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August 6, 2013

Review: 2013 Mazda6 Skyactiv

Photos by Ulysses Ang
There are only a handful of cars that can make a statement, a sense of visual drama that ignites your senses the moment it greets you on the driveway; one such car is the all-new Mazda6. A passing glance is enough to convince you that its designers and engineers didn’t simply want to build a Mazda for the executive sedan segment, but the Mazda of the executive sedan segment. Mazda is well-aware that the previous generation lacked a definable character, so they wanted to eliminate any vagueness with the 2013 model. That’s why all of the big terms the company has used for the last two years—KODO, Takeri, Skyactiv, driving pleasure, performance, efficiency, Sustainable Zoom-Zoom—were folded into the recipe for the all-new 6.

August 5, 2013

Autostrada Motore Launches 6th Generation Maserati Quattroporte in the Philippines (w/ Brochure)

Photo by Ulysses Ang and Autostrada Motore Press
Autostrada Motore Inc. announced the local availability of the V8 twin turbo Quattroporte; the fastest four-door Maserati built to date. This flagship car of the Maserati product range is larger, lighter, more luxurious and more practical than the globally acclaimed car that it replaces.

Toyota Philippines Inaugurates World-Class Technical School


Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) formally opens the Toyota Motor Philippines School of Technology (TMP Tech) in an Inauguration Ceremony held at the Toyota Special Economic Zone (TSEZ) in Santa Rosa City, Laguna.

August 4, 2013

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Squadra Corse: Race Track Emotion Direct to the Road


With the new Gallardo LP 570-4 Squadra Corse, Automobili Lamborghini brings race track emotion directly to the road. It delivers high performance and brings the fascination of motor racing to the street-legal world. This new and most extreme model in the Gallardo line-up is based on the Gallardo Super Trofeo, the successful race car from the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo, the world’s fastest one-make series. The car will have its world premiere at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Living the Dream with Michelin Pilot Experience


A select number of Philippine media and motorists will be among the participants in Malaysia’s world renowned Formula 1 Circuit in Sepang that will come alive with the roar and excitement of elite motorsports. The Filipinos are among over 500 Michelin customers, journalists and social media commentators from 15 countries who will enjoy the rare and unique opportunity of Michelin’s Pilot Experience.

The 19 days Michelin Pilot Sport Experience which starts  August 6th will give participants including the exhilaration and adrenaline rush of piloting arguably some of the most competitive circuit racing vehicles in the motor sports arena. All of the activities are done under the watchful eye of professional instructors and renowned racecar drivers with decades of experience in totally safe and competitive driving environment.

August 1, 2013

Kia Launches Rio EX-S, Priced at P 848,000


The launch of the All-New Kia Rio last year proved to be a success and there’s no stopping Kia. This month, Kia introduces the fusion of one of its most loved models with one of the most stylish vehicles in its current line-up with the 4-Door Rio EX-S.

PGA Cars, Inc. Previews New Audi R8; See It in The Wolverine


Pop quiz: what do Wolverine and Iron Man have in common? Aside from being among Marvel’s most bankable heroes and certified ladies men, both of these super heroes have chosen Audi’s flagship supercar, the R8, as their ride of choice. Coinciding with the Philippine showing of The Wolverine, PGA Cars, Inc., the exclusive importer and distributor of Audi in the Philippines, showcased the new R8 with a special preview at their world-class Bonifacio Global City showroom last week.

July 31, 2013

Chevrolet Previews Spin; Pre-Launch Price Offer of P 798,888 (w/ Complete Specs)


There's a new AUV on the block and everyone is invited to take it for a spin.  Chevrolet Philippines - The Covenant Car Company Inc. (TCCCI), the exclusive importer and distributor of Chevrolet automobiles and parts in the Philippines shall officially launch the Spin in August 2013 but as a special pre-launch offer, Chevrolet Philippines is giving everyone a chance to preview this 7-seater, All-Around Utility Vehicle (AUV)  in selected malls in Manila in the coming weeks and avail of discounted introductory price offers which starts at P798,888.00 for the 1.3L Turbo Diesel LS, P908,888.00 for the 1.3L Turbo Diesel LTZ and P 838,888.00 for the 1.5L LTZ gasoline engine.

Kia Goes On Tour!


Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), exclusive distributor of Kia vehicles in the Philippines, once again brings the increasingly popular Kia vehicles closer to people with Kia on Tour 2013. This nationwide mall-based tour brings Kia’s latest model line-up around the Philippines for prospective customers to experience.

