Search CarGuide.PH

December 16, 2022

Volvo XC40 Gives Equal Protection To Front And Rear Passengers Based On New Safety Test


In more automotive safety-related news, only two compact SUV managed to score a “Good” rating in the U.S.-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)’s revised moderate overlap test: the Ford Escape (built after May) and the Volvo XC40 (lead photo). Only the XC40—introduced in 2017—passed the stricter requirements without major structural changes.

December 15, 2022

Peugeot Is Philippines' Fastest Growing Auto Brand In 2022


Peugeot earns the reputation of being the fastest growing automotive brand in the Philippines thanks to strong year-over-year sales growth and successive dealer openings since its re-launch in January under its new distributor, Astara.

Isuzu D-MAX Scores 3 Category Wins At 2022 Philippine Rallycross Series


The Isuzu D-Max has once again proven its dominance in the dirt time trial racing competition as it conquers three vehicle classes in the 2022 Philippine Rallycross Series (PHRX).

Hyundai PH Announces 2023 Ioniq 5 EV Variants, Pricing. Starts At P 3.068M


Ahead of its official Philippine launch in early 2023, Hyundai Motor Philippines (HMPH) has announced the prices of its award-winning EV: the Ioniq 5 EV.

Toyota Shows Off Hilux EV, Next-Generation IMV Platform


Toyota has just revealed the future of the Hilux and the entire IMV platform, for that matter, with the reveal of the IMV 0 Concept and its first-ever battery-electric pickup truck, the Hilux Revo BEV Concept.

Here Are The Full Specs, Prices Of The 2023 MG GT (w/ Specs)


Inflation’s hitting car buyers pretty hard these days. If you try to think of a sporty sedan priced below P 1.1-million, your mind will probably end up blank. Thankfully, that’s no longer the case because here comes the newest member of the MG Philippines family: the 2023 MG GT and it come with a price capped off at just P 1,193,888.

December 14, 2022

Top 5 Picks For 2022


With 42 entries spanning everything from sub-compacts to luxury SUVs, it’s time to our Top 5 Cars of 2022.

As usual, our Top 5 Picks is done differently (see the past winners here: 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, and 2011). Instead of categorizing cars to try to make everyone a winner, we lump them together to get the five cars that we thought were outstanding.

Our methods are simple. First, we should have driven it extensively and on the roads that we’re familiar with. This means no around the block test drives (including track days), no “first drives”, no junkets. Second, it should be fairly mainstream. For that, the list is capped with a maximum MSRP of P 4 million. Finally, it’s something we’d be willing to spend our own money own, and we’re willing to be caught dead in.

With that out of the way, here’s our Top 5 Picks of 2022:


#5. Subaru WRX

Still our go-to for a well-rounded, yet relatively affordable sports sedan, the all-new Subaru WRX is still hard to beat. The combination of a turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive means it can serve up the fun. This time, though, it won’t be trying to shake your fillings out half the time as the much-fangled Subaru Global Platform’s much more, gasp, refined. The WRX STI is gone, but at least you get much higher equipment levels—including more safety gear and even optional adaptive dampers. In short, it’s a WRX that’s equally capable of taking on the daily commute as it is a slick, mountain road. Sadly, no amount of suede or Alcantara could change the fact that it looks ugly as sin.

Read our review.


#4. Toyota Corolla Cross

Though fuel prices have softened of late, it did manage to bring hybrids and EVs into mainstream conversation. And among the growing list of hybrids out there, the Toyota Corolla Cross, we find, is the most well-rounded. The styling looks like it was designed by accountants during their lunchbreak, but at least it’s darn economical. We consistently did 20 km/L without breaking a sweat—something we couldn’t do with a “gas-charged, electric-driven crossover.” Fuel sipping abilities aside, the rest of the package is solid—pliant ride, secure handling, roomy interior, and decent (for a Toyota) specs. An added bonus is that there’s a GR Sport version, but a forewarning: the added spice does little to uplift the bland driving flavor.

Read our review.


#3. Toyota Raize

When Toyota decided to enter the sub-compact SUV genre, everyone knew they’d be a force to be reckoned with. Some may say “it’s just a Daihatsu,” but who the fuck cares? The resulting Toyota Raize is a well-engineered and well-thought-out car. Dynamically, it’s got surprisingly good NVH, precise steering, and a punchy engine (well, at least for the turbo). Naturally, for its price, you can’t expect plush materials (and yeah, everything’s rock hard), but at least build quality is pretty decent. Add styling that’s angular as opposed to jellybean-like, solid levels of safety (it got a 5-star rating at the ASEAN NCAP), usable packaging, and of course, Toyota’s promise of painless ownership means the Raize ticks all the right boxes.

Read our review: Raize 1.2 G, Raize 1.0 Turbo.


#2. Mazda CX-5 Turbo

Subaru turned their back on the fun-loving family man with the death of the Forester XT, so its mantle was taken over by a certain little carmaker from Hiroshima: Mazda. Realizing an unfulfilled gap in the compact SUV segment, the CX-5 Turbo is the choice for everyday thrills with its 253-horsepower, 434 Nm turbocharged engine. Beyond serving up straight line thrills, its revamped chassis sharpens up the handling while also upping the overall refinement and equipment levels. An added bonus is that it’s much more economical than any past Forester XT too. It’s also a constant reminder that, despite its age, the CX-5 still is the one of the best, if not the best compact SUV out there. This new turbocharged variant though enables them to raise the middle finger against mediocrity.

Read our review: CX-5 Turbo.


