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June 25, 2015

First Drive: 2015 Nissan NV350 Urvan

Photos by Ulysses Ang
This isn’t a full on test drive, but rather a very quick spin in the 2015 Nissan NV350 Urvan. How quick? Think around the block with some hilly roads and some good open stretches. Cutting to the chance, how does it perform? Well, it performs very well. Extremely well. If you’re in the market for a commuter van, that is.

June 23, 2015

Kia Re-Enters Compact Car Segment with the Forte Family (w/ Specs)


They say good things happen in threes. That’s exactly what happened when Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), the exclusive distributor of Kia vehicles in the country unveiled the 2015 Forte family. It’s been a while since Kia had an entrant in the compact car category, but now they’ve returned not with one, not with two, but three body styles of the Forte that’ll cater to consumers with different personalities and tastes.

Review: 2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R-S

Photos by Ulysses Ang
Subaru has always been different, catering to a kind of customer who desires something a bit more special than your mainstream sedan or crossover. Time and time again, the company has shown that that strategy has worked. For instance, the XV continues to be a brisk seller compared to the Impreza on which it’s based on. And although they’ve strived to iron out the kinks and smoothen the awkwardness with each new model generation, the intrinsic Subaru difference is still there.

June 22, 2015

Dyson DC62 is a Revolutionary Way to Vacuum Your Car (or House)


Father’s Day may be over, but that doesn’t stop you from getting something for yourself that’s guaranteed to make car cleaning just a bit easier. Introducing the Dyson V6 motor—a motor that spins faster than a Formula One engine.

Porsche is Best in Initial Quality According to JD Power


It’s a hat-trick: Porsche drivers in the USA are highly satisfied with new cars from Zuffenhausen and Leipzig. For the third time in succession, the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer took top place in the overall ratings – as it did in 2013 and 2014 – in this year's “Initial Quality Study” by the renowned US market research institute J.D. Power.

Kia Philippines Celebrates the Environment with Coastal Care Project


CAC gathered its workforce on June 6, 2015 for the company’s annual CSR initiative, dubbed as CAC Coastal Care. The event mobilized executives and employees from all departments to clear the Lobo seashore of debris and to make good on their annual CSR theme of “A cleaner tomorrow begins today.”

June 21, 2015

Honda Cars Philippines Updates City for 2016 Model Year


A year since the 4th generation has been introduced locally, HCPI, never ceased in constantly updating its sole locally manufactured vehicle. Last night an updated version of the City was introduced to address customers’ need for a built-in navigation system.

Philippine Car Price Guide: June 2015

Here’s the month Philippine Car Price Guide for June 2015. Not much going on in this update, there but there are some new and updated items, mainly:
  • Ford Everest (new)
  • Honda HR-V (new)
  • Kia Carens (new)
  • Kia Forte (new)
  • Kia Rio (new)
  • Kia Soul (updated)
  • Mazda6 Skyactiv Wagon (new)
  • Mazda CX-5 Maxx (new)
  • Mazda MX-5 (new)
  • Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 (new)
  • Mercedes-Benz GLA 220 CDI (new)
  • Nissan NV350 Urvan (new)
  • Peugeot 301 (new)
  • Suzuki Alto (updated)
  • Suzuki APV (updated)

Outside the Comfort Zone: Toyota Road Trek 11

Photos by Ulysses Ang
The Toyota Road Trek is the annual event where Toyota Motor Philippines brings us members of the motoring media on a ride-and-drive activity that takes us all around the country. Every year, it’s an excuse to take off the serious hat and put on something a tad sillier. This year though, they’ve ramped things up a notch and not in the physical sense. This year, Road Trek welcomes the world of social media.

June 19, 2015

Subaru Quietly Returns Impreza 2.0i-S to Philippine Market


Aside from offering free car wash at selected establishments over Father’s Day weekend, Subaru has another surprise for Subaru fans in the country: the return of the Impreza 2.0i-S to the line-up.

