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February 29, 2008

Review: 2008 Isuzu Alterra and D-Max


Isuzu has always been a force to be reckoned with when it comes to diesel engines.  Their formidable direct-injection lean burners have always been the first choice when it comes to reliability and dependability.  Tune into the news, and chances are, you’ll see an Isuzu truck delivering relief aid to typhoon victims.  This unparalleled reputation has translated well to their passenger vehicle line as well.  The Alterra, D-MAX and Crosswind have been continuously selling strong despite the stiff competition it’s been facing of late.  Not wanting to rest simply on its diesel superiority, Isuzu has been continuously upgrading its products, all to cater to the ever finicky buying public.  Coming from the same basic gene pool, the 2008 Alterra and D-MAX represent the newest offerings from the world’s diesel leader.

February 19, 2008

Review: 2008 Toyota Yaris 1.5G


I’m not getting any younger.  The moment I stare at the bathroom mirror, I notice the sagging gut and developing eye lines.  I’m feeling every bit of my 28 years on planet earth, and though most say that I still have long ways to go, I believe it’s about time to say bye-bye to youth and enter the world of being a potential family man.  With wedding bells ringing not more than three years ahead, I had to step up and make the two most important purchases in any man’s life: a house and a car.  The first was easy—my dad offered his old house provided he can bunk with me even after I’m married.  The second wasn’t; as a motoring writer, I have driven over 220 cars, so choosing the right one can fill up an entire Excel worksheet with pros and cons.  In the end, I settled on a car that I haven’t driven before; a car I purchased solely on gut feel: the Toyota Yaris.

April 13, 2007

Review: 2007 Nissan Murano


When Carlos Ghosn announced the Nissan Revival Plan in 1999, rarely did he mention about making exciting cars.  All he stressed were improved efficiency and increased cost cuts all in the name of reducing the Japanese company’s debt to zero.  So why does the Nissan Murano exist?  Having a well-balanced knowledge in costing and engineering, Ghosn knew that in order for his plan to succeed, he must change the way people look at Nissan.  After all, it’s extremely difficult to sell a toaster for half a million pesos.  And so, hot after the heels of the highly successful (and profitable) 350Z, it was time for Nissan to concentrate on a more voluminous market: the sport utility vehicle.  In return, they got more than what they bargained for: it forever changed the way people looked at the Nissan brand.

February 21, 2007

Review: 2007 Hyundai Tucson CRDi


Today’s trendy lifestyle demands something more out of a car.  What was once a means of getting from point A to point B has become a sort of mirror to your own personally—something that ultimately tells the people around you who you are.  The ever increasing compact SUV segment is a testament to this as buyers are beginning to look beyond the three-box compact sedan in favor of something much more stylish and personal.  Of course, it helps having an SUV body style since it offers much more flexibility and utility—something that can’t be said with any sedan.

January 29, 2007

Review: 2007 Ford Ranger Trekker and XLT


The Ford Ranger scored a major upset earlier this year when it successfully defended its Pickup of the Year title against a couple of larger rivals. That was the previous model. Now a super sized, super powered, and better-equipped Ranger steps into the ring.

October 19, 2006

Review: 2006 Toyota RAV4


A lot is expected from the all-new Toyota RAV4.  Aside from being the newest offering in the compact SUV segment, this model was responsible for popularizing the concept of the “cute-ute” way back in the 1990s.  The second iteration caused an equal amount of awe with Toyota pushing the RAV4’s styling to a new direction.  Compared to its perennial rival, the Honda CR-V, the RAV4 looked more advanced with its rakish design and exaggerated features be it the Mk. I or Mk. II models.  Having found the right success recipe though, Toyota decided to play it safe with the Mk. III.  Designers and engineers toyed around with the standards set by its predecessor—a good starting point, considering RAV4s were always handsome and always driver-oriented.

