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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
June 26, 2012
Review: 2012 Nissan X-Trail 2.5 4WD
June 25, 2012
Simply Brilliant: Driving the Hyundai Eon to Baguio
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
Normally, when you think “road trip”, your
mind gravitates towards bringing a crossover or a large van with you where it
is you need to go. So when we were invited to drive Hyundai’s newest (and
smallest) city car, the Eon up Baguio,
there were questions as to whether the diminutive vehicle would actually make
it in one piece. We actually conjured up scenarios where the Eon would be
thrown about by the crosswinds of passing busses or stalling up the steep climb
up Kennon Road.
June 24, 2012
Columbian Autocar Corporation Extends Partnership with Philippine Azkals
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| Photo courtesy of Kia Press |
With a year of exciting collaborations with the team, CAC extended their contract for a second year as the Azkals’ official transport provider. Held at the Azkals Sports Bar last June 21, the signing event was witnessed by the motoring and sports media.
Following its aggressive sports marketing strategy, KIA will be one of the major sponsors at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. As one of the official FIFA partners, KIA will be supplying vehicles from its model line-up that will be used during FIFA events. KIA is also boosting its brand recognition through a number of marketing activities and A-board advertisements in the stadiums during the games.
KIA Motor’s commitment to sports and passion for football are showcased in its continued partnership with the Philippine Azkals. With the different sports sponsorships, KIA Motors Corporation will continue to strengthen the brand as a global automaker that is adventurous and young-at-heart.
June 22, 2012
Ford Philippines Upgrades Explorer 3.5 V6
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| Photo courtesy of Ford Press |
The all-new 3.5L Ford Explorer Limited features additional segment-first technologies that include Active Park Assist, Lane Keeping Technology, Blind Sport Information System and Adaptive Cruise Control.
June 21, 2012
First Drive: 2012 Toyota 86
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
Upon his appointment as Toyota Motor
Corporation CEO, Akio Toyoda has one goal: make Toyota fun-to-drive once again. As the
founder’s grandson, Akio-san knows that one vital ingredient to make this dream
a reality is to create an affordable and spirited sports car. Before the birth
of the 86, it was puzzling that Toyota—being
the world’s largest automaker, didn’t have a single sports car in its line-up.
The absence was made even more obvious given the carmaker’s illustrious past:
Toyota Sports 800, 2000GT, Celica, MR2, and Supra. Now, after years of
anticipation and excitement, the long wait is over as the company has
introduced a new addition to its line-up; one that finally re-introduces a
legend: the Toyota
86 sports car.
June 20, 2012
AVID January-May 2012 Sales Up 27%
While total industry sales rose marginally by 0.6%, the first five months of the year saw sales of the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) increase by 27% to 12,887 units versus the 10,151 sold in the same period last year. Passenger car (PC) sales went up by 77% or 8,004 units from 4,528 units sold last year. Top three contributors to this growth are Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI), and Motor Image Pilipinas, Inc.
For the month of May alone, total sales rose by 11%, likewise driven by higher PC turnouts of 1,476 units, or a 47% increase.
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Brings Perfect Business Deals Promo
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines brings the perfect time for entrepreneurs and those who are planning to start their own businesses. The Mitsubishi Buhay Negosyante Deals promo offers flexible terms that will suit your budget and allow you to own the ideal and dependable vehicle for whatever your business may be. Aside from the easy financing deals, customers are also entitled to exciting freebies and rewards when they purchase the L300 Deluxe, Adventure, or L200.
June 19, 2012
Review: 2012 Ford Explorer 2.0 EcoBoost GTDi
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
June 18, 2012
Toyota Motor Philippines Launches 86
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| Photos courtesy of Toyota Press |
June 13, 2012
Philippine Car Price Guide: June 2012
Here's your monthly installment of the Philippine Car Price Guide. In this update, we've included some price movements from Chevrolet, Hyundai, and Mercedes-Benz.
Other notable changes include the official removal from availability of the Ford Focus (the all-new one's just around the corner), the arrival of new cars from Kia including the Kia Sportage 2.0 LX M/T, Sorento 2.4 LX 2WD 5-Seater M/T, and 1.6 Soul LX with 6-speed AT, simplification of the Mitsubishi Adventure range, and of course, the arrival of the Toyota 86 into our list.
There are also some minor changes with other brands not mentioned above, so without further adieu, here's your June 2012 price list:
Other notable changes include the official removal from availability of the Ford Focus (the all-new one's just around the corner), the arrival of new cars from Kia including the Kia Sportage 2.0 LX M/T, Sorento 2.4 LX 2WD 5-Seater M/T, and 1.6 Soul LX with 6-speed AT, simplification of the Mitsubishi Adventure range, and of course, the arrival of the Toyota 86 into our list.
