72 eligible vehicles, but only one took home the ultimate prize: the 2016 Car of the Year – Philippines. Organized by the Car Awards Group, Inc. (CAGI), which this website isn’t a part of, bestowed that title to the Honda Civic RS Turbo. And for truck lovers out there, CAGI has given the 2016 Truck of the Year – Philippines to the Isuzu D-Max 3.0 4x2 LS A/T.

Volkswagen Philippines revealed a “triple treat” for Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) visitors with the market premiere of three new models: the CC, Caddy, and Golf GTI Oettinger Edition.


Volkswagen CC

The highlight of the pavilion is undoubtedly the sexy CC four-door coupe. Shown in the pure white shade, it highlights the sporty yet elegant styling of this four-seater executive coupe/sedan. Based off the Passat, it’s differentiated primarily by its Euro-5 emissions compliant 2.0-liter Turbo Direct Injection (TDI) engine. With 177 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque, it combines performance and efficiency. It also comes with the 6-speed DSG (dual clutch) automatic with an idle start/stop system.

Aside from the powertrain, the CC ups the handling thanks to its solid platform underpinned with front 3-point Double Wishbones and rear 4-link independent suspension. It also rides on massive 19-inch rims with 235/35 R 19 tires. And aiding the driver is a wealth of aids including Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC), Electronic Differential Lock (XDS), Engine Drag Torque Control, and Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP).

Interior amenities include a 12-way driver’s seat with memory, automatic climate control, leather seats, and many more.

It retails for P 2,850,000.

Specifications:

• Engine: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged direct injection diesel
• Max. Output: 177 horsepower @ 4,200 rpm
• Max. Torque: 380 Nm @ 1,750 –2,500 rpm
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 70L
• Emissions: Euro 5
• Gearbox: 6-speed DSG
• Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
• Steering: Electromechanical, speed-sensing
• Front suspension: Struts and 3-point wishbone with stabilizer
• Rear suspension: 4-link with stabilizer
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 4,802 mm x 1,855 mm x 1,421 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,710 mm
• Wheel size: 8J x 19”
• Tire size: 235/35 R 19

Volkswagen Caddy

For those who want something more family-friendly, Volkswagen is bringing to market the Caddy. Based off the Golf Mk V platform, the Caddy is uncompromising in terms of driving dynamics, but can also deliver the practicality, flexibility, and spaciousness of an MPV.

Powered by a 2.0-liter TDI engine, the Caddy generates 140 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque. This potent engine is mated to a 6-speed DSG gearbox while power is routed through a 4Motion all-wheel drive system.

Compared to the Touran, the Caddy replaces the swing doors for traditional sliding ones. Yet, styling doesn’t take a backseat with its 17-inch rims fitted with 205/50 R 17 tires.

As a family-friendly vehicle, the MPV comes with 4 airbags, stability control, hill hold control, cruise control apart from the aforementioned all-wheel drive system.

The Caddy comes in a range of seven colors: Candy White, Toffee Brown, Reflex Silver, Natural Gray, Lav Red, Night Blue, and Deep Black Pearl for a price of P 1,550,000.

Specifications:

• Engine: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged direct injection diesel
• Max. Output: 140 horsepower @ 4,200 rpm
• Max. Torque: 320 Nm @ 1,750 rpm
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 60L
• Emissions: Euro 5
• Gearbox: 6-speed DSG
• Drivetrain: 4Motion all-wheel drive
• Steering: Electromechanical, speed-sensing
• Front suspension: MacPherson struts with subframe and stabilizer
• Rear suspension: Rigid axle
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 4,878 mm x 1,794 mm x 1,893 mm
• Wheelbase: 3,006 mm
• Wheel size: 6J x 17”
• Tire size: 205/50 R 17

Volkswagen Golf GTI Oettinger Edition

Finally, Volkswagen is giving its Golf GTI hot hatch the tuner treatment with the unveil of the Oettinger Edition.

