May 31, 2018

Ford Joins Century Tuna Ironman as Automotive Partner


Ford Philippines is joining this year’s Century Tuna Ironman Philippines as automotive partner, providing mobility and transportation support to one of the world’s biggest triathlon events participated by over 1,500 athletes around the world.

8 Tips on How to Properly Pack Luggage in an SUV


In many markets around the world, including the Philippines, more consumers are getting out of passenger cars such as sedans and into SUVs, in part to take advantage of the segment’s versatile interior design. With three-row tumbling fold-flat seats, these SUVs enable a variety of configurations for passengers and cargo.

May 30, 2018

Why Did Mazda Decide to Put Skyactiv-X in the Mazda3?


Carmakers are normally predictable when it comes to their product lifecycle. When a new offering is launched into the market, expect a cycle stretching anywhere between 4 to 6 years. That’s also pretty much the case with Mazda. Although the Hiroshima-based carmaker has embarked on what they call “Bundled Product Planning”, where they introduce tweaks or changes every year, they still haven’t escaped the basic 4- to 6-year cycle.

New 2018 Macan Sport Celebrates Porsche's 70th Anniversary


In anticipation of Porsche’s 70th anniversary celebration, Porsche Philippines is highlighting its new Macan Sport, a compact SUV that embodies the full heritage of Porsche. Characterized by five doors, five seats, all-wheel drive, and a higher sitting position, the Macan Sport is keeping with the Porsche Philosophy where sporty style and performance are injected into everyday driving.

Mazda Produces 50 Millionth Vehicle in Japan


Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that cumulative production in Japan reached 50 million units on May 15. The company held a commemorative ceremony today at its Hofu Plant in Yamaguchi prefecture. Representative Director, President and CEO Masamichi Kogai, executive officers and union representatives were in attendance. The 50 million-unit milestone was achieved 86 years and seven months after Mazda produced its first three-wheeled truck in October 1931.

Hino Goes Euro 4 for Heavy-Duty Trucks


Hino Motors Philippines (HMP) launches its new Euro 4 emissions compliant heavy-duty trucks that aims to meet the growing demand of the country’s trucking industry. These trucks provide businesses across the country with more options to address their logistical requirements and expand or upgrade their fleet.

Summer Heats Up as FlatOut Race Series Resumes Track Battle at BRC


The Petron FlatOut Race Series (Petron FORS) welcomed the extreme summer heat by going racing at Round 3 of the 2018 season. Like the sizzling temperature, the on-track battles reached a boiling point as rivals faced off last May 19 at the Batangas Racing Circuit (BRC).

May 29, 2018

First Drive: Nissan Terra 4x4 VL


“Admittedly, we’re a bit late to the game,” said Vincent Wijnen, Nissan’s Head for Marketing and Sales for Asia & Oceania. “But we made sure to get it right. We wanted to make sure that the all-new Nissan Terra is a vehicle that fits the requirements of our Asian customers; the market for which the Terra is specifically made for.”

May 28, 2018

Everything You Need to Know About the Game-Changing 2018 Nissan Terra (w/ 22 Photos, Specs)


Read our first impressions here (5/29).

After a record growth of 48 percent last 2017, Nissan officially introduced its much-anticipated entry into the mid-sized SUV segment: the all-new 2018 Terra. Dubbed as Nissan’s game changer, the Terra features a tough, modern design that is built on the brand’s off-road heritage. According to Nissan Philippines President, Ramesh Narasimhan, “The Terra is built to bring the exceptional to your everyday. It is made to make each day an adventure.”

Mazda's Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture: It's All Come to This (w/ Video)


Everything Mazda’s been working on from its monotsukuri innovation, bundled planning, and common architecture is coming together with this: their all-new platform which they call Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture. Underpinning future Mazda vehicles starting with the all-new 2019 Mazda3, it’s meant to deliver the ultimate feeling of oneness with the car by optimizing innate human abilities.

First Drive: 2019 Mazda3 Skyactiv-X (w/ Video)


Tucked behind the current-generation body and the matte black paint job lurks the all-new 2019 Mazda3. Slated for market release sometime between April 2019 and March 2020, it not only marks the fourth-generation model to carry the zoom-zoom banner in the compact car segment, but it also represents the biggest gamble for Mazda.

