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July 14, 2015

Review: 2015 Honda Brio 1.3 V A/T

Photos by Ulysses Ang

How much are you willing to pay for a sportier body style? That’s the thousand peso question thrown to be would-be car buyers each and every time they cross shop between a sedan and a hatchback. Normally, the hatchback, seen as the sportier of the two body styles, commands a slight premium over the more practical but slightly duller sedan. For Honda though, the answer is quite different: it’s forty thousand pesos less in favor of the five-door. Yes, separating the top-line Brio and Brio Amaze (see review here) is a sizable P 40,000 spread. The question is: are the savings worth it?

UPDATED: Philippine Car Price Guide: July 2015

We’re a bit earlier than usual this month for the July edition of the Philippine Car Price Guide. We wanted to wait for the all-new Hilux, but since it’s launching last week of July, we figured we can’t wait that long. So ladies and gents, here’s this month’s updated list. Here’s what’s new:

Audi (price updates)
BMW (price updates)
Lotus (new entry)
Mitsubishi L300 XV (price update)
Mitsubishi Mirage GLX (price update)
Mitsubishi Montero Sport SE (new)
Toyota Corolla Altis (price update)
Toyota Fortuner (price update)
Toyota Hiace (price update)
Toyota Innova (new variant)
Toyota RAV4 (price update)
Toyota Vios (new variant)
Toyota Wigo (price update)

Shout out to our readers who found additional pricing updates. And in case you’re wondering, all entries that are clickable will send you to their respective test drive articles. Make sure to try it out.

Video: Wheels TV Season 2 Starts on Saturday, July 18

Want to catch me on television as I channel my inner James May? Tune in every Saturday starting July 18 on ABS-CBN Sports+Action (formerly Studio 23) for Philippine STAR’s Wheels TV. Joining me are Matteo Guidicelli, Manny delos Reyes, Kap Maceda-Aguila, and Angel Rivero. It’s the country’s only print-to-broadcast motoring show. And in case you missed any of Season 1’s segments, you can also catch them on Facebook (click here).

Feel free to leave comments about the show (except my weight gain haha) below.

UPDATED: 2016 Montero Sport Teased by Mitsubishi Motors Thailand (w/ Video)

UPDATE 2: Here it is in all its glory (8/1).

UPDATE 1: Included a link to the teaser video below (7/16).

Mitsubishi has released a single teaser photo of the all-new Montero Sport which is slated for a Global reveal this August 1 at the Bangkok International Grand Motor Sale 2015 (BIG Motor Sale 2015).

Great Offers on Hand at Subaru Tanabata Festival July 13-19, 2015

Motor Image Pilipinas Inc., the exclusive distributor of Subaru in the Philippines would like to extend its appreciation to its customers for their continuous support to the brand. A Tanabata Festival will be held at all Subaru Showrooms nationwide on July 13-19, 2015.

The number one automotive brand in the country remains strong as seen in its sales last June. Compared to the same period of last year, Toyota’s sales increased by 17 percent with 9,923 units sold last month. The automotive brand capped off the first half of the year with 57,717 units registering a year-to-date growth of 19 percent versus last year. Its Passenger Car (PC) and Commercial Vehicle (CV) sales tally at 23, 804 and 33,913 units respectively.

The iconic purveyor of light-weight, high-performance British sports cars is finally in Manila. Lotus Cars Manila, a new brand under the Autohub Group, gave the public a sneak peek of their line-up at the Slipstream 2.0 event in Bonifacio Global City. It was the perfect venue as the Prince of Speed and Globe Tattoo ambassador Marlon Stockinger was on hand to show off his car handling prowess using his Lotus Formula Renault 3.5 open-wheeled race car.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC), the country’s leader in the commercial vehicle segment showcased their newest heavy-duty trucks under the C and E Series at its assembly plant located in Biñan, Laguna.

Suzuki Philippines, the Philippine arm of the global automobile manufacturer Suzuki Motor Corporation, received three global awards from the recently concluded 2014 Suzuki After Sales Awarding. The event, held in Bangkok, Thailand last June 15, 2015, gathered together Suzuki subsidiaries, distributors, and affiliates from all over the world to recognize and award their continued efforts to uphold Suzuki’s commitment to excellence in product and customer relations.

