Happy New Year! It’s now officially 2014—the year of the horse. And like that graceful animal known for its speed and agility, this year is bound to be filled with new and exciting cars for every budget. Though car manufacturers are known to be tight-lipped about their whole-year plans, we just had to peer into our magic crystal ball to give you 12 fun-to-drive cars in 2014.

As 2013 comes to a close, it’s actually a great opportunity to look back at the year that’s gone by and to gauge where CarGuide.PH has gone.

This site started out as my personal take on the Philippine automotive industry. Though automotive websites and blogs have become much more crowded compared to when I started 15 years ago, I feel blessed by you, my loyal readers, who sought out my voice amidst the choir of voices. Therefore, I’d like to open this message with a big thank you from all of us at CarGuide.PH. I hope you all continue to stay with us to we see what exciting stuff we have in store for this year.

2013 has been tremendously successful for CarGuide.PH. This year, we’ve gone to more places and driven more cars than ever before. Throughout our journey, we’ve met new friends and got re-acquainted with old ones. This year, we’ve finally gotten an invitation to attend the Tokyo Motor Show—considered to be the most sought-after assignment in the automotive industry. We’ve also gotten recognized once again. At The 2013 Henry Ford Awards, we won Best Smart and Safety Feature Story and Best Published Photograph while being nominated for Online Blog of the Year yet again.

The most important milestone, however, is an explosion in our readership. This year, we’ve seen our best numbers. We now average 44,000 unique visitors (a total of 69,000 individuals) and more than 210,000 page views a month. These numbers are enough to cement us as the third most-read automotive website in the Philippines. And yet, CarGuide.PH is run and maintained by one, yes, one person. Moreover, we’ve seen a drastic increase in our Facebook presence with more than 8,500 Facebook likes on our official page. And our car manufacturer friends can request verified, third-party certified information on our hits at any time.

Through all the successes, 2013 was also beset by tragedies such as the Visayan earthquake as well as the destruction brought about by Super Typhoon Yolanda. We’ve done our part by donating both in cash and in kind to various relief agencies. We’ve also extended help to our personal friends and relatives who were affected by these two natural calamities.

We don’t know what to expect this year, but we’re very excited. We’re pleased to let you know that CarGuide.PH is remaining independent in the near-future. We’ve secured our domain name for the next 5 years. We also remain steadfast in giving you the most up-to-date and most relevant news on the Philippine automotive industry.

In closing, we would like once again to sincerely extend our thanks to all our readers and supporters. Without you, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Happy New Year from us at CarGuide.PH!

Cheers,

HARI Foundation, Inc. (HFI), the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc., (HARI), in partnership with HARIBON Foundation, unveiled its fully-customized classroom-on-wheels dubbed the “HARI Ecovan” last December 16, 2013 at the Hyundai Headquarters in Makati City in Hyundai’s continued effort to promote environmental awareness and biodiversity among students in the Philippines.

Enthusiasts were crying, "sacrilegious" upon hearing news that BMW is splitting the M3 sedan and coupe into the M3 and M4. A nod to BMW's current model nomenclature, the M3 stands for the 4-door version while the M4 is the 2-door version of BMW's popular high-performance compact. Still, they've successfully silenced the critics with the performance characteristics which BMW has just released.

UPDATE: Eagle-eyed readers will notice the absence of Hyundai / Kia in EPA's list of fuel-efficient manufacturers. This is because of an on-going investigation by the EPA that Hyundai and Kia may have bloated their fuel-efficiency figures. However, based on preliminary data, Hyundai's values are 28.3 MPG (12.3 km/L) and Kia's at 25.8 MPG (10.96 km/L). This could mean Mazda could have its thrown usurped by Hyundai.

Despite not having a single gasoline-electric hybrid or plug-in electric vehicle in its line-up, Mazda has scored the title of being the most fuel-efficient automaker in the US according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s Light Duty Fuel Economy Trends. Mazda improved its 2013 model year line-up to 27.5 MPG (11.69 km/L), a 0.5 MPG improvement compared to last year. At the same time, Mazda is also the lowest CO2 emitting car maker with just 324 grams of CO2, down 4 grams from last year.

Fifty—that’s how many new cars were launched in 2013; and that number is certainly on the conservative side. So picking the best five among the newly launched is a hard task, but one that we’ve been doing for the last two years (2012, 2011). As always, we only have two rules to be eligible for CarGuide.PH’s Top Picks of the Year: first, we should have driven it and second, it must be mainstream—so don’t expect to see cars selling above PHP 6-million to appear in this list.

