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July 15, 2013

Mazda Philippines Backs Michele Bumgarner on Mazda Road to Indy


Berjaya Auto Philippines Inc, the distributor of Mazda in the Philippines, and Lee Bumgarner (LBI), Inc, announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Mazda Philippines to support Filipino racing sensation Michele Bumgarner in her quest to reach the North America’s INDYCAR race championship.

Datsun is Back with Go, a Model for the Indian Market


Nissan has finally resurrected the Datsun brand with an all-new model destined for the Indian market, the Go.

Volvo Philippines Offering Limited Edition Polestar Performance Package (w/ Brochure and Local Test Results)


Volvo Philippines unleashes a new breed of Volvos through a Limited Edition Performance Package on select Volvo models. Certain turbocharged and diesel variants of the Volvo S60, XC60 and XC90 have been upgraded with R-Design styling elements and Polestar-tuned engines, to offer even more value-laden Volvo Ownership experience.

July 14, 2013

TOTAL and Peugeot Conquers Pikes Peak USA


June 30 marked a milestone in the shared motorsports history of Total and Peugeot. Nine-time World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb conquered Pikes Peak in Colorado, USA. Dubbed “the race to the clouds,” Total and Peugeot worked with partners Red Bull and Michelin to take Loeb from 9,390 feet at the start to 14,110 feet at the finish line.

The Peugeot 208 T16 was packed with 875 horsepower and weighed 875 kg, equipped with big wings to maximize the aerodynamics effect. Loeb drove at an average speed of 145 km/h, going through Pikes Peak’s 156 turns and 12.42 miles (20 kilometers). The mythical race saw him shattering the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb record with a time of 8 minutes and 13.878 seconds, besting Rhys Millen’s 9 minutes and 46.164 second set in 2012. Further, Loeb even beat his own practice run time of 8 minutes and 15 seconds on the Colorado mountain.

“I’m really happy as that was a very good run in the end,” said Loeb. “I really didn’t expect anything better than 8m15s, so to do 8m13s was fantastic. Before the start, I didn’t really know if I should push absolutely to the maximum or if I should just push to a comfortable pace, in order to make sure of the victory. In the end, I decided to push to the limit.”

Volvo Reaches Landmark Safety Milestone: 1 Million Cars Equipped with Auto Brake Technology

Today, the sales of Volvo cars equipped with systems for automatic braking passed the one million mark - another milestone that confirms Volvo Car Group's world-leading position within automotive safety.

Volvo Cars' technology for automatic braking includes several world firsts: City Safety, which is standard and works at speeds up to 50 km/h; Collision Warning with full auto brake; and Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection with full auto brake.

July 12, 2013

The Amazing (Fuel-Sipping) Race: Putting the Peugeot 3008 Through its Paces

Photos by Eurobrands Distributor, Inc. Press
Fuel economy runs have become fairly common for us in the motoring beat. Name every conceivable iteration from city to long-distance, track to off-road; I’ve done it most likely. But that doesn’t stop car manufacturers from using fuel-economy runs to measure the merit of their cars, especially if it’s boasting great levels of frugality. Peugeot, with the 3008, is the latest one to join the fray with an Alabang-Batangas City and back fuel economy fun run.

July 11, 2013

Toyota Motor Philippines Launches All-new Vios (w/ Brochure)


Vios—derived from the Latin word meaning “to move forward”—seems like a fitting nameplate for a car that’s destined to bring Toyota Motor Philippines to new heights and bring its product-led transformation to the next chapter: the mass-market. The undisputed leader in the sub-compact car segment since the launch of the first-generation model in 2002, the all-new, third-generation Vios aims to cement that lead further, and in the process, add another nail to the competitors’ coffins.

July 10, 2013

Philippine Car Price Guide: June-July 2013

With not much changes last June, I decided to postpone the Philippine Price Guide and combine it instead with the July 2013 edition. So, for the past two months, here are the additional cars/updated prices of cars in the Philippines.
  • BMW M6
  • Dodge Challenger (price update)
  • Dodge Charger (price update)
  • Honda CR-Z (image pricing)
  • Hyundai Santa Fe 2WD 6 M/T
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee (price update)
  • Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (price update)
  • Kia Carens
  • Land Rover Range Rover
  • Lexus IS 350 & IS 350 F Sport
  • Lifan LF320 (price update)
  • Mazda 3 1.6 MAXX
  • Mazda CX-5 AWD Sport
  • Mercedes-Benz A 250 CGI Sport
  • Mercedes-Benz E 250 CDI Avantgarde
  • Mercedes-Benz E 300 AMG Sport
  • Mitsubishi Adventure GLX SE
  • Mitsubishi Adventure GLS Sport SE
  • Mitsubishi Adventure Super Sport SE
  • Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 DI-D Limited Edition
  • Suzuki APV SGX (price update)
  • Toyota Camry (price update)
  • Toyota Vios