Mazda Calls Out to Owners with Defective Takata Airbags


Bermaz Auto Philippines, the exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles in the country, is once again renewing its call to owners of specific Mazda models sold in the Philippines to have their vehicle’s Takata airbag inflators replaced. This follows a continuing global recall issued by the airbag manufacturer, along with other car brands, affecting millions of vehicles worldwide.

Hyundai Philippines Sales Cool in April, Q1 2018


Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines showed bearish sales in the first four months of 2018. By the end of April, the brand posted a conservative 11,076 units sold or a 2.5 dip from previous year sales of 11,362 units. In April 2018 alone, sales slowed down by 7.0 percent, to 2,345 as compared to the 2,521 units sold the same period in 2017.

Suzuki Opens in Batangas City


Suzuki Philippines (SPH) fortifies its market footprint in Southern Luzon with a new dealership, Suzuki Auto Batangas.

May 26, 2018

Ford to Open 5,000-Square Meter Showroom in Marikina


Ford Philippines is expanding its dealership footprint with the construction of a new dealership facility in Marikina which recently broke ground in a ceremonial event.

Nissan Creates an Open-Top Leaf EV


Celebrating the 100,000th sales milestone of the Leaf EV, Nissan unveiled a one-off open-air version of the world’s best-selling electric vehicle.

Harley-Davidson of Manila Unveils 115th Anniversary Model


Harley-Davidson of Manila unveiled the latest addition to its family of cruiser bikes, the 115th Anniversary Model Harley-Davidson, at the recent Makina Moto Show Big Bike Expo 2018.

Is the Mitsubishi Xpander Really the Cheapest MPV to Run?


Just as the first batch of Xpander MPVs have arrived into the country, Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Corporation is busy validating its fuel efficiency by replicating the Department of Energy (DOE) fuel economy run using both manual and automatic transmission variants of the Xpander.

May 25, 2018

Subaru Replaces Forester XT Model with Hybrid as Top Variant in Japan


With its Subaru Global Platform designed to take on a hybrid drivetrain from the get-go, Subaru is wasting no time implementing electric-hybrid assist on their vehicles. The first one to benefit from this new technology is the all-new Forester.

Honda Civic Type R Pick-Up Truck is What Engineers Do When They're Bored


Can you imagine a Honda Civic Type R that can be brought in free of excise tax? Well, if only Honda would mass-produce this one-of-a-kind Civic Type R pick-up truck that would be possible.

Hyundai Philippines Hosts Global Commercial Vehicle Service Leaders


Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the sole distributorship of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, hosted the 2018 Hyundai Global Commercial Vehicle (CV) Service Conference last April 24 and 25 at the Solaire Resort and Casino. The Conference, with the theme “Weaving New Frontiers for Growth in the Commercial Vehicle Business,” is an annual gathering of After Sales leaders from Hyundai Motor Company’s (HMC) global CV distributor network.

Mober Choses Tata to Expand Its Logistics Requirements


Mober Technology PTE, Inc., the country’s pioneering and leading mobile app-based on-demand cargo-sharing delivery service has partnered with Tata Motors Philippines for its logistics requirements with the Tata SFC 407.

May 24, 2018

Newly-Launched Volkswagens Go On Mall Tour This Weekend


Volkswagen Philippines, which just launched its five models: the Santana MPI M/T Trendline, the Lavida 230 TSI DSG Comfortline, the Tiguan 280 TSI DSG Comfortline, the Santana GTS MPI A/T Comfortline, and the Lamando 280TSI DSG Highline last week is now taking its newest vehicles closer to the public via a mall tour this weekend.

Government is Now Eyeing to Suspend Excise Tax on Fuel


The aches from the continuous fuel price increase may soon be over as the Philippine government mulls to suspend the excise tax on fuel. This news comes just a week after Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said that the suspension of TRAIN “will do more harm than good.”

Jaguar and Land Rover to Hold Experiential Test Drive Event


All British Cars, the sole authorized dealer of Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles, parts and accessories in the Philippines, will hold a three-day event to showcase the British brand’s vehicle line-up and capabilities in a unique experiential event from May 25 to 27 at the Mega Tent along C5, Quezon City.