July 30, 2013

2013 Kia Sportage 2.4 DLX AWD vs 2013 Honda CR-V 2.4 SX


Compact crossovers—they’re now pretty much one of the most common forms of transportation. Every car manufacturer’s got one, and in one way or the other, they’ve got their own differentiating factors be it luxury, space, power, or value. Of course, in time these differentiating factors all tend to get mushed up; the effect of an ever-crowded market space. Sometimes, what you get are crossovers that supposedly offer something unique, but offer pretty much a similar driving experience as its most direct competitor. To put this theory to the test, it was necessary to pit the best-selling compact crossover, the Honda CR-V, in its top-of-the-line 2.4 SX guise no less, against the Sportage, Kia’s direct answer to the CR-V, represented here also in its range-topping 2.4 DLX trim. Now, let’s get this fight started!

July 28, 2013

Toyota to Showcase Concept Cars at The World of Toyota Motorshow on August 10-18


This August 2013, the no. 1 automotive brand in the country, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) will bring in two concept cars to the Philippines. These vehicles that will give us a glimpse of how cars will be in the near future will be exhibited at The World of Toyota Motorshow on August 10 – 18 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City. Toyota’s FCV-R and Lexus’s LF-LC exude the brand’s new design philosophy and technology of cars in the future.

July 27, 2013

Richard Yap is Nissan Almera's New Brand Ambassador


Nissan Motor Philippines, Inc. (NMPI) has named local daytime TV’s leading man Richard Yap as its brand ambassador for the all-new Nissan Almera 1.5L.

Yap is popularly known for his portrayal as the lovable “Sir Chief” in the hit series, Be Careful With My Heart, and now has a growing list of product endorsements under his belt.

It's a Green Light for Bentley SUV


Bentley Motors today confirms that it will proceed with the development of the Bentley SUV, the company’s fourth model line. The SUV will be made in Crewe and will go on sale in 2016. It will create over 1000 jobs in the UK. Over the next three years Bentley will invest more than £800 million in its headquarters at Crewe and the development of new models.

Isuzu Philippines Fosters Environmental Advocacy Through Donation to "Bantay Kalikasan"

Honoring its responsibility to the environment, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) has turned over to ABS-CBN Foundation’s Bantay Kalikasan program collected used lead acid batteries and used industrial oil so these could be disposed in line with proper environmental standards.

July 24, 2013

Peugeot Opens in Nueva Ecija


After launching Peugeot Las Piñas, Peugeot Cagayan de Oro, Peugeot Quirino and Peugeot Cebu earlier this year, Eurobrands Distributor Inc. (EDI), official importer of Peugeot vehicles in the country together with RDT Lionside Motors Corporation, formally opened last July 15, 2013 the doors of Peugeot Nueva Ecija. Like all the previous Peugeot dealerships before it, Peugeot Nueva Ecija aims to provide the full Peugeot ownership experience to its customers while ascribing fully to Peugeot international standards. With the showroom’s opening, Peugeot has set a new benchmark in showroom experiences in the Northern Luzon area.

Isuzu Presented New Forward Models,Other Transporation Solutions in 2013 Truck Fest - Cebu


Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) has presented in Cebu the newest additions to its medium-duty truck lines, as well as a host of unique transportation solutions, at the 2013 Isuzu Truck Fest – Cebu, which was successfully held from July 18 to 20 at SM City Cebu, North Reclamation Area, Mabolo City.

BPI Auto Loans Extends Free 1-Year Comprehensive Insurance

Cars are considered to be an essential investment, be it for a working professional or for a family. More than its function to transport and move you from place to place, it is a tool that brings convenience. Having your own vehicle opens up a lot of possibilities and advantages - having to go on road trips to popular destinations with the family and being able to explore new places anytime are just some of the fun things it affords you.

As it is fairly a large purchase, choosing which car to buy could be a difficult decision to make. Alongside with it, how to buy that car is another question to consider. BPI Family Auto Loan is a trusted partner that will make it easy for you to get that dream car.

July 23, 2013

2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.8 LTZ vs 2013 Toyota Fortuner 3.0 V


Which one is better: Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.8 LTZ or the Toyota Fortuner 3.0 V? This is a question most commonly asked, but never answered; at least not directly. But, no matter how you look at it, this comparison is inevitable. On one corner, you have the Toyota Fortuner—the one who pioneered the entire “sleek-looking, truck-based 7-seater SUV” craze (sorry, the Ford Everest doesn’t count because it looks just too agricultural). Recently re-styled and upgraded, the Fortuner soldiers on with more or less the same innards that made it successful. On the other is the Chevrolet Trailblazer, the newest addition to the ever-growing slew of alternatives, and single-handedly the vehicle that has catapulted the bowtie brand into to the mainstream. It maybe new from the top-down, but it keeps very close to the Toyota Fortuner formula. And with a price spread just a hair above P 45,000 (P 45,112 to be exact), these two were destined to slug it out.

