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April 5, 2013

MIAS 2013: Peugeot Shows Off New Face RCZ

Even if Peugeot returned to the Philippine market just a year ago, they’ve been making themselves busy. For The Manila International Auto Show, Peugeot is showcasing their updated RCZ sports coupe. The RCZ is made even more of a stunner thanks to the revamped front end which echoes Peugeot’s new design direction. The RCZ ditches the single gaping grille for a two-level grille separated by a body-colored section. This small change does wonders to the RCZ’s style which is comprised of the sweeping proportions, low rear deck, and bubble top roofline. And despite having only a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, the RCZ has 156 horsepower good for a 0-100 km/h time of just 7.8 seconds.

MIAS 2013: Mini Launches Paceman

Photo by Ulysses Ang

The seventh model in the Mini range, the Paceman is more than just the Countryman with the two rear doors chopped off. The exterior is restyled and is sleeker thanks to a sloping roof line, horizontal tail lamps, and a sleek rear glass that haunch up. The suspension is also sportier, making the Paceman sit lower than the Countryman. Inside, the Paceman gets some fiddling including the migration of the power windows switches from the center console to the doors. Under the hood, the Paceman is powered by the same engines powering the Countryman so expect a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with different tunes from 122 horsepower all the way to 208 horsepower for the John Cooper Works model.

MIAS 2013: Mazda Updates CX-9 with Kodo Face

Photo by Ulysses Ang

While the Mazda6 was the scene stealer at the Mazda pavilion, another Mazda has been refreshed for the 2013 model year: the flagship crossover, the CX-9. It gains the new "Kodo: Soul of Motion" look refreshing the headlamps, grille, and bumper. At the back, the CX-9 receives new tail lamp clusters as well as slightly re-shaped bumpers. It's purely a cosmetic job however as the CX-9 will retain its 3.7-liter V6. Currently, Mazda is offering the CX-9 as an all-wheel drive 7-seater crossover however a more affordable front-wheel drive version will arrive later in the year.

MIAS 2013: Mazda6 2.5 SKYACTIV Makes Its Debut

The globally-acclaimed new Mazda6 makes its Philippines debut at the 2013 Manila International Motor Show, following an exclusive reveal to the press the previous evening in Pasig City.

Presenting the new Mazda6 at MIAS was none other than the Mazda6 Program Manager, Mr. Hiroshi Kajiyama, from Mazda Motor Corporation.

MIAS 2013: BPI Auto Loans Brings Exclusive Perks to MIAS Visitors

The 2013 Manila International Auto Show, presented by BPI Family Auto Loan for three straight years, opens its doors to car enthusiasts this coming April 4-7, at the World Trade Center in Pasay. MIAS the country’s biggest motoring event in the country features the brand new, hybrid and concept cars from the country’s leading automotive brands.

As the official presentor of the MIAS, BPI Family Auto Loan offers special low loan rates as well as FREE Comprehensive Insurance with Acts of Nature Coverage. The BPI Family Auto loan team is also on-site to process and approve loan applications.

Ford is in the spotlight at the 2013 Manila International Auto Show with the preview of the new Ford Fiesta. With the refresh of its class-leading small car, Ford demonstrates its commitment to capture even more of the rapidly growing small car segment as the company continues with its aggressive growth plan for the Philippines.

Ford Philippines today launched an upgraded Ford Explorer lineup at the 2013 Manila International Auto Show, continuing to raise the bar on customer benefits with a modern, capable and fuel-efficient mid-size SUV.

The class-defining Explorer lineup in the Philippines now features the 2.0L Explorer FWD Limited with EcoBoost and the 3.5L Ford Explorer AWD Limited Plus.

Photo by Ulysses Ang

Ford Philippines is displaying its significantly expanded lineup of ten class-leading all-new Ranger pickups today to kick-off the 2013 Manila International Auto Show. The expanded Ranger lineup includes seven new variants – led by the three range-topping all-new Ranger Wildtrak variants plus four models especially suited for fleet customers.

The all-new Ranger is available with the proven Duratorq TDCi 2.2L engine and the best-in-class Duratorq TDCi 3.2L engine, in both automatic and manual transmissions.

