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

July 25, 2014

Michelin Pilot Sport Experience is On; Winners of Right2Race Announced

Malaysia’s legendary Sepang International F1 Circuit will come alive between July and August 2014, with the roar and excitement as more than 500 Michelin customers, journalists and social media commentators from 16 countries enjoying the rare and unique opportunity to take part in the Michelin Pilot Sport Experience.

Volkswagen Philippines Announces Limited Financing Offer

Now, it is easier to own a Volkswagen.

Automobile Central Enterprise, Inc., (ACEI), the official importer and distributor of Volkswagen cars in the country, is pleased to announce a special offer for the Polo Sedan, Jetta, Touran, Tiguan, Touareg, and the iconic Beetle.

Petron is spicing up the perks of its Value Card holders in conjunction with the start of the UAAP (University Athletic Association of the Philippines) where Petron Value Card holders, regardless of school affiliation will have the chance to avail of free tickets or even just free parking when you watch the games.

The journey just got way happier for motorists who will fuel up starting July 15 to September 30, 2014 at any Caltex station. Aside from getting maximized power, improved fuel economy, lower emission, smoother drive and reliable performance in every Caltex with Techron fuel purchase, Caltex customers can also enjoy a free Chowking Halo-halo, Chinese-Style Fried chicken, Pork Siomai Chow Fan and more.

Last Sunday saw more sideways action at the Mega Tent grounds in Libis for the second leg of the Hyundai Lateral Drift Championship. A total of 30 drift drivers from the amateur and pro division battled it out for the top slot in this year’s series.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) powers past the midway mark of 2014 with a strong 11.7% growth pace compared to its results during the same January-to-June period in 2013. Isuzu’s performance comes side-by-side with the Philippine automotive industry’s record-setting rate of a 15.5% increase in year-on-year deliveries of commercial vehicles.

Review: 2014 Mazda3 1.5 V Skyactiv

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Consider me spoiled. It’s not every day you look forward to driving an entry-level variant mainly because you’ve already tried their range-topping model. But, they say that well-engineered cars, no matter the variant, should have the same great DNA with or without the extra trimmings. And that brings us to the all-new Mazda3 1.5 V Skyactiv sedan—the sub-million brother to the awesome 2.0 R Skyactiv and currently, the most affordable entry point to the world of Skyactiv. Is it every bit as good as its big brother? How does it perform?

After more than a month's break, the Yokohama Philippine Grand Touring Car Championship is returning to the Batangas Racing Circuit (BRC) for Round 2 of the 2014 season.

Don Don Portugal dominated the GT300 class in Round 1, fending off the challenge from Jomai Yllana. But he'll be facing stiffer competition in the next race as more drivers are expected to join the grid, including Tuason Racing School driver VM Kaikkonen. It is, however, still uncertain if reigning champion Jody Coseteng will be defending his title this year.

Now on its 14th year, Vision Petron, the award-winning national student art competition of industry leader Petron Corporation has announced the theme of the current competition season as Lakbay Panata: My Journey, My Pledge.

Honda Lets Us Try Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) in the All-New Jazz and City

Safety is perhaps the least sexiest topic to talk about when it comes to cars. Styling, performance, and even space dictates a car buyer’s heart in choosing their next vehicle purchase even before the subject of airbags, brakes, and crash safety are even brought up. This lack of safety-consciousness is reflected quite well in the multitude of new cars available in the market today with either no or just the barest minimum of safety equipment. However, before reaching out for the car that gives you a GPS and DVD combo, it might a good idea to actually what new safety technology such as Vehicle Stability Assist can do for you.

Suzuki Philippines Launches Ertiga (w/ Specs)

Barely a monthly after introducing the Swift 1.2 hatchback, Suzuki Philippines has unveiled yet another addition to their growing automobile line-up: the Ertiga. Dubbed as a “Lifestyle Utility Vehicle” or LUV for short, the Ertiga takes a completely different approach to the very competitive but lucrative compact 7-seater MPV or multi-purpose utility vehicle market.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, continued its positive sales performance with 12% year-on-year growth in June, bringing its tally to 1,928 units sold versus 1,726 units sold in the prior year. For the first semester of this year, Hyundai managed to grow by 6% equivalent to a total of 11,651 units.

