Photo courtesy of Mazda Press

A report on Top Gear Philippines's official website points to the fact that the much anticipated second-generation Mazda 3 will soon be available for Philippine buyers.

In an interview with the website, Ford Group Philippines Assistant Vice President for Communications, Anika Salceda-Wycoco said that the all-new Mazda 3 will be available later this year, but won't be assembled in the Philippines.

The rumor mill is currently speculating that the all-new Mazda 3 along with the CX-5 compact crossover could be made available as early as the First to Second Quarter of 2012 given that Mazda is now running out their inventory of the current 3. In fact, in the latest price list, only the 1.6 S and 1.6 V (both four door models) are the only ones available.

According to Top Gear Philippines's, the Mazda 3 is currently being assembled in Thailand, so it's pretty much certain that the Philippines's supply of the 3 will come from there. Meanwhile, the CX-5 is currently only being assembled in Japan.

Source: Top Gear Philippines

Photo courtesy of Volvo Press

Viking Cars, Inc., the official distributor of Volvo automobiles in the Philippines shared an amazing bit of news to start the new year.

With their "What can you do with P 1 Million?" promotion, buyers of the Volvo XC90 or S80 T5 is made to enjoy up to P 1-million in savings. How does that happen? Well, it could be one of three ways:

1. Straight up cash discount of P 1-million.
2. Trip for 2 to the Volvo Museum in Sweden.
3. 30% downpayment, 48-months to pay at 0% interest.

Whatever you choose, all Volvo models also come with an unprecedented 5-year warranty and roadside assistance package which is very generous compared to the other luxury makes.

Hurry, this promotional offer is only good until the 15th of February!

A source from Hyundai Automotive Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines has revealed a price increase for all variants of the Tucson compact crossover as well as the Starex van.

The source said that the price increase will take effect within the month of February. So, if you're in the market for these two vehicles, better put down that deposit to lock in your price.

Photo courtesy of Ford Press

Ford Group Philippines, celebrating a banner year in 2011 has revealed that Ford Alabang is their 2011 Dealer of the Year.

Aside from being lauded as the Dealer of the Year, Ford Alabang also was recognized as the dealer that sold the most number of Fiesta sub-compacts in Metro Manila as well as Everest.

The good folks from Petron has sent us some news regarding their Vision Petron exhibit which runs from January 17, 2012 to April 2012. This exhibit presents the winners of the recently concluded Vision Petron National Student Art Competition

Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) surprised everyone when they unveiled the 2012 Prius C at their annual Media Thanksgiving Party last Friday evening. Aimed with individuals without children (or at most, young children), the Prius C combines a Yaris-sized sub-compact with Toyota's legendary Synergy gasoline-electric hybrid engine.

Retailing for P 1,475,000 for the Standard model and P 1,525,000 for the Full Option model (an additional P 15,000 for the exclusive White Pearl color), the Prius C is powered by a 1.5-liter 1NZ-FXE 4-cylinder engine that is Euro V compliant and uses the highly-efficient Atkinson cycle. The 73 horsepower, 111 Nm powerplant is supplement by a 60 horsepower, 169 Nm permanent magnet synchronous motor giving the Prius C combined figures of 133 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque. The sole transmission is an electronically controlled CVT with Eco and EV mode settings. Toyota claims a combined city/highway figure of 21.27 km/L for the Prius C.

Inside, the Prius C comes standard with the same digital vacuum display on the larger Prius model, a multi-information display situated in the middle of the dashboard as well as the touch-sensitive Touch Tracer controls for audio and air conditioning controls. All Prius C models come loaded with a 6-speaker sound system with Stereo/CD/MP3/USB playback capability, Bluetooth hands-free, automatic climate control and a split-folding rear seat. The Full model adds a leather steering wheel, leather seats and power retracting side view mirrors.

Read the full Press Release and view more photos after the break.

Our sister website motioncars.com has picked up an interesting news tidbit from Motor Image Pilipinas, the Philippine distributor of Subaru vehicles in the Philippines.

According to the website's reports, the all-new Subaru XV is set to join the rest of the Subaru line-up when it is unveiled at the 2012 Manila International Auto Show which runs from March 29 to April 1, 2012 at the World Trade Center.

