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

June 20, 2014

Kia's Peter Schreyer Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Peter Schreyer, President and Chief Design Officer of Kia Motors Corporation and Hyundai Motor Group, has received the prestigious Lifetime Design Achievement Award from EyesOn Design.

Michelin and Audi Rekindle Success at 24 Hours of Le Mans

Michelin and their team-up with the Audi Sport Team proved fruitful yet again with a one-two triumph at the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans. Both the new Audi R18 e-tron Quattro racecars were fitted with a new type of Michelin racing tires.

The rains are here and Suzuki is helping its customers prepare their cars for the floods and traffic. Suzuki Philippines, the only integrated automobile and motorcycle company in the country, is offering Free Check-Up Service Campaign to its loyal customers. On June 20 and 21, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Suzuki customers in Quezon City can avail of the free 23-point car check-up during the Suzuki @ Work service camp at Suzuki Auto Commonwealth.

Once again, Chevrolet is starring in one of this year’s most awaited and biggest movies: Transformers: Age of Extinction. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this trailer courtesy of the folks from Chevrolet Philippines.

Transformers: Age of Extinction will show in Philippine cinemas on June 25.

In celebration of BMW’s continued leadership in the premium automotive segment, Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW vehicles in the Philippines, will be sending lucky BMW buyers to the BMW World 2014, the biggest single-brand motor show, to be held at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

Rainy weather and wet roads demand greater care and precaution whilst driving. Just a few meters may make that significant difference you need to avoid an accident.

Chery Cars Philippines: Promoting Mobility for All

Chery Cars Philippines aims to empower wage and salary workers so that they can have their own vehicles or start their own businesses through easy loan access.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), reaches 2,500 All New City reservations since the introduction of the model last April 22. Accumulated All New City reservations in just a month signals how HCPI’s primary model has successfully set new standards in the subcompact category.

In front of nearly 300,000 spectators, Audi continued its unique string of victories in the Le Mans 24 Hours. In the 82nd running of the world’s most important endurance race, Marcel Fässler/André Lotterer/Benoît Tréluyer (CH/D/F) and Lucas di Grassi/Marc Gené/Tom Kristensen (BR/E/DK) made for a one-two Audi victory.

Review: 2014 Mazda3 2.0 Skyactiv

Photos by Ulysses Ang

No matter how you look at it, the C-segment is both getting crowded and shrinking at the same time. It’s crowded because there are at least 12 choices out there from Japanese, Korean, American, and German makes; it’s shrinking because the higher price tag of these once so-called “people’s car” has made buyers either move up towards crossovers (seen as better value) or move down towards B-segment cars (seen as more affordable to own and maintain). These facts could be a potential bummer if you consider compact cars to form an integral part of your vehicle line-up. In other words, you end up either shaping up or shipping out. In the case of the all-new Mazda3, it’s been shaped into the sharpest katana out there. Hattori Hanzo better watch out, there’s a new killer sedan on the loose.

Philippine Car Price Guide: May-June 2014

Sorry for the delay—admitted it was us slacking off. No actually, it’s been a very busy May for us so we forgot to post the Philippine Car Price Guide. Anyway, we’re making up for it by combining it with the June edition.
Here’s a quick rundown on the newest additions and updates this month:

BMW X5
Chevrolet Spin (price increase)
Ford Everest (price decrese)
Ford Ranger (new variants)
Honda Civic Modulo and MUGEN
Hyundai (various model variant and price adjustments)
Mazda2 1.3 Speed
Mazda6 Skyactiv (price increase)
Mazda CX-5 Pro (price increase)
Mitsubishi Lancer EX 1.6 MX (price increase)
Nissan (model adjustments)
Suzuki Ertiga
Suzuki Swift

Now is the best time to catch the Volkswagen Jetta and Tiguan as the limited introductory offer draws to an end. The two models from Volkswagen’s stable will revert to its original pricing by 30 June 2014, so this is the perfect moment to purchase a Volkswagen with the Jetta being offered at P1,098,000 and the Tiguan at P1,990,000.

