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July 13, 2012

First Drive: 2012 Ford Focus

Photos by Ulysses Ang and Ford Press

KRABI, THAILAND – A sweeping right-band bend appears on the horizon. You settle yourself into the bucket seat, brace your right foot against the dead pedal, and tighten your grip on the steering wheel. Do you slow down or speed up? A split-second later, you mash the throttle and take the bend. Your car remains planted. Secure. Without a tire squeal from the front Michelin tires. You crack a satisfied smile, and continue on with the rest of your journey. This is your new family car. This is the all-new Ford Focus.

Photo courtesy of Mitsubishi Press

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) gives more reason to love the Lancer EX with the introduction of the 1.6 liter variants and an upgraded 2-liter GT-A model. The Lancer EX 1.6 liter will come in 3 variants: the base GLX with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic and the top of the line MX with 4-speed automatic transmission. The new Lancer EX with the all new 1.6 liter MIVEC engine will definitely appeal to buyers of both sub-compact and compact sedans who are looking for a good balance of power and fuel economy.

Meanwhile, MMPC has also refreshed 2-liter GT-A as it is poised to offer still the best value for money in the compact sedan segment given its top of its class features.

HCPI Launching Expanded Civic Line-Up on Monday

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) is finally launching a much needed expanded Civic line-up on Monday, July 16. Though pricing and availability will be formally announced on Monday, from what we gather (and this was presented in the Civic launch early in the year), it will mark the return of a base variant of the Civic as well as the 2.0-liter model.

Snooping around the net reveals some interesting specs: the 1.8-liter S (as how neighbor Thailand dubs the base variant) will have a 5-speed manual transmission mated to the same 1.8-liter engine as before: 141 horsepower and 174 Nm of torque. It will also continue to be equipped with 15-inch alloys with 195/65 tires.

Meanwhile, the 2.0 EL model will likely serve as the Civic's flagship model. Like before, it will have 155 horsepower and 190 Nm of torque and it will be solely available with a 5-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Key features will likely include: a push button engine start/stop, cruise control, HID headlamps, 17-inch alloys with 214/45 tires among others.

Follow us on Twitter as we follow the unveiling of several new Civic on Monday, July 16. Our coverage starts at 11:00 AM.

Goodyear Launches Quietest Tire Ever

The new Eagle EfficientGrip is Goodyear’s quietest, most comfortable tire ever. The leading tire company’s latest innovation is engineered with advanced “Quiet Tred” technology to minimize road noise and help deliver a silky smooth ride, without compromising safety which is the hallmark of all Goodyear tires.

Designed for luxury car drivers in the country who are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the urban environment when they step into their cars, the new Goodyear Eagle EfficientGrip can help make the journey more quiet and smooth.

In June, Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) posts 36% growth in total sales to 2,356 units from 1,737 units in the prior month. The Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment made an impressive comeback with 101% surge, or 1,108 units sold in June versus the 550 sold a month ago. The arrival of stocks of the Tucson model contributed to the overall boost of Compact SUVs with 600 units sold.

This led to a 23% growth in sales for the first six months of the year with 12,751 units sold compared to the 10,355 units sold in the same period last year. For the said period, models in the PC segment, namely the Accent and the recently-launched EON, upped by 66%.

Photo Break #3: Sweeping Bend

Photo by Ulysses Ang

Here's Part 3 of our Photo Break. This one takes us to Krabi, in the southern part of Thailand. This one shows a convoy of Ford Focus taking a sweeping bend.

Like all other Photo Break, this one's in high-resolution format (1280 x 800). Free free to download them as your wallpaper.

Philippine Car Price Guide: July 2012

We bring to you the July 2012 installment of the monthly car price guide. In this update, there are some notable changes including:

Audi A1
Chevrolet Colorado
Ford Explorer 3.5 V6
Ford Focus
Ford Mustang
Honda Jazz 1.5 V, SE, and Mugen (!)
Isuzu Alterra Urban Cruiser X
Isuzu D-MAX variants
Kia Sorento variants
Kia Sportage 2.4 DLX
Mitsubishi Lancer EX 1.6
Mitsubishi Montero Sport 3.0 V6
Suzuki Alto K10

On onward to the Philippine Car Price Guide!