April 4, 2006

Review: 2006 Mercedes-Benz B 170


Visions of Mercedes-Benz usually involve long stately limousines, flashy roadsters, or Kimi Raikkonen’s own chrome-plated weekend drive.  What to make then of this, a stubby hatchback that proudly displays a large three-pointed star on its snout?  Mercedes’ ad campaign ostensibly states that this car is for everybody—moms, dads, families, lovers, young and old.  That immediately raised the alarm: any such formula usually results in a muddled product suitable for nobody.  Those contemplating a first purchase of a Mercedes via the B-Class can take heart: the ad planners may be sending out mixed messages, but the product itself is well suited for its particular audience.

March 9, 2006

Review: 2006 Audi A4


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.

March 1, 2006

Review: 2006 Hyundai Accent CRDi


“Surprise and delight the customer” may be a common marketing goal these days, but it’s unusual to find a car that genuinely fits the bill.  After all, we expect a Porsche to be fast and an Expedition to have enough room for two basketball teams.  During the six weeks of testing for Car of the Year 2006, one vehicle stands out in my mind long after the dust has settled on the roads of Forest Hills, and it takes the bulbous shape of the new Hyundai Accent CRDi.

February 14, 2006

Review: 2006 Mercedes-Benz S 350 LWB


Just last weekend, I was checking the classified ads looking for how much a new house might cost these days. After a few flips, I found an interesting middle-class real-estate project with prices that start at P8 million. The units have no furnishings—just painted concrete shells with metal tin roofs. This took place just a few minutes before I got to drive the similarly priced Mercedes-Benz S350. And after spending the better part of the day in the flagship Merc, all I can say is that the house will definitely have to wait.

Review: 2006 Hyundai Matrix CRDi


The moment you set your sights at the Hyundai Matrix, you immediately think: that doesn’t look right.  I don’t blame you.  The rest of humanity doesn’t blame you either.  Whether it’s red or silver or any other color for that matter, the Matrix stands out.  And that’s not a good thing.  It steers clear of everything that’s considered beautiful in automotive design and comes out as something rather, err… unique.  Ah, so the Koreans have done it again—a product that’s literally a design joke, probably penned by blind men in a windowless design studio.  Not quite.  For instance, on the c-pillar reads “disegno Pininfarina”.  Still, having an Italian design studio isn’t any guarantee of beauty or desirability.  In the case of the Matrix though, it relies less on its design studio origin but more on function and get this, performance.

January 31, 2006

Review: 2006 Mitsubishi L200 Strada GLX


I’ve got this soft spot when it comes to Mitsubishi off-roaders. Call them crude, but there’s something—either with their stance or look that simply makes them ruggedly beautiful.  This is especially true with the likes of the first L200 and Pajero that became Filipino favorites.  Even today, the amount of L200 that you still see plying the roads is a testament to their excellent durability.  As the years past through, these modern day workhorses soon became overfed and overweight.  Soon, the Strada (as what the 4WD model is now called), the L200 gained all sorts of fender extensions, needless interior knickknacks and other hefty accessories that simply penalized performance (if the 2.5-liter 4D56 engine wasn’t already being pushed to its limits).

September 11, 2005

Review: 2005 Mazda6 2.3


The engine closes up to 7,000 rpm and the muted sonorous note fills the cabin.  Just before the rev limiter hit, you signal the sequential shifter up a notch.  It responds quickly, almost transparently, pushing the speed even further.  A corner approaches, and without a second thought, you twist the fat three-spoke steering wheel into the direction of the curve.  The car obeys, telepathically taking the line you want.  Your pulse quickens, your breath deepens, and you feel alive once more behind the wheel of the Mazda6.

March 19, 2005

Review: 2005 Jaguar XJ8


Jaguar’s XJ-series is the epitome of luxury and performance for the British car maker.  And even with Ford money, and the subsequent introduction of new models such as the XK-series, X-Type, and S-Type series models, the XJ-series has remained the company’s all-encompassing product.  The XJ-series, especially in XJ8 form, proves that the British do stand a great chance in toppling the Germans in the ultra-luxury car game.

First Drive: 2005 Porsche 911


Pluck any car enthusiast from the last 40 years, and there is only one car that he will be sure to identify from a hundred paces away.  The upright fenders and windshield, triangular greenhouse profile, and sharply sloping rear can only belong to the Porsche 911.