Subaru Impreza Gets Hybrid Model in Japan


Well, that took longer than expected. After touting its Subaru XV Hybrid way back in 2013, it would only be a matter of time before the Impreza Sport (hatchback) gets the same battery love. Well, that wait is over, at least for Japan where Subaru just took the wraps off the Impreza Sports Hybrid.

June 18, 2015

Isuzu mu-X Boosts Isuzu PHL Sales by 52 Percent in Early Half of 2015


Japanese car maker Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) has made a huge jump from its total year-to-date sales compared to its previous data last year after growing more than half of its total number in 2014. The strong sales performance is being driven by their latest vehicle offering, the Isuzu mu-X.

Suzuki treats Manileños to Free Car Check-Up


Just a few days before the City of Manila celebrates its 444th foundation day, Suzuki Philippines, Inc. is already set to treat Suzuki car owners in the area to a free comprehensive 15-point automobile check-up. On June 19 and 20 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, customers can go to Suzuki Auto Manila Bay to have their units inspected by trained and qualified Suzuki technicians for free.

June 17, 2015

Maserati Previews Quattroporte and Ghibli in Bacolod and Iloilo


Elegance, luxury and style arrives on the shores of Western Visayas as Maserati, the Italian luxury automotive brand, introduces two of its most defining models to the cities of Bacolod and Iloilo on June 13-21, 2015.

Ford's 1.0-liter EcoBoost Wins 8th Engine 'Oscar' in 4 Years


Ford’s tiny 1.0-liter EcoBoost 3-cylinder engine has scooped its eighth award in four years at the 2015 International Engine of the Year awards.

Subaru Fathers (and Mothers) Get Free Car Wash This Weekend


Motor Image Pilipinas (MIP), the authorized distributor of Subaru in the Philippines, has a special gift for Subaru owners this Father’s day weekend.

Honda Cars Makati Extends Dealership Operating Hours


Honda Cars Makati welcomes valued customers who wish to visit the dealership to attend to their sales and vehicle service requirements as it extends its operating hours from 7:00 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Kia Philippines Updates Picanto for 2015


Columbian Autocar Corporation, Kia’s distributor in the Philippines, is bringing its A-game to the A-segment by updating the Picanto hatchback with an upgraded exterior/interior, revamped audio system, and improved performance.

All-New X6 to Lead BMW Philippines's Father's Day Celebrations


BMW will once again host a weekend of incomparable joy as it honors all dads with an exciting three-day showcase of the best in premium mobility in celebration of father’s day. Through its official importer and distributor in the Philippines, Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the leading premium automotive brand will feature its latest product offerings and special deals at the BMW Ultimate Dad’s Weekend from June 19 to 21, 2015.

June 16, 2015

First Drive: Honda HR-V 1.8 E and 1.8 EL

Photos by Ulysses Ang
Remember the Honda HR-V? People of a certain age, including myself, remember it as Honda’s attempt to diversify from its core City, Civic, CR-V, and Accord models. Suffice to say, it didn’t fair too well and has been largely swept under the corporate rug as a “never again” model joining the likes of the Legend. However, in recent years, Honda’s corporate slogan has changed to “never say never” as they sought to diversify their lineup and gain market share. From just four models in the late 1990s, they now have 11; now make that 12 as the HR-V re-joins the lineup. And I’ve just driven it.

June 15, 2015

Ford Philippines Sales Rise 19-Percent Year-to-Date


Ford Philippines today announced May retail sales of 1,652 units, helping drive its year-to-date performance up 19 percent to 8,557 units.

Nissan Formally Launches NV350 Urvan (w/ Brochure)


Nissan is continuing to modernize its commercial vehicle offering by unveiling the 2015 NV350 Navara. The fifth-generation van comes from a storied line of Nissan family and cargo haulers dating back to 1973. The all-new model aims to meet the demands of entrepreneurs, shuttle operators, and family users.