Ford Philippines continues its dealership network expansion with the opening of Ford Santa Rosa. The new Ford dealership in Sta. Rosa Laguna is the 37th full sales and service dealership of Ford in the country.

Green Pill or Red Pill? Havoline and Techron Concentrate Plus Tune-Up Pack

Caltex Philippines provides your car with the ultimate protection it needs with the dynamic Havoline Tune Up Packs. Motorists can choose between Havoline ProDS Fully Synthetic ECO 5 SAE 5W-30 4-liter pack or Havoline Synthetic Blend SAE 5W-30 4-liter pack bundled up with Techron Concentrate Plus. This special deal allows motorists to save up to P 450 each. The Tune Up Packs are available in selected Caltex gasoline stations nationwide.

Ford Philippines today announced it’s best-ever performance for the month of June with retail sales rising 10 percent year-over-year to 1,870 units.

Honda Cars Makati, Inc. offers a more rewarding ownership experience among Honda car owners with the availability of Modulo and Mugen accessories at its showrooms in Makati, Pasig, Alabang, Shaw, Global City, and soon in Manila Bay.

Review: 2015 Ford Escape 1.6 SE EcoBoost

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Undeniably, the Ford Escape is an impressive piece of kit. Regardless of what measurement you use, it’s got all the bells and whistles to satisfy even the most tech-savvy individual. Though the overall execution is somewhat mixed (read our Ford Escape 2.0 EcoBoost Titanium AWD review), there’s no denying that it’s pushing the value quotient way up to the stratosphere. But that story’s largely applicable to the top-line Titanium model. How does the Escape story apply to the “base” 1.6 SE variant? Read on.

First Batch of Mazda Philippines-MFI Scholars Begin OJT

Berjaya Auto Philippines, the exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles in the country together with MFI Foundation Incorporated (formerly Meralco Foundation Inc.) will now begin the second phase of its ongoing partnership in MFI’s Industrial Technician Program (ITP).

A company is only as strong as its partners, and Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), the exclusive distributor of Kia vehicles in the Philippines, is no exception. Staff development is one of CAC’s most important programs that they provide to their partner dealerships’ sales and service departments. A prime example of one dealership that has taken full advantage of this is Kia Pampanga.

Pilipinas Taj Autogroup, the exclusive distributor of Tata Motors passenger cars and commercial vehicles in the Philippines, in partnership with ATOY Customs, presents the ideal vehicle for local government units and disaster response teams in the country, the Tata Ace Rescue Boy.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

The local pickup truck segment is tightening and the one that’s starting to feel the pinch is long-time leader, Isuzu. For years, the D-Max has enjoyed brisk sales, but the increased competition from within the segment has caused its sales to plateau in recent months. Knowing quite well its importance to its line-up, the D-Max had to learn to sing a different tune from the “dependable workhorse” formula it has known from Day One. Earlier this year, Isuzu has done just that. They introduced the 2015 version of the D-Max, a timely upgrade that the company hopes will lure weekend warriors and lifestyle-oriented buyers to join the long list of satisfied Isuzu customers.

Have MINI, Will Travel: Get a Free Trip to the MINI Oxford UK Plant

Fancy a trip to visit MINI’s Oxford assembly plant in the United Kingdom? Well, dream no more as British United Automobiles, Inc., the exclusive distributor of MINI automobiles in the country is offering you the chance to travel to the MINI Oxford plant with the MINI Plant Oxford Experience: MINI. DRIVE. FLY. And the best part? All you need to do is to buy any participating MINI model until August 31, 2015.

Mazda Philippines just brought out the all-new Mazda6 Sports Wagon. And there’s no denying it’s a thing of beauty. It’s certainly a different choice than your typical luxury crossover or executive sedan. Mazda Philippines President Steven Tan says, “It’s like you combined the best elements of the Mazda6 sedan and the CX-5.” You can’t say it any better.