Let’s get it on for CarGuide.PH’s Top Picks of 2013. The list begins, in preferential order, after the break.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

The last time anyone took a serious look at the Mazda MX-5, the Toyobaru twins haven’t been conceived and the Hyundai Genesis Coupe was nowhere in sight. At the time, it was solely the only Japanese sports car you can buy, unless you count the ridiculously overpriced Nissan 350Z. That was some eight years ago, and now, the market place is very different. You’ve got the Toyota 86, the Subaru BRZ, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, the Honda CR-Z and to a lesser degree, the Mini Roadster, the Peugeot RCZ, and the Ford Mustang all gunning for the same less than P 3-million sports car crowd. What hasn’t changed? The Mazda MX-5.

To all our loyal readers and supporters,

We wish you all a Merry and Blessed Christmas! Thank you for all the support that you have extended through the year and hope to continue to read and support us through the years to come!

Always remember to stay safe and NEVER drink and drive.

Cheers!

In September, the Volvo Concept Coupé was launched to critical acclaim and many awards, and represented the world’s first insight into Volvo Car Group's (Volvo Cars) new design direction under Senior Vice President of Design, Thomas Ingenlath. It also showed one interpretation of how the proportions and versatility of Volvo Cars' new Scalable Product Architecture, that will underpin all medium and large cars in the company’s future, could look.

After staging the Peugeot Eco Fun Run four times over the past few months, official Peugeot importer and distributor Eurobrands Distributor Inc. (EDI) formally crowned the fuel economy kings.

MUGEN fans, rejoice. Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) has just announced the availability of a limited edition City decked in original and genuine MUGEN accessories this Christmas season.

Take a breather from all the holiday spending with Volvo’s Drive Now Pay in March Ownership Offer. Enjoy a 90-day bank holiday and start driving your brand new Volvo through this easy ownership program that gives you additional perks such as FREE Chattel mortgage, 3-year comprehensive insurance with acts of nature, 3-year LTO Registration, 3-year Volvo Standard Maintenance Service and a 5-Year Roadside Assistance.

In celebration of Columbian Autocar Corporation’s (CAC) 20th anniversary, the exclusive distributor of Kia Motors in the Philippines initiated a year-long promo to celebrate with its loyal Kia customers. The offering, dubbed as Kia Drive to 20 promo, gives Kia test-drive participants a chance to win the hottest gadgets every month while Kia buyers can win major prizes of brand new Kia cars or trips abroad.

Automobile Central Enterprise, Inc. (ACEI), the official distributor of Volkswagen cars in the Philippines officially adds a new car to its line-up: the Polo Notchback (sedan). The Polo Notchback is currently available in a sole variant: the 1.6 TDI with 105 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a 5-speed manual and is currently retailing for P 950,000.

Toyota Tacloban Team Members led by their (L) President, Mr. Jimmy Yaokasin and (R) Toyota Motor Philippines President, Mr. Michinobu Sugata

Last December 14, Saturday, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) President, Michinobu Sugata visited one of the manufacturer’s dealerships, Toyota Tacloban in the wake of supertyphoon Yolanda. Along with TMP’s top management, EVP for Marketing Yohei Murase and SVP for Marketing Jose Ariel T. Arias, the company offered gift baskets as a reminder to its team members to celebrate Christmas despite the challenges experienced. TMP also previously sent food and water supply to immediately aid them after Yolanda struck the said dealership.

In a statement, TMP’s President expressed, “The Christmas spirit should live on in spite of the trials faced by our team members. These simple tokens that we have shared symbolize our continuous support and concern for the Toyota family. I am very glad that Toyota Tacloban’s President, Mr. Jimmy Yaokasin also serves as an inspiration to our team members in remaining strong and resilient especially in tough times like this.”
Toyota Tacloban is currently the only automotive dealership that is open and operational in the said district.

Heavy-duty trucks from Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) are now powering an integral part of a reputable engineering company’s various construction and power plant projects across the Philippines.

IPC has recently turned over 20 brand-new units of Isuzu CYZ51 10-wheeler dump trucks to First Balfour Inc., a business entity that belongs to the Lopez Group of Companies. The trucks are to be used for the various hauling and disposal requirements of the top construction firm.

Some car enthusiasts say that we are what we drive. In fact, some even claim that a car is a window into the driver’s soul. So, what does driving a sports car say about you? It might mean that you are: one, someone who’s always at the center of attention; two, a risk-taker; three, a person of power and influence; or four, all of the above. A sports car is a statement piece. Nothing spells out success and wealth more than a sports car.

And now, thanks to an aggressive strategy emphasizing driving fun, Japanese car companies are finally getting into the sports car act, once a segment reserved for European makes and models. And the two most popular examples are the Honda CR-Z and the Toyota 86—subjects of this head-to-head grudge match.

Like a surgeon peering inside a patient, Caltex recently showed how engines that are fed with low quality fuels become dirty in no time. In contrast, the same test showed pictures of how an engine that regularly uses Caltex with Techron are kept clean and operating at optimum levels.

