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January 21, 2014

Review: 2014 Kia Sorento LX CRDi 2WD 5-Seater

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Undoubtedly, Kia has gone through a dramatic design-led transformation of late. They’ve been delivering dynamically-styled vehicle in several important segments at exactly the right time. In the mid-sized SUV segment, a segment more often known for bland utility, the Kia Sorento first came into the market in 2002 and since then has given Filipino buyers a somewhat leftfield choice in the ubiquitous sea of Fortuners and Montero Sports. In 2009, the Sorento (the current model) migrated from its body-on-frame beginnings and transformed into a sophisticated uni-body crossover in the process. Updated with a substantial re-design just last year, the Sorento not only ticks the right boxes when it comes to design, but also in sophistication, drivability, and of course, value for money.

The dawn of the New Year provides an opportunity to start fresh. It’s the perfect time to shed negativities and embrace a new life and a new you. Much like the prospect of endless possibilities, the New Year opens so many roads for those willing to drive off into exciting adventures.

The Volvo Concept XC Coupé won two prestigious design awards this week, further raising the excitement around Volvo Car Group’s (Volvo Cars) new design language. The Concept XC Coupe was awarded the title “Best Concept Car” at the 2014 EyesON Design Awards at the 2014 Detroit Motor Show, while Volvo’s latest concept vehicle also won the award for “Best use of Color, Graphics and Materials”.

Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak Scoops Two Awards

Six months after taking on the stopwatch at the world’s most spectacular hill climb event in Colorado, the 208 T16 Pikes Peak is back in the limelight thanks to two internationally-famed prizes, namely Autosport’s “Rally Car of the Year” and Top Gear’s “Race Car of the Year” awards.

Last October 12, 2013, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) was set to hold the very first Vios Cup. Unfortunately, due to Typhoon Santi that hit the said region, TMP had to postpone the said motorsports festival to put everyone’s safety at the forefront.

The Mazda brand, under the management of Berjaya Auto Philippines Inc. (BAP) in its first year of operation, reported a 60% jump in full year 2013 sales compared to 2012. The growth is spread across the product portfolio, with the majority of the growth coming from Mazda2 small car, Mazda3 sub-compact, Mazda6 executive sedan, BT50 pickup and CX-5 compact CUV.

UPDATED: This is the 2014 Toyota Corolla Altis (w/ Video, Complete Specs)

UPDATE: We've included more photos for your viewing pleasure. Check them after the break.

UPDATE 2: We've also added the official launch video.

UPDATE 3: Here's our full review of the Toyota Corolla Altis 2.0 V.

47 years and 40 million units sold to date, the Toyota Corolla is the best-selling car nameplate on the planet and has always been the Japanese automaker’s leader when it comes to adopting new concepts and technologies. Sold in 154 countries worldwide, the Corolla is designed to meet and exceed the expectations of a global customer base that has become more discerning when it comes to a car of superior quality, durability, and reliability. Toyota’s response is the all-new, 11th generation Corolla Altis—a car that inherits 50 years of Corolla DNA but with an advanced design, improved roominess and comfort, more dynamic performance, and unrivaled fuel economy. This is Toyota’s best and most capable Corolla Altis yet.

Audi Moves 1.57 Million Cars in 2013

A new all-time record for AUDI AG: in 2013, the company sold around 1,575,500 automobiles worldwide, 8.3 percent more than in 2012. The premium manufacturer’s sales thus increased by more than 100,000 units for the fourth consecutive year. Major growth drivers over the past year were Audi’s three biggest export markets, all of which reported double-digit growth: with China up 21.2 percent, the United States up 13.5 percent, and the UK up 14.9 percent. In Europe and China, the four rings again led the premium segment in 2013 as the top-selling brand. Audi concluded the year with a 18.4 percent growth to around 130,700 global deliveries in December, increasing sales in all regions of the world compared to the same month of 2012.