After showing it off as part of the Mazda Collection at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) last April, Mazda Philippines is finally revealing all the details of the 2015-2016 (their terminology, not ours) CX-5 and Mazda6. Of course, regular readers will notice that these are already in the June 2015 Philippine Car Price Guide and we have reviewed the 2015-2016 Mazda6 sedan. So let’s focus on the most interesting aspect: the new CX-5 Maxx.

Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) announced its much sought after promo is back! For as low as Php 27,000, Honda’s Washover service can restore your car’s original paint to its brand new spectacle. Customers save half the price from its original suggested retail price of Php 54,000. Plus with Honda’s highly-trained technicians, modern drying facilities, and premium-quality paint, you can be assured of a brand new look for your car.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

It’s been a long while since you last saw the Mazda6. At two years, perhaps that’s too long a time. So given the chance to get reacquainted with her once more, you don’t say no. You free up your schedule and make sure you spend time with her. After all, how can you resist? Yes, her siblings are all fascinating, but there’s something alluring with the Mazda6. She’s hands down, the sultriest and sexiest one in the family, especially if she comes wearing that tight-fitting Soul Red Dress. She’s the four-wheeled love affair that makes wives jealous and friends envious.

Hyundai Enters Sub-Compact Crossover Market with Creta

Hyundai just pulled the wraps off its much-awaited sub-compact crossover, the Creta, in India. Designed as the Korean brand’s answer to the likes of the Ford EcoSport and even the Honda HR-V, the Creta looks to be part Tucson, part i20 Cross Sport, and part Kia Soul.

Pilipinas Taj Autogroup, the exclusive distributor of Tata Motors passenger cars and commercial vehicles in the Philippines, renewed their partnership with its brand ambassador Kuya Kim Atienza this day of June 26, 2015 in line with the automaker’s commitment to provide the Filipino motoring public, vehicles that are cost efficient, reliable and durable for their everyday needs.

The Lowdown on Toyota's New Hilux, Fortuner Engines (w/ Videos)

Toyota is thoroughly modernizing its direct-injection turbo diesel engines and hopes that its new GD-series engine will raise the bar for fuel efficiency, power, and quietness. The new 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV 4-cylinder engine and 2.4-liter 2GD-FTV engines power the all-new Hilux launched in Thailand last May and the Land Cruiser Prado launched in Japan last June.

This is Your 2016 Mazda MX-5 Brochure

A few weeks back, Mazda Philippines dropped the bomb by revealing the price of the all-new 2016 Mazda MX-5 on a quiet Sunday morning. You can check it out here.

Now, we got our hands on the brochure (see it after the break). So we’ll just leave it here for you to drool over. And remember, you can reserve one now with customer deliveries starting in August.

After showing off a not-so pretty version of the Cruze at Auto China in Beijing last year, Chevrolet showed off a proper all-new 2016 model of its compact Cruze that is marked for sale to more than 40 global markets (hopefully including the Philippines). It will be for sale first in North America in early 2016 before sales will follow in other markets.

By fueling up in participating Caltex stations from June 15 to July 15, motorists can help provide vital teaching equipment to the highest-need public senior high schools in Metro Manila.

FedEx Express and Safe Kids Philippines celebrate road safety as it awards the “Young Road Safety Champion” during the National Safe Kids Week Celebration at the SM Mall of Asia.

Ferrari Wins Performance Engine of the Year

For the fifth year running, a Ferrari engine has triumphed in two categories at the prestigious International Engine of the Year Awards – Performance Engine of the Year and the Above 4-liter Class. The winner on this occasion is the naturally-aspirated 4.5-liter V8 engine that equips the 458 Italia and 458 Spider in its most powerful guise for the 458 Speciale and Speciale A.

Fresh from the launch of the Polo WRC Drive Like a Champion campaign at Volkswagen dealerships in Bonifacio Global City, Quezon Avenue, Alabang and Cebu last June 12 (Independence Day) and on Father’s Day (June 21), Volkswagen Philippines continues this one-of-a-kind dealership experience with the Polo Fest for the entire month of June at all dealerships.

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