July 9, 2013

New Ford Fiesta: Key to Modern Living


It’s pouring rain and you’re running late for a meeting. Caught in the deluge, you use one hand to frantically root through your bag and pockets for your key, taking care not to spill the scalding hot coffee you’re holding with the other. Within seconds, you’re drenched. As you scramble to unlock the door before collapsing inside in a dripping mess, you think to yourself: It’s 2013. There must be a better way.

Review: 2013 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2

Photos by Ulysses Ang
Everyone should drive a Ford Ranger Wildtrak, preferably the 3.2-liter. There, I said it. As much as I detest lumbering SUVs and pick-up trucks, with the torrential rains hitting Metro Manila every single day, it’s actually great to have a vehicle that can bring you home dry and in one piece. Having driven the Ford Ranger before, specifically the XLT trim, I’m already quite used to this vehicle’s merits such as class-leading 800-mm wading depth, massive 80-liter fuel tank, and advanced features such as voice-command. Still, I find myself on the fence on whether I’d pick the Ranger over say, a compact crossover or SUV for a variety of reasons, the absence of luxury features to name one. However, the arrival of the Wildtrak blows those reservations out the window. This indeed is the new go-anywhere, do-anything vehicle.

July 8, 2013

Toyota Offering New Corolla Altis TRD Upgrade for 1.6G AT


Toyota Motor Philippines has announced through its official Facebook page the availability of the Corolla Altis TRD upgrade for the 1.6G A/T variant.

For an additional P 10,000 (SRP is P 914,000), the 1.6G A/T gets spiffy new 17-inch TRD alloy wheels as well as side skirts. Of course, it also comes with the prerequisite "TRD Sportivo" badging at the back. No mechanical changes or modifications have been made.

Of course, long-time Toyota fans will note that the announcement of a TRD model all point to the arrival of the all-new model real soon.

Source: Toyota Motor Philippine Facebook Page

UPDATED: Catch a Sneak Peek of the All-New Toyota Vios, Pre-Selling Starts Now!


UPDATE: Toyota will be offering public test drives of the all-new Vios at the Alabang Town Center, Eastwood Mall, and Bonifacio Global City on July 13-14. This is a day after the official launch party at the NBC Tent which will feature DJ Amely among others. For tickets and more information about the "Vios Vibe" launch party, log onto: ViosStarttheFun.com

This June 2013, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) teases you with a more dynamically-designed car that has grown to be a favorite amongst the Filipinos. Catch a glimpse of the much-awaited vehicle as it storms the streets of Manila and key areas in Luzon until June 23, 2013! Be the first to start the fun by taking a snapshot of the all-new Vios!

Ford Philippines Wraps Up Record First-Half with Best-Ever June Performance

Led by the continued strength in demand for the class-defining all-new Ranger pickup, Ford Philippines today reported its best-ever June performance with overall retail sales surging 112 percent year-over-year to 1,245 units.

The exceptional month wrapped up a record first-half for Ford in the Philippines with overall retail sales increasing 87 percent from the same period last year to 6,261 vehicles – making Ford the fastest growing automotive brand in the country this year.

Michelin to Partner the NASCAR-WHELEN Euro-Series


Michelin has renewed its commitment to the NASCAR WHELEN Euro-Series (the new name for the former Euro-Racecar NASCAR Touring Series) as it develops across Europe.

Since its first involvement in this championship in 2009, the French tire firm has played a key role and will provide tires that deliver a high level of grip, durability and performance adapted to the conditions encountered in NASCAR racing. Michelin sees this as a long-term partnership, with the focus of all its players, from the drivers and organisers, to its partners, very much on the notion of reasoned motorsport. In addition to being a responsible form of racing, the NASCAR WHELEN Euro-Series is also exciting and entertaining for spectators.