Caltex Powers CoTY - Philippines Organizers for 2014

Chevron Philippines, Incorporated (CPI) through its Caltex brand of fuels, now supports the Car Awards Group, Incorporated ( CAGI ) in its activities for the 2014 awards season.

In introducing the new generation 911 Turbo S, Porsche is presenting the top cars of the 911 model series in terms of technology and dynamic performance. More than 40 years after the world premiere of the first Turbo prototype, the Porsche 911 Turbo S is redefining the limits of what is feasible in a sports car for everyday use.

If love is like riding a bicycle, then the first few tries must’ve hurt quite a bit. Just like Ramon Bautista of hit web-series Tales from the Friend Zone Zero, maybe you have gone through your share of heartbreaks that made you say “’di na ako naniniwala sa pag-ibig.”

UPDATED: Mysterious Toyota Hatchback Appears in Toyota Motor Philippines's Facebook Page

UPDATE: Read through the article for the Philippine name, launch date, and price...

UPDATE 2: We have all the launch details here.

After Toyota Motor Philippines gave the go signal to open the flood gates releasing model information and specs of its highly-anticipated Corolla Altis, their official Facebook page just sprung a surprise. There, a mysterious hatchback appears along with the tagline, “Get ready to live the easy life. Soon.”

After countless renders, leaks, reports, and even a reveal of its racing version, Subaru has finally pulled the curtains off the all-new 2014 Subaru WRX STI, and based on the official information, they seem to have concentrated on giving their flagship performance sports sedan better handling. After all, it was designed with “Pure Power in Your Control” as its motto.

UPDATE: Aside from photos, Lexus has now released a slew of data on the RC F.

Lexus has released the first few photos of its new RC F high-performance coupe in the lead up to the North American International Auto Show. And we’re liking what we see. Based on the already spectacular looking RC Coupe launched at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show 2013 in November, the RC F shows off added muscularity and power through more fins, ducts, and scoops. All this and it’s supported by V8 power-eschewing the downsizing trend started by its German rivals.

Spend 60 Days with the All-New Ford Ecosport. Find Out How.

Ford Philippines announced a new interactive pre-launch campaign, in anticipation of the arrival of the all-new Ford EcoSport in the country. ‘EcoSport Urban Discoveries’ is designed to bring out the city adventurer in every Filipino consumer by inviting them to share their favorite urban discoveries around the metro and how the all-new Ford EcoSport makes it easier to get there.

Hyundai’s flagship sedan, the rear-wheel drive Genesis Sedan is getting the full unveil at the North American International Auto Show. Though it’s generally a niche product (here in the Philippines, at least), it showcases the Korean carmaker’s future design direction with Fluidic Sculpture 2.0.

Responding to Akio Toyoda’s call for more design revolution and more heart-pounding design at Toyota, the Japanese carmaker launched the “Future Toyota 1” or FT-1 Concept at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). So-called because it’s Toyota’s ultimate expression of what a Toyota coupe should be, it successfully builds up on Toyota’s rich heritage with cars including the Celica, Supra, and the 86.

Fresh from winning the title of North American Car of the Year, the Chevrolet Corvette is finally raising its middle finger against the Porsches and Ferraris, yes the Porsches and Ferraris of the world, with the introduction of the four-generation Corvette Z06. This is the most powerful, most capable Corvette yet with a face-melting 625 horsepower and 816 Nm of torque (at least) from its supercharged 6.2-liter V8.

After a couple of teasers, Kia finally unveiled what they called their “most aggressive concept car”: the GT4 Stinger. The name certainly sounds like a video game sequel, but make no mistake: this one’s taking the fight to the Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 IF Kia decides to build it.

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.

Ford Unveils All-New F-150, Now with 2.7-liter Ecoboost

The Philippines hasn’t seen the Ford F-150 for quite some time, but in the good, old U.S. of A, it still rules and is still is the best-selling vehicle there. For that reason as well as its never ending rivalry with the Chevrolet Silverado is the reason why Ford is unveiling what they dub to be the “smartest, most capable” F-150 yet. Well, they didn’t say it would be the most bad ass.