Based on the all-new Impreza chassis (G4 or Generation 4), the XV is differentiated from its road-biased cousin thanks to an upgraded suspension system which has increased ground clearance to 218 mm versus 145 mm on the regular Impreza. Aside from that, the XV will share its drivetrain components with the all-new Impreza from the all-new 2.0-liter FB flat-4 engine (150 horsepower, 196 Nm of torque) as well as its continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The all-new Subaru XV is also the first Subaru to be assembled at the Tan Chong Motor Assemblies Sdn. Bhd. in Malaysia making it the first locally available Subaru to be assembled outside the United States of America (Tribeca) and Japan (the rest of the line-up).

Motor Image Pilipinas hasn't said anything about pricing yet, but according to Motor Image Pilipinas General Manager Nicky Mariano, it will be priced above the current Impreza 2.0 R hatchback.

Source: motioncars.com

Photo courtesy of BMW Press

Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official distributor of BMW vehicles in the Philippines has revealed itself to be the best-selling luxury automotive brand for 2011. In a recent press conference, ACC President Ms. Maricar Parco said that for 2011, BMW has garnered a 33 percent market share in the segment. With an annual sales of 792 units, it represented a 19 percent gain year-on-year, bucking the downward sales trend seen by the local motoring association CAMPI or Chamber of Automobile Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc.

Likewise, Ms. Parco has also revealed that for 2012 they are targeting 850 units or an additional growth of 7 percent fueled by the recently launched BMW 1 Series. In addition, she has also said to expect no less than 3 new models to enter the country which includes the new BMW 3 Series as well as a refreshed BMW 7 Series. ACC also expects to receive a shipment of the highly anticipated BMW M5 sports sedan early this year.

Photos courtesy of Toyota Press

In a series of slideshows before the unveil of all-new 2012 Toyota Avanza, Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) was keen to show that the MPV segment is growing at a steady rate in the Philippine market. At the same time, the SUV segment is down while passenger cars in general have remained fairly steady. According to TMP, this is due to the propensity for Philippine buyers to prefer a car that can fit their extended family while remaining fuel efficient for everyday driving. In short, TMP sees huge potential in their Avanza, a vehicle that's been one of the brand's best-selling since its introduction in 2006.

From the outside, the all-new Avanza is clearly handsomer than the model it replaces. The front facia alone puts it in sync with the global Toyota design language while the swept headlights, curved wheel wells and doors make it look modern. The window line remains large and straight, giving optimal comfort for all passengers. The top-of-the-line model receives 15-inch alloys while the mid and base models make do with 14-inchs (either alloys or steel wheels depending on the trim level).

Despite the small stature, the all-new Avanza offers livable seating for 7 adults (the only 5-seater Avanza is the base J model). The second row actually folds and tumbles via a single-action lever and offers a sliding base to properly distribute the available knee and leg room. Besides this addition, the Avanza now receives a much more modern dash design and an easy-to-read instrumentation cluster. The 1.5 G model receives a two-tone beige-and-black motif while the 1.3-liter models make do with a monotone black-on-black design. Other changes that round out the Avanza include a tilt adjustable steering wheel (with audio controls on the G model) as well as an integrated audio unit complete with USB and aux interface (again, the J model receives a basic CD/MP3 unit).

Though dubbed all-new, the Avanza still shares the first-generation model's hard points so the MacPherson Strut/4-Link Coil Springs set-up still remains. However, changes were done to improve the ride and handling. An electric power steering (EPS) system is now standard across the line which promises better fuel economy and low-speed steering response. Under the hood, the same 3SZ-VE 1.5-liter and K3-VE 1.3-liter engines remain. With 102 horsepower and 90 horsepower respectively, it won't necessarily make the Avanza fast, but Toyota does promise at least 12 km/L for the 1.5 and 12.6 km/L for the 1.3-liter. In addition, TMP has unveiled a 1.3-liter AT variant as well, the first time this choice was made available.

Prices for the all-new Toyota Avanza are as follows: 1.3 J MT (5-seater) - P 620,000; 1.3 E MT - P 703,000; 1.3 E AT - P 743,000; 1.5 G MT - P 828,000; 1.5 G AT - P 868,000.