July 7, 2013

New Suzuki Alto 800 Leads in Affordability


People looking to buy their first car can drive home their new ride without spending big as Suzuki Philippines Inc. (SPH), the only integrated automobile and motorcycle company in the country, launches the all-new and very affordable subcompact car— the Alto 800.

Retailing at only P388,000.00 for the standard variant, owners get great value for their money as the all-new Alto 800 goes farther with  its 22.74 km/l average mileage, 11 percent more torque, and 15 percent more fuel-efficiency than the previous Alto.

SPH President Hiroshi Suzuki shares, “The launch of the Alto 800 in the Philippines underscores our commitment to bring fuel-efficient, comfortable, and affordable cars to this market.  We look forward to introducing more the Suzuki ‘Way of Life’ brand philosophy to the Filipinos by pioneering great-valued automobiles like the Alto 800.”

For more information about the Suzuki Alto 800, please visit www.suzuki.com.ph.

Michelin and Peugeot Set New Pikes Peak Record


At last, the dream has become reality. Following months of team work, the savoir-faire of the engineers at Peugeot Sport and Michelin paid dividends when Frenchman Sébastien Loeb provided further evidence of his multifaceted talent with another top-flight performance. At about 17:40 (UTC), the nine-time world rally champion recorded a time of 8m13.878s for the infamous American hill climb. That was enough to win the "Ultimate" class and establish a brand new record for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado, USA, the world‟s most famous hill climb event which was organised for the 91st time this weekend.

Volvo Joins Australian V8 Supercars Championship


Volvo Car Group (Volvo Cars) announces it will have an official Volvo Polestar Racing team on the grid in the V8 Supercars Championship in 2014 and race the Volvo S60.

"I'm delighted to announce Volvos return to motorsport in Australia. Volvo has a rich motorsport heritage in this country, including winning Australia's most famous race, the Bathurst 1000, 15 years ago this coming October. As the first luxury car brand to enter an official factory team in the V8 Supercars Championship, we're determined to add to this heritage, while strengthening the presence of the S60 model line and the Volvo brand here in Australia," said Matt Braid, Volvo Car Australia Managing Director.

July 3, 2013

Ford Invites Consumers to Find Their 24-Hour Fiesta Profile; Set to Promote New Fiesta


Ford Philippines today announced an innovative and interactive pre-launch campaign -- ‘24 Hour Fiesta Project’ -- designed to engage young and connected Filipinos by matching their personalities, lifestyles and tastes with the new Ford Fiesta.

Over a six-week period – until Monday, August 5 – participants will be asked to pick a Fiesta Profile that both matches their personality and time-of-day that best reflects their lifestyle, share their profile with friends on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and become eligible to win a unique 24-hour Fiesta experience.

July 2, 2013

Review: 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T Brembo M/T

Photos by Ulysses Ang
We’re no stranger to the Hyundai Genesis Coupe. We’ve driven a modified “drift car” version before as well as the latest 3.8 V6 8AT. Now, we move on to the Car of the Year – Philippines’s sports car of the year, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T Brembo.

Normally, a driver’s best ally in a car is the transmission. More than just the brute horsepower of the engine, it’s the transmission that determines how that power is transferred onto the wheels. It can amplify and/or reduce acceleration, top speed, and even fuel economy depending on the specific tuning involved. Given the importance of the gearbox, a sports car should only warrant the best. That’s why you often hear things like ‘positive action’, easily modulated clutch’, and ‘short throw shifting’ alongside ‘powerful acceleration’ and ‘exhilarating handling’. Unfortunately, it seems Hyundai engineers didn’t get the memo with the Genesis Coupe 2.0T.

July 1, 2013

CATS Motors Launches New Mercedes-Benz E-Class


Before Mercedes-Benz diversified their product portfolio to include everything from hot hatches to SUVs to supercars, they were highly renowned for the E-Class and S-Class. Though its designations may have changed (to reflect its positioning in the broadened Mercedes-Benz product range), both of these sedans continue the tradition of being the best in their respective classes. And now, CATS Motors, the country’s general distributor of Mercedes-Benz took the wraps off the new E-Class which the company touts as “one of its biggest mid-cycle enhancements in Mercedes-Benz history”.

Suzuki Swift Moves Hardcourt Hero Kiefer Ravena


On the court, Blue Eagle Kiefer Ravena nimbly maneuvers towards the basket to score victory for his team. This hardcourt hero known as “The Phenom” performs with grace under pressure and uses his smarts and a sense of sportsmanship as an ambassador of basketball.