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (NML) announced the establishment of Nissan Philippines, Inc. (NPI), a new joint venture formed with long time partners Universal Motors Corporation (UMC) and Nissan Motor Philippines, Inc. (NMPI).

NPI, to be headquartered in Manila, will start operations as the new national sales company for the Philippines from early 2014 and will be responsible for strengthening branding, marketing and sales strategy, and dealer operations in the Filipino market. NPI intends to reinforce brand and sales power by broadening the product lineup and strengthening sales and services across the nation.

The final edition of the Philippine Car Price Guide for 2013. We've got a handful of new models that make its way into the Guide:

• Chevrolet Malibu
• Ford Mustang 5.0 V8 GT Premium with Performance Package
• Hyundai Azera
• Hyundai i10 GLS A/T
• Mercedes-Benz S 500 LWB
• Peugeot 508 GT
• Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
• Volvo XC40

See the entire Price List after the break.

Give your Hyundai car a special Christmas gift and find yourself humming merrily with it all throughout the flurry of holiday activities.

Avail of Hyundai After-sales Premium Promo Year-ender (HAPPY) Tune-ups at selected dealerships from December 2-28, 2013.

Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, continues to celebrate unmatched leadership in the luxury vehicle segment with the recent inauguration of its latest dealership, AutoAllee BMW. Located at Eton Centris, North EDSA, AutoAllee BMW is the 8th dealership of BMW, the only luxury car brand in the country with the widest dealer network.

Hot on the heels of its well-received launch last September, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) shared some more good news about the D-Max pickup.

“This pickup is truly a workhorse that’s ideal for people who need a vehicle for both business and leisure. I am happy to note that the market realizes this, judging by consumers’ positive feedback with regards to sales and vehicle engine performance,” said Mr. Takashi Tomita, IPC Executive Vice-President as he gave his opening remarks.

Hyundai Motorsport has unveiled its full team line-up at a special launch event in Offenbach today, as the manufacturer gears up for its debut in the 2014 FIA World Rally Championship at Monte Carlo next month.

Hyundai Motorsport has set realistic targets for its debut season with the primary objective of finishing each rally event with two cars. The young team will approach each rally with the goal of accumulating vital knowledge and data in order to strengthen its foundations for subsequent years. Going up against vastly more experienced WRC competitors, the team knows that it has a steep learning curve, but it certainly relishes the challenge and will be aiming to compete for podium places during the season.

In recent months, gasoline fuel in the Philippines was put under close scrutiny due to claims made by local Volkswagen distributor Automobile Central Enterprise, Inc. (ACEI) that they couldn’t market and sell their gasoline models due to the presence of heavy metals such as manganese in locally available unleaded gasoline. As a refresher, manganese causes irreparable long-term damage to cars as well as public health (it’s a known carcinogen).

Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of the Caltex brand of fuels and lubricants, closes the year with a celebration of the spirit of volunteerism among its employees and business partners by helping out needy communities in one week of volunteerism called Week of Caring (WOC).

About 724 Chevron employees and Caltex retailers recently painted murals with children with learning disabilities, played traditional Filipino games with orphans, planted tree seedlings, did talk therapy with victims of sexual slavery in WW2, fed abandoned and abused animals, and cleared a turtle sanctuary in San Pascual, Batangas from trash and debris.

UPDATE: We just included the Subaru Love Drive video after the break.

“Love. It’s what makes a Subaru, a Subaru,” has been the Japanese automaker’s slogan for the North American market for quite some time. Though the Philippines is sticking to the international slogan, “Confidence in Motion”, it seems a bit of the love is rubbing onto Philippine distributor, Motor Image Pilipinas.

Ford Philippines today announced the launch of a new vehicle promotion with its ever-popular Ford Mustang, “Conquer the Highways, Rule the Fairways”.

Through this promo, Ford is offering their loyal customers the opportunity to not only conquer the road with their signature Ford Mustang but also rule the golf course with a specially-designed Ford Shelby GT500 golf cart.

The Hyundai Lateral Drift Pro-Am Championship Series 2013 concluded  six rounds of heart-stopping drift battles among the country’s best drift drivers last November 30, 2013 at the Megatent in Libis, Quezon City.

This year, the competition shifted to higher gear as Drift Couple from Japan, Hiromi Kajikuma and Kimihiro Obata, graced the series as guest judges for all six rounds.

CATS Motors, Inc., the Philippine distributor of Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles in the country recently launched what's deemed the "best car in the world", the all-new S-Class.