With over 60 years of experience tuning high-performance German cars, Oettinger is adding even more style to the Golf GTI with a motorsports-inspired body kit. The Oettinger kit is comprised of a front spoiler, front splitter, side skirt set, 4-pipe rear skirt insert with diffuser, roof spoiler, and 4-pipe rear muffler, light-weight 19-inch twine spoke rims with 225/40 R 19 tires. It’s also wrapped in a matte black wrap.

The Oettinger Edition is more show than go however as the engine remains unchanged. It still generates 220 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque from its turbocharged 2.0-liter TSI engine. Euro 4 compliant, the Golf GTI delivers power to its front wheels via a 6-speed dual clutch automatic.

The price of the Golf GTI Oettinger Edition is P 2,918,511.16 with the kit costing P 628,511.16.

Specifications:

• Engine: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged gasoline
• Max. Output: 220 horsepower @ 4,500 – 6,200 rpm
• Max. Torque: 350 Nm @ 1,500 – 4,400 rpm
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 50L
• Emissions: Euro 4
• Gearbox: 6-speed DSG
• Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
• Steering: Electromechanical, speed-sensing, progressive steering system
• Front suspension: Struts and 3-point wishbone with stabilizer
• Rear suspension: 4-link with stabilizer
• Accessories:
• Twine spoke, Black gloss machine 7.5J x 19” alloy
• 225/40 R 19 Pirelli Cinturato
• Oettinger front spoiler
• Oettinger front splitter
• Oettinger side skirt set
• Oettinger 4-pipe rear skirt insert with diffuser
• Oettinger roof spoiler
• Oettinger 4-pipe rear muffler (4 x 84mm diameter)
• Matte black foil

Volkswagen Philippines recently held the “Volkswagen Driving Experience” for its Golf GTI owners and potential customers at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga.

Within just three years of operations, Volkswagen Philippines broke through the 1,000-unit sales mark, registering 1,060 units sold from January to December 2016. This is a 76-percent increase over its 2015 sales, and making it the Philippines' number one European car brand in 2016.

It’s hard what to make of the 2016 Volkswagen Golf. Looking at it purely as a car, it’s pretty darn good: timeless looks, peerless build quality, peppy performance, respectable fuel economy—it is by and large, the whole compact car package. But put the window sticker on it—P 1,759,000—and the 1.4 TSI Highline isn’t looking like such a bargain anymore. The price pretty much limits the appeal of Volkswagen’s everyman car. And while Corolla or Civic buyers looking to upgrade won’t be lining up for a Golf any time soon, those willing enough to pay the premium will certainly be in for a treat.

Volkswagen will hold a test drive event at the Cebu Business Park on July 30 and 31, 2016, in time for the Sugbo Mercado and the Ayala Center Cebu Gadget Sale.

At their annual Media Appreciation Night held at the Volkswagen Bonifacio Global City showroom, the German carmaker outlined their product plans for 2016 after a banner  2015. This includes the introduction of upgrades and enhancements to existing product lines and introduction of sought-after new models.

After selling some 2.64 million copies worldwide, Volkswagen is ready to move its compact crossover, the Tiguan to the big leagues. Moving to the new MQB architecture that also underpins the all-new Golf and Passat, the 2016 Tiguan marks the beginning of the brand’s SUV offensive and will actually be available in two wheelbases with the long wheelbase model specifically designed for markets such as the US and China.

Volkswagen Philippines is set to cement its own unique sense of style in the executive sedan segment with the launch of its four-door coupe, the CC. A brisk seller globally, where more than 270,000 have found their way into garages, the CC adds a more dynamic shape to the elegant Passat on which the CC is based on.

Automotive publication Ward’s has released their annual 10 Best Engines and for 2018, half of the winners are turbocharged. In addition, it sees the return of the fuel cell as well as a V8 along with two first-time winners.

Volkswagen is well on its way towards an all-electric future, but it doesn’t mean it’s turning its back on traditional gasoline engines just yet. Introduced in Europe is an update to its 1.5-liter TSI gasoline engine called the TSI evo2.

Update 1: The major specifications are now available at the bottom (4/9).