Review: BMW 118d Urban

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Normally, you'll be cursing to yourself when you've got a BMW stuck in midday EDSA traffic. Normally, you'll be wishing for a wide, open road with a billiard-smooth surface to sample the BMW's impeccable balance and spirited engine. Normally, you'd wish everyday was a Sunday. Sadly, Sunday happens just once a week and in the six other days, you have to be content crawling through traffic in your P 2-million hatchback. Yet, for all the traffic and unpredictable weather Manila offers, this is the sort of environment that tests the all-new BMW 118d. Rarely does a car prove itself while stuck in traffic, but that's exactly what this premium car did. For a minute, you can forget that BMW's were designed to tackle the autobahn, and relish a fuel economy that's close to 20 km/l (and that's not a typo).

All-New Ford Ranger is Here (Finally)!

Photo courtesy of Ford Press

The all-new global Ranger has arrived on Philippine shores and will be offered in Ford showrooms nationwide.

Revealed in April at the Manila International Auto Show, the all-new Ford Ranger comes to market in the Philippines, combining the toughness and capability of a pickup truck with smart technology, outstanding safety, excellent fuel economy and high standards of quality and comfort.

“We are thrilled to start deliveries of our class-defining all-new Ranger and invite our customers to test drive the Ranger at their nearest Ford dealership,” said Dino Obias, AVP for Marketing.

The all-new Ranger is available in three variants - the 2.2L 4x2 XLT in both 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions and the 2.2L 4x4 XL in manual transmission – at the suggested retail price of PhP1,179,000 for the 2.2L Ranger 4x4 XL, PhP1,069,000 for the 2.2L Ranger XLT 4x2 MT and PhP1,119,000 for the 2.2L Ranger XLT 4x2 AT.

July 6, 2012

Chevrolet Colorado Now Available in PHL

The Covenant Car Company Incorporated (TCCCI) gives pick-up enthusiast something to be excited about as it introduces the all-new Chevrolet Colorado in the Philippines. The New Chevrolet Colorado is built on nearly a century of Chevrolet trucking heritage and engineered with the best combination of power, durability, comfort and economy in its class. It has been subjected to a tough development and validation process, and has been tested in the toughest conditions around the world. The result is a midsize pick-up truck that is best-in-class in terms of power, torque and acceleration over all terrains, and under all operating conditions.

All-New Ford Focus Debuts in PHL; Sales Start in September

The all-new Ford Focus makes its Philippine debut, setting a new standard in its segment with its unmatched combination of smart technologies, outstanding fuel economy, expressive design, responsive performance, responsive performance and high levels of craftsmanship and occupant safety.

The dynamic Ford Focus will go on sale in the Philippines in September and will be produced at Ford’s new USD 450-million, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Rayong, Thailand, which will supply the entire ASEAN region as well as other export markets.

PGA Cars Launches A1

PGA Cars, Inc., the official distributor of Audi vehicles in the Philippines has announced that the A1 is now available at their Greenhills, Alabang, and Global City Showrooms.

Audi's most compact model comes with the S-Line body kit and is being offered in several colors. It's powered by a 1.4-liter engine that features both a supercharger AND a turbocharger. It's also equipped with the 7-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission. Thanks to the small engine as well as advanced transmission and start/stop system, the A1 returns an impressive 18.86 km/L.

For more information about the Audi A1, you may contact PGA Cars at (+63-2) 727-0381 to 85.

July 3, 2012

Review: 2012 Mazda3 2.0 R

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Admittedly, when the curtains were pulled off the all-new Mazda3, the reception was a bit lackluster. Given the first-generation 3 collected numerous accolades and was for a time, the Philippines’s best-selling compact car, expectations for the new model was stratospherically high. Plus, since its arrival was a full two years (and a facelift) behind schedule, everyone was expecting to be blown away. Rumors circulated about the possibility of having a 2.0-liter hatchback, a manual transmission option, and even the arrival of the mythical Mazdaspeed3.

CAMPI Announces Motor Show Schedule

Optimism hasn’t been any higher for the 13 members and affiliates of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. or CAMPI as they have officially announced the dates of the fourth Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS). Slated from Thursday, 16 August to Sunday, 20 August 2012 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, this year’s show carries the theme of: “Drive the Fun”.

Photo Break # 2: Road Less Traveled

Photo by Ulysses Ang

Here's the second installment of Photo Break. This time, we're featuring the Mazda CX-5 as we found this interesting mountain road in Batangas.