LCVs Fuel AVID Sales in June

Strong new offerings coupled with tried and tested segment leaders saw the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors’ (AVID) Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) storm up sales rankings in the first half of 2013.

From January to June of this year, AVID’s LCVs marked an impressive 20% increase over the same period last year, increasing its tally to 7,524 units sold from 6,270 a year ago. Fueling this onslaught were Motor Image Pilipinas, Inc.’s Subaru and The Covenant Car Company, Inc.’s Chevrolet brands with compelling new offerings in the Compact and Mid-Size SUV categories.

The LCV segment’s exemplary first half performance provided a strong cushion in tempering a supply-stricken Passenger Car (PC) category where primary movers Hyundai and Chevrolet both experienced significant losses due to supply-dictated performance as well as strong external competition. As a result, AVID ended the period with a mere 3% decline over the same period a year ago, offsetting the 18% decline by the PC models.

July 22, 2013

A Play Date with the 2013 BMW X1

Photos by Ulysses Ang
It began almost two weeks ago with the most “humble” of invites: a black box with the words “BMW X1: Let’s Play” printed on it. Receiving a three-dimensional, non-paper invite already made me feel special, but once I got to peek inside, it made it say, “Oh my god”. There it was, in all its glory, a brand-new BlackBerry Z10 (well, half of the participants received an Apple iPhone 5). It came with the strict instructions that it was to be returned after the drive, and yet, this made me feel like a million bucks. And this was just the appetizer.

Petron Announces Winners of "Free Fuel for a Year" Promo


If you need to travel long distances for your daily commute, it is essential to have enough fuel in your tank to get through the day. And it’s a huge windfall to get all the fuel that you need, free!

July 21, 2013

The Wolverine Drives an Audi R8 Too!


What do Marvel superheroes Wolverine and Iron Man have in common? Aside from their dashing good looks, it seems they share the same taste in cars. Hugh Jackman recently appeared at the UK premiere of The Wolverine riding a stunning R8. Of course, the film will feature the Audi supercar along with the A8 L. The Wolverine will be shown in Philippine cinemas from July 25.

Honda to Release Entry-Level MPV for Indonesian Market


P.T. Honda Prospect Motor (HPM) released the global premiere of the official sketch of the brand-new Honda MPV that will be making its world debut at the upcoming 21st Indonesia International Motor Show, scheduled for September 19-29, in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The new Honda MPV was developed for the Asian market by Honda R&D Asia Pacific Co., Ltd. in Thailand and P.T. Honda R&D Indonesia. This model will be the first Honda product in Indonesia to be introduced to the entry level MPV segment, the biggest category in the Indonesian automobile market. In addition to offering seven seats in a 3-row configuration, the new Honda MPV features an innovative design, spacious cabin, and advanced safety which is already a hallmark of every Honda product. The new Honda MPV will be powered by a 1.5L gasoline engine, which provides both sporty performance and good fuel efficiency.

July 19, 2013

Mercedes-Benz C 63 Black Series vs Subaru Legacy GT Rev Off


So what do you get when you put a Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Black Series next to a Subaru Legacy GT? Well after they decide to do a "rev off", music to a car enthusiast's ear! Happy Friday everyone!

Video Courtesy of: YouTube

Peugeot Holding Test Drive Activity at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila


Eurobrands Distributor Inc. (EDI), official importer and distributor of Peugeot vehicles in the country, announced recently that it will be staging a two-month display and test drive activity at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.

New Ford Fiesta Arrives with Stunning New Looks, Powertrain, and Connectivity; On Sale in August


How does one take a well-loved motoring icon to the next level? Ford makes a great case with the new Ford Fiesta – which is making its official debut today in the Philippines – sporting new looks and smart technologies to help keep drivers connected.

The new Fiesta is poised to redefine the small car segment with its exciting new bold design, segment-leading fuel economy, class-leading safety features and all-new smart technologies, including Ford SYNC.

Auto Focus People's and Media's Choice Awards Get Underway Soon


The Nissan X-Trail, Isuzu Crosswind, Honda Civic, Kia Carens, Hyundai Grand Starex, Kia Sorento, Nissan Teana, and the Toyota Vios. From economy sub-compact to multi-role sports utility vehicle to veritable people-mover, quite a varied line-up of the riding and car-owning public’s choices for the “Auto Focus Automobile of the Year” have emerged throughout past the past eight years. Which brand and model will emerge at the top and be crowned as the ninth winner of the coveted “2013-2014 Auto Focus Automobile of the Year” award?

The 2013 Race of Champions Returns to Bangkok This December 14-15


The 2013 Race Of Champions will be held at Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium on December 14-15. The news comes after Thailand, which hosted last year’s ROC, again beat off a wide range of contenders from all round the world to stage the prestigious event.