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) racked up sales that totaled 3,217 units in May, reflecting 23% year-on-year growth from the 2,615 units posted in the same month last year. Enjoying sustained double-digit growth since the start of the year, AVID saw its year-to-date sales up by 16% to a total of 14,929 units.

Termite-infested walls, leaky ceilings, rusted roofs, faulty electrical outlets and dilapidated bathrooms. These were some of the conditions that 132 volunteers consisting of employees and contractors from Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of the Caltex fuel and lubricants, and Chevron Holdings Inc. (CHI), a pioneer multi-functional shared services center, tackled on a simultaneous Brigada Eskwela effort in Laurel and Bayanan Elementary School in Batangas, San Agustin Elementary School in La Union and Tandayag Elementary School in Negros Oriental.

A total of 17 drivers lined-up on the grid at the first leg of the 2014 Yokohama Philippine Grand Touring Car Championship. Held last June 1 at the Batangas Racing Circuit, competitors were divided into four classes based on horsepower, with 2 cars racing in GT 300, 4 in GT 200, 9 in GT 150, and 2 in GT 100.

Hyundai Sales on a Roll with 23 Percent Growth in May

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, notched up an exceptional 23% growth in sales for the month of May to 2,094 units versus the 1,708 units posted in the same month last year. Coming from months of steady growth, the upswing in the May sales performance contributed to the 5% year-to-date sales growth of Hyundai to a total of 9,723 units.

It might seem that tomatoes and cars have nothing in common. But researchers at Ford Motor Company and H.J. Heinz Company see the possibility of an innovative union.

Researchers at Ford and Heinz are investigating the use of tomato fibers in developing sustainable, composite materials for use in vehicle manufacturing. Specifically, dried tomato skins could become the wiring brackets in a Ford vehicle or the storage bin a Ford customer uses to hold coins and other small objects.

Last June 4-8, 2014, Yamaha held their Yamaha International Motorshow at SM MOA, Atrium Hall. This event shows off the innovative and unique features of its local and global models, as well as its various new products for 2014. Yamaha aims to bring in to every customer the new Yamaha exciting world, which will be showcased in this 5-day event.

Go Pro Covered Volkswagen GTI? Pffft! Try a McLaren F1 Covered in Go Pros

Remember that video where Tanner Foust drove the hell out of a 2015 Volkswagen GTI? Well, here is something even more special. Watch a 600-horsepower McLaren F1 GTR, the one they use at the 24-Hours of Le Mans being driven with GoPros attached. Yes, the car is about 20 years old, but the sound is gloriously awesome. BMW V12 FTW!

Subaru and STI Shakedown Nurburging 24-Hour Challenge Car (w/ Specs)

Subaru and its tuning division, Subaru Technica International (STI) has successfully shaken down its 2014 Nurburgring 24-Hour Endurance Race car in the lead up to the race which will be held at the grueling Nurburgring Circuit in Germany from June 19-22. This year marks the seventh consecutive year that Subaru and STI will participate at the event.

Well, the cat’s out of the bag. Officially. Nissan has unveiled its all-new, 12th generation pick-up truck, the Navara (officially known as the NP300 Navara). This new global market model is backed-up by Nissan’s 80-history in the pick-up truck genre and promises to meet the demands of individuals and business owners alike.

The all-new NP300 Navara boasts of better fuel economy, improved performance, a more rigid frame, and more importantly to owners, lower running costs.

Toyota is Offering Big Savings on Selected Vehicles until June 30.

As the summer season comes to a close and the rainy days soon to arrive, one needs a reliable and safe vehicle that will take you places without sacrificing your budget. This month, the number one automotive company in the country, extends its various offerings that are bound to excite you! Choose from several financing options that will suit your budget with Toyota’s promotions this June!

Isuzu executives held a ceremonial toast to open the 2014 Isuzu Truck Fest Manila at the SMX

Already having a firm hold on the country’s commercial vehicle segment, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) in its 2014 Truck Fest Manila showcases the diversity of Isuzu’s product range, which ensures the brand’s continued leadership in the local market.