Thai Owners Take Ford to Court Over PowerShift Issues


Ford’s problematic PowerShift transmission can’t seem to catch a break. After the Australian government slapped the American carmaker with a AUD 10 million fine (P 393 million) and the possibility of having to fix, buy back, or replace 10,500 vehicles, the same situation is hitting them in Thailand.

May 23, 2018

Audi Philippines Showcases 2018 RS 5 Coupe (w/ Video)


Audi Philippines recently showcased the second-generation 2018 Audi RS 5 Coupé, the first Audi Sport model to feature the current RS design powered by a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter TFSI V6 engine delivering 450 horsepower and 600 Nm of torque.

Auto-Gard Launches New Odor Eliminator


Nothing turns passengers off than a foul-smelling car interior. Whether it smells of sweat, food, or dog, Auto-Gard’s Car Odor Eliminator can help out. The newest product from Auto-Gard completely removes (and not just mask) unwanted odors.

Volvo Confirms: All-New S60 Will Not Have a Diesel Variant


Volvo is the first automaker to turn its back completely on diesel. Confirmed along with its release date during the first half of 2018, the all-new S60 will be the first model from Volvo to be produced without a diesel engine.

May 22, 2018

Subaru Offers Discounts of Up to P 200,000 Off This Week


Every month is like Christmas at Subaru. Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive distributor of the all-wheel drive brand is holding a special sale to close out the summer months. Valid only until the end of May (that’s one week), you can get the Forester, Subaru XV, Outback, and now even the WRX STI at a discount.

We Investigate the Meaning of Volkswagen's New Cars


Volkswagen Philippines has turned a new chapter and has become the first carmaker to benefit from the country’s free trade agreement with China. With that, the Ayala-held company becomes the first export market for the German automaker’s Shanghai-based joint venture.

Review: 2018 Subaru WRX STI


Subaru Tecnica International or STI turns thirty this year, and while they’ve been responsible for Subaru’s motorsports activities, they’ve also become synonymous with go-faster Subarus. A great example is the WRX STI. The latest model, codenamed “VA”, manages to find itself embroiled in a turf war, not against its perennial rival, the Mitsubishi Evolution (rest its soul), but the Honda Civic Type R, Ford Mustang EcoBoost, and Volkswagen Golf R. Can the veteran still muster enough muscle to take on the youngsters?

Ready, Chevy, Go Promo Makes Owning a Chevrolet Sail, Spark, Trax, or Trailblazer Easier


Ready to own a Chevy? Select your upgrade from Chevrolet’s impressive lineup of vehicles as The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI), exclusive importer and distributor of Chevrolet automobiles and parts in the country, offers exciting deals with its Ready Chevy Go Promo.

Bandang Blade Scores Another Hit


Blade Autocenter, the country’s largest automotive accessories and service lifestyle store held another successful staging of Bandang Blade.

May 21, 2018

First Batch of Mitsubishi Xpander MPV Has Arrived


Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) has announced that the first batch of the all-new Xpander has finally arrived in the Philippines. This was after we reported that it shipped out of Indonesia last April 25. With that, MMPC says that the first units will handed over to customers by the end of the month.

Ford Gives Ranger Raptor Power to Everest and Plebeian Ranger


Ford is sprinkling some of that Ranger Raptor magic on the Ranger pick-up truck and Everest SUV by giving them the same 2.0-liter twin-turbo EcoBlue diesel engine and 10-speed automatic. The news was broken by Ford Australia which expects an on-sale date by the fourth quarter of this year (expect ours to arrive at around the same time).

Volkswagen Philippines Just Reduced the Cost of Ownership


Volkswagen Philippines just dropped a bombshell, unveiling the Santana sedan at a very affordable P 686,000. That itself makes it cheaper than any comparable Japanese or Korean sub-compact sedan. Not content with that, the German automaker is also adjusting the warranty and PMS to reduce the overall ownership cost as well.

Having a Hard Time Booking a Grab? You're Not Alone


Are you having difficulties getting a Grab car? You’re not alone. Since Uber pulled out of the Southeast Asian market, Grab is pretty much holding a monopoly in the ride-sharing or Transport Network Company (TNC) business. But the situation isn’t rosy for the last man standing.