In June, the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) registered total sales of 2,973 units, up by 21% from 2,447 units sold in the same month last year. This led to first semester growth of 17% or a total of 17,902 units, driven by the marked performance of both the Passenger Cars (PC) and Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) segments.

Subaru Holds Tanabata Festival this Weekend

Motor Image Pilipinas Inc., will be holding its Tanabata Festival, running on its second year, at all Subaru Showrooms nationwide from July 18 to July 20, 2014.

Mazda has finally pulled the wraps off its all-new Mazda2 sub-compact hatchback, the latest model to receive the full Skyactiv treatment. The flood of photos came at the same time as when Mazda announced that the all-new Mazda2 started production at its Hofu Plant No. 1 in Yamaguchi, Japan. The global launch starts in Japan this autumn, with the world soon to follow.

NEUES Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of the NKC Metalworks Group of Osaka, Japan and Kart Plaza Manufacturing Corp., the Philippine leading electric golf kart distributor and servicing company, today announced a partnership that will see both companies engage in the local manufacturing of affordable and economical Electric Vehicles, which will be made available in the Philippine automotive market.

The Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc. (JAMA) has just announced the dates for the 44th Tokyo Motor Show 2015. To be held at Tokyo Big Sight in Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, the show will open on Thursday, October 29, 2015 and will run all the way to Sunday, November 8, 2015.

Review: 2014 Peugeot 5008 2.0 HDI Allure

Photos by Ulysses Ang

The birth of the third child usually signifies the cruel end to owning any car that’s remotely stylish. The dream of owning something that’s out-of-this-world fun is replaced by something much more down-to-earth. Adjectives such as “sporty” and “dynamic” are replaced with “comfortable” and “practical”. Thankfully, modern day moms and dads are blessed with a new player out there; one that manages to blend practicality with some French flair. Meet the Peugeot 5008—a sexy MPV that’s also quite sensible.

Land Rover Philippines and Asia to Africa Safari Brought in Peter Allison to Manila

Land Rover Philippines (LRPhils) Motors, Inc. in collaboration with Asia To Africa (A To A) Safaris brought in Peter Allison, a wildlife enthusiast and author of two bestselling books about his experiences working in the African bush – “Whatever You Do, Don’t Run” and “Don’t Look behind You” to Manila.

Michelin will be the sole supplier of tires to teams participating in the MotoGP World Championship series which will be held in various European countries starting 2016. This was announced by Dorna Sports, promoter and organizer of the event, which is sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).

Event Photos by Ulysses Ang

Cementing its foothold as the exclusive distributor of Subaru in the region, Motor Image has unveiled the new Subaru XV STI Performance Edition at its new 3S Center in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. The Subaru XV STI Performance Edition combines the rugged sportiness of the Subaru XV urban crossover with STI’s world-renowned engineering prowess to create a vehicle with enhanced aesthetics and performance from improved handling and aerodynamics. At the same time, the launch of the XV STI Performance Edition marks a stronger market presence for Subaru’s tuning division, Subaru Technica International or better known as STI.

Honda Cars Philippines Announces Voluntary Safety Recall

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) announces the voluntary recall of 1,760 units of selected Honda Fit, City, Civic, and Accord sold in the Philippines due to faulty inflation device of the front passenger airbag.

Ford Philippines today announced an all-time best quarter, driven by a record-breaking performance for the month of June with retail sales of 1,697 units, an increase of 36 percent year-over-year.

The record June sales also contributed to the highest second quarter performance in the Philippines at 5,172 units, a 45 percent increase over the same period last year. Year-to-date sales currently stand at 8,864 units, up 42 percent compared to last year and marking Ford’s best-ever mid-year performance in the country.

Riding its steady momentum since last year, Chevrolet Philippines - The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI) continues its sustained growth for the first two quarters of 2014. Chevrolet sold a total of 4,066 units for the first six months of the year, so far its all-time best half year performance. June sales totaled 701 units, resulting in one of the highest performing months for Chevrolet in the Philippines.

Berjaya Auto Philippines, the exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles in the country has partnered with MFI Foundation, Inc. (formerly Meralco Foundation, Inc.), a non-profit science foundation that has been providing top-notch technical training and education in the Philippines for more than 30 years, under its Industrial Technician Program (ITP) specializing in Automotive Technology.