It seems there is proof in the pudding. Subaru announced that in a final timed run on the Isle of Man TT Course, Mark Higgins driving a 2015 Subaru WRX STI (our 2014) breaks his lap record of the fabled 37-mile course with an average lap speed of 117.510 MPH (189.114 km/h) and a time of 19 minutes and 15 seconds. In Higgins’ record lap earlier this week, several errors caused him to lose time and he was determined to get more out of car. This new lap record breaks the 116.470 MPH average and time of 19:26 set Wednesday. The previous record of 115.36 MPH was set in 2011 in a WRX STI.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

India is one of the most misunderstood countries in the world. From an outsider looking in, it’s simply the country of snake-charmers, curry, and turbans. The truth, however, couldn’t be any further. In fact, India is a true microcosm of the world; a country where polar opposites meet and seem to coexist: overflowing wealthy to extreme poverty, highly-urbanized super cities to untouched rural landscapes. This is the sort of world where Suzuki flourishes, one where they are considered the unrivalled number one.

Ford Motor Company and Samsung SDI, an affiliate of Samsung Group,announced research on different levels of hybrid technology that could one day be produced in high volume on non-hybrid vehicles for greater fuel savings.

Suzuki Introduces Swift 1.2. Yours Starting at P 608,000! (w/ Brochure)

The sub-compact hatchback segment just got more interesting as Suzuki Philippines, Inc., the only integrated motorcycle and automobile company in the country launched a new variant of its popular and well-loved Swift. The new Swift 1.2 continues to have the same sporty style and zippy drive but now with even better fuel efficiency and lower emissions thanks to its new powertrain.

CAC executives led by Chairman, Jose Ch. Alvarez (2nd from L), and CAC President, Ginia R. Domingo (rightmost), were all smiles as they welcomed Head Coach Manny Pacquiao. PBA Commissioner, Atty. Angelico “Chito” Salud and Team Kia’s manager, Eric Pineda, were also on-hand to witness the historic announcement.

History on the hard court was made as Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), exclusive distributor of Kia Motors in the Philippines, welcomed Congressman Manny Pacquiao as Team Kia Head Coach.

During a Press Conference held last June 9, 2014 at the CAC Headquarters in Makati, CAC formally announced to members of the media the sports icon’s new role.

Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno (3rd from right) graced the occasion and took part in the ceremonial drive with IPC President Nobuo Izumina (3rd from left) and Isuzu CDO Assistant General Manager George Ongchua (extreme right). Also present at launch, from left: IPC VP for Sales Daisuke Inaba, IPC SVP for Sales Arthur Balmadrid, and, Isuzu CDO President Frank Rolida.

There can be no doubting it now: The Isuzu D-Max leads the pack when it comes to off-road driving.

This was demonstrated once more as the 2014 Isuzu D-Max 4x4 Drive Series continued to impress in its fourth staging, which was held from June 6 to 8, 2014 in Cagayan de Oro City. The off-road driving activity, which already saw three previous editions in Pampanga, Cebu and Bacolod, consistently showed participants the unmatched capabilities and value-for-money proposition of the D-Max pickup.

It’s time to celebrate freedom and show off that Ayos Vibe at the #OneViberPH party on June 11, at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. Showcasing the best of the Philippines in music and art, #OneViberPH is the freedom party for the modern Filipino.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

The horsepower race is so last decade; nowadays, car manufacturers strive to extract more mileage out of every drop of fuel. Unworldly technology such as gasoline-electric hybrids, energy storing capacitors, and the like has now become mainstream. Of course, the most proven engine technology that gives more mileage for every drop of fuel is diesel. It’s been around for as long as the automobile has existed and yet, manufacturers are finding ways to make it more powerful, more refined, and at the end of the day, more fuel efficient. One such example is the new Hyundai Accent CRDi sedan.

Toyota Motor Philippines Breaches 9,000 Sales Mark in May

The number one car company in the country has once again made history in the automotive industry by recording 9,132 units in a single month last May. Coming from two consecutive months (March & April) of selling more than 8,000 units, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) proved that it can go even further by breaching the 9k sales mark last month.