Motor Image, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the Asia region, today launched the all-new Forester in Philippines. The fourth generation Forester was designed to achieve enhanced user-friendly utilities, comfort and a stress-free, fun-to-drive character through improved driving performance and ride quality.

The Subaru Forester 2.0XT and 2.0i-L models are now available in Philippines.

Review: 2013 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ Hatchback A/T

Photos by Ulysses Ang

We’ve driven the Chevrolet Sonic LTZ sedan (full story here), and although we commended it for its stylish exterior, well-built interior, and solid driving dynamics it wasn’t a fool-proof choice given its lack of fuel efficiency, tech, and value. With a change of body style from the staid 4-door to a sportier 5-door, will the Chevrolet Sonic score better? Let’s find out.

The Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) will once again showcase some of the country’s most desirable classic and modified cars. This year, the country’s leading fuel brand Petron will once again be presenting the Petron-MIAS Custom and Classic Car Competition, to be showcased at the Philippine Trade Training Center, adjacent to the World Trade Center Manila, from April 4 to 7. Recent “Best of Show” winners of the MIAS competition include a classic Mercedes-Benz 190SL in 2011 and last year, it was an entry by JSK shop Johnson Tan, a fully customized 2008 Honda Civic FD.

MIAS 2013: 9th Year and Still Going Strong

For the ninth consecutive year, Worldbex Services International, the organizers of the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) opens its doors once again to automotive enthusiasts and the public the country’s biggest automotive event on April 4 to 7, 2013 at the World Trade Center and Philippine Trade Center. With a larger floor area, this year’s MIAS promises to be its biggest showing yet, with over 300 cars on display, including new and never-before-seen car models in the market as well as classic, vintage and exotic cars.

The Car Awards Group, Inc. is getting ready to reveal the 2012-2013 Car of the Year – Philippines at the Awards Night on April 4 at the 2013 Manila International Auto Show.

The 2012-2013 round of tests is one of the biggest yet, with 80 of the latest models competing for 20 different automobile categories.

Goodyear Philippines has awarded five outstanding motorists for having demonstrated heroism on the road that benefited strangers at the 6th Annual Bayani ng Kalsada Awards Celebration held at the Hotel Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Manila on March 20.

Tricycle driver Christopher M. Fonclara of Iloilo City ran away with the top award and a total of Php 80,000 in cash as this year’s Bayani ng Kalsada National Champion. Christopher Fonclara was also hailed Bayani ng Kalsada Regional Champion for Visayas alongside fellow Regional Champions Glenn Arcillia (Luzon), Rolando B. Carullo (NCR), and Roel P. Limen (Mindanao). Regional Champions each received Php 30,000 in cash from Goodyear and gift packages from Centro Negosyo and Petron. Additionally, Dr. Lorraine Marie Badoy of Makati City also received a ‘special award’ and recognition.

UPDATED: Ford Unveils Segment-Busting EcoSport for ASEAN Markets

BANGKOK, THAILAND—Sport Utility Vehicles are seen as lumbering giants—too big, too thirsty, and too cumbersome for daily use. Nonetheless, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see the growing popularity of this segment. Ford, through its decade-defining One Ford Plan, aims to address the need for a more urbran-centric SUV; one that’s designed to ultimately tackle the hardest challenge of all: daily life. Meet the all-new Ford EcoSport.

UPDATE: We have now included more launch pictures of the Ford EcoSport after the break.

Subaru has finally taken the wraps off the WRX Concept--a design study that serves as the clearest indication of what the production WRX would look like come late this year. Subaru has purposely given sparse mechanical specifications of the WRX Concept as it serves mainly to give "hints" to the design language of the production WRX.

Vent It Out Friday: Two Sides to Every Story

There are two kinds of people in this world.

There are people who drink coffee. Then there are people who think 3-in-1 tastes like piss and have to order monkey-picked beans and roast them in their very own coffee laboratory.

There are people who check their email, surf the web and occasionally press the ‘like’ button on Facebook. Then there are people who build their PCs piece by literal piece with only the finest components available. And they do it every year.