March 7, 2005

Review: 2005 Chevrolet Optra 1.8 LT


Enter a showroom, any kind of showroom, and you’ll immediately get whiffs of lies and deceit.  And it’s not the plastered smiles on the receptionists or even the sales personnel.  It goes much deeper than that.  I’m talking about the sales pitch—the kind of talk that promises you a whole new experience.  Cars can promise you performance numbers that rival Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari or deodorants that make girls go ga-ga over you.  But, do they ever happen?  Did the last juicer you purchased give you houses of pulping fun?  Did the last 15-peso burger meal really look like a pound big like it did on the store poster?  I didn’t think so.  This is the sort of harsh reality that faces consumers everyday, and the sort that ultimately leads to a dismayed buying public.

February 13, 2005

Review: 2005 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer


Elvis Presley, James Dean, Clint Eastwood—men with very different backgrounds, and yet, all have become at least during a part of their lives, the epitome of American cool.  Despite their varied styles of performing, they’ve managed to engrave themselves into the hearts and minds of one of the world’s finickiest markets: the United States.  Even more remarkable is how their topics of rebellion, realization and self-preservation translate so well even to the Filipino setting.

February 2, 2005

Review: 2005 Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8G


Five to ten years ago, the choice for a first car was as diverse as the colors on a Charlie Chaplin flick: it was either the Toyota Corolla or the Honda Civic.  Sure enough, sales figures and market shares simply swung back and forth, while the rest were just content with whatever table scrap that’s left.  Fast forward to today, and things couldn’t have been more different.  Aside from a resurgence from the likes of Mazda, Mitsubishi and Nissan; these two Japanese automotive giants are facing competition from the Americans, namely Ford and Chevrolet.  Add the fact that there are now excellently built sub-compacts, microscopic SUVs and a zillion other choices all catered to making every buyer happy.  Now, the question beckons: can the Toyota Corolla keep up with the changing market place?

January 23, 2005

Review: 2005 Mitsubishi Adventure Grand Sport


The wonder of an effective marketing campaign is that it sticks right in your head, whether you like it or not.  And while Vinchie and the rest of the Parokya ni Edgar strut their stuff, kissing and rapping their way to the beach, I can’t help but imagine a similar scenario climbing onboard the 2004 Mitsubishi Adventure.  While I have no intension of kissing a fellow man, I do have every intension to test this heavily revised AUV in a field it does best: ferrying people.  When the need of carrying 7 people to the Car of the Year Awards – Philippines test venue was raised, guess which one was the vehicle of choice: the Mitsubishi Adventure.

August 11, 2004

Review: 2004 Ford Escape 2.3L


It’s a fact that ninety-five percent of SUV owners haven’t even thought of going off-road.  They probably avoid the smallest of potholes and slow down to take the highway metal joint.  That said, the discussion of whether to have this or that all-wheel drive system is as important as what color of socks you should wear for the day.

Review: 2004 Mazda3 1.6 and 2.0


A long, long time ago in the Kingdom of the Philippines lived Mazda 323.  It lived simply, toiling around the busy city streets, bringing its occupants and luggage wherever the driver pleased.  It was reliable and complacent, never even once raising its voice in anger, as long as it was fed with premium unleaded.

April 9, 2004

Review: 2004 Peugeot 206 1.4


Once upon a time there was a man who loved driving cars.  He wanted a car that was just right for city driving, that didn't eat up too much fuel or the big part of his monthly salary.  That usually meant buying a sedan from the land called Nippon.  Now the small Nipponese sedans that he saw on the road were innovative and pleasant to look at and drive.  There was one he liked called the City, which had a clever CVT and safety features usually found only in more expensive cars.

March 10, 2004

Review: 2004 Nissan Sentra 180GT and GS


The last time a Nissan Sentra set foot on the Subic International Raceway was when the dollar exchanged for 26 pesos and the president still totted a cigar.  During this time, I was literally wearing shorts and learning about girls for the first time.  This clean-slate attitude probably makes me the most qualified in writing about the 2004 Nissan Sentra.

