The opening montage says it all: Kia wants to turn a new chapter with the all-new Picanto. The video, filled with energetic 20-somethings showed them calling friends on their smartphones, getting a latte at a hipster café, and even high-fiving each other as they whip out their foldable bike before hitting a trail nearby. In-between shots of bright cityscape, pearly-white smiles, and occasional lens flare, the Picanto is there zooming and zipping around, doing what these youngsters want to live a happy, fulfilled life.

Strengthening its presence in growth areas outside of the National Capital Region, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) recently conducted major activities in Isabela.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, closed March 2017 with record sales of 3,371 units, the highest monthly output in the company’s 15-year history. This pushed first quarter sales to 8,841, up by 18 percent as compared to the 7,469 units sold in the same period of 2016.

A family woman working as a geologist for a petroleum company has been picked as the lucky winner of a brand-new Isuzu mu-X premium SUV.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. is offering the coolest cash back prizes with Honda’s Summer Splashdown raffle. 100 lucky winners will get a chance to win cash rebates of up to P 100,000.

The 2017 season of the FlatOut Race Series (FORS) is now in full swing as 105 entries took to the Batangas Racing Circuit (BRC) last 1st of April for Round 2.

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) closed the first three months of 2017 on a high note as sales picked up by 10 percent with 23,312 units sold versus the previous year’s 21,160. The continued uptick in industry sales is largely credited on the continued strong consumer appetite for vehicles.

Nissan is continuing to create outrageous one-off of its production vehicles. Following the NV Cargo X, an extreme off-road version of the NV Cargo van, Nissan has come up with the Rogue (Philippine-model X-Trail) Warrior Trail Project.

As part of its corporate social responsibility, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation has teamed up with leading truck body builder Centro Manufacturing Corporation to donate a Mitsubishi L300 XV microbus to the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE) Go Negosyo.

Ah, millennials. You’re an indecisive, crazy bunch and it shows in the vehicles that carmakers have so far come up just for you. Toyota is the latest one to get into this craze with the FT-4X Concept at the New York International Auto Show. And before you dream about this being the next-generation FJ Cruiser, it’s not. Instead, it’s specifically targeted for the urbanite who may somehow end up in a casual, albeit unplanned adventure. There’s no need to climb or summit a mountain, Toyota says. A drive to a scenic point will do.

Look out Ford Explorer and Mazda CX-9, there’s a new entry that’s knocking at your door and it comes from Subaru. After being teased as the Viziv-7 Concept a while back, Subaru has shown off the Ascent SUV Concept at the New York International Auto Show. It’s the clearest direction yet at what to expect with Subaru’s large 7-seater SUV.

After countless teases and a starring role in the newest The Fast and the Furious movie, the face melting Dodge Challenger SRT Demon has finally arrived. And as its name suggests, it could spell the end of exclusivity for super high-performance. Doing Vin Diesel proud, the Challenger SRT Demon is the ultimate in straight-line performance with various tweaks, modifications, and enhancements all done for that single purpose.

Mercedes-Benz Philippines gave the three-pointed star sparkle at the recent Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) with 7 different models that prove that Mercedes-Benz can, indeed, suit different lifestyles.

Volkswagen Philippines and Grand Canyon Multi-Holdings, Inc. launched recently the Iloilo dealership at the upper ground level of SM Iloilo along Benigno Aquino Sr. Avenue.

The unveil of yet another refresh for its mid-sized Explorer confirms it: 2017 (or maybe even 2018) will be a year of SUV bonanza for Ford. After showing off its all-new aluminum-bodied 2018 Expedition and the refreshed EcoSport in both the US and in Asia-Pacific, the Explorer now gets some tweaks in a bid to boost its appeal to the 35-44 year olds—the mid-sized and large SUV’s biggest demographic.

United Asia Automotive Group, Inc. (UAAGI), the official distributor of Foton vehicles in the country is committed to every motorist’s safety and convenience. Just in time for this long weekend, Foton is offering a pre- and post-Holy Week motorists assistance program.

Caltex, marketed by Chevron Philippines, Inc., will have another run of their Liter Lottery promo wherein motorists get to a chance to win fuel discounts and other exciting prizes on their full tank.

The refreshed EcoSport is inching its way to an ASEAN and quite possibly, a Philippine reveal very soon as Ford showcased their facelifted sub-compact SUV at its Go Further event in Shanghai, China. The EcoSport’s unveil in China marks the first time it’s been shown in Asia-Pacific. It will also be part of the Ford stand in the upcoming Auto Shanghai motor show.

As emphasized by the tremors that shook Batangas just a few days ago and felt in Metro Manila, earthquakes can strike anytime. And since there have been warning that the Philippines, particularly those in the capital, should brace for the “big one” what should you do when an earthquake strikes? Sure, earthquake drills—drop, cover, and hold on—have been repeated time and time again, but what if you find yourself on the road?

More than ever, the increasingly complex electronics in modern vehicles be it cars, SUVs, or light commercial vehicles, has put more pressure on the charging system. The humble lead-acid battery also known as the SLI (Starting, Lighting, Ignition) battery is now increasingly in the forefront and keeping it in good shape is tantamount to a worry-free, hassle-free motoring experience.

Inspired by the story behind a model that is produced in Asia, for Asia, the latest addition to Nissan’s Steel to Wheels video series features the Navara and emphasizes on the intricacies and passion that goes into making each vehicle.

