CarGuide.PH | Philippine Car News, Car Reviews, Car Prices

April 5, 2016

Review: Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TSI Blue Motion Business Edition

Stumbling out of the starting block since its launch two years ago, Volkswagen Philippines is starting to get into the groove. With the arrival of the Golf GTI, enthusiasts began taking the brand seriously—no longer does VW have to rely solely on hippy sentiments to sell; they have a proper world-class hot hatch in their line-up. Though not entirely perfect, the Golf GTI paved the way for even better Volkswagens starting with the 2016 Passat.

10 Cars to Look Out For at The Manila International Auto Show 2016

The Manila International Auto Show or MIAS has become a summer tradition for petrol heads and car enthusiasts alike. Already dubbed the biggest motor show in the country based on floor space, this year’s outing sees 19 brands duke it out for your attention. With MIAS celebrating its 11th anniversary this year, it’s fitting to filter the 300 or so car exhibits and come up with the 10 cars you should spot during the show. So without further ado, these are the stars, in alphabetical order, of the 11th Manila International Auto Show.

Nissan today announced the appointment of Ramesh Narasimhan, currently Chief Financial Officer, Nissan Motor Company Australia Pty Ltd. (NMA), as President and Managing Director of Nissan Philippines, Inc. (NPI).

The country’s premier grassroots motorsport event, the GT Radial FlatOut Series (FORS) got off to a good start as they kicked-off the much-awaited 2016 season last March 5 at the Batangas Racing Circuit (BRC).

Volkswagen Philippines’ award-winning Child Safety Initiative shifts to high gear after the Lenten break, resuming tours that started this January.

Kia Motors has once again reinforced its reputation for the highest design standards, picking up two prizes at the 2016 ‘Red Dot Awards’ for Product Design, one of the most prestigious international product design competitions.

With the Nissan GT-R confirmed for a 2016 arrival in the Philippines, Nissan Motor Corporation has given “Godzilla” a timely update with a fresh new look and more power. The company calls it “the most significant change” to its exotic-eating sports car since its market introduction almost a decade ago; it becomes the most solid indicator to what the Philippine-spec would most likely be like.

Kia Launches Sexier, Edgier Sportage for the Philippines (w/ Brochure)

Photos by Ulysses Ang and Kia Press

Exclusive Kia distributor in the Philippines, Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC) is readying itself for a busy 2016 by launching their opening salvo of the year: the all-new Sportage. The fourth-generation compact crossover to wear the nameplate, the 2016 Sportage is bold, refined, and dynamic. Powered by one of the most powerful engines in its class (and it’s a diesel), it’s sure to win the hearts of both enthusiasts and practical-minded owners alike.

Thank you Philippine government: that’s one line you don’t hear often with all the complaints about traffic and the lack of road infrastructure development. However, you also have to applaud them for finally implementing the Euro-4 emissions level this year and you know what that means? More car choices.

Review: 2016 Honda CR-Z 1.5 Navi CVT

When Honda introduced the CR-Z, it was maligned for being the jack of all trades, but the master of none. That being said, its single biggest contribution is to prove that gasoline-electric hybrids aren’t dull to drive; that they aren’t just smart appliances on wheels. It showed that a car packing a small gasoline engine and a trick battery can dance pretty much through corners just as well as a standard sporty coupe. But is that all to it? Is the CR-Z simply going to be labeled as the tree hugger’s sporty car?

Nissan Philippines, Inc. (NPI) recently awarded three outstanding Nissan dealerships the “Dealer of the Year” award during the company’s first Annual Dealer Conference and Awards Night at the Marriot Hotel in Pasay City.

Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), the exclusive distributor of Kia vehicles in the Philippines, recently concluded its annual Kia Dealers’ Convention and Awards Night held at the Marriott Hotel where Kia’s best and brightest shone vibrantly.

Summer has come down blazing hot tracks and what better way to keep you and your Volvo cool is by availing yourselves of Volvo Philippines free treats. Running until June 30 this year, the Volvo Aftersales team is ready to conduct a 21-point Summer Check-up and Air Conditioning System Check on your Volvo, free of charge.

Honda Cars Philippines is dropping more details on the 10th generation Civic as anticipation grows thanks to its regional launch in Thailand earlier this month. According to HCPI, they’re confident that the all-new 2016 Civic will be the “benchmark in its class with its aerodynamic styling, sophisticated interior, spacious cabin space, and a host of new and advanced features.”

Mazda MX-5 is World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year

The Mazda MX-5 has won the 2016 World Car of the Year award. It is the second Mazda to win the award, following the Mazda2 in 2008. The third generation MX-5 was one of three finalists for the same award in 2006, as was the Mazda3 in 2014. In addition to taking the main award this year, the MX-5 has also been named World Car Design of the Year. It is the first time in the history of the awards that a single model has taken both titles.

Visitors entering Japan will be welcomed by a brand-new ambassador: Honda’s ASIMO robot. For a one-week period starting Monday, March 28 to Sunday, April 3, travelers entering through the Narita International Airport will be greeted to ASIMO’s dancing moves.

9 Significant Cars from the 2016 Bangkok International Motor Show

Photos by Ulysses Ang and Chevrolet Press

The 2016 Bangkok International Motor Show is unusually meh this year. Normally the staging ground for everything ASEAN, this year’s edition seems drier in terms of new and/or significant product launches. Still, some automakers came out with their wares; products which will undoubtedly come here in one form or the other.

Cutting out the exotics which regular buyers will likely not care about, these are the significant cars from the 2016 Bangkok International Motor Show.