Photos courtesy of Land Rover Press

The premium compact crossover segment is now going to get even more crowded. A couple of days after winning the North American Truck of the Year award, the Range Rover Evoque lands in the Philippines with a subtle media launch last Wednesday at the Land Rover Activity Centre in Bonifacio Global City.

Dubbed as the most fuel-efficient Range Rover ever produced, the Evoque offers bold design and state-of-the-art technology while keeping in touch with Land Rover's multi-terrain capability. Priced at a not-so-affordable P 5.350-M for the 5-door version and P 5.50-million for the 3-door coupe, the Evoque counters that by offering premium levels of craftsmanship and high-degrees of personalization--something its rivals cannot match.

Personalization aside though, the Evoque comes with just one engine: a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with direct-injection. Coupled with a turbocharger, this engine pushes out 240 horsepower. Together with its six-speed transmission as well as all-around independent suspension with MagneRide (tm) magnetorheological damper technology, the Evoque will certainly be as comfortable and capable both on- and off-road.

Photos courtesy of Honda Press

Honda Cars Philippines Incorporated (HCPI) has unveiled the 2012 City sub-compact sedan last Tuesday. As expected in previous reports, the 2012 City is a minor refresh of HCPI's best-selling Philippine product.

With over 24,000 units sold, Honda's direction for the 2012 City is: "why fix if it isn't broke?". And true to form, the City continues on with the same powertrain/suspension configuration as before (a choice of 1.3-liter and 1.5-liter i-VTEC engines and 5-speed manual or automatic 'boxes). Safety features (dual SRS airbags, anti-lock brakes with EBD) is now standard across the line. It continues to ride on 15-inch alloys albeit with new, snazzier designs.

The biggest change with the City is the schnoz which now features three thick horizontal chrome strips replacing the shiny gunmetal gray finish of the pre-facelift City. The new grille puts the Honda design lingo into the City (something shared with the CR-V and to some extent, the Accord). Along with the new grille, the City gets new front and rear bumpers (with sporty diffusers) as well as a new pattern for the tail lamp. A new color dubbed Sparkling Brown has been added for the 1.5-liter variant as well.

Inside, the City swaps the gunmetal accents for higher sheen metallic accents. This change is further differentiated with new interior fabrics, new instrument gauges as well as a leather steering wheel (with audio controls) for the top-of-the-line 1.5 E. The 1.5 E also gets a new 'Eco' light.

Prices for the 2012 Honda City are as follows: 1.3 S M/T - P 746,000; 1.3 S A/T - P 786,000; 1.5 E A/T - P 836,000. The 2012 Honda City is now available for viewing at all Honda showrooms nationwide. Deliveries start in February. 

Hyundai must be feeling a bit of pressure from the Scion FR-S/Toyota 86/Subaru BR-Z that it's chosen the 2012 North American International Auto Show to debut a mid-cycle refresh of its best-selling Genesis Coupe as well as its entry-level Veloster coupe.

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe, with its 300++ horsepower V6 engine and rear-wheel drive found its way to the heart of every car enthusiast. For the 2013 model year however, the love has grown. The same 3.8-liter V6 engine on the range-topping Genesis Coupe now makes 348 horsepower thanks to direct-injection technology. Meanwhile, the entry-level forced-induction 4-cylinder model sees a power bump to 274 horsepower from 201 thanks to a modified and improved turbo and intercooler set-up. Hyundai is retaining the 6-speed manual transmissions as standard on these two models while offering a new 8-speed automatic as an option.

This mid-cycle refresh also features a new front end, an improved interior with better materials and finishes, a revised and quicker steering rack, new front strut settings and a revised damper setting as well.

Meanwhile, the best-selling Veloster coupe gets an engine the looks deserved. While the 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine was okay, the sporty looks of the Veloster dictated that it needed more power under the hood. The result? Hyundai has shoehorned a twin-scroll turbocharger upping the output to 201 horsepower. According to Hyundai engineers, the overall power combined with the Veloster's light curb weight bests the likes of the Volkswagen GTI and Honda Civic Si in power-to-weight ratio. In fact, it's pretty darn close to that of the Mini Cooper S. Capping of the upgrades is a quicker steering rack.

The Veloster Turbo also gets unique exterior upgrades such as a revised grille, front and rear bumpers, tail lamps and center-exiting exhaust.

More photos after the break.