Philippines soon.
Chinese-Spec Subaru Legacy Aims High (Literally)
Subaru parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. has unveiled the 2013 Legacy for the Chinese market, and from the looks alone, you know it's aiming high--literally.
The 2013 Legacy has been re-designed specifically for the Chinese market and the changes are quite extensive. First, the ride height has been increased by 60 mm. Second, because of the increased ride height, Subaru had to modify the front bumper, side spoiler, and rear bumper. The wheels remain 18-inches. And of course, to suit the Chinese buyer, Subaru has put chrome on the side sill spoiler and rear bumper. Inside, the Chinese version of the Legacy removes the silvery plastics and in place is a piano-black finish. The electronic parking brake and SI-Drive switches were also relocated for better usability.
The 2013 Subaru Legacy also debuts the new-generation 2.5-liter Boxer (FB25) for the Chinese market as well as the Lineartronic CVT.
April 23, 2012
Mitsubishi Expands Zamboanga Dealer
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| Photo courtesy of Mitsubishi Press |
Mazda Philippines Launches CX-5 and Mazda3
It’s been a while since we’ve heard
something exciting from Mazda. The brand of ‘zoom-zoom’ has been quiet, not
being able to launch a significant vehicle since the CX-7 several years ago.
But you know what they say: patience is a virtue. And over the weekend’s Mazda Revolution event, Mazda has
unveiled two promising all-new vehicles for the local market: the CX-5
crossover and the all-new Mazda3.
April 20, 2012
Suzuki Launching Kizashi Sedan in Philippines
We all know that the 2012 Toyota Camry's launching Thursday next week. But here's even a bigger surprise: Suzuki is ready to move upmarket straight into Camry territory with their Kizashi sports sedan. And guess what? It's launching on the very same day, just two hours apart from Toyota's perennial best-seller.
Aside from the the hard to pronounce name, what can we expect from the Suzuki Kizashi? Well, there's still no word on the pricing, but we do know that the Philippine spec Kizashi is powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that's good for 180 horsepower. The sole transmission is a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Apart from the drivetrain, the rest of the details are still foggy. But based on pics, we can tell the Kizashi will have a keyless push button engine start/stop, USB input for audio devices, rear air conditioning vents, dual climate control, and leather upholstery.
Again, we'll be live from the Suzuki Kizashi launch on Thursday, April 26. Follow us live via our Twitter account starting 3PM.
Hyundai PHL Sales Up 44% in Q1 2012
-- Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo, HARI President and CEO
April 19, 2012
Photo Break #1: (Head) Turning Japanese
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| Photo by Ulysses Ang |
All Photo Break photos can be downloaded as a desktop wallpaper This one's in a 1280x960 pixel resolution. Enjoy.
Report: Peugeot 3008 Coming to Philippines?
During the The Philippine Star turnover last night, Vernon Sarne of Top Gear has gotten hold of a news nugget: one of the models that Eurobrands Distributor, the Peugeot distributor in the Philippines, is bringing in is a diesel-powered 3008 crossover.
Worldwide, there are two diesel engines available for the 3008: a 1.6-liter and a 2.0-liter. What motor will arrive in the Philippines is still uncertain according to Mr. Sarne. What's more, he has revealed that Peugeot will also be bringing in "a sedan, an MPV, and a coupe". Bringing Peugeot's Philippine total to 4 models by the brand's launch by July.
Source: TopGear.com.ph
UPDATED: Ford Showcases Mustang at MIAS, On Sale by Setember
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| Photo courtesy of Ford Press |
Ford executives have good reasons to smile: first, they unveiled the all-new Ranger, a class-changing and one-of-a-kind pick-up; second, they unveiled the baby brother to their Explorer V6, the Explorer 2.0 GDTi XLT with EcoBoost; and lastly, the pulled off a surprise by finally showcasing the Mustang for the Philippine market.
Now, when Ford Group Philippines brings in a model, even if it's a preview, it means they're dead serious in selling it. None of that, "we need a halo car" bullshit. And though it's easy to say they'll be bringing in this variant and that, well, the final specs have yet to be finalized. Yes folks...for those who've been reading other sources, that they've driven the 2013 Mustang, sorry folks we don't know for sure which particular pony will gallop our streets. That said, Ford Group Philippines says that the Mustang will be "competitively priced" and deliveries will start in September.
A formal launch event will happen sometime in June or July, and by that time, we'll have a better idea on the final specs and pricing for the Ford Mustang.
Focus Ventures Introduces King Long Univan
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| Photo courtesy of Focus Ventures, Inc. |
Known as a brand of passenger buses and luxury coaches, King Long Automotive Industry Co., Ltd. has applied the same expertise and technical innovation into their latest vehicle line: vans. For the Philippine market, Focus Ventures showcased the King Long Univan at the recently concluded 8th Manila International Auto Show (MIAS).
Originally named as "A+ HIASE" light bus in China, the King Long Univan is a 14-seater, 5.2-meter long van (wheelbase of 2.89 meters) is powered by a choice of a 4JB1 Direct Injection diesel engine with turbocharger or a GW2.8TC-2 diesel with common rail direct injection (CRDi). In the 4JB1 guise, the Univan has a maximum output of 76 horsepower and 174 Nm of torque, and with the GW2.8TC-2 engine, the Univan has 90 horsepower and 220 Nm of torque. Both models feature 5-speed manuals driving the rear wheels.
The King Long Univan is a practical and by all intents and purposes, a basic vehicle. So convenience features are limited to: front fog lamps, 195/70 R 15 tires mounted on steel wheels (with cover), dual air conditioning, power steering and an AM/FM radio with CD player. However, thanks to its "bubble roof" construction, it promises ample space and easy access for all passengers. Indeed, Focus Ventures, Inc. is aiming the King Long Univan towards business-minded Filipinos who are looking into transportation services business.
Price for both variants is P 950,000. If you're interested in the King Long Univan, you may contact Focus Ventures, Inc. at +632-631-0298 or visit their website at: www.focusventures.com.ph
Ford Driving Skills for Life Gets an Upgrade
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| Photo courtesy of Ford Press |
Now on its fifth year, Ford DSFL provides training in both safe and economical driving practices to drivers from Ford’s Asia Pacific and Africa markets, including Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, China, India, Taiwan, and South Africa. So far, 50,000 have participated in the program across Asia with another 12,000 expected in 2012, including 2,000 in the Philippines.
The DSFL program has not only been successful in training drivers on defensive driving but it has also shown 20-25 percent short-term effect on fuel savings and 6-15 percent long term fuel savings on passenger cars with the potential to reduce carbon dioxide.
April 18, 2012
UPDATED: More Leaks from the Upcoming Mazda Revolution Event
UPDATE: We just received word from Mazda Philippines that the BT-50 and CX-9 2WD won't be launching at the Mazda Revolution. Oh well. Still, you can't deny the sales reps are saying that these two cars will be launching real soon!
You just have to had it to overeager sales reps. Just a few days before the official launch of the all-new Mazda3 and CX-5 at the Mazda Revolution tent event, we've uncovered some more interesting tidbits about the upcoming event. It seems that it's not only the CX-5 and the Mazda3 seeing the light of day at the Mazda Revolution but we'll be seeing the all-new BT-50 pick-up as well as a new variant of the CX-9 full-sized crossover. We'll also be seeing a slight price adjustment (upward) of the Mazda2.
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