Petron is Official Fuel of 2018 Toyota Vios Cup


Two industry leaders: Petron Corporation and Toyota Motor Philippines have come together in one of the country’s most exciting motorsports events with the selection of Petron XCS as the official fuel for the 2018 Vios Cup.

King of Nations PH Drift Event Heads to Clark This Weekend


The Federal Tyres King of Nations ProSeries, the biggest and most highly anticipated international drifting championship in the world, will hold its Philippine Leg this Friday, May 25 to Sunday, May 27, 2018 at the the Clark International Raceway in Clark, Pampanga.

Volkswagen Philippines Brings 5 New Models Headlined by Cheaper-Than-Japanese Santana Sedan


“Bringing it back to the people.” was how AC Industrials (of which Volkswagen Philippines is a part of) CEO, Mr. Arthur Tan put it, as VW finally brings 5 new models that easily fit the bill as “the people’s car.” Launched are the Santana, Santana GTS, Lavida, Lamando, and Tiguan.

May 18, 2018

5 Things We Observed Driving the 2018 Toyota Rush


We just happened to finish shaking down the much-awaited Toyota Rush with a quick zip around Manila, Angeles, Bataan, and Tarlac. While our impressions aren’t enough for a full-on first-drive, we did discover a lot of things with Toyota Motor Philippines’ first-ever sub-compact SUV offering.

Asia United Bank Offers Big Bike Deals at Makina Moto Show 2018


Wanting to buy that dream big bike? Asia United Bank (AUB), one of the fastest-growing publicly-listed banks in the Philippines can make that wish come true with the Makina Moto Show 2018 happening this weekend (May 19-20, 2018) at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Waze is Now Available on Ford Vehicles Equipped with SYNC 3


Last January, Ford promised the integration of Waze, the popular and valuable real-time traffic and navigation service into its SYNC 3 infotainment system. Now, the American carmaker has announced that it has begun rolling it out.

Toyota Opens Biggest Car Dealership in the East


Toyota Manila Bay Corporation (TMBC), one of the top dealer groups under the Toyota brand in the country launched the new Toyota Marikina (TMK) Showroom located at the corner of Sumulong Highway and Gil Fernando Avenue.

May 17, 2018

Spend Less Than P3 Per Kilometer on Your Next Commute (or Road Trip)


Families are always on the look out to save money. If the rising prices of basic goods including fuel aren’t enough burden, dads and moms also have to think about things like their kids’ tuition. Some parents, in a bid to save a bit of money, have resorted to taking Transport Network Companies (TNCs) like Grab to get from home to work and back. But what if there’s an option that gives you the comfort and convenience of owning a brand-new SUV, but will cost less than P 3 per kilometer? Sounds impossible? Not with the new Isuzu mu-X RZ4E.

2018 Alphard Solidifies Toyota's Leadership in Luxury MPV Segment (w/ 11 Photos)


Toyota Motor Philippines is upping the luxury game with the 2018 Alphard. The current generation, first launched in the local market in 2015, has been upgraded with a bolder look, improved fuel efficiency, and more luxury features.

May 16, 2018

Caltex Havoline Trains Grab Drivers in Self-Defense


Caltex Havoline, marketed by Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), empowers the hard-working drivers of Grab and bike clubs by providing a free self-defense training held in Makati.

May 15, 2018

Review: 2018 Volvo S90 D4 Momentum


In the premium car segment, Volvo has always played second fiddle to the Germans. It’s always thought: if you can’t afford an Audi, BMW, or Mercedes-Benz, go for a Volvo. Well, not anymore. Beginning with the XC90, Volvo has been reborn. With a stronger and more unique identify, it can stand toe-to-toe with the best of the world. Now with the S90, Volvo has managed to convincingly replicate this formula, only this time, it’s for the luxury sedan segment.

MINI Commemorates Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Royal Wedding with One-Off Hatchback


MINI is celebrating the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with a one-off MINI hatchback designed specially to commemorate the occasion. After the May 19 wedding, MINI will then hand over this special vehicle over to The Children’s HIV Association (CHIVA) for public auction.