CarGuide.PH | Philippine Car News, Car Reviews, Car Prices

May 30, 2015

MiLi Innovates Storage Solutions

Developed as a solution to eliminating the inconvenience of data gathering by way of a multitude of connectors needed to connect to personal computers (PC) and to simplify software configuration, the purpose and design of the USB has come a long way since its launch in the mid-nineties.

UPDATED: Nissan Philippines to Launch NV350 Urvan in June

UPDATE 1: The Philippine-spec Nissan NV350 Urvan is here. Check it out! (6/15)

After retiring the long-serving Frontier pickup truck with the launch of the all-new NP300 Navara, it seems Nissan Philippines, Inc. (NPI) is doing the same with its Urvan. According to a report by The Philippine STAR, NPI will be bringing in the NV350 Urvan in June in a move to drive its sales higher.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

It was an unequivocal show of strength for Toyota Motor Philippines as the country’s number one automotive company shared the waku-doki spirit to racing enthusiasts down south. Last May 16 to 17, Toyota successfully staged Second Leg (Race 3 and 4) of the 2015 Vios Cup.

Monster Jam Poised to Heat Up Manila

When it comes to motorsport competitions, nothing can get bigger and livelier than Monster Jam. Witness four-meter tall, five-ton monster trucks wreak havoc in the special race track set up only for them. Monster Jam trucks will face off in two major competitions. The first one is the traditional bracket racing. The first truck to cross the finish line will be declared the winner, but it won't be as easy. The race track is planted with metal boulders, crash vans and more. The second competition gives the drivers and their monster trucks a chance to show-off their astonishing stunts, twists and jumps in the freestyle competition. No other competition will have your heart pumping as hard. These monster superstars are out to give their fans a show they won't forget.

As the issue of climate change gain momentum on the world stage, zero-emission electric trikes (e-trikes) shared the limelight at this year’s APEC 2015 summit hosted by the Philippines.

Caltex Lubricants Philippines held the fourth and final leg of Havoline’s Drive to Protection: Tune Up for the Ultimate Road Trip Experience campaign at the 2015 Toyota Fest Philippines last May 23 at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.

Suzuki Philippines, Inc. (SPH), the only integrated motorcycle and automobile company in the country, officially opened its first 3S automobile dealership along East Avenue in line with its aggressive expansion efforts. The new dealership, which is Suzuki’s 31st 3S dealership in the Philippines, will offer Sales, Spare parts, and Services. Suzuki Auto East Avenue is a one-stop shop that can now provide a complete array of Suzuki services to motorists around the Quezon City area.

Mazda CX-5 Reaches Production Milestone

Just three years and five months since production started in November 2011, the Mazda CX-5 has reached a production milestone. Just a few days ago, the 1,000,000th (yes, one millionth) CX-5 crossover has rolled off the assembly line. This makes it the second fastest Mazda model to reach the milestone—the first being the Mazda3.

PGA Cars, the exclusive importer and distributor of Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini, and Bentley cars in the Philippines will be holding the PGA Cars Premium Festival weekend. The event will be held at the PGA Center in Global City from Friday, 29 to Sunday, 31 May 2015.

Experience the most exciting premium cars from PGA Cars such as the Audi A3 sedan, the Audi Q5, the Porsche Boxster, the Porsche Macan, the Bentley Flying Spur, and the Lamborghini Huracan. Attractive financing options will be available in partnership with BDO and Prudential Guarantee.

For more information please contact +63-2-727-0381 to 85.

Isuzu Philippines Rewards 100,000th Crosswind Owner

On May 12, 2015, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) officially awarded the winner of the P100,000 cash rebate for the 100,000th unit owner of the Isuzu Crosswind - the winner, a lucky family man from Cagayan De Oro City, Mr. Nestor A. Bagaporo, who together with his family received the award at IPC’s local dealership in CDO.

The Yokohama Philippine GT Championship is finally back with the 2015 season, starting with the first race of the year held last May 16 to 17 at the Clark International Speedway (CIS).

Philippine Car Price Guide: May 2015

Contrary to popular belief, we weren’t sleeping on the job. We were just waiting for launch of key models to update the May 2015 edition of the monthly Philippine Car Price Guide. Here are the new or updated entries. Remember, entries with clickable links means that there is a review.

BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (new)
Ford Everest (new)
Ford Mustang (new)
Honda Mobilio (new)
Honda Odyssey (price adjustment)
Isuzu D-Max (new)
Kia Picanto (new)
Lexus GS 350 (price adjustment)
Mazda3 1.6 Maxx (new)
Mazda6 Skyactiv (new)
Mazda CX-5 (new)
Toyota Hiace Super Grandia LXV (new)
Toyota Innova (price adjustment)
Toyota RAV4 (price adjustment)

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?!”

