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Showing posts with label Luxury MPV. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Luxury MPV. Show all posts

May 26, 2015

First Drive: 2015 BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (w/ Video)


When BMW unveiled the 2 Series Active Tourer, it felt like an arrow straight through the heart of purists. For so long, they held on to treasured brand values like sporty designs and of course, rear wheel drive. They tolerated Chris Bangle, but this? BMW’s first-ever MPV, first-ever front-wheel drive car, and first-ever use of a three-cylinder engine? It isn’t just an arrow—it’s an arrow through an arrow through an arrow. It’s a move that makes Robin Hood proud. Imagine the other German brands snickering, “Whut iz wrong with ze water in Munich? Too much Paulander?!

April 12, 2015

UPDATED: MIAS 2015: Kia Launches More Luxurious Grand Carnival, Sorento (w/ Brochure)


UPDATE 1: We have included the brochure and replaced the rather convoluted spec sheet (4/13).

After much speculation, Columbian Autocar Corporation, Kia’s distributor in the Philippines has unveiled the all-new, third-generation Sorento and Grand Carnival. These two new offerings bolster Kia’s presence in the country while giving the Korean brand a more premium positioning. Both models are new from the top-down and are catered to the discerning taste of the upscale market.

April 3, 2015

BMW Philippines Launches 2 Series Active Tourer


BMW is entering into a whole new market segment with the Philippine launch of the first-ever 2 Series Active Tourer. Known as a staunch supporter of the traditional driver’s car layout—rear wheel drive—the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is the German brand’s first front-wheel drive vehicle. As such, it’s aimed more towards a new breed of BMW buyers who’re looking for a practical family car that doesn’t sacrifice spirited performance.

March 4, 2015

Honda Launches Smaller but Smarter 2015 Odyssey MPV (w/ Specs)


Bigger isn’t necessarily better; what counts is the smarts. It’s a trend you see everywhere from toys to gadgets to houses. Now that trend has entered the automotive market, and in a segment you least expect: the premium MPV. In a world where gargantuan people carriers rule, Honda Cars Philippines is taking a bold, new direction; one that takes it to an undiscovered country. And there’s no better ride to take you there than the all-new Odyssey.

January 30, 2015

2015 Toyota Alphard is First-Class Motoring


The country’s best-selling luxury van is getting its most daring makeover yet. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the all-new 2015 Alphard. Introduced in its home country of Japan not more than a week ago, the all-new Alphard features a much sharper and aggressive styling to go with a new platform that promises an improved ride and NVH isolation.

October 22, 2014

Hyundai Grand Starex Redefines Luxury with New Gold Premium and Platinum Variants


The concept of luxury has changed through the years. Today, luxury means more than just lavish spending. Hyundai has redefined luxury into exceptional up-market comfort that you deserve and the convenience of experiencing premium features once thought impossible in, say, family vans.
Through the years, the Grand Starex, Hyundai’s game-changer in the Passenger Van segment has become a household word when it comes to talking about the family van of choice. Its reputation and reliability are a fact, not only among those who have owned a Starex, but also to those who still want to have one.

July 15, 2014

Review: 2014 Peugeot 5008 2.0 HDI Allure

Photos by Ulysses Ang
The birth of the third child usually signifies the cruel end to owning any car that’s remotely stylish. The dream of owning something that’s out-of-this-world fun is replaced by something much more down-to-earth. Adjectives such as “sporty” and “dynamic” are replaced with “comfortable” and “practical”. Thankfully, modern day moms and dads are blessed with a new player out there; one that manages to blend practicality with some French flair. Meet the Peugeot 5008—a sexy MPV that’s also quite sensible.

January 14, 2014

Review: 2014 Volkswagen Touran 2.0 TDI Comfortline

Photos by Ulysses Ang
The Touran is a seven-seater?! This is the all-too common reaction when you show them Volkswagen Philippines’s entry in the MPV market. And who could blame them? At just 4,397-mm in length, it’s about the same size as a compact sedan, not an MPV. But before they could pass further judgment, they open the door and step inside. Then it makes them realize: the size is just right. Truly, an MPV shouldn’t be judged by its exterior, but by what it does with the interior. In that regard, the Volkwagen Touran comes out as a perfectly-proportioned MPV; a great choice to ferry the family around Manila’s small roads.