June 14, 2015

Ford GT Set Race in the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans (w/ Video)


Even before customers get their hands on the road-going version which is slated to arrive next year, Ford Motor Company just announced that its all-new Ford GT is going back to racing. And they won’t be competing in the grassroots either: they’re going back to the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Start School Right with Savings from TOTAL and National Bookstore


Save more on best buys with TOTAL this June! Every P 1,000 single-receipt purchase of fuel products from any TOTAL Service Station entitles customers to a P 50 cash voucher from National Bookstore. TOTAL’s Back-to-School Big Savings Promo treats customers to innovative fuel products and excellent service at Service Stations, and rewards them with cash vouchers that can be spent on a wide selection of school supplies, books, stationery, and so much more from the Philippines’ number one bookstore.

Volkswagen PH Launches Partnership with Robinsons Mall on CSI Campaign


Since its launch at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) last April 9, Volkswagen Philippines’ Child Safety Initiative corporate social responsibility project, has been giving children as young as four years of age sample driving experiences using a simulated road system.  The objective is to educate their young minds on the proper traffic rules, as well as to heighten their awareness on possible dangers on the road.  There had been five such activities so far, generating many positive responses from the kiddie participants, their parents and observers.

Breaking News: Mazda Reveals MX-5 Pricing for Philippines


We interrupt your regular Sunday internet browsing habit to bring you some breaking news: Berjaya Auto Philippines, the official distributor of Mazda vehicles in the country has finally revealed the pricing and variants of the 2016 Mazda MX-5 (ND).

June 13, 2015

Ford Reveals "Ultimate" Ranger in 2015 Wildtrak (w/ Video)


After showing off its bolder, smarter Ranger at the 36th Bangkok International Motor Show and giving you 7 Things You Can't Miss, Ford finally pulled the curtains off the ultimate version of its venerable and best-selling pickup truck: the 2015 Wildtrak.

Porsche Chooses Michelin for GT3 RS


Porsche AG will equip all of its cars with the newest Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 ultra-high-performance tires as the company announced at the launch of its latest model, the new 911 GT3 RS. The just released model from Porsche’s 911 series now sport tires measuring 265/35 ZR20 front and 325/30 ZR21 rear.

Petron Reveals New Marketing Campaign


Industry leader Petron Corporation is taking customer delight to a new level with the promise of giving motorists the “best day of your life” through world-class products, quality service, as well as exciting rewards and privileges. These brand values are at the core of the company’s ‘Best Day at Petron’ marketing campaign for the rest of the year.

June 11, 2015

Alyssa Valdez Joins Team Chevrolet


The Covenant Car Company Inc. (TCCCI) exclusive importer and distributor of Chevrolet automobiles and parts in the Philippines teams up with the country’s top volleyball star and reigning UAAP Women’s Volleyball MVP - Alyssa Valdez as she is officially appointed as the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic’s sports and lifestyle ambassador. Alyssa is a multi-awarded athlete and team captain of the 2014 UAAP champions Ateneo Blue eagles and of the 2015 Asian U23 Women's Volleyball Championship. She was also selected by the Philippine Olympic Executive Council to be the flag bearer for the Southeast Asian Games this June 2015. “We are delighted to welcome Miss Alyssa Valdez to the Chevrolet family. We truly appreciate her contributions to the sport of Volleyball and the inspiration she brings to many young Filipino aspirants.” said Atty. Albert B. Arcilla, President and Managing Director of Chevrolet Philippines. “Alyssa embodies the characteristics that best represent the Chevrolet Sonic – smart, vibrant, capable and strong in mind, body and heart.” Concludes Atty. Arcilla.

Toyota Hits New Sales Record in May 2015


Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) set another sales record last May 2015 with a total of 10, 511 units sold. In just 5 months through the year, the largest local car manufacturer has accomplished its second record sales with the previous achievement being in March with 10, 237 units sold.

June 9, 2015

2015 Honda HR-V vs the Competition


Editor's Note: here is the full launch story of the Honda HR-V.

The small crossover segment battle is heating up with the entry of the Honda HR-V. But just how does it stack up against its similarly sized (and priced) rivals, the Mitsubishi ASX and Subaru XV? Well, this is your chance to play trump cards. In this round, we decided to pit the top-of-the-line models against each other to give you a better idea of their specs vis-à-vis their rivals.