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January 25, 2015

It's All About the Engineering: Why are VWs Premium Priced?

During the 29th All VW Classic/Custom/New-Generation Car Show, it was inevitable that someone was going to ask about the current Volkswagen line-up’s pricing. In particular, how premium it is compared to how it was sold before, which was as “the people’s car”.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Countless driving events have been done, each touting a specific aspect of a new car. However, none has emphasized the beauty of its design. Though certain makes and models could pioneer such an activity, none could be a more fitting subject as Mazda’s current line-up. Imbued with KODO – The Soul of Motion, the CX-5, Mazda6, and Mazda3 all share the sculpted look that evokes a sense of movement. It’s a visual representation of beauty and tension that’s seen in the split-second a predator pounces on its prey. In that frozen moment, it’s expressive, emotional, and strong—traits that tie in perfectly with Mazda’s heritage.

H2O Salamander is the Philippines's Flood Solution (w/ Brochure)

Photos by Christian Halili of Top Gear Philippines

Floods have become an all too common occurrence in the Philippines. In the past year alone, weeks of productivity have been literally washed away due to the cancellation of work and school. In fact, 42,000 barangays nationwide have been identified as flood-prone and both the private and public sector are pumping out money and resources just to ensure the safety not just of their property, but more importantly, of lives as well.

Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), the distributor of Kia vehicles in the Philippines laid down their plans for 2015 including the launch of two all-new models which are certainly sought-after by Filipino consumers.

Volkswagen Philippines is showing off its current and upcoming new models at the 29th All VW Classic/Custom/New Generation Car Show to be held on Sunday, January 25 at the Camp Aguinaldo Grand Parade Grounds in Quezon City.

Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) saw its sales grow by 13% in 2014 to a total of 35,565 units versus the 31,399 units the group posted in 2013.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) celebrated a milestone with the manufacture of the 100,000th Crosswind. One of the company’s best-selling name plate for nearly 20 years, the celebratory Crosswind rolled off the Binan, Laguna manufacturing plant witnessed by IPC President Nobuo Izumina last January 21. He was joined by various company officials and team members from the production line.

Reigning champion Jonathan Tiu began the 2015 season of the National Drag Racing Championship (NDRC) on a high by winning the first leg of the Northern Series, held last January 17 at the Clark International Speedway (CIS).

Review: 2015 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0 TDI

Photos by Ulysses Ang

The Volkswagen Jetta has always lived in the shadow of its more famous (and sportier looking) sibling, the Golf. And though most see this as something less than desirable, it also means that the Jetta is one of the best kept automotive secrets; one that requires you to do a bit of digging through the details to appreciate. Though most VW enthusiasts are patiently waiting for the imminent arrival of the Golf (and the subsequent hotter version, the GTI), after spending some good seat time with the Jetta 2.0 TDI, it can be said for certain: there’s no need for waiting. The Golf is here, albeit wearing a sedan body shell.

The Lamborghini Huracán LP610-4 Lands in Manila

Lamborghini Manila unveiled the latest chapter in the storied supercar maker’s history by unveiling the all-new Huracán LP610-4—the spiritual successor to the Gallardo. Like the Gallardo, the Huracán pushes the envelope on design, performance, and sophistication. A success story for Lamborghini, the Gallardo sold more than 14,000 units globally making it the most successful Lamborghini ever made.

Volvo Philippines is launching a pair of new sporty variants of its highly popular S60 and XC60 models: the R-Design. Both models promise a blend of sporty appearance, a dynamic driving-focused chassis, and a powerful engine.

Ford Motor Company today announced overall retail sales for the ASEAN region in 2014 that rose more than five percent from the previous year to a record 100,824 units.

The company’s ASEAN sales were driven by record full-year performances in the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia and Myanmar, as well as full-year market share gains in Thailand amidst a significant domestic industry slowdown.

Maserati Ends 2014 on a High Note with Various Accolades Globally

2014 ended on a successful note for Maserati across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. The Italian luxury brand has not only rapidly accelerated in terms of sales, new product launches and market visibility in 2014, it has also been honored with 12 awards across different categories in the Global Overseas Markets region covering Africa, the Middle East and South East Asia & Pacific.

Getting a new car this New Year? Choose from Nissan Almera, Sylphy, Urvan, and Navara and get the hottest deals with Nissan’s ‘New Year, New Nissan’ promo.

From January 5 to February 28, 2015, Nissan gives you the opportunity to drive home your own Nissan vehicle by offering the All-In Low Down Payment promo and pay for as low as P66,000.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) steadily built momentum throughout 2014 to finish the year with robust sales performance. The country’s reputed leader in diesel technology last year registered vehicle deliveries of 14,134 units, 2,341 more than the company’s 11,793-unit overall sales in 2013, or a remarkable 19.9% surge.

Throaty rumbles and nimble handling aren’t just for sport coupes. Meet the all-new 2016 Lexus GS F performance sedan. It is not a standard luxury sedan or track car. The GS F rolled into the North American International Auto Show today with a growl, four doors and enough cabin space to comfortably accommodate five adults.

Kia Motors Corporation announced its 2014 full-year global sales figures (export sales, domestic sales and sales from overseas plants) for passenger cars, recreational vehicles (RVs) and commercial vehicles, recording a total of 2,907,757 units sold. This figure represents a 5.9% cumulative year-on-year increase compared to 2013.