There are also some minor changes with other brands not mentioned above, so without further adieu, here's your June 2012 price list:
June 12, 2012
Review: 2012 Honda Accord and 2012 Honda Jazz
On any other day, it’s like comparing apples to oranges, or more appropriately in this case, comparing a bottle of Gold Eagle to Stella Artois. They’re both brewed from the same combination of cereal, barley and wheat but the end result couldn’t be further apart. Yet, you cannot deny that the fundamental ingredients are the same. The same could be said about driving two cars from the same manufacturer, in this case, Honda. At first glance, the sub-P800,000 hatchback Jazz and the sub-P2-million Accord may seem worlds apart, but they do have the very same basic ingredient: superb engineering. And that’s the basis of this back-to-back drive.
June 11, 2012
Leaked: Ford Focus PHL Specs and Pricing
Ah sales reps...you just got to love 'em. After we got wind that the all-new Ford Focus is expected to bow in early July (we're keeping the exact date secret, so you'll have to check back once in a while), we just had to keep our neighborhood Ford dealer a call and lo and behold: they're ready to divulge the specs and pricing of Ford's new compact car offering.
Kia Launches Value-Oriented Sportage, Sorento Models
Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), the official distributor of Kia vehicles in the country has released two new value-oriented models that nicely fills in their crossover line-up. In an announcement on Kia Motor Philippines's official Facebook page as well as print ads, Kia is now offering the Sorento 2.4 LX 5MT at just P 1,090,000 while the Sportage now has a new 2.0 LX 2WD 5MT variant at just P 988,000.
This is certainly excellent news for those wanting to buy a Sportage or Sorento, but found the prices rather prohibitive. Before these two new variants, the most affordable Sportage stood at P 1,158,000 while the Sorento started at P 1,490,000. These new models represent a savings of P 170,000 and P 400,000 respectively. It's understood that both of these new variants offer less content compared to their higher-priced siblings (for example, the Sportage removes the passenger airbag, fog lamps, roof rails, door courtesy lamp, illuminated ignition key hole, and rear storage box), but hey, cash savings is still cash savings!
Mazda CX-5 Receives Five-Star Euro NCAP Safety Rating
Mazda’s all-new CX-5, unveiled in the Philippines last April, has been awarded the maximum five-star rating by the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP).
This rating, alongside being named a "Top Safety Pick 2012" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the United States last March, confirms the all-new Mazda CX-5, which employs Mazda's new lightweight, highly rigid SKYACTIV-BODY, as among the safest cars in the world.
June 7, 2012
HCPI Launches All-New Odyssey, Pilot
Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile production and sales subsidiary in the Philippines, today launched both the all-new Pilot and Odyssey. Following the launch of the new City last January, the all-new Civic and Jazz Special Edition in February, and the all-new CR-V in April, the all-new Pilot and Odyssey not only strengthen Honda’s return to the Philippine automotive market, but also expands its model line-up.
Since the introduction of the Pilot and Odyssey in the United States, each model has received numerous awards and recognitions from various bodies and institutions due to its outstanding roominess, versatility, efficiency, and safety. Both models have unit-body construction and independent suspension that provide car-like driving feel and ride comfort.
German World-Traveler Completes PHL Tour in Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Globetrotting in his 1988 Mercedes-Benz G-Class for the past 22 years, Gunther Holtorf finally arrives in Philippine shores—the 199th on his continuously growing list of countries in his round-the-world journey.
Gunther’s ever-reliable G-Class named “Otto”, his companion since he began the world tour, has already clocked in 800,000 kilometers—approximately 20 times the length of the equator. Gunther and Otto have shared many memorable journeys; especially that he eats, sleeps, cooks, showers, and practically does everything in his car.
June 6, 2012
2012 Subaru XV 2.0i vs 2012 Mitsubishi ASX GLS SE
From the get-go, it seems the Subaru XV is designed to take the Mitsubishi ASX in a head-to-head grudge match. Consider the general design: both originate from all-wheel drive compact cars (the XV is from the Impreza, the ASX is from the Lancer EX); consider the drivetrain: both sport 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engines mated to CVT transmissions; consider the price: both are stone’s throw from each other topping out at close to P 1.550 million apiece; lastly, consider the naming: both are christened with a string nonsensical letters. These factors easily make the XV and the ASX the most inseparable rivals in today’s compact crossovers, and the perfect subject for our first head-to-head test.
Chana Launches Back to Business Promo
Focus Ventures, Inc., the official distributor of Chana vehicles in the Philippines is helping boost Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by launching their new "Back to Business" promotion.