The Subaru XV Gets a Price Adjustment

Subaru is now offering its XV compact crossover at a more attractive price point. Starting today, the XV can be yours for just P 1,198,000—that’s a savings of P 100,000 over the previous price of P 1,298,000. Motor Image Pilipinas, the distributor of Subaru vehicles in the country, believes that its XV can easily compete with compact sedans/hatchbacks and is aggressively re-pricing its offering as such.

After months of intense speculation, leaked spy shots, and the entire hullabaloo, Toyota has officially revealed the all-new 2015 Hilux in at least two markets: Thailand and Australia (note: in these photos, the silver Hilux is the Thailand model while the blue is the Australian SR5 model). The eighth-generation model will be sold to over 180 markets, including the Philippines. Building on the nameplate’s loyal fan case and legendary reputation, the all-new 2015 Hilux has set the goal of “redefining tough”.

Photos by Ulysses Ang and Mazda Press

“Race on Sunday, sell on Monday”—that’s the line used by car manufacturers when asked why they delve into motorsports. The technology developed on the track (not to mention, the resulting marketing and publicity it generates) is beneficial in making their road cars better. That’s exactly what Mazda Philippines is hoping for as they officially enter the 2015 Philippine GT and Philippine Touring Car Championship (PTCC) by providing factory support to division titlist Edwin Rodriguez for the season.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) recently conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for its newest car dealership, Honda Cars Manila Bay. Soon to rise along Bradco Avenue, Aseana Business Park, Paraňaque City, residents and customers working around the area will enjoy more convenient access to Honda’s products, services and facilities.

Following three runs of the Volkswagen Fuel Eco Fun Run, VW Philippines in partnership with Shell Companies in the Philippines, ups the ante a notch by embarking on a challenging yet fun championship round, pitting all the winners from the past three legs against each other. To make the event even more interesting, the champions were given different vehicle assignments from their last runs.

Isuzu Philippines Posts 54 Percent Growth Amidst Slowing Car Demand in April

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) continues its growth with a 54 percent increase in the first four months as it reached 6,369 units compared to the 4,154 units in the same period last year – in spite of a 25 percent decline in April.

UPDATED: Ford Philippines Reveals 2015 Everest Specs, Model Variants, and Pricing

UPDATE 1: The brochure is now available below the break (5/24).

Breaking news! Stop the presses. And stop that SUV purchase for that matter—well, at least until September. Ford Philippines has finally unveiled the Philippine specifications, model variants, and pricing of the all-new 2015 Everest at its dynamic launch. After its global reveal in Beijing, its regional launch at the Bangkok International Motor Show and MIAS, you think you have everything you need to know about the Ford Everest. Except for the price. So, allow us to enlighten you. Read on.

Last April 2015, Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) registered a total of 9,467 units for the said month. This has brought the number one automotive company in the country to break the one million sales mark. Based on the most recent Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) report, Toyota recorded 1,000,468 units since it started operations back in 1989.

The muscle car battle is now hitting a renaissance as Chevrolet dropped the bomb on the all-new, sixth-generation Camaro. It promises to have higher levels of performance, technology, and refinement thanks to a top-down change.

Come and enjoy a day of fun as the country’s leader in diesel engine technology brings you a four-month long celebration dubbed as the “Isuzu Fair” which will run from today up to September 26, 2015 on its dealerships nationwide.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Pssst…you want in on a little secret? If you’ve been dying to get an affordable, fun-to-drive, and frugal hatchback, consider the Suzuki Swift 1.2. What? You haven’t looked at the Swift? Well, I don’t exactly blame you. With the constant marketing barrage from bigger automotive brands, the Swift has always been left out as a top-of-mind choice when it comes to getting a great sub-compact hatch. In fact, its odd-looking and oddly-named brother, the DZire got more attention, but for all the wrong reasons. So, in the spirit of marketing equality, I’m here to announce: if you want to get a great hatchback, head over to your nearest Suzuki dealership.

Subaru Sponsors Alaska Cycle Philippines 2015

Motor Image Pilipinas Inc. (MIPI), the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the country has partnered with Sunrise Events, Inc., the exclusive events organizer for the Alaska Cycle Philippines 2015 to be held at the Mall of Asia Grounds from May 15 – 17, 2015.