Ford Philippines today announced its best-ever May sales performance, with sales rising 39 percent from a year earlier to 1,711 units driven by the all-new EcoSport, all-new Ranger, and Everest. This brings Ford’s year-to-date sales to 7,167 units, up 43 percent from a year earlier.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) is Hyundai Asia-Pacific Distributor of the Year

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) bagged its fourth distributorship excellence award at the Hyundai Global Distributorship Conference. This new victory now totals five major international citations from Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) Korea for the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced the appointment of Fintan Knight as Director of Sales and Marketing. He replaces Jolyon Nash who has decided to leave Rolls-Royce at the end of June to pursue interests outside the company.

Ford Motor Company unveiled its Lightweight Concept vehicle, which uses advanced materials to explore future weight-reduction solutions that could improve performance and fuel efficiency while reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

Review: 2014 Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6 V

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Ask me what compact sedan I’d consider getting for myself, without batting an eye, I’d answer with the Toyota Corolla Altis. Label me a sellout, label me ignorant—the fact you’ve pre-judged the all-new Corolla Altis means you’ve been living under a rock the past year. In that time, Toyota has masterfully re-created the country’s best-selling compact sedan, transforming it from a mundane Point A to Point B transport into something that even I, a self-confessed car nut, will consider plopping down hard-earned cash on. And though much attention’s been showered on the 2.0 V, the P 1,201,000 price tag is a tad steep for some people. Move down a notch, there’s the nicely-loaded P 999,000 1.6 V, a car that doesn’t break the psychological million-peso mark and the subject of this test drive.

Hyundai Philippines Offers Unique Shout Out Promo for Father's Day

Give him the best Father’s Day surprise yet. Be one of the 120 people to show your dad big love, right on the busiest road in the Metro. Shout out your Father’s Day greetings on the Hyundai LED billboards along EDSA, for everyone to see.

When it comes to buying a new car or motorcycle, the price point is consistently a major consideration in any individual’s buying process. Being able to find a vehicle for a special price or to get added-value can often be the incentive needed to seal the deal. However, it’s often difficult for prospective buyers to find timely and reliable information on all the best deals and promotions that are occurring across multiple different brands.

Honda Cars Philippines launches sportier Civic for 2014 (w/ Complete Brochure)

Amidst the City, Jazz, Accord and even the CR-Z, the Civic is undoubtedly the face of Honda, especially in the Philippines. Through the years, it has earned its rightful place in the hearts and minds of Filipino buyers with its sporty DNA, driver-centric attributes, and affordable pricing. However, the entry of the ninth-generation Civic in 2012 underscored a difficult time at Honda. Not only did they have to resort to launching a single variant, imported from Japan, due to a plant shutdown in Thailand, it was received lukewarmly especially with its less than sporty design.

For the roads you need to take and the paths you want to make, Chevrolet Philippines-The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI) launched its YOU Trailblazer campaign. The “bowtie” brand commissioned, director Paul Soriano and his production house TEN17P for this campaign, and released their YOU Trailblazer TVC which you can watch if you log on to www.chevrolettrailblazer.com.ph. The campaign aims to showcase and promote the vehicle that personifies every hardworking, thrill seeking and fun loving Filipino - the Chevrolet Trailblazer. Chevrolet designed and built this power packed mid-size SUV to be the perfect companion that every Trailblazer would desire for its durability and dependability.

Ford Philippines once again kicks off its annual Ford Driving Skills for Life (DSFL), a global program aimed at teaching drivers, especially those with new licenses, the necessary skills for safe driving beyond what is learned in standard driver education programs.

Volkswagen is presenting the World Cup edition of the world's most successful football app "Onefootball". The Onefootball Brasil app is now available for free download. The exclusive Volkswagen World Cup edition features breaking news on players, teams and results as well as a live ticker and the latest football videos. "Volkswagen is a partner for football all over the world. The app gives fans from all nations the opportunity to follow everything that's going on at this year's football mega-event as and when it happens. This app turns it into a live experience for the fans", Anders-Sundt Jensen, Head of Marketing Communications at the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand, said.