January 3, 2013

Review: 2012 Hyundai Grand Starex Limousine

Photos by Ulysses Ang
When it comes to vans, particularly the refrigerator van variety, companies shun them to the deep dark corner of their showroom. They have a point after all—who would want to pair a shiny red sports car next to a white box on wheels. It’s like Seal being married to Heidi Klum—an odd union indeed. However, like this Hollywood odd couple, some car makers have embraced it; and one who does it best is Hyundai. Their Starex is now synonymous with the word ‘family van’, sharing garage space side-by-side with much fancier rides.

June 7, 2012

HCPI Launches All-New Odyssey, Pilot


Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile production and sales subsidiary in the Philippines, today launched both the all-new Pilot and Odyssey. Following the launch of the new City last January, the all-new Civic and Jazz Special Edition in February, and the all-new CR-V in April, the all-new Pilot and Odyssey not only strengthen Honda’s return to the Philippine automotive market, but also expands its model line-up.

Since the introduction of the Pilot and Odyssey in the United States, each model has received numerous awards and recognitions from various bodies and institutions due to its outstanding roominess, versatility, efficiency, and safety. Both models have unit-body construction and independent suspension that provide car-like driving feel and ride comfort.

June 4, 2012

Surprise! Honda Launching Pilot, Odyssey in Philippines


Honda Cars Philippines (HCPI) is adding 2 new additional cars to its local line-up. And while we all thought it was going to be more variants of the Civic, this is actually their big surprise: they're actually launching the all-new Pilot and Odyssey.

For those who remember, both the Odyssey and the Pilot aren't new to our market. However, we can't deny that they were sales duds appearing either too late (Pilot) or too expensive (Odyssey) for our market. However, that doesn't prevent Honda from trying once again.

Based on overeager sales agents, Honda is selling these two vehicles at close to P 3-million. P 2,700,000 for the Pilot and P 2,900,000 for the Odyssey. Though the launch is still a couple of days away, we were able to snag some of the specs for these two vehicles:

April 1, 2012

MIAS 2012: Chrysler Introduces America's First 8-Speed AT Sedan

Photo by Ulysses Ang
CATS Motors, Inc. has one of the bigger displays over at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) and for good reason: they're introducing a lot of exciting new products for the public. Among them is the 2012 Chrysler 300C with the first ever eight-speed automatic fitted into an American car.

Fitted to the 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar (292 horsepower), the new ZF eight-speed automatic helps increase fuel economy by reducing the gaps normally associated with up- and down-shifting. The 2012 300C also benefits from a new Sport mode for quick shifts for a more performance-oriented acceleration and higher shift dynamics. All-in-all, the 2012 300C promises to achieve fuel mileage figures in excess of 13 km/L. Aside from the eight-speed ZF automatic, the 2012 Chrysler 300C also features an all-wheel drive system for greater all weather traction and stability.

Chrysler's flagship design is also fitted with all the latest safety equipment such as electronic stability control (ESC) along with seven airbags, front-row reactive head restraints, hill-start assist, rain-brake support and ready-alert braking.

Also new at Chrysler's MIAS booth is the re-designed Town & Country with an all-new grille design and refreshed interior.

January 3, 2012

Toyota Mildly Refreshes Alphard Luxury MPV


Photos courtesy of Toyota Press
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) placed another feather on its cap by launching a minor refresh of its superb Alphard luxury minivan amidst the busy holiday shopping season at the Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City.

Already deemed the best Premium Van and MPV of the Year at the 2010-2011 Car of the Year – Philippines (CoTY – P), the new Alphard does not mess with the tried and tested formula of blending luxury and spaciousness. Instead, it now gains more style with a new front grille with four prominent chrome slats, projector-type headlamps with washers, alloy wheel design and re-shaped bumpers.