Review: 2004 BMW 530d


Every Terminator movie has a scene where Arnold Schwarzenegger gets hit with everything the enemy has.  His skin and human attachments rip off, revealing the glowering, gleaming metal underneath.  Imagine that happening to a car, and that's how the new BMW 5 series looks like—as if the attractively beady-eyed countenance of the old 5 gets blown off and out comes The Cyborg.  The angry eyebrows of the front headlamp clusters lead to a pronounced nose section and sharply creased flanks.  The shutlines are all trapezoids and the rear continues the bulky, angular theme.

February 29, 2004

Review: 2004 Isuzu Trooper Skyroof Edition


Imagine you’ve been working for a multi-national company, and after sweating it out for a couple of years, you’re about to get promoted.  Great.  Of course, with the additional benefits and cash at hand, there’s no better way to show off than a new set of wheels.  Riding around in your sensible Japanese sedan is fine, but it just doesn’t that x-factor anymore.  Opting for a German sedan is still out of your budget, and the running costs of those gigantic American SUVs still sting the pocket.  So, without sacrificing image, is there a vehicle that could provide everyday practicality, exceptional performance and good comfort?  Luckily for you, there’s the Isuzu Trooper.

February 10, 2004

First Drive: 2004 Civic 2.0 i-VTEC


Japanese sedans used to be simple: three sizes with three different strengths: mild (1.3), regular (1.6), and extra strength (2.0).  You could only get the stronger flavor if you ordered the bigger cup.  German brew was much more interesting; they were not averse to serving heady 40-proof in a shot glass.  (Think C43 AMG.)

January 21, 2004

Review: 2004 Ford Escape V6


There are several ways of waking up in the morning, from the unpleasant blare of an alarm clock to the stimulating aroma of breakfast cooking in the kitchen.  A leisurely breakfast is all fine for the weekend, but for rush-hour workdays, a quicker solution is warranted.  That's where coffee usually comes in: one gulp and when the caffeine warms up the veins, so too does the brain.  Now what of us who are not partial to hot Java?  We discovered something just as effective: seeing a bright yellow compact SUV parked in our garage did the trick.

July 7, 2003

First Drive: 2003 Toyota Vios 1.5G M/T and A/T


Let’s face it—we’re going to be late again.  Rushing through a mid-afternoon’s Metro traffic, our humble Toyota Echo zipped between bigger motor vehicles.  The 1.3-liter engine was clearly given a thrashing as the responsive four-speed auto ‘box gave us much needed accelerating power.  We subjected ourselves to a slightly sore backside for the sake of motoring journalism.

Review: 2003 Nissan Urvan Estate


Given a fixed length, width and height, the most efficient shape to enclose a space is that of a box.  That's something that appliance designers, modern architects and seasoned travelers know only too well—we don't see too many cylindrical refrigerators or triangular office towers.  Passenger vans have to follow the same rule, so don't expect anything other than a refrigerator on wheels when you go shopping for that 12-seater.

April 21, 2003

Review: 2003 Volvo S40 T4


Now, more than ever, the lines of automotive design and engineering are beginning to blur.  American sedans, once noted for their crudeness are gaining European sophistication; Korean reliability and durability is heading well into contention with the Japanese; the British, for all their pride on identity is starting to get a bit Teutonic.  Even the quiet Scandinavian nation of Sweden isn’t spared from this inevitable global trend, and the new Volvo S40 T4 can attest to this.

Review: 2003 Toyota Revo 1.8 SR


There’s always something alluring with the girl next door.  She may not be the prettiest, sexiest or richest, but somehow she always manages to lift your spirits with her honest to goodness smile.  It seems that you’ve known her all your life—she’s dependable, reliable and trustworthy.  In short, she’s like a Toyota Revo.

March 25, 2003

Review: 2003 Toyota Camry 2.4V


It seems that Nostradamus is right after all.  Our world may not have ended with the now infamous Y2K debacle or with a Nuclear Holocaust, but continuously watching CNN would have anyone thinking that every day is a disaster.

