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January 30, 2015

Kia Offering Hefty Discounts on Selected Sorento Models

Kia is now offering huge savings on their Sorento mid-sized crossover from now until February 12, 2015. With Kia’s Fast Break Deals, the Sorento LX A/T 4x2 and 5-seater CRDi and LX A/T 4x4 5-seater CRDi are available with a P 80,000-discount. On top of that, Kia will even throw in an additional P 20,000 if you trade in your old car (on top of the appraised value).

Tripda Seeks to Modernize Carpooling

Tripda is modernizing the carpooling experience by allowing drivers and passengers to connect with each other via the web or via its own dedicated app (iOS, Google Play). Originally from Brazil, Tripda is now available in 13 countries including the Philippines. Established in October of last year, Tripda Philippines is the latest venture of PLDT-backed Rocket Internet whose portfolio includes carmudi, lamudi, foodpanda, pricepanda, and Clickbus.

BPI Family Auto Loan pioneers another extraordinary offer in the car and car financing industry with the first-ever Bagong Kotse, 1-Month Libre promo! With this new campaign clients will enjoy big savings with the free 1 month loan amortization they get when they avail of a BPI Family Auto Loan.

BMW motorcycle enthusiasts earned top honors in the first ever Cannonball 1000 endurance run in the Philippines. Cementing his reputation as one of the country’s finest professional riders, 68-year old businessman Max Kienle led the individual category on a BMW R1200 GS Adventure LC. The BMW Motorrad-supported Club PK also displayed a stellar performance and finished ahead of their counterparts in the Group of 10 category.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Perhaps it’s age, but there’s nothing more satisfying than driving an executive sedan after a hard day’s work. Though most will still dream about owning a Nissan GT-R or 370Z, they’re not exactly the best kind of car you’ll want to drive home in traffic after spending the day in meetings in a monkey suit. After all that work stress, you’ll want something that cushions and cuddles you as you drive through Manila’s horrendous traffic, commuting two hours in stop-and-go traffic just to get home. This is the sort of role the Nissan Altima fulfills and fulfills beautifully.

4 Volvo Models Earn 2015 IIHS Top Safety Pick+

Volvo Cars has once again performed very well in the annual IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Awards. In this year's honors list, four Volvo cars made the Top Safety Pick+ grade: the S60, V60, S80 and XC60. Volvo Cars was the only European brand with more than two models on the list.

A four-core processor processing eight billion operations per second. A virtual tachometer with a needle that is rendered anew 60 times per second to ensure absolutely fluid motion. 3D sound to match a concert hall and appearing to come from every direction, an Audi tablet as a multimedia control panel and simple wireless communication between your mobile devices and your car all demonstrate how diverse the future of the automobile is at Audi. All this and convenience, too: piloted parking and innovative Audi wireless charging (AWC) technology pave the way for electric mobility. A laser headlight shining ahead hundreds of feet and a car lapping the famous Hockenheim speedway at 240 km/h (149.1 mph) without a driver – Audi is a leading and driving force in all technology areas relating to electronics and electrics. At CES in Las Vegas, the world’s most important electronics exhibition, Audi makes a splash with a host of new technologies.

The New Year calls for new tires, and here’s good news! If you buy new Michelin tires, you can earn additional cash vouchers too.

Michelin is offering, for a purchase of a pair of Michelin tires for passenger car or light truck (PCLT) of the same pattern and tire size (14-inches and above), Sodexo cash vouchers worth P 500. The more tires you buy, the bigger cash vounchers you get.

The vouchers are valid anytime with no expiry date. Take note though that the promotion cannot be used in conjunction with other sales activities offered by respective dealers.

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.

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