Ford Introduces 1.0-liter EcoBoost in Refreshed Fiesta for ASEAN

Photos by Ulysses Ang

BANGKOK, THAILAND—The presence of Alan Mulally, Ford Motor Company’s rock star President and CEO at the Bangkok International Motor Show served as the perfect indicator that big news awaited the guests gathered at the Ford pavilion. After unveiling the much-awaited segment-busting urban SUV, the EcoSport a day earlier, what larger headline could possibly trump that? After taking the stage, Mr. Mulally quickly mentioned how the ASEAN market is Ford Motor Company’s most important and fastest growing market—growing at a staggering rate of 27 percent year-on-year (to the tune of 87,623 units). He also stressed that a good chunk of buyers in this market would opt for a small car by the year 2020. Then, he dropped a bomb shell: EcoBoost is finally arriving in the ASEAN underneath the refreshed Ford Fiesta.

BIMS 2013: Toyota Totally Re-Skins Vios

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Budget-friendly motorists, as well as taxi and fleet companies, will certainly look more stylish as Toyota has given its Vios sub-compact car a global reveal at the Bangkok International Motor Show. The all-new Vios features a head-turning look inspired by the recently launched RAV4 and to some degree, the 86 sportscar.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Honda is aiming once again to lure luxury buyers back into their fold with the official unveil of the all-new Accord at the Bangkok International Motor Show. Based off the US-market Accord, the ASEAN version features some detail changes to give the Accord a more luxurious twist compared to its American stablemate.

Photo by Ulysses Ang

Lexus's highlight at the Bangkok International Motor Show is the all-new IS 300h, showcased in a stunning red color perched in their booth's main stage. This officially marks as the official ASEAN reveal of the new rear-wheel drive sports sedan. Clad in the brand's F Sport package, the swoopy design features the rather controversial "Nike" headlights. Whatever you make of it though, it's deemed as the "boldest design" for Lexus yet. The all-new IS 300h uses a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine mated to Lexus's Hybrid Drive powertrain as well as a CVT transmission.

Review: 2013 Kia Rio 1.2 SLX

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Confession time: despite being in the motoring beat for over a decade now, this is the first time I’ve ever driven a Kia extensively. Of course, it happened that it’s the Rio 1.2 SLX that arrived—the P 625,000 budget-friendly, fleet-inclined vehicle that’s normally not on most reviewers’ wish list. Despite its daunting task of having to convince me of the brand’s merits (they could have sent a Sportage or Optima, after all), it succeeded. The Kia Rio 1.2 SLX turned out to be a great, spunky automobile—a testament on how Kia can design and engineer great small cars; proof that fun doesn’t necessarily start at a million pesos.

Anyone handling a four-wheeled vehicle cannot afford to go places without a travel buddy. Whether it’s a short journey or a long distance trip, a travel buddy will always help you keep your concentration on what’s ahead, remind you of the rules of the road, and help you keep your vehicle travel-worthy.

It is in this spirit that Petron proudly unveils this year’s Petron Lakbay Alalay program. Well-loved as the longest running motorist assistance program in the country, Petron Lakbay Alalay, now on its 27th year, doesn’t just involve itself with helping stranded motorists during long calendar breaks (such as the Holy Week stretch and All Souls’ Day/All Saints Day). Petron Lakbay Alalay now is a series of activities spread year-round to help the motorists and communities.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) under its corporate social responsibility education and safety advocacies - the 1’M Blue Eco-Safe Driving Campaign, recently tied-up with the Department of Energy and the University of the Philippines National Engineering Center (UP NEC) in conducting seminars on fuel efficiency for road transport in 10 key cities in the Philippines from January to May 2013.

The seminar shares the Government’s energy efficiency program, the rationale of eco-safe driving, then moves on with practical tips on driving practices that save fuel and proper vehicle maintenance. There are 20 half-day sessions set for public utility drivers and operators from 5 cities in Luzon (Laoag, Legaspi, Baguio, Pampanga and Metro Manila); 3 in Visayas (Cebu, Iloilo and Tacloban); and 2 in Mindanao (Davao and Cagayan de Oro.)

Allow Casey Hyun to inspire your imagination at the upcoming ICON (Innovation Congress), the 3rd Thought Leadership Forum of the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

As head of Hyundai’s design team, Mr. Hyun is credited for leading the team that developed, refined, and implemented the Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy, the concept that has given Hyundai an identity that sets it apart even at a glance.