Review: 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer MX


When a promised gift arrives later than it should, it can be frustrating and exciting at the same time.  The same sense of anxious anticipation pervaded our wait for the 2003 Lancer.   This was not helped by the sight of gray-market Evo VIIs burbling around Manila.  The Lancer's rivals had certainly advanced the 1.6 liter game, and, good or bad, we wanted to know how the Lancer would stand up to the challenge. As the New Year rolled in, Mitsubishi Motors eventually delivered.

February 3, 2003

Review: 2003 Isuzu Crosswind XUV


Even as Isuzu struck success with its first Isuzu AUV, the Hi-lander, it was already developing its second iteration, the sportier, sleeker Crosswind.  Soon after, Isuzu brought the Crosswind to the next logical step in its evolution, the XUV.

Review: 2003 Ford Expedition


I’ve always taken a liking to bright, red wrapping paper.  There’s a sensation of butterflies in the stomach, coupled with anticipation that makes the entire experience worth it—it’s just short of actually crapping in the pants.

January 8, 2003

Review: 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero Field Master


James Bond is one cool guy; there’s no doubting that.  Everything from driving (and subsequently wrecking) his Aston Martin V12 Vanquish to having any girl he wants, he’s surely any man’s fantasy life personified.  However, there’s a greater chance of seeeing pigs fly than for us slipping into a Brioni suit armed with an Omega Speedmaster with standard laser gun.  So what’s the next best thing to Bond?  McGyver.

July 2, 2002

Review: 2002 Nissan Cefiro Brougham VIP


The Cefiro Brougham VIP, since its 2000 launch, has carved out its own market niche, that of a limousine-like conveyance with features that could only be found in European sedans costing two or three times its price. Thanks to the electronic gadgetry, bag loads of space and of course, that legendary, silky-smooth 2.0-liter twin-cam 24-valve V6 VQ engine, the black-and-gray sedan found a steady market.   With the 2002 Brougham, Nissan Motors Philippines is hoping that lightning could strike again.

Review: 2002 Opel Astra Club Sedan


It was around two years ago when we last stepped into an Opel.  As competent as the Astra was, back then we concluded that the Honda Civic and the Ford Lynx—our top two for the 1.6-liter segment had nothing to fear from this diminutive German car. However, much like enjoying a good French wine, a single two-hour sitting may not do enough justice to this car.  So this time, we’re taking a four-day affair in the hopes of confirming our original findings—or else swallow our pride and admit  that we made some booboos before.

March 13, 2002

Review: 2002 Honda Civic Type-R


Honda Civics stuffed with DOHC VTEC engines have earned a reputation for being the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde of the compact car world.  Behaving not much differently from its more docile stablemates, the Civic undergoes a transformation once you spin the engine past 6000 rpm.  The second VTEC cam profile engages, the engine note turns into a Formula-One soundtrack, and you have about 2000 more rpm to go before reaching for the next gear.  Suddenly the unassuming little Honda can give a BMW 325i a run for its money, at least on this side of 100 km/h.

Review: 2002 Honda Civic VTi-S vs Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8G


Ever since the introduction of the Honda Civic back in the early 1990s, it became an overnight success.  The ‘bug-eyed’ generation seemed to have no end as it seemed that everyone owned a Civic, whether it was an LXi, VTi or SiR.  Funny thing is that when Toyota released its Corolla back in 1998 it had all the safety equipment and some of the luxuries like better plastics and an upgraded stereo system.  Nonetheless, the Civic still ran away with the sales lead.

March 12, 2002

Review: 2002 Ford Lynx Ghia


Critics said that it was the rear end that did it in; some claimed it was borrowed underpinnings; some even proclaimed that it was due to having only one displacement available.  Whatever the reason, the Ford Lynx, after making a big splash in September 1999, soon became close to extinct in the 1.6-liter segment.  Despite combining the sporty attributes of the Honda Civic and a bit of luxury and class that became the trademark of the Nissan Exalta, it didn’t quite threaten the leaders in its class.