This is the Best Mercedes-Benz Commercial Yet

So, who do you get to drive the new Mercedes-Benz GLA? It could very well be David Beckham or a Tom Cruise, but for the folks in Mercedes-Benz Japan, they just had to get Mario. Yes, Mario from Super Mario. The resulting ad is funny and cool; definitely the best ad from Mercedes-Benz as of late.

Isuzu Brings Off-Road Driving Thrills to Bacolod; Next Stop: Cagayan de Oro

Executives present during the opening ceremony on May 23, from left, IPC VP for Administration Akira Okumura; Isuzu Bacolod President/General Manager Bing Uy; Executive Assistant to Bacolod City Mayor Monico Puentevella , Manuel “Chuck” Garcia; IPC EVP Takashi Tomita; IPC SVP for Sales Arthur Balmadrid; and, IPC Consultant for Manufacturing Tadao Takenouchi.

First was Pampanga, followed by Cebu. From May 23 to 25, 2014, Bacolod came next as the venue for the third leg of the 2014 Isuzu D-Max 4x4 Drive Series. This brings to more than a thousand the number of people who have test-driven the latest D-Max pickup in specially designed off-road tracks.

Mazda3 and the UAAP: A Slam Dunk Partnership for Season 77

Mazda Philippines signed on as a Major Sponsor with the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 77 for on-air television coverage. Featuring the All-New Mazda3, the premium Japanese brand intends to extend the brand further in partnership with UAAP hostilities beginning this July.

Ready and set to start fast, sliding, and smoking sideways action at 2014 Hyundai Lateral Drift Championship Series, this Saturday, May 31 at the C5 Mega Tent Quezon City (right before Eastwood heading North bound). This year will be the 9th Season of the Lateral Drift Championship and promises to be more exciting. Event will be open to the public at no admission fees and practice will start 10am for Amateur drifters and Pro qualifying will start by 3pm onwards. It will be a night drift finals so that the competitors and spectators will see and enjoy all the action away from the heat of the sun.

L-R: Mr. Romy Tan, YMPH Sales General Manager; Mr. Kaoru Ogura, YMPH Sales & Marketing Director; Mr. Toru Osugi, YMPH President; Mr. Rodrigo Roque, UAAP Board Member; Ms. Karen Coloma, Head, Licensing Division, ABS-CBN Corporation and Mr. Ryan Jude Camus, YMPH Marketing Section Manager

The pioneer in the motorcycle industry, Yamaha Motor Philippines Inc., carries on to create innovative products that uplift the standards of service in the country. Yamaha continues to provide unique experience to everyone by providing pioneering products that has always been focused on the underlying philosophy of Yamaha, which is to provide the exceptional value and satisfaction of the customers.

L-R: Rodini Rivera, Race Operations Manager Batangas Racing Circuit, Inc.; Nelson Gayola, Managing Head for Corporate Communications Department Batangas Racing Circuit, Inc.; Yuki Iwasa Vice President Yokohama Tire Sales Philippines, Inc.; and Andrew Bernardo, General Manager Yokohama Tire Sales Philippines, Inc.

The Yokohama Philippine Grand Touring Car Championship is finally ready to kick off the 2014 season this coming June 1 at the Batangas Racing Circuit (BRC).

With the summer heat pushing the mercury past 40 degrees Celsius, one of the easiest ways to get cool quickly is to hop into the all-new Ford EcoSport. The air-conditioning system in the urban SUV is so effective that within 10 minutes of starting the engine, you’d be so comfortable that you’d have forgotten how hot it is outside.

Review: 2014 Hyundai Tucson 2.0 GLS 2WD

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Generally, mid-cycle refreshes are called “facelifts” for good reason: because aside from a nose job and an accompanying price hike, you don’t get much else; manufacturers simply leave the good stuff for the all-new model arriving down the road. Every once in a while though, a car manufacturer breaks this mold and adds a bit more spice into the mix. One such case is the 2014 Hyundai Tucson, but it’s something you don’t obviously see; as it looks like the same one that debuted in 2009. However, drive one and you’ll experience the difference.

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