People agree that the new Mazda MX-5 RF is a sexy looking machine. But now, designers and critics can both agree as this sleek retractable hardtop has just been conveyed with The 2017 Red Dot Award: Best of the Best Award in Production Design. This isn’t the first time the fourth-generation ND model has been bestowed with the honor as the soft top version scooped it up in 2015. This makes the MX-5 an award winner in product design in both hard- and soft top flavors.

Ford Philippines today it delivered an all-time record monthly performance in March with retail sales jumping 37 percent year-over-year to 3,754 units, led by Ford’s Big Three nameplates: Ranger, Everest, and EcoSport. Demand is also strong across its lineup of vehicles.

Fuel Autotek Philippines formally announced its entry into the Philippine tire market at the recently concluded Manila International Auto Show 2017. After announcing its entry into the market, the company has commenced its business in the country with the distribution and importation of its two main brands: MOMO Tires from Italy and Deestone Tires from Thailand.

After Toyota UK did a memorable series of videos starring the Hilux and Tamiya RC cars, Toyota Australia is doing something along the same vein. This time though, they’ve brought together the Hilux and the iconic children’s toy, Tonka. The rest is the Hilux Tonka Concept, an impressive rock-crawling truck that combines the brands’ reputation for toughness and durability.

Subaru has already shown the refreshed 2018 Legacy, now its raised wagon sibling, the Outback sees the light. Making its debut at the New York International Auto Show next week, the 2018 Subaru Outback features revised styling, more premium interior, advanced multimedia capabilities, and a ride made smoother and quieter.

As the country prepares to ring in the season of road trips this summer, Kia helps make sure your car can take the heat throughout your journey.

Holy Week is just around the corner and while many use this time to stay at home and reflect, a good number of Filipinos take the opportunity for a much-needed road trip to spend time with their loved ones away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Who isn’t a fan of the Mazda MX-5 RF? We know we are. So it was a rare treat for us to be able to meet, greet, and sit down with Mr. Masahashi Nakayama, the former Chief Designer of the MX-5 ND and currently MX-5 Program Head, right here in Manila. We admit – we were tongue-tied and starstruck, simply from being able to shake the hand of the man who designed such an extraordinary vehicle. However, it was more interesting to listen to the insights behind the design and how Mazda stayed true to the philosophy of jinba-ittai in its quest for the perfect sports car.

Twenty years ago, the first MX-5 roadster hit the streets and grew an incredible fan base. The Miata was the epitome of jinba-ittai – without even starting the engine, the connection it evoked between the driver and the car can be felt immediately. The cocoon-like interior and elegantly curved bucket seat is snug and comfortable, with the wheel and controls positioned within ergonomic angles. What is often ignored, though, is the fact that these unique details extend to the passenger, as well. As a companion, you are treated to almost the same experience, sans the driving.

The MX-5 RF is the version of the bestselling roadster that features a retractable hardtop and fastback styling. Hence, “RF.” But what exactly inspired Mazda to design a hardtop when soft tops are most iconic for convertible sports cars, even until today? According to Nakayama-san, it was a requirement that came with the times.


Over the years, the following for the MX-5 grew. But as with any product, the consumer base plateaued, especially with the evolution of automotive standards. Security is one of them. The answer to this challenge is the RF – a more protective targa hardtop, but with a 2-way retractable mechanism that cleanly tucks away to maintain overall weight balance and keep the well-loved top-down Miata design uncompromised. Interestingly enough, the design of the MX-5 RF was also improved. Its center of gravity was adjusted to be right where the driver is seated, resulting in equal distance between the driver to the front and back wheels. This keeps the driver secure and in control at all times.

We’re not surprised. As Mazda Philippines CEO, Steven Tan quipped, “The goal is to create a more perfect car with every generation.” More perfect, but consistent in its foundation of making the car feel like a natural extension of the driver’s body.

Following this train of thought, the MX-5 RF is already the fourth generation of the Miata line and has addressed challenges without sacrificing design. We couldn’t help but wonder – what’s next for the iconic Japanese roadster, given the demands in global automotive safety standards and the rising popularity of SUVs? The answer from Nakayama-san was simple and engaging.


The MX-5 was built on three principles that has been consistent through the years – first, its short-wheel base, which makes the sports car light and easy to maneuver on city streets, yet stable enough for that coveted burst of speed. Second, the MX-5 features a lightweight structure, regardless of whether it has a soft top or a hardtop installed as roofing. And third, it maintains enough trunk space for the carry-on of two people (because, of course, a roadster is meant for a sweet ride out of town). These three principles allowed Mazda to deliver the expectations of Miata fans through the ages, without compromising function and practicality.

And so Nakayama-san threw the question back. What do we think should be next? How else can the Roadster be improved? Remember – what made the Miata one of the most iconic, coveted, fun-driving sports car for decades, is its foundation of delivering a perfect unity between man and machine, and in evoking a sense of awe with every drive. In this regard, it makes sense that it is only with the insight of a new generation of customers that Mazda can create an even more perfect Roadster. And it is also this openness to engage that reassures us MX-5 fans that the well-loved convertible is here to stay and it can only get better.

Words and Photos by Gen Tiu.

Although there are a lucky few who can afford to replace a car every 3 to 5 years, most buyers will likely run their car pretty much to the ground. As the second biggest purchase in one’s lifetime, it’s important to keep it running in tip-top shape especially as they rack up the kilometers. Today, Pilipinas Shell is introducing a new engine oil specially formulated for older, high-mileage vehicles. Meet the new Shell Helix High Mileage.