Get Your Hyundai Ready for Summer

Summer is here! It’s time for long trips, beach vacations and out-of-town fun! But before
heading out, make sure that you have a healthy car for your safe and worry-free travels!
Schedule an appointment for Hyundai’s CAMP—Check-up And Maintenance Promo, and choose
from our Preventive Maintenance Service (PMS) packages:

PMS Package 1: HGMO Mineral Oil with 25% discount on labor
PMS Package 2: HGMO Semi-synthetic Oil with 25% discount on labor
PMS Package 3: HGMO Fully Synthetic Oil with 25% discount on labor, 10% discount on parts and engine oil and FREE Hyundai backpack or foldable fan

Plus, for every PMS package, you also get a FREE 23-PT check-up for your car. So call your
authorized participating dealership today and ask about Hyundai’s CAMP, to jumpstart your
summer!

Hyundai’s CAMP is until March 27, 2013. See flyers for more details. Per DTI-NCR Permit No.
1472 Series of 2013.

Driving the Moment: Subaru XV in Bali

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Bali, Indonesia—Coming up to a blind corner, our car looked like it would barely fit into the right-hander when a motorcycle suddenly cut in. The brakes were applied and we came to a screeching halt. Driving in Bali required a lot of confidence and concentration given the tight streets and bustling roads. Everywhere you looked, there were souvenir shops, lost-in-the-moment tourists, sidewalk cafes, and parked buses—the sort of organized chaos pretty much prevalent all over South East Asia. Thankfully though, that day in Bali, we were behind the wheel of a Subaru XV, a car so well packaged that it’s seemingly designed to tackle the challenge of everyday life with poise and composure.

Vent It Out Friday: You've Got Soul

To this day, a lot of people don’t like the new Nissan GT-R. They respect the car’s performance, but they largely ignore it because aside from the aspect of technical mastery, it pretty much threw out everything that the Skyline GT-R heritage stood for.

No longer did it have a bullet-proof, silky smooth turbo-charged inline-6. No longer was it a quirky box with a wing. No longer was it a car that could trace it roots to a staid family sedan. No longer was it the tunable, every-man Godzilla on wheels that prior GT-Rs had been.

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April 5, 2013

MIAS 2013: Peugeot Shows Off New Face RCZ

MIAS 2013: Mini Launches Paceman

MIAS 2013: Mazda Updates CX-9 with Kodo Face

MIAS 2013: Mazda6 2.5 SKYACTIV Makes Its Debut

MIAS 2013: BPI Auto Loans Brings Exclusive Perks to MIAS Visitors

MIAS 2013: Ford Previews New Fiesta, Goes on Sale Later this Year

MIAS 2013: Ford Upgrades Explorer Line-Up

MIAS 2013: Ford Expands Ranger Line-Up to 10 Variants

MIAS 2013: Subaru Officially Launches All-New Forester

April 2, 2013

Review: 2013 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ Hatchback A/T

MIAS: Petron-MIAS 2013 Custom and Classic Car Show Heats Up

April 1, 2013

MIAS 2013: 9th Year and Still Going Strong

Philippine Car of the Year Unveil on April 4 at MIAS

Goodyear Awards "Bayani ng Kalsada" 2012-2013

March 29, 2013

UPDATED: Ford Unveils Segment-Busting EcoSport for ASEAN Markets

Subaru Debuts WRX Concept at New York International Auto Show

Vent It Out Friday: Two Sides to Every Story

March 27, 2013

Ford Introduces 1.0-liter EcoBoost in Refreshed Fiesta for ASEAN

March 26, 2013

BIMS 2013: Toyota Totally Re-Skins Vios

BIMS 2013: Honda Aims to Get Groove Back with All-New Accord

BIMS 2013: Lexus Shows Off All-New IS

Review: 2013 Kia Rio 1.2 SLX

Petron Lakbay Alalay: Your Best Travel Buddy

Honda Supports Fuel Efficiency and Conservation in Driving for All PUVs

Hyundai Motor Creative Design Manager to Speak at ICON

March 22, 2013

Get Your Hyundai Ready for Summer

Driving the Moment: Subaru XV in Bali

Vent It Out Friday: You've Got Soul