Volkswagen Philippines has announced an impressive line-up at this weekend’s Manila International Auto Show. Apart from the range of Commercial Vehicles that have been primed for an introduction, the spotlight will be shared by new versions of the brand’s current models – with the most notable being the all-new Tiguan.

Volkswagen has just unveiled the 7th generation Jetta, a full-on redesign of their compact car that promises dynamic proportions, optimal space utilization, and new range of assistance systems. Produced at the German automaker’s Mexico plant, it will be put on sale there by the first quarter of 2018 with the US market to follow by around midyear.

The “eyes” (and fingers) have it—BMW has easiest to use infotainment and climate control system, while MG has the worst. This is judged by UK-based What Car?.

The US-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or IIHS has just initiated a tougher new crash test standard, one that makes sure carmakers are paying attention to the safety and well-being of front passengers just as well.

Obviously, this update is a tad late for February. Of course, there’s good reason for it: we had to wait for Toyota to drop the Innova bombshell. Aside from the MPV everyone seems to love, here are the other updates for this month’s Philippine Car Price Guide.

• Aston Martin – NEW ENTRY
• BYD – Price Update
• Ford Explorer – NEW ENTRY
• Honda Pilot – NEW ENTRY
• Hyundai Elantra – NEW ENTRY
• Kia Grand Carnival (11-Seater) – NEW ENTRY
• Mahindra – NEW ENTRY
• Mazda2 1.5 S – NEW ENTRY
• Mazda3 – Price Update
• Toyota Innova – NEW ENTRY

As early as three years into its life, Audi was pressured to come out with a new A4.  When Audi engineers were already beginning to reach the same levels of driver satisfaction and build quality as the E46 3 Series, the new E90 3 Series was already on its way.  Knowing all too well that the goal post was once again moving towards BMW's direction, the folks at Ingolstadt had to work fast.  This was in 2002.

Normally, you’ll expect our monthly price guide to appear on the 15th or thereabouts. This time around, we’ve made an exception because we finally have the most-awaited pricing info of all: the 2015 Mitsubishi Strada. Of course, we also have the brochure in a separate link right here.

The Strada though isn’t the only new entrant in this month’s update. We finally were able to update the following:

• Audi
• BMW
• Geely
• Haima
• Honda Odyssey
• JAC
• Jeep
• Jinbei
• JMC
• King Long
• Mercedes-Benz
• MINI
• Porsche
• RAM
• Volkswagen Golf GTI

We also implemented a new format to make sure it’s more mobile phone friendly. Hope you like it!

The final Philippine Car Price Guide for 2015 is now out. We apologize for the delays for this edition, but we’re packing it all here—in the last update of the year. Here’s the list of updated or new entries that spans from October to December of this year.

• Audi TT
• Chevrolet Trax
• Ford Explorer Sport
• Ford Focus 1.5 EcoBoost
• Honda Legend
• Hyundai Accent 1.6 DCT
• Hyundai Azera (price update)
• Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 VGS
• Isuzu mu-X 3.0 VGS
• Lexus LX 570
• Lexus RX 350
• Lexus RX 450h
• Mercedes-AMG GT
• Mercedes-AMG GLA 45
• Nissan Almera
• Peugeot 308
• Subaru Outback 2.5i-S
• Tata Super Ace
• Volkswagen Passat

In this update of the Philippine Car Price Guide, there are some new additions as well as minor revisions. Keep yourself updated:

• Chevrolet Sonic 1.4 LS (new model)
• Chevrolet Trailblazer 4x2 L (new model)
• Honda City 1.5 XV MUGEN (new model)
• Honda Jazz 1.5 V MUGEN (new model)
• Hyundai Accent 1.4 L (new model)
• Hyundai Grand i10 1.0 E (new model)
• Hyundai Grand Starex (price update)
• Isuzu Crosswind (new model)
• Mitsubishi L300 XB (new model)
• Nissan NP300 Navara (new model)
• Toyota Alphard (new model)
• Toyota Prius c (new model)
• Volkswagen Polo 1.6 TSI Comfortline (new model)