All Photo Break photos can be downloaded as a desktop wallpaper This one's in a 1280x800 pixel resolution. Enjoy.

June 28, 2012

Lexus Tops J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Initial Quality Study

Lexus earned the honor as the highest-ranking nameplate in the automotive industry in the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS) with 73 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100).

Lexus has ranked highest in the IQS study in 14 of the last 23 years, beginning with the brand’s first model year in 1990.

Ford Philippines to Conclude Manufacturing Operations by Year-End

Ford Motor Company today announced a restructuring of its local operations that will result in the closure of the company’s Santa Rosa manufacturing facility when production of the Ford Escape ends later this year.

This decision, part of Ford's ongoing restructuring of regional manufacturing operations to improve efficiencies and costs, and better leverage economies of scale, was made following a comprehensive assessment of opportunities to bring a new product program to the Philippines.

With the Toyota 86 officially launching next week, Motor Image Pilipinas has already begun pre-selling their version of the acclaimed rear-wheel drive sports car. So, how much is the BRZ worth in Philippine Pesos? Well, if you're expecting a hefty discount versus the 86, you'll be disappointed. The Subaru BRZ is currently pre-selling for P 2,200,000 with deliveries starting 4th quarter of 2012.

However, the differentiating factor between the BRZ and its 86 cousin is the specs. The BRZ is expected to be better loaded, if just a tad. Preliminary specs include:

C! Magazine, the Philippines's leading car enthusiast magazine has blown the covers off the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe with an exclusive first test. The sport coupe is currently on the magazine's Facebook page cover photo and some digging reveals a July or August 2012 release date, raining a bit perhaps on the Toyota 86's parade. There will be a slight price increase, topping out at P 1,990,000.

Volvo Launches S60 Polestar Performance Concept

Photo courtesy of Volvo Press

Volvo Cars Official Motorsport and Performance partner Polestar presents the Volvo S60 Polestar, a performance concept car developed with the aim of satisfying the performance minded driver.

"We are proud to present Polestar’s interpretation of the Volvo S60," says Christian Dahl, founder and CEO of Polestar. "It’s a car developed with our own preferences in mind which, we, from experience know, are shared by a group of active drivers."

Photos by Ulysses Ang

When it’s said that the compact crossover segment is the most highly contested out there, that’s an understatement. Consider this: it’s the only segment in the Philippine market where every carmaker has a entrant be it utilitarian, upscale, luxurious, or sporty. Everyone from the Japanese (the original purveyors of the compact crossover genre) to the Americans, and even the Europeans are all in the act. Sad to say, when it comes to buying an actual compact crossover, top-of-mind choices often take precedent over what’s actually good or recommendable.

Simply Brilliant: Driving the Hyundai Eon to Baguio

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.

Columbian Autocar Corporation Extends Partnership with Philippine Azkals

Photo courtesy of Kia Press

Last May 2011, the Columbian Autocar Corporation (exclusive distributor of KIA vehicles in the country) kicked off a thrilling partnership with the Philippine Azkals. This affiliation stemmed from KIA’s desire to support these talented athletes who have been representing the country in local and international football competitions. It’s no secret that KIA has fallen in love with the game and CAC is determined to help the Azkals in their pursuit of excellence in sports. In the course of 2011, CAC has been present in Azkals matches and several of the players have expressed their support for Kia on various occasions. In December 2011, Azkals veterans were also given their own KIA vehicle to drive around.

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

Photo courtesy of Ford Press

Continuing to raise the bar on customer expectations for a modern, capable, fuel-efficient SUV, Ford Philippines today launched the all-new 3.5L Ford Explorer Limited with deliveries beginning next month.

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.

First Drive: 2012 Toyota 86

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.

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 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.

Review: 2012 Ford Explorer 2.0 EcoBoost GTDi

Photos by Ulysses Ang

The all-new Ford Explorer with the 2.0 EcoBoost engine is still a month away (deliveries start in July), but this author is lucky enough to have sampled, by all intents and purposes, the “base” Explorer. Of course, the P 2.250-million price tag is anything but base, but it still saves you something like P 200,000 compared to the V6. As with anything that’s deemed to entry-level, 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 Explorer EcoBoost fair?

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