February 16, 2002

Review: 1997 Porsche 911 Cabriolet


When we hear the word Porsche, three adjectives immediately spring to mind: air-cooled, rear-engined, and flat-six.  With the advent of the latest Porsche products, each of these trademark characteristics has come under assault.  Noise and emissions regulations have led to water-cooled engines, the Boxster has its engine in the middle of the chassis, and the upcoming Cayenne will be powered by a V8 engine.  Hey, the Cayenne is even an SUV, for crying out loud!  To those who might wonder what a Porsche truly is, to what the brand really stands for, they should go back in time, just a few years to the last of the “true” Porsches, the previous 911, codenamed 993.

January 21, 2002

Review: 2002 Ford Ranger 4x4 XLT


The wind buffeted even more as the tire noise filled the cabin.  I knew for a fact that this vehicle was being driven at its very limit.  The odometer indicated a mere 3,525 kilometers—pretty young to undergo such a harsh treatment.  The stiff ride sent every single road imperfection straight to my spine and into my brain, registering with great tenacity like hot needles on cold, bare skin.  My pulse quickened as I gripped the gear lever trying to find another gear—I wanted to go faster—I needed another upshift.  To my surprise—that was it.  Only five gears?

March 12, 2001

Review: 2001 Mercedes-Benz MB100


Weekend getaway to Tagaytay:  long stretches of highway culminating in steep mountain roads with plenty of hairpin turns.  Fresh air and cool weather, too!

Review: 2001 BMW 523i vs Honda Accord VTi-L


We know what’s circulating in your minds: here’s another crazy match up between a BMW and a Honda—an uneven match-up, much like letting Mike Tyson go against Yukozuna.  On paper, there’s actually nothing the same with the Honda Accord and the BMW 523i: the German is rear-wheel drive, powered by an inline-6 and costs three million bucks.  On the other hand, the Accord is the typical exec-sedan of choice offering front-wheel drive, powered by an inline-4 and priced at half of the Bimmer’s list price.

February 5, 2001

Review: 2001 Toyota RAV4


Niche market vehicles are usually developed as an afterthought.  Sure, manufacturers have to develop a new shell and body panels, but essentially, the basic frame and the engine were all sourced from existing parts. The story is no different when the cute-as-button mini-SUVs began to invade the market.  The Toyota RAV4 for instance used a modified Corolla chassis and was powered by a Corona engine.  On the other hand, the Honda CR-V was based on the Civic chassis and engine.

Review: 2001 Toyota Corolla GLi


The battlefield of the 1.6-liter sedans has never been this big.  Long before, people had only two choices: the Mitsubishi Lancer and the Toyota Corolla.  Pretty soon, other car manufacturers came into the picture offering their own brand of compact-sized family car.  Now, the field has no less than seven competitors: Chevrolet Cassia, Ford Lynx, Honda Civic, Mazda 323, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla.  This huge array of choices makes buying a compact-sized sedan much more difficult than shopping for hotdogs at a local supermarket.

December 18, 2000

Review: 2000 Ford Explorer Sport Trac


In biology, hybrids combine the best characteristics of different variants.   So it is with cars.  Witness the success of the car-based offroaders.  They combine the compact dimensions and good handling of a car with the high ground clearance and wagon configuration of a traditional offroader to endear themselves to many owners and climb steadily to the top of the sales charts.

May 13, 2000

Review: 2000 Mitsubishi Lancer GSR


Monet replicas are everywhere.  You see them in offices, elevators and yes, even McDonald's restaurants.  Has it ever occurred to you why such an excellent artist as Monet had to be contented on seeing his works displayed along side Ronald McDonald?  The answer is simple really: it's inoffensive and bland.  Much like a Big Mac or McChicken is bland, a Monet doesn't really stand out.  It may look great to the art critic's eye, but for the rest of civilization, it's nothing more than a piece of decoration: greatly unnoticed, ignored and never appreciated.  What a Monet replica is in the world of furniture, is what the Mitsubishi Lancer GSR is in the world of automobiles.