You’re looking at the 2017 Impreza, the first vehicle underpinned by Subaru’s new global platform architecture. It’s supposed to also debut the company’s new design language, DYNAMIC x SOLID but frankly, it looks like a bore; like a Legacy with more lines. But before dismissing the car as a whole, listen carefully because this is a barometer of Subaru cars to come.

New York International Auto Show: Mazda Shows Off MX-5 with Power Retractable Hardtop

I knew it, I just knew it. When Mazda said they weren’t making any other variant of the MX-5, they were pretty coy about it. Well, the cat’s out of the bag as a new variant of the best-selling roadster arrives at the New York International Auto Show: the 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF. And my goodness. It is a looker.

Petron Lakbay Alalay on its 30th year continues to provide motorists the Best Day experience on the road through its year-round safety campaign and programs. Through Petron Lakbay Alalay, motorists are assured of worry-free travel and always ready journeys.

Free vehicle checkups, emergency response teams, games and two times the points on Robinsons Rewards Cards. These are the assistance and surprises that Chevron Philippines, Inc. (CPI), marketer of Caltex with Techron, is offering motorists in strategic Caltex stations along major highways north or south of Luzon during the Holy Week.

Bangkok Motor Show 2016: Chevrolet Hints at 2017 Colorado and Trailblazer with New Concepts (w/ 24 Photos)

Don’t let the “Concept” moniker fool you: you’re looking at the 2017 Chevrolet Trailblazer and Colorado. Unveiled at the Bangkok International Motor Show, the thinly veiled Trailblazer Premier and Colorado Xtreme Concepts give a strong hint (i.e. less accessories and body cladding) at Chevrolet’s revamped pickup truck and mid-sized 7-seater SUV which will arrive in Philippine showrooms in production form by the end of the year.

The Subaru Forester is being attacked from the most unlikely source: the mid-sized 7-seater SUV. Though this compact crossover has its segment down pat, the allure of having a larger SUV with seating for seven has affected sales somewhat. This is critical because it’s the biggest volume driver for the purveyor of the boxer engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive. So what’s Subaru to do? Well, they’ve done the right thing: give the Forester a well-timed refresh to help it embrace a much more premium market position (without the premium price, of course).

This is One Limited Edition Honda Mobilio

Honda Cars Philippines is weaving its limited edition magic once more and this time, it’s the Mobilio’s turn. Already Honda’s second best-selling nameplate, the Mobilio gets a limited 77 unit run of the mid-grade 1.5 V CVT that comes equipped with a GPS navigation system.

Suzuki Philippines, Inc. (SPH), the only integrated automobile and motorcycle company in the country, recorded one of the biggest sales growths in the industry last year with its massive 52 percent year-on-year growth and 10,000 retail sales, and aims to repeat this 2015 performance by carrying out successive dealership openings in 2016 starting this February.

Ford Philippines reported February sales that jumped 52 percent year-over-year to 2,671 units, led by the second best-ever sales month for the Everest, as well as the EcoSport, Ranger and Explorer.

Overall sales through February have now risen 51 percent, making Ford one of the fastest-growing auto brands in the country.

Subaru just let us drive the 2016 Forester. And before waiting for our first impressions on their substantially updated compact crossover, here’s a rundown on some details on what’s new and what’s not.

Volkswagen Quezon Avenue Goes to Baguio for Easter Road Show

Volkswagen Quezon Avenue, which recently celebrated its first anniversary, troops to Baguio City from March 22 to 27 for its Easter road show activity.

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April 5, 2016

Review: Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TSI Blue Motion Business Edition

April 3, 2016

10 Cars to Look Out For at The Manila International Auto Show 2016

Nissan Philippines Announces Management Change

GT Radial Flat Out Racing Series Off to Great Start in 2016

Volkswagen Philippines Continues Child Safety Initiative Tour

Kia Sportage, Optima Win Design Awards

Nissan Updates GT-R, Closest Indicator to Philippine Market Model Yet

March 30, 2016

Kia Launches Sexier, Edgier Sportage for the Philippines (w/ Brochure)

Hyundai's GDI: Finally Coming to the Philippines

March 29, 2016

Review: 2016 Honda CR-Z 1.5 Navi CVT

Nissan Philippines Awards Dealers of the Year

Best Kia Dealerships Recognized at Annual Dealer Convention

Pamper Your Volvo This Summer

Honda Cars Philippines Reveals More Civic Details

March 27, 2016

Mazda MX-5 is World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year

Honda's ASIMO to Greet Foreign Travelers Entering Japan

March 24, 2016

9 Significant Cars from the 2016 Bangkok International Motor Show

New York International Auto Show: 2017 Subaru Impreza Debuts

March 23, 2016

New York International Auto Show: Mazda Shows Off MX-5 with Power Retractable Hardtop

Petron Lakbay Alalay Marks 30th Year

Caltex to Aid Motorists During Holy Week

March 22, 2016

Bangkok Motor Show 2016: Chevrolet Hints at 2017 Colorado and Trailblazer with New Concepts (w/ 24 Photos)

First Drive: 2016 Subaru Forester 2.0i-Premium

March 21, 2016

This is One Limited Edition Honda Mobilio

Suzuki Philippines Opens 3 New Dealerships

Ford Philippines February Sales Jump 52 Percent Thanks to All-New Everest

8 Changes with the 2016 Subaru Forester (And 3 That Haven't) w/ Brochure, Specs

March 20, 2016

Volkswagen Quezon Avenue Goes to Baguio for Easter Road Show