In just over a year since its establishment, Hyundai Motorsport is ready to join the ranks of the competitive FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) next week with two Hyundai i20 WRC cars entered into the prestigious Rallye Monte-Carlo, round one of the 13-rally 2014 WRC season.

In the Hyundai tradition of giving back to the community, 40 Hyundai scholars from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) expressed full support for HARI Foundation, Inc.'s (HFI) advocacy to promote environmental awareness across the country by becoming part-time “Hyundai Eco-Teachers.”

Audi showed off their newest concept car, the Allroad Shooting Brake that is supposed to “combine a host of visual elements of future sports car models with the Audi-typical allroad concept and ‘shooting brake’ car body form.” This could likely mean that the Allroad Shooting Brake could preview what the next-generation TT and the Q1 would look like.

Strong sales across the entire Ford lineup in the Philippines helped drive full-year retail sales in 2013 up 41 percent to an all-time record of 13,285 units.

The record year was powered by all-time best full-year sales in the Philippines for the all-new Ford Ranger, Ford Explorer and Ford Mustang nameplates, as well as the second best-ever full-year sales for the Ford Everest.

Peugeot has chosen Novak Djokovic, a worldwide tennis icon, as its international ambassador. With this partnership, Peugeot confirms and strengthens its strategy in the tennis world, in a year that also marks the 30th anniversary of the partnership with Roland Garros, the French Open. Novak Djokovic’s worldwide fame, in particular his reputation in China, the largest car market on the planet, was a decisive factor in establishing this partnership.

Petron Corporation, the country’s leading oil company, is kicking off the new year with even more rewards for its loyal Petron Value Card holders. Fueling up with Petron Blaze 100 Euro 4, Petron XCS, Petron Xtra Advance, Petron Super Xtra Gasoline, Petron Turbo Diesel or Petron Diesel Max allows you to earn one value point for every P250-worth of fuel spend. And, unlike other loyalty cards that only earn points for future redemption, Petron Value Card allows you to earn points and pay for your Petron purchases with points, thus giving you real savings on your fuel spend.

All-New Subaru WRX STI Goes Racing Even Before Unveil (w/ Video)

Even before its unveil at the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), Subaru has revealed that its all-new Subaru WRX STI is going racing. It’s going to compete in the 2014 Nürburgring 24-Hour Race slated for June 19-22. Subaru and its in-house tuning arm, Subaru Technica International (STI) aims to win its third victory in the SP3T class following its win in 2011 and 2012.

Philippine Car Price Guide: January 2014

Happy New Year! This is the first edition of the monthly Philippine Car Price Guide. Though it's generally a slow month for the auto industry, there are some notable additions/deletions/updates in this price guide including:

Honda City (added MUGEN model, updated pricing)
Honda CR-V Modulo
2014 Hyundai Accent,
2014 Hyundai Elantra
2014 Hyundai Tucson
2014 Suzuki Grand Vitara
2014 Toyota Corolla Altis

Video: Subaru Impreza Beats Differently

Subaru has brought in Kouteisennin and Time Machine, along with beat boxers Tatsuya and Rinka to let you experience the spirit of the Impreza without even seeing the car. The result is a rather eclectic mix of interpretative dance and movement. Quite unique if you ask me. Have a great weekend!

January 9, 2014

Mercedes-Benz Gives Us a 360-horsepower Compact Crossover in the GLA 45 AMG

Mercedes-Benz has lifted the veil off its high-performance compact crossover, now christened the GLA 45 AMG, before its official debut at the 2014 North American International Auto Show. Targeted for a younger demographic, the GLA 45 AMG is dubbed as the “all-rounder with driving performance” thanks to its powerful motor and 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) attained a new sales record with 75,587 units sold for 2013 tallying its highest annual sales performance since its start of operations in 1988. In the Passenger Car segment, TMP sold a total of 25,847 units while its Commercial Vehicle segment made up for the balance with 49,740 units.

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