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May 13, 2016

Mindanaoans Get a Taste of Volkswagen Starting this Weekend

Customers in Mindanao who have always wanted to check out Volkswagen vehicles need not make long trip to the nearest dealer. Volkswagen Philippines is set to extend its reach to its southern neighbors with special offers starting May 13 in various Mindanao malls.

Pilipinas Taj Autogroup, Inc., the official distributor of Tata Vehicles in the country has announced the regularization of supply of its Super Ace Big Boy light-commercial truck. An integral part of Tata’s local line-up, the Super Ace is fast becoming an alternative to the ubiquitous Mitsubishi L300.

Volvo Philippines, in partnership with EastWest Bank and Diageo Philippines, held an exclusive VIP clients’ evening to offer their appreciation to the bank’s most elite clients. Held at the Volvo Philippines showroom, guests were welcomed by EastWest Bank Chief Operating Officer Mr. Jose Emmanuel Hilado and were treated to an evening of exciting cars, gastronomic delights and lively entertainment.

In its first year of global availability, Ford Mustang became the world’s best-selling sports coupe. Demand for the iconic pony car remains insatiable.

Nissan adds a new variant to the 2015 Philippine Truck of the Year, the NP300 Navara, by introducing the Navara Sport Edition. This spruced up version of Nissan’s globally renowned pickup truck introduces new exterior and interior design elements that are targeted towards urbanites.

Nissan Motor Takes 34 Percent of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., will take a 34 percent stake in Mitsubishi Motors Corporation after the two companies signed a Basic Agreement today to form a strategic alliance between the two automakers. The deal, worth 237 billion yen is extending an existing partnership between Nissan and Mitsubishi under which the two companies have jointly collaborated for the past five years.

Happy 50th Birthday, Subaru Boxer!

Fuji Heavy Industries, the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its horizontally-opposed “Boxer” engine. And despite reaching its golden years, the Boxer engine isn’t slowing down one