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April 8, 2013

Philippine Car of the Year: Instrumented Testing Results

The results of the Philippine Car of the Year, with the Mitsubishi Mirage winning the ultimate prize and the Mazda BT-50 getting the Philippine Truck of the Year, is controversial to some people. Well, the folks over at the Car Awards Group, Inc. (CAGI), the organization that runs the Philippine Car of the Year is more than happy to put those doubts to rest.

Although we're not exactly privy on the exact weights of the Qualitative and Instrument tests, we do have a breakdown of how all the 2012-2013 entrants fared when it came to the group's Instrumented tests which consisted of: Acceleration, Braking, and Slalom.

See the entire long graphic file after the break.

At a grand event on the first day of the 2013 Manila International Auto Show, the Car Awards Group, Inc. (CAGI) has revealed the 2012-2013 Car of the Year - Philippines: the Mitsubishi Mirage.

The culmination of a year's testing, preparations and deliberations by the Car Awards Group, Inc, the 2012-2013 COTY-P season saw a field of 81 new cars, crossovers, SUVs, trucks, sportscars and vans that competed in 19 different categories, as well as the coveted title of Car Of The Year - Philippines.

MMPC Recalls 1,420 Mirage Models Due to Faulty ABS

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) has recently announced to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) that it will conduct a safety recall of the Mitsubishi Mirage GLS models equipped with Antilock Brake System both for manual and automatic transmission variants.

Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) member Focus Ventures, Inc., which exclusively distributes, markets, and services top-of-segment Chinese brands King Long buses and vans and FAW commercial trucks in the Philippines, introduces King Long Max at the ICON Innovation in Mobility Expo.

Keeping in mind space and comfort, this light commercial vehicle is designed with an improved high-roof ceiling, a 2+1 seat arrangement, accessible back row, and increased luggage space that can accommodate up to 16 passengers and more baggage, sans crowding. The airy cabin design, robust power, entertainment features, and safety conveniences make King Long Max a reliable road companion for families, especially for long drives.

ICON: Hyundai i-oniq Concept is Sneak Peek at Future Design Direction

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Have you ever wondered how Hyundai has become one of the most innovative and revolutionary car brands in the world today? The secret is in its concept cars.

Always reinventing, always revolutionizing, Hyundai’s research and development (R&D) centers around the globe are constantly designing new concept cars or prototypes every year to benchmark its contemporary drives. While not all concept cars end being mass produced, many become test-beds or inspirations for new car designs and features that serve true to the purpose of improving automotive technology, and ultimately, our way of driving.

Like the inspired strokes of an artist, deliberate in every curve, and every element, the all-new Hyundai Azera is an automotive piece of art where every part, shape, composition and design is beautiful. Authoritative and confident standing still and in motion, it brings in a new era of Hyundai in the premium sedan category and benchmarks another engineering feat in the automotive world.

Photo by Ulysses Ang

Innovation. Individuality. Inspiration. Hyundai seems to evoke these words whenever the renowned automotive brand rolls out a new i-series model from its mobility innovation stable. It wasn’t too long ago when the i-series models— top-billed by the i10 and i30--were introduced to the Philippine automotive scene. Now, Hyundai gives the motoring public something new to look forward to, as it showcases another i-series model that further highlights Hyundai’s flair for distinctly European design. Make way for the Euro-chic i40.

Photo by Ulysses Ang

Technology never sleeps and as technology keeps advancing, many people on the lookout for a new car are thinking about investing on a hybrid, not only for the cutting-edge features, but mostly for fuel efficiency and better mileage. Many view the hybrid as the industry’s “Holy Grail” of-the-moment. As gas prices continue to rise and the clamor for the most economical cars surges, so do car manufacturers step up.

Avid Members Headline ICON Expo from Today until Sunday, April 7

Photo by Ulysses Ang

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) once again convenes top minds from the government, business, and academe at the third Thought Leadership Forum (TLF) in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Dubbed ICON (Innovation Congress), this year’s TLF is a milestone for AVID with its powerhouse events--the ICON forum on April 5 and the Innovation in Mobility Expo, which runs April 5-7, 2013 at The ICON on 32nd Avenue cor. 9th St., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Admission to the Congress and Expo is free.

Honda Cars Philippines Incorporated (HCPI), Honda’s automobile assembly and sales subsidiary in the Philippines, introduces the Detachable Third Row Seat accessory for select variants of its CR-V model.
Beginning April 1, 2013, the 2.0 LX (2WD with automatic transmission) and 2.4 LX (4WD with automatic transmission) variants will have the Detachable Third Row Seat accessory.

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.

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April 8, 2013

Philippine Car of the Year: Instrumented Testing Results

Mitsubishi Mirage is Philippine Car of the Year, Mazda BT-50 is Philippine Truck of the Year

April 6, 2013

MMPC Recalls 1,420 Mirage Models Due to Faulty ABS

ICON: Focus Ventures Introduces King Long Max

ICON: Hyundai i-oniq Concept is Sneak Peek at Future Design Direction

ICON: Hyundai Azera Makes Philippine Return

ICON: Hyundai Goes Euro with i40

ICON: Hyundai Revolutionizes Sonata with Hybrid Model

April 5, 2013

Avid Members Headline ICON Expo from Today until Sunday, April 7

MIAS 2013: Honda Turns CR-V into 7-Seater (Once Again)

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