Starting today, BPI Family Auto Loan gives you the full-fledged motorist value card that allows you to enjoy tons of exciting deals and numerous privileges as you own your new car. From now until March 31, 2015, all clients who successfully avail of an auto loan will get a free BPI Family Auto Loan-Petron Value Card.

The North American International Auto Show sees the launch of the most race-ready road-legal Ford Mustang ever: the new Shelby GT350R Mustang. This limited edition model is the modern interpretation of the 1965 Shelby GT350 Competition which is one of the most iconic variants of the Mustang ever made.

The Batangas Racing Circuit, Inc. (BRCI) has recently published the much-awaited 2015 National Drag Racing Championship (NDRC) season calendar and it's all set to begin this January 17.

UPDATED: Volkswagen Touran Serves as Alternative Popemobile

UPDATE 1: We included the official press release below the break (1/16).

When he’s not waving to the crowds atop the white, open-air jeepney, His Holiness Pope Francis will be using the Volkswagen Touran as his official car in Manila when he attends private meetings and functions. You could say therefore that it’s the alternative Popemobile during his visit here.

Chevrolet is taking a crack at the extended-range EV vehicle (EREV) market with the 2016 Volt. After being lauded for its technology, the previous Volt failed to live up to sales expectations due to a less than enthusiastic reaction from the North American market and the arrival of offerings such as the Tesla Model S. Chevrolet aims to change that with the all-new, second-generation Volt which features a top-down re-think.

Carmudi, the leading vehicle platform around the world, has recently tapped the Philippine automotive scene in providing buyers, sellers, and car dealers an opportunity to experience safe and convenient online transaction.

Ford Philippines celebrates motoring journalism excellence today at the 14th annual Henry Ford Awards (HFA), the country’s most prestigious journalism award-giving body that recognizes the best multimedia work of journalists that helped drive and shape the automotive industry in 2014.

NAIAS 2015: Ford F-150 Raptor Also Gets EcoBoost Power, 10-Speed Automatic

Ford unveiled its next-generation muscle car for the off-road, the F-150 Raptor at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Compared to the outgoing model, the all-new Raptor features a purpose-built, high-strength steel frame (no more bent chassis issues, I presume) and a lightweight aluminum body that sheds more than 500 pounds (226 kilograms).

Modern urbanization is impacting the market in a broad way, and this trend is especially strong with young adults, who face tighter parking on streets and parking garages, and increasing congestion overall. These trends are not confined to one specific region; they’re happening in urban hubs everywhere. These “Urban Adventurers” have a different mindset, being very active both socially, and in their communities, bringing a pioneering spirit to make their neighborhoods a better place to live and work.

Honda, through its US luxury division, Acura showed off the production NSX at the 2015 North American International Auto Show. Developed and set to be built in the US, the all-new NSX sets an entirely new direction from the everyday supercar that was discontinued in 2005.

Ford is bringing its EcoBoost technology to the supercar race with the launch of the all-new GT. Picking up where the previous GT left off almost a decade ago (it was launched to commemorate Ford’s 100th anniversary), and in turn, nodding to the Le Mans-winning GT40, the all-new GT comes packing a new 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost engine pumping out some 600 horsepower to the rear wheels. This application makes it the most powerful production EcoBoost engine ever.

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January 25, 2015

It's All About the Engineering: Why are VWs Premium Priced?

A Window into the Soul: Mazda's KODO - The Soul of Motion Upclose

January 23, 2015

H2O Salamander is the Philippines's Flood Solution (w/ Brochure)

Kia to Reveal All-New Carnival, Sorento this 2015

Touran Popemobile and New Golf GTI Headline 29th All VW Classic/Custom/New Generation Car Show

AVID Sales End 2014 with 13-Percent Growth

Isuzu Crosswind Production Hits 100,000 Units

Jonathan Tiu Quickest in First Leg of 2015 NDRC Northern Series

January 20, 2015

Review: 2015 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0 TDI

January 19, 2015

The Lamborghini Huracán LP610-4 Lands in Manila

Volvo Introduces 2015 S60 R-Design and XC60 R-Design

Ford Delivers Record ASEAN Sales

January 16, 2015

Maserati Ends 2014 on a High Note with Various Accolades Globally

Nissan Opens 2015 with 'New Year, New Nissan' Promo

D-Max and mu-X Help Isuzu Philippines Sales to Surge 19.9 Percent in 2014

NAIAS 2015: Lexus GS F Brings Lightweight Philosophy to Super Sedan Wars

Kia Global Sales Grow 5.9 Percent in 2014

The Ultimate Motorists Card Awaits BPI Family Auto Loan Customers

NAIAS 2015: Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang is Most Extreme Mustang Ever

National Drag Racing Championship Set to Begin 2015 Season this Weekend

January 14, 2015

UPDATED: Volkswagen Touran Serves as Alternative Popemobile

NAIAS 2015: Chevrolet Volt is a Sexy Electric Vehicle

Carmudi Reshapes Online Car Buying and Selling Experience

Ford Awards Motoring Journalism Excellence at 14th Annual Henry Ford Awards

January 13, 2015

NAIAS 2015: Ford F-150 Raptor Also Gets EcoBoost Power, 10-Speed Automatic

NAIAS 2015: Hyundai Santa Cruz Concept is a Urban Adventurer's Pick-Up

NAIAS 2015: Honda/Acura Brings Back NSX with Hybrid V6 Power, AWD

NAIAS 2015: Ford GT is Back