#1. Honda Civic

You can’t go wrong with the Honda Civic, and the all-new 11th generation model is no different. Despite the so-called “odd-numbered” Civic curse, this one is a winner. We’ve driven all of its variants (S Turbo, V Turbo, RS Turbo), and we’d have to conclude that Honda’s turned in some Dean’s Lister caliber work. In the face of an impending crossover/SUV invasion, including its very own stablemate, the HR-V, the Civic proves it still serves up an unbeatable formula. It’s not perfect (the S Turbo, in particular has a cheap-feeling interior), but overall, it balances wants and need perfectly with class-above space, tight handling, punchy yet fuel efficient engine, and cutting-edge driver assist system. You can’t ask for more in a daily driver. Our top pick goes to the top-of-the-line Civic RS Turbo, but the V Turbo is still pretty solid—it offers 80 percent of the experience for less than P 1.5-million.

Triumph Motorcycles Opens In BGC


The Autohub Group of Companies announces the opening of Triumph Motorcycles in Bonifacio Global City.

In The Race Towards Sustainability, Flax-Based Composites Replace Carbon Fiber


With motorsports pressured to become more sustainable, flax-based fiber composites will now appear in Japan’s premiere single-seater racing series: Super Formula.

Moto Accessories, VKool Tints Now Available At BGC


Moto Autohub Car Care Services (ACCS) and VKool is now open at Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig. Located at the second floor of Mini BGC, the shop offers motorcycle-related accessories, gear, tint, and aftersales services.

2024 Mazda CX-90 Confirmed To Get Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain


Ahead of its world premiere next month, Mazda has shown yet another teaser photo of its new flagship SUV: the 2024 CX-90.

December 13, 2022

MINI Opens Largest PH Showroom In BGC


Mini Philippines opens its largest showroom in the country at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. It is the only Mini dealership in Metro Manila equipped with aftersales services, lifestyle and lounge areas, and future-ready facilities.

2023 Kia EV6 Awarded As Top Safety Pick+


The 2023 Kia EV6 has been awarded the U.S.-based 2022 Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ rating.

Hyundai PH's Road To 45 Starts With Roxas City Dealership


Hyundai Motor Philippines, Inc. (HMPH)’s road to 45 dealerships by the end of 2023 starts with the very-first dealership inaugurated under its watch: Hyundai Roxas.

December 12, 2022

Refreshed Suzuki Swift, S-Presso Garner One-Star Safety Ratings


The refreshed Suzuki Swift and the revised S-Presso both garnered a one-star safety rating during its Global New Car Assessment or Global NCAP test.

Your Full List Of Toyota Motor PH's Christmas Offers


It’s finally the much-awaited month of the holiday season! With celebrations just around the corner, December is the perfect time to give oneself and the whole family the gift of mobility. This month, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is spreading Christmas cheer by offering exciting deals and promotions for its wide range of vehicles.

December 11, 2022

Get P100K Discount On The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro 1.6T This Christmas Season


In time for Chery Auto Philippines’ third anniversary, they’re giving their best deal yet on their mid-sized Tiggo 8 Pro until the end of the year.

Of Fake Finger Nails And Knees: Lexus Goes Beyond The Interior Design Norm


Lexus is going beyond engineering cars with a fake manual gearbox to make things interesting for its rivers. In the course of designing their cars, it’s been revealed that they’ve been using fake nails and fake knees as well.

20th Anniversary Mazda6 Is First Mazda To Get Artisan Red


After revealing their all-new Artisan Red premium color last month, Mazda has revealed what the new shade will look like in a production vehicle. The first vehicle to receive the new “Takuminuri Color” is this 20th Anniversary Edition 2023 Mazda6.

Isuzu Philippines Appoints New President


Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) announces change in leadership beginning 2023, with the appointment of Tetsuya Fujita as its new president.

Mitsubishi Exports Its 5-Millionth Vehicle From Thailand


Mitsubishi Motors has exported over five million vehicles from its Thailand manufacturing plant in Laem Chabang, Chonburi Province.

December 9, 2022

Isuzu PH Completes Unit Turnover To Shopee Philippines


Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC), together with Isuzu Pasig under Isuzu Automotive Dealership, Inc. (IADI), turned over the second batch of Isuzu NMR85H Aluminum Vans to Shopee Xpress Philippines Inc. (SPX). The first batch was turned over starting last July 2021.

Heavyweight EVs Forced IIHS To Check Their Equipment


The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is preparing their crash test facilities for the possible mass adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).

Nissan Sakura, Mitsubishi eK X EV Are 2022-2023 Japan Car Of The Year


The small, affordable electric vehicles from Nissan and Mitsubishi are the co-winners of the 2022-2023 Japan Car of the Year. The Nissan Sakura and Mitsubishi eK X EV beat out 10 other finalists to win Japan’s most prestigious car award. Both vehicles also received the Kei Car of the Year award.

December 8, 2022

2023 Ford Ranger Scores 5-Star Euro NCAP Safety Rating


The next-generation Ford Ranger joins the Isuzu D-Max/Mazda BT-50 twins in getting a coveted perfect 5-star safety rating in the European New Car Assessment Program or Euro NCAP.

December 7, 2022

Motor Image PH Offers New Features On Subaru XV, Forester; Caps Off 2022 With Year-End Deals


Motor Image Pilipinas, Inc., the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the Philippines, is offering these special deals for the Subaru XV and Forester this December.

Hyundai Congratulated For 2023 Creta's 5-Star ASEAN NCAP Safety Rating


The first Hyundai SUV tested by the ASEAN New Car Assessment Program or ASEAN NCAP managed to achieve something which the Stargazer MPV didn’t: a perfect 5-star safety rating.

2023 Hyundai Stargazer Misses Out On 5-Star ASEAN NCAP Rating


Hyundai’s first-ever compact MPV, the Stargazer managed just a 4-star safety rating at the ASEAN New Car Assessment Program or ASEAN NCAP.