Toyota Motor Corporation and Mazda Motor Corporation entered an agreement to build a mutually beneficial long term partnership. By leveraging the resources of both companies to complement and enhance each other’s products and technologies, the partnership will result in more appealing cars that meet the diverse needs and tastes of customers all over the world.

Parallel to the Child Safety Initiative (CSI) campaign announced at the last Manila International Auto Show, Volkswagen Philippines embarks on yet another corporate social responsibility (CSR) project geared towards children’s welfare with a donation of violins and cellos to the pupils of the Center of Excellence in Public Elementary Education (CENTEX) in Tondo, Manila.

Review: 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI

Photos by Ulysses Ang

When Volkswagen announced their arrival to the Philippine market, just about everyone cowered in fear. After all, the German automotive giant partnered with one of the country’s biggest conglomerates sounded like a force to be reckoned with. Alas, everyone had a collective meh when they announced their line-up. It was so lackluster that a Liebherr fridge sounded more exciting. And then the branding went in all sorts of directions with Das Auto sounding more like anything with four wheels and a VW badge. But they seemed to have understood their misstep and rectified their ways. One living proof is the 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Subaru to Hold Kansha Festival on May 18 to 24 at All Dealerships Nationwide

Motor Image Pilipinas Inc. (MIPI), the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the country, along with its authorized dealers nationwide invites its valued customers to celebrate with us the much awaited Kansha Festival on May 18 – 24, 2015. Also known as Subaru customer appreciation week, the Kansha Festival is originally a celebration adapted from the Japanese “Kinro Kansha no Hi” or Labor Thanksgiving Day.

Total Philippines recently introduced an addition to the innovative Excellium product line: Total Excellium Diesel. This new generation formula cleans and protects the engine, significantly reduces carbon emissions, and improves fuel economy to fit motorists’ daily driving allowance.

Fifteen months ago, Uber launched in the Philippines and transformed the way people move around Metro Manila with a safer, more reliable and efficient transportation option. Metro Manila quickly became one of Uber’s fastest growing markets with an amazing response from the driver and rider communities who embraced Uber’s innovative technology.

Mitsubishi Mirage Metro Challenge is On!

Putting the Mitsubishi Mirage, Mirage G4, and their class-leading features to the test yet again, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation conducts the first-ever Mitsubishi Mirage Metro Challenge. Celebrity team leaders with two other college student teammates form six teams of three to go against each other in the hopes of winning and being dubbed as the first Mitsubishi Mirage Metro Challenge Champions. Celebrity team leaders include the beautiful actress, Ellen Adarna; rock legend, Rico Blanco; actor and singer, Markki Stroem; volleyball superstar, Gretchen Ho; internet action star, Ramon Bautista; and the lovely Cheats lead singer, Saab Magalona.

The Right 2 Race (R2R) online game promo from Michelin is back! And winners from select countries get the chance to join the Michelin Pilot Sport Experience (MPSE), a much-awaited motorsport event, in Sepang International F1 Circuit in Malaysia.

This summer, the number one automotive company in the country brings the full waku-doki experience to the Queen City of the South – Cebu City! Race 2 of the much-acclaimed One Make Race in the country will be held for the first time in the Visayas region wherein gearheads and car fans can witness what waku-doki is all about! Scheduled on Saturday to Sunday, May 16 - 17, local motorsports will be driven into newer heights with 4 incoming Cebu-based racers now making a total of 44 drivers in the said racing event.

First BYD Taxi Hits Manila's Streets

SOLAR Transport Automotive Resources Corp., (STAR Corp.), the exclusive distributor of BYD vehicles in the Philippines, recently announced their partnership with World Transport for their Taxi Fleet.

A lucky HSBC Visa credit card holder is now a proud owner of a brand-new Mini Cooper A/T after being drawn as the winner of Visa and Caltex’s “Win Big with a Mini” raffle promo.

Kia Motors has announced today that tennis superstar Rafael (‘Rafa’) Nadal has committed to continuing his role as the Korean auto maker’s global brand ambassador for another five years.

After three action-packed rounds, the National Drag Racing Championship (NDRC) is finally ready to close the 2015 Southern Series this May 9 at the Batangas Racing Circuit (BRC).

First Drive: Honda Mobilio 1.5 CVT

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Nothing spells summer than Katy Perry’s videos on constant loop. Whether you’re into her songs or not, the catchy lyrics and upbeat tunes is the only way to pass the two-hour journey to Mindoro. Either that or your adolescent eyes are trying to spot something in the umm…pink clouds. But the 42-degree heat, constant desire for Gatorade, and bubbly tunes on the radio make for the perfect backdrop for a summer road trip. And since it’s the first week of May, it could very well have been LaBoracay. Only it’s not. This is LaPuertoGalera aboard the LaMobilio.