Concept One and Saffiro Tires are Now Official Rims and Tires of the 2014 Hyundai Lateral Drift Championships

The 2014 Hyundai Lateral Drift Championship Series continues its partnership with Wheel Gallery, the official distributors Concept One wheels and Saffiro tires.

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is again geared up to continue the fun in its all-out motorsports festival this July 26, 2014 (Saturday) at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga. Let the number one automotive company in the country take you once again to a day filled with heart racing excitement during the 2nd leg of the highly acclaimed 2014 Vios Cup!

“Innovation, by nature, is disruptive. If you can build upon an existing set of gears and everything is working smoothly, then you’re not revolutionizing yourself enough,” said Clay Christensen, a professor at the Harvard Business School and one of the most influential business thinkers in the world, as he opened the annual Ford Trends Conference. Sharing the stage with world-renowned American designer Kenneth Cole, Cole ended the night with a simple yet profound statement: “Today, companies do a lot of similar products, but what sets a great company apart is a powerful brand.”

Across three Asian cities, Uber is announcing a price cut on its flagship product, uberBLACK.

Uber, with a global presence in more than 130 cities, 25 of which are in Asia Pacific, is offering price reductions on its uberBLACK services in Manila, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok. Reduction is as high as 50% off its regular prices in some of these cities, making it cheaper than travelling in taxis.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Oh my, how the world turns. Hyundai was once known for being value-for-money cars. They were solid but crude cars with a price tag that made it close to being disposable after a couple of years of use (or abuse). On the other hand, Toyota produced refined and quality cars which certainly cost more, but are seemingly built to survive a nuclear war. Today though, the world moves to a different beat. With the Wigo sub-compact Toyota has moved, for the first time in its Philippine history, way into the basic transportation genre; while Hyundai has leveled up several notches with its i10 (now known as the Grand i10). Has the automotive world turned upside down? Is the P 728,000 Hyundai Grand i10 1.2 really worth it against the P 534,000 Toyota Wigo 1.0 G? Well, it’s time to find out.

Free Pepsi with Your Petron Value Card

Petron Value Card holders get a free refreshing drink each time they fuel up at any participating Petron service station.

More than 150 classic and custom Volkswagen cars gathered last June 22, 2014 at the Camp Aguinaldo Parade Grounds, Quezon City in celebration of the World Volkswagen Day.

Land Rover Philippines (LRPhils) Motors, Inc., the official and exclusive importer and distributor of Land Rover vehicles in the country welcomed the all-new 2014 Range Rover Sport—the brand’s most dynamic and sportiest model that still manages to embody the Land Rover spirit of unparalleled all-terrain capability and Range Rover’s opulent luxury.

CAC Marks 20th Anniversary with "Green" Cause

It has been 20 years since Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC) made a splash in the automotive industry, and now, they continue to be a formidable influence in the Filipino driving experience.

As exclusive distributor of Kia Motors in the Philippines, CAC has offered the Korean automaker giant’s quality and innovative lineup, while maintaining a signature Family-like Care after-sales service to millions of Filipinos since 1994.

The Isuzu D-MAX 4x4 has successfully demonstrated its unmatched capabilities in tackling tough terrain to thousands of truck lovers and off-road driving enthusiasts coming from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. But the popular pickup model faced—and, more importantly, surpassed—its biggest challenge at the final leg of the driving series that was designed to showcase its performance.

As vehicles become an integral part of the Internet of Things, Ford and Intel are researching new opportunities for the connected car, including giving drivers the ability to remotely peer into their car using a smartphone, or a vehicle that could identify its owner using facial recognition software.

Honda Launches CR-V Cruiser Edition

Honda Cars Philippines has added a new variant to their CR-V: the Cruiser Edition. Available in both 2.0 and 2.4-liter variants, the CR-V Cruiser Edition brings more entertainment options to Honda’s compact crossover.

Be prepared for Toyota’s biggest offer of savings in 2014 this July! This month, the number one automotive company in the country, makes it easier for you with packages that will make owning a Toyota so easy. Choose from various financing options that will suit everyone’s lifestyle with Toyota’s promotions this month!

MINI Philippines has broadened its reach by venturing into the Visayas and Mindanao regions through the opening of MINI Cebu in Mandaue City, Cebu.

Located along A.S. Fortuna St. in Mandaue City and headed by Kris Lyndon Go and Brian Chua, President and Vice President, respectively, MINI Cebu is an affiliate of the Autocentral Group which also operates Suzuki, Subaru, Ford and JMC dealerships in the Visayas and Mindanao.