With Back to Business promotion, you can own the Chana Star 2, Multi-carry 2 Dropside, Multi-carry 2 Panoramic Body, or Multi-carry Double Cab with Pick-up for a low down payment of just P 99,000. In addition, customers are entitled to a free 3-year LTO registration as well as Third-Party Liability (TPL).
The promo is available for financing transactions with 30 percent down payment. Rates are subject to bank approval through BDO. The promotion runs until July 31, 2012.
For more information about Back to Business, contact any of Chana's network of dealerships or visit the Focus Ventures website at www.focusventures.com.ph.
June 5, 2012
NMPI Launches Grand Livina Highway Star
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| Photo courtesy of Nissan Press |
DLSU Greenhills Holds Safety Seminar for School Bus Drivers
In preparation for school opening this June, La Salle Greenhills held a safety seminar for school bus drivers on 31 May 2012. Hosted by the PALS (Parents Association of La Salle) under the leadership of president Cindy Banaria and Information Chair Fe Rizo, the safety seminar consisted of a specially-designed two-hour module aimed at re-orienting drivers to defensive driving and other safety considerations. More than 80 participants listened to the resource speakers led by former LTO/LTFRB chair Alberto Suansing, who is now executive director of PGRSP (Philippine Global Road Safety Partnership). The seminar is part of PALS' thrust to look after the safety and welfare of LSGH students.
HARI Supports Mind Museum in Taguig
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| Photo courtesy of Hyundai Press |
Shell Launches V-Power Nitro+, Nitro+ Racing; Phases Out Super Premium
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| Photo courtesy of Shell Press |
Shell launched its latest generation of
premium performance fuels namely Shell V-Power Nitro+ Gasoline, Shell V-Power
Nitro+ Racing and Shell V-Power Nitro + Diesel. The Philippines
is one of the first countries in the world to see the introduction of the new
premium performance fuels, which will directly replace the Shell V-Power fuels
and Shell Super Premium currently available in the Philippines.
Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge Day 10: The Video
So, here's the last day of the Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge. We hope you enjoyed watching our 10-day adventure around the Philippines. Until the next one!
Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge Day 9: The Video
It's done. And we didn't win! :-( Still, that won't prevent us from posting the last 2 days of our 10 day adventure. If you want to follow me or my partner Neil Almighty of 99.5 RT, you can follow both of us on Twitter: @carguideph and @neilonradio.
Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge Day 8: The Video
We didn't appear anywhere in this episode, since we weren't able to make it this far in Mindanao. But still, watch it :-)
June 4, 2012
Surprise! Honda Launching Pilot, Odyssey in Philippines
Honda Cars Philippines (HCPI) is adding 2 new additional cars to its local line-up. And while we all thought it was going to be more variants of the Civic, this is actually their big surprise: they're actually launching the all-new Pilot and Odyssey.
For those who remember, both the Odyssey and the Pilot aren't new to our market. However, we can't deny that they were sales duds appearing either too late (Pilot) or too expensive (Odyssey) for our market. However, that doesn't prevent Honda from trying once again.
Based on overeager sales agents, Honda is selling these two vehicles at close to P 3-million. P 2,700,000 for the Pilot and P 2,900,000 for the Odyssey. Though the launch is still a couple of days away, we were able to snag some of the specs for these two vehicles:
May 31, 2012
Lessons Learned from the Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge
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| Photo courtesy of Jollibee Facebook Page |
A couple of months ago, I was fortunate enough to be chosen to embark on a very unique contest involving fast cars, fast food, and the concept that was born from their marriage: drive thru. For 10 days, my chosen partner (Neil Pagulayan aka Neil Almighty of FM station 99.5 RT) and I basically drove through almost the entirety of the Jollibee drive thru network collecting points, completing challenges, and what have you. Unfortunately, the winners won’t be revealed until night, so this story may not have such a happy ending to it.
But that doesn’t matter. What does matter is Neil and I have carried with us some of the most unique experiences we’ll ever have in our entire lifetime. And I can say that with a degree of authority given our pair has the age average (thanks Neil). I could certainly do a list of a thousand lessons we’ve learned from the Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge, but here are the biggest lessons we’ve learned:
Mazda Museum: Past, Present, and Future in 1 Hour
Hiroshima is often not high on a typical tourist’s list of “must-see, must-go places”. Getting there requires advanced planning since it takes a two-hour Shinkansen (bullet train) ride from the international hub city of Osaka (Kansai International Airport). Plus once you get there, the city center itself has little to offer compared to the likes of Tokyo and Kyoto. However a train transfer away from downtown brings you to the beautiful island of Miyajima and its floating torii gate in one direction, and on the opposite direction, the Mazda Museum.
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