Hyundai Philippines Aims to Return to Compact Crossover Form with All-New Tucson (w/ Specs)

Hyundai is showing off a bolder, more sophisticated, and technologically rich compact crossover in the all-new Tucson. A constant best-seller in its line-up, the all-new 2015 Tucson combines a bold and athletic exterior with a stylish and ergonomic interior. All in all, Hyundai is confident of getting back its leadership in the segment.

Photos by Ulysses Ang and Hyundai Press

Hyundai is expanding its product line with the arrival of the all-new i20 Cross Sport. Essentially a combination of two popular vehicle genres, the i20 Cross Sport is a hatchback and crossover rolled into one. It’s aimed at customers who live active and adventurous lifestyles while seeking great value.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) strengthens its presence in the country by inaugurating its new Hyundai Logistics Center (HLC), a new and state-of-the-art facility that’s the first green-certified vehicle logistics hub in the Philippines. In addition, the Hyundai Logistics Center is reflective of Hyundai Motor Company’s new Modern Premium brand identity and a proof of its commitment to sustainable motoring.

Hajime Koso is Isuzu Philippines's New President

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) formally introduced their new company president at a simple but poignant turnover ceremony at the Solaire Resort and Casino in Pasay City. Mr. Hajime Koso replaces Mr. Nobuo Izumina as IPC’s president, who will be assigned as the Director of Isuzu Body Corporation, an affiliate of Isuzu Motors Limited (IML).

I have a confession to make: with the exception of Formula One, I’m not anymore a huge motorsports fan. Often enough, it’s riddled with enough layers of bureaucratic red tape and/or politics that it has the makings more of a banana republic government than it does a top-tier professionally run sport. And before you say it, I feel the same way with the modern area of Formula One as well. That’s why I’ve tuned out since 2011, favoring NSFW YouTube channels rather than F1 as my main source of manly entertainment.

UPDATED: Upping the Game: Honda Launches Mobilio for Philippines (w/ Specs)

UPDATE 2: Read our First Drive here (5/5).

UPDATE 1: Photos from the launch proper, more interior shots, and the spec sheet (5/1).

For a carmaker, a product’s importance falls in one of two categories: a halo model or a sales leader. And though everyone dreams of having the new NSX, Honda knows quite well that’s not going to sell in critical numbers here in the country or even globally. On the other hand, you have the all-new Mobilio, Honda’s first crack at the lucrative but highly competitive Asian Utility Vehicle (AUV) market. Single-handedly, it’s poised to be their make-or-break model. And by sticking true to the company’s philosophy of being engineering-centered, it looks like it’s going to be a winner.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

The compact crossover genre was popularized by the Japanese. Given their propensity to favor small cars, putting height (but not necessarily four-wheel drive) seemed perfect for the urban environment. After all, going up mall ramps diagonally is uncool. Americans, who were mostly busy making rolling versions of the Stegosaurus, soon got into the game. One of the biggest hits is the Ford Escape. Locally, it brought the Blue Oval brand from niche to mainstream player almost overnight. Alas, it almost fell victim to fossilization after a model run lasting a good 12 years (2000-2012) despite three facelifts. (If you want to read the review on the Escape 1.6 SE EcoBoost, click here).

Back to Winning Ways: The Shell-Ducati Technology Partnership

Photos by Ulysses Ang

DOHA, QATAR—Shell’s Technical Partnership with Ducati Corse came full circle as both of its riders arrived home in the winner’s circle at the 2015 Qatar MotoGP race at the Losail International Circuit. After snatching pole position, Andrea Dovizioso almost won the race if not for a brave charge by Valentino Rossi. Team mate Andrea Iannone finished in third place.

Shell Helix Ultra customers can look forward to an enjoyable and convenient driving experience this summer as Shell Helix Ultra with Pure Plus technology rewards its customers with a free convenience kit and toll voucher for every single receipt purchase of Shell Helix Ultra (4L) or Shell Helix Ultra Diesel (6L).

Kia continues to expand its foothold in Philippine shores as it recently opened the doors of Kia Calapan for all of Mindoro to benefit from.

BMW continues to celebrate undisputed leadership in the Philippine luxury segment with the success of BMW Motorrad, the German brand’s motorcycle division. Also under the helm of Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, BMW Motorrad began 2015 with a 15% growth in the first quarter of the year, versus the same period in 2014. This performance echoes the success of the brand in 2014, as it closed the year with a 71% increase in sales, the strongest in its local history.

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