A small petrol engine that powers Ford cars including the new Fiesta has fought off competition from premium brands and supercars to win the “Oscars” of the engine world for an unprecedented third time in a row.

Ford Motor Company’s 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine – which lowers fuel consumption without sacrificing power – was named 2014 International Engine of the Year for its drivability, performance, economy, refinement and technology.

Motorists can now use EasyDrive stickers for a most convenient and speedy passage along the Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), courtesy of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC).

Review: 2014 Toyota Innova 2.5 V

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Nine years is a long time in anyone’s book. In the same year YouTube was launched and Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger became Pope Benedict XVI, Toyota hatched a new product that revolutionized the Asian Utility Vehicle or AUV segment by killing it. The product’s name: the Toyota Innova. Of course, a lot has happened since then and new players have entered into the segment. Still, it seems that the more things change, the more it stays the same; especially true when it comes to the Innova—a product that’s essentially unchanged since its debut in 2005. Still here it is, still in prime fighting form two face lifts later.

Honda Cars Opens in Camarines Sur

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) continues to expand its dealership network as it recently opened its 32nd full-service dealership, Honda Cars CamSur (Pili) - HCCP. In constantly providing total customer satisfaction, Honda marks its official entry in Bicol region and brings world-class quality products and services easily accessible to Bicolanos. The dealership is located along San Jose, National Highway, Pili, Camarines Sur with sales operations from Monday to Sunday (8:00AM to 6:30PM) and service operations from Monday to Saturday (8:00AM to 5:00PM).

Further with Ford 2014: Ford Debuts Industry's First Five-Row Side-Curtain Airbag

The all-new Ford Transit 15-passenger wagon makes its debut in the United States and Canada with the industry’s only five-row side-curtain airbag.

Photo by Ulysses Ang

Dearborn, MICHIGAN—Ford underscored the importance of its licensing business (which brings in more than US$ 2 billion per year) by introducing yet another addition to its successful product tie-ups: the Ford F-150 Power Wheels. The ride-on toy, which is developed and sold by Fisher-Price takes the iconic F-150 to an entirely new dimension: one that kids will love and enjoy. It will be sold for US$ 349.99 (~PHP 16,100.00) beginning in September for the US market. This marks the third-generation ride-on toy inspired by the F-150 and though pricey, it actually can tackle rough terrain and even features LED headlights just like the real thing!

12 Iconic Vehicles to Showcase Evolution of PHL Auto Industry at 5th PIMS

The 5th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) will treat this year’s visitors to an exclusive tour of the local motoring history with an exhibit of 12 iconic vehicles to highlight this year’s theme “Progress in Motion”.
Organized by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI), the country’s premiere automotive exhibition will showcase a rare collection of automobiles from the 1950’s to the 2010’s that shaped the automotive landscape of the country in the last 60 years.

Toyota Motor Corporation has revealed the exterior design and Japan pricing of its hydrogen fuel cell sedan, first unveiled as a concept at the Tokyo Motor Show last year.

The car will launch in Japan before April 2015, and preparations are underway for launches in the U.S. and European markets in the summer of 2015.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile business unit in the Philippines, inaugurates Official Honda Accessory Corner business in two pilot dealers Honda Cars Greenhills (HCGH) and Honda Cars San Pablo (HCSP) .

Further with Ford 2014: All-New Global Ford Edge Makes Debut

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Dearborn, Michigan—At the eve of the Further with Ford Trend Conference, Ford Motor Company unveiled the all-new, second-generation Edge crossover at their world headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan Considered now as part of Ford’s “global product portfolio”, the all-new Edge could find its way to markets such as South East Asia and the Philippines where it is seriously being considered (it’s actually sold already in markets such as China). Innovation and design come together truly as the 2015 Edge packs a fresh new design, more interior technology, and more fuel-efficient drivetrains than its predecessor.

Quick Links

July 25, 2014

July 24, 2014

July 22, 2014

July 21, 2014

July 18, 2014

July 17, 2014

July 15, 2014

July 14, 2014

July 13, 2014

July 8, 2014

July 7, 2014

July 6, 2014

July 4, 2014

July 1, 2014

June 27, 2014

June 26, 2014

June 25, 2014