Built under the ethos of, "Essence of Modern Luxury", the all-new S-Class puts a lot of emphasis into the passenger comfort an convenience, especially for the rear occupants where the new or re-designed seats, air conditioning, and infotainment system all make themselves quite known even at a glance.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Toyota has been harping a lot about being “Fun to Drive, Again” lately; in fact, it has become their official marketing slogan in Japan. And though the end result is cars that are indeed more engaging behind the wheel; for Toyota, the change is happening from the ground up. For the bi-annual pilgrimage centered on the Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota Motor Corporation brought the global media together and showcased their company’s history as well as offering a glimpse into its future. Indeed, throughout the six days, Toyota is focused with one eye at its rich history of innovation and engineering with the other eye looking out for future design and technologies.

Suzuki Philippines, Inc. (SPH), the only integrated motorcycle and automobile company in the country, recently opened another 3S outlet in Quezon City in line with the company’s aggressive expansion.

The Suzuki Auto Commonwealth is a one-stop, full-service shop that can cater to sales, services, and spare parts needs of motorists in Metro Manila especially the Commonwealth Ave. Area in Quezon City. This is the first Suzuki 3S dealership along Commonwealth Avenue.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) shares the holiday spirit as it offers its exclusive treats for customers to get that dream car off their Christmas list. Available until December 31, 2013, the Honda City, and certain variants of the Civic and CR-V are being offered with outright cash discounts, freebies and flexible financing schemes, making it easier for you to drive home a Honda.

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) continues to uphold strong sales this November 2013 with 7,458 units coming from October’s record-breaking sales of 7,476 units. In the Passenger Car segment, TMP sold a total of 2,715 units while the Commercial Vehicle segment tallied 4,743 units.

Hyundai Central EDSA won the greenest Hyundai dealer award.

Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI) and the University of the Philippines-Diliman College of Architecture (UPCA) capped the three-month Hyundai Green Dealership DESIGN competition with the awarding of winners last November 25, 2013 at the Eastwood Richmonde Hotel.

Bagging First Place was the team of Francis Timothy Santos, Carla Lim, and Carem Morales who conceptualized a green Hyundai Central EDSA. Second Place went to Aedriane Celis and Danilo Donor who worked on the green design for Hyundai Commonwealth Avenue. Third Place went to Patrick Lawrence Monfort, Jilliane Gomez and Andrey Lopez who were assigned to Hyundai E. Rodriguez. Winners received trophies and cash prizes.

Daimler AG will help the people of the Philippines. Due to the tragic events caused by the typhoon "Haiyan" the company provides on short notice 500,000 euro for the suffering population. The donation will go directly to the German Red Cross. The money will be used to bring vital relief supplies - such as tents, kitchen sets, hygiene kits and plastic sheets - for over 15,000 people in the Philippines. In addition, Daimler asks its employees to make donations.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Instead of showing off the all-new WRX, which they unveiled instead at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show, Subaru instead showed off a new model, the Levorg at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show 2013. And the biggest news? It's actually coming to the Philippines.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Aside from showing off the Levorg, Subaru also showed off a pair of concept cars at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show 2013. Both models are actually study concepts, showing off the brand's new direction both in terms of design and technology but they could also be a brand-new compact crossover as well as the all-new Outback albeit in concept form.

UPDATE: Motor Image Pilipinas, the official distributor of Subaru in the Philippines has revealed that the Philippine-market all-new Legacy will carry a (say it ain't so) 2.5-liter normally aspirated motor. This was confirmed in a dinner with the Subaru Society.

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, today announced that the "Legacy Concept" will make its world debut at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show (Press day: November 20 and 21; Open to public from November 22 through December 1, 2013). The concept model hints at the future design direction of Subaru's flagship Legacy model.

All-new sophisticated design clearly inspired by 50 years of Mustang heritage evolved to attract wider array of customers and expand global market availability.

Mustang now available with three engines offering a broader power of choice – a more powerful 5.0-liter V8, a 3.7-liter V6 and an all-new fuel-efficient 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine.

Mustang sets new performance and dynamics benchmarks for the brand with world-class handling, more precise steering control and enhanced ride comfort.

Tata Motors Ltd, India’s largest automobile company, has appointed Pilipinas Taj Autogroup Inc. (TAJ) as its Philippine distributor for Tata passenger and commercial vehicles.  The Distribution Agreement, which was officially signed last October 31, 2013, is especially timely as the industry expects more robust growth in the coming year.

Isuzu companies in the Philippines, both subsidiaries of Isuzu Motors Limited (IML) of Japan, have each made a contribution to an internationally recognized Christian organization for the continuing relief initiatives meant for the victims and survivors of Typhoon Yolanda.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Just like Mitsubishi, Suzuki showed off three new crossover concepts at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show 2013. These are the: Crosshiker, X-Lander, and Hustler Coupe.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Mitsubishi showed off a trio of SUV concepts at the Tokyo Motor Show indicating the future direction the company is taking. The three concepts, the GC-PHEV, XR-PHEV, and Concept AR all belong in different size categories and are the clearest vision of what future SUVs such as the Pajero and ASX would look like.