Search CarGuide.PH

April 8, 2014

Review: 2014 Honda Accord 3.5 S-V

Photos by Ulysses Ang
I always have a soft spot for the Honda Accord; having personally owned one straight out of college. It was my steed during my first job as a marketing professional and my ride to dinner dates with the then girlfriend (now wife). Everything equal, I’d pick the Accord as my executive sedan of choice—it was always that tad more sophisticated, sportier, and stylish. Of course, that was before everyone got into the act. Now there’s literally a sea of choices with everyone now offering their own take on the executive sedan genre. And although this market segment is more niche than mainstream, it’s so competitive that carmakers introduce cutting edge style and technology that’ll one day trickle down to the rest of their line-up. Given the sheer importance of the executive sedan, where does the all-new Honda Accord sit?

April 6, 2014

Honda Cars Philippines Welcomes New President and General Manager


Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile business unit names Toshio Kuwahara as its new President and General Manager effective April 1, 2014. Mr. Kuwahara is filling the post formerly held by Tatsuya Natsume, who has been assigned a new post in Brazil.

Petron Offering Free Safety Check via Lakbay Alalay Campaign


Petron Lakbay Alalay, the country’s longest running motorist assistance program, has evolved into a year-round series of activities to help motorists and communities. With the Holy Week and long summer break just weeks away, why don’t you get a jump on your travel plans by getting your car in shape with Petron’s free safety check?

Caltex Gearing Up for Summer Journeys

Summer plus Holy Week means a steady stream of vehicles, packed with vacationers and their gears, will be heading to the beaches and tourists spots. Those with religious vows to keep will be motoring from one church to another in Visita Iglesia. Caltex with Techron, the 5-Star Fuel, is helping make sure, that despite the heat, road repairs and traffic, motorists will be able to enjoy their journey.

MIAS 2014: Car of the Year, Truck of the Year on Display


Ten years of significant existence is no small feat. This is what the Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI) is presenting at the 2014 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), with the display of the Mazda 6 as the Car of the Year-Philippines 2013-2014  (COTY-P) and the Ford Ranger Wildtrak as the Truck of the Year-Philippines 2013-2014 (TOTY-P).

MIAS 2014: Jeep Grand Cherokee Levels Up (w/ Complete Specs)


The purveyor of the original Sport Utility Vehicle, Jeep, launched the 2014 Grand Cherokee to a packed crowd at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS). The new Grand Cherokee builds on the legendary go-anywhere, do-anything reputation of its illustrious ancestor, the Willy’s Jeep, while delivering best-in-class fuel economy, advanced user-friendly technology, world-class craftsmanship, and on-road refinement.

Happyplüs Members Earn More Points with Caltex Gas Ups


This summer fueling up has become more filling for over 1 million happyplüs card members who will earn happypoints on their fuel purchases from over 500 Caltex stations nationwide.

April 5, 2014

The Search Starts and Ends at BPILoans.com

Want to buy a car? A house or a condo? Planning to start a business? Wanting to know if what you have is enough to get all these and more? These are big questions in life that require research. Let’s face it, everything can be found online. The question is who should you trust and who can you go to? The credibility of our sources will determine the effectivity of our search.

MIAS 2014: Kia Shows Off Some Soul, Yours Starting at P 970,000


Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC) is showing off the second-generation Soul at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) happening this weekend. Though it shares similar lines to its most immediate predecessor, the 2014 Soul is all-new and is inspired by the Track’ster Concept shown in 2012.

MIAS 2014: Peugeot Philippines Teases 208 GTI


Eurobrands Distributor, Inc. (EDI), the official distributor of Peugeot in the Philippines teased their upcoming supermini—the Peugeot 208 GTI by displaying a kitted up version at its pavilion at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS). The 208 GTI wears the iconic Peugeot Sport livery, a nod to the French brand’s rally heritage. The Peugeot 208 GTI is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with 197 horsepower and 275 Nm of torque mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The lightweight and compact 3-door Peugeot 208 GTI is expected to arrive in the Philippine very soon.

MIAS 2014: Chevrolet Shows Off Diesel Superiority


Chevrolet making waves at the Manila International Auto Show where its pavilion centers on the Bowtie brand’s “Turbo-Diesel Powerhouse”—the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Colorado, and Spin.

To show off its iconic style and its partnership with the latest Marvel franchise, Chevrolet is displaying a customized Chevrolet Colorado fitted with loud and proud Captain America decals on display. Visitors of the Manila International Auto Show can also expect to catch a glimpse of the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 or better known as “Bumblebee”, one of the lead characters of the blockbuster movie series: Transformers.

April 4, 2014

Video: The Ride of Her Life


What’s a better way to sell the Subaru WRX STI? Forget the usual ad campaigns. Subaru of America put on a different spin on things with The Ride of Her Life short film that features the 2015 (2014 for us) Subaru WRX STI. It’s certainly a very campy take with drifts, donuts, and a whole lot of ham. It’s even produced by “DoubleURXXX Productions”. Go figure. Happy weekend everyone!

April 3, 2014

MIAS 2014: The Icon Returns: Volkswagen Beetle Returns to Manila (w/ Complete Specs)


Automobile Central Enterprises, Inc., the official distributor of Volkswagen cars in the Philippines is finally celebrating the return of its most recognizable icon: The Beetle. No less than Fernando Zobel de Ayala and his brother Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala led the festivities at The Mind Museum at the Bonifacio Global City before the public unveil at the 2014 Manila International Auto Show.

MIAS 2014: Tata Ace and Super Ace (w/ Complete Specs)


Pilipinas Taj Autogroup is offering two light-duty commercial vehicles at the Manila International Auto Show, the Ace and the Super Ace.

MIAS 2014: Tata Xenon (w/ Complete Specs)


Stylish, efficient and reliable, the Xenon is a perfect blend of looks and performance. It lends a commanding presence on the road with its aggressive frontal styling, flared wheel arches, and alloy wheels. Available in both 4x2 and 4x4 drive options, the Xenon will come with two trim options- Premium and Economy.

MIAS 2014: Tata Manza INI (w/ Complete Specs)


Taking forward its luxurious lineage, the new Manza INI sets a new benchmark for sedan buyers in the mid-sized car segment with its plush interiors and state-of-the-art technology features. The car's contemporary stance is as easy on the eyes as it is dominant on the roads.

MIAS 2014: Tata Launches in Philippines Under Pilipinas Taj Autogroup

Photos by Ulysses Ang
Prepare to meet four new vehicles from the biggest motor company of India, Tata Motors Limited, the leader in commercial vehicles and among the top in passenger vehicles.

MIAS 2014: Ford Previews 2015 Escape; Destined to Bring the Fight to Subaru Forester?

Photos by Ulysses Ang
The demise of Ford’s C-segment crossover in the Philippines is greatly exaggerated as the company used the Manila International Auto Show to preview the all-new 2015 Escape—a crossover that’s expected to bridge the gap between the EcoSport and Explorer in terms of both features and price. Though no official specs were given during the preview, Ford Philippines Managing Director Kay Hart announced that the 2015 Escape will be formally launched in the fourth quarter of 2014 with deliveries to start soon thereafter.

MIAS 2014: Deliveries of Ford EcoSport Starts; Winner of Urban Discovery Campaign Announced

Photo by Ulysses Ang
Ford Philippines has announced at its sprawling 1,000-square meter pavilion that deliveries of its segment-busting SUV, the EcoSport has begun. The EcoSport is no stranger to us having been previewed with a Media Launch in January and a Regional Ride and Drive in March. The EcoSport is just one of 15 vehicles showcased by Ford at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) and shows the brand’s commitment in delivering class-leading One Ford vehicles.

Video: Most Epic Car Chase Scene, Period.


There are movie car chases and then there’s this. Coming from sygnan0’s YouTube channel is what could be the most epic car chase made in the history of film. It’s packed with action, explosions, and oddly enough, laughs. Don’t believe us? See for yourself.

April 2, 2014

CATS Motors Holds Summer Sale on Pre-Owned Mercedes, Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge


Enjoy the summer heat with an exclusive treat from CATS Motors Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles: premium pre-owned vehicles will be sold at incredibly marked-down prices for the month of April.

New Ecotec Engines Set to Debut in All-New Cruze; Benchmarked Against Ford's EcoBoost


Chevrolet is set to release its next-generation Ecotec engines which will form the core of the brand’s small displacement engines beginning with the all-new Chevrolet Cruze which launches in China this year. The new Ecotec engines are designed to be adoptable to different vehicle applications thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while offering leading efficiency, refinement, and durability.

MIAS 2014: Kia's P450,000 Picanto to Take Center Stage


With increased competition from its Japanese rivals, Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), the exclusive distributor of Kia Motors in the Philippines isn’t about to take that sitting down. They’ve officially confirmed that the P 450,000 Kia Picanto 1.0 LX M/T will take center stage for the Korean brand at the 2014 Manila International Auto Show.

MIAS 2014: Volvo to Show Off 2014 Line-Up


Volvo Philippines has given us a sneak peek of their upcoming display at the 2014 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) that opens tomorrow, Thursday, April 3. Headlining their display is the all-new 2014 Volvo V40 Cross Country—a more rugged, more off-road friendly version of the V40 sport wagon.

Round 3 of 2014 National Drag Racing Championship Southern Series Takes Place April 5


Expect even more thrilling on track action this coming April 5 as the 2014 National Drag Racing Championship returns to the Batangas Racing Circuit Drag Strip for Round 3 of the Southern Series.

Caltex Opens Station in La Union


Just in time for summer, Chevron Philippines has announced the opening of its latest gasoline station in La Union—the Surf Capital of the Northern Philippines. Located along the National Highway near Pugo Junction, it’s perfectly situated for vacationers who plan to hit the beaches dotting from Agoo to San Fernando to Ilocos Norte. Motorists are assured of five-star quality fuel because of Caltex with Techron. Caltex La Union is owned and operated by Northern Star Energy and Fuel Distribution Corporation.

April 1, 2014

BMW Confirms X7 at Spartanburg Plant Expansion Ceremony

Photo shows the all-new BMW X4's start of production at the Spartanburg plant.
BMW has officially announced another addition to its growing SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle) line-up with the confirmation of the X7. Although no details were given, it was done to coincide with BMW’s additional investment to expand its Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, USA. In total, BMW will invest a total of one billion (yes, that’s with a ‘B’) US dollars by 2016. This increases their annual capacity by 50 percent to 450,000 vehicles from 300,000.

Review: 2014 Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost

Photos by Ulysses Ang
Mid-cycle facelifts are mostly just that, facelifts. More often than not, carmakers slap on a new grille, bumpers, and rims, stand back, congratulate themselves, and call it a day; saving the best bits for the next-generation model. But that’s not the case over at Ford. Yes, the Fiesta has also undergone the ubiquitous nose lift late last year (a radical one at that), but more importantly, the main mechanical bit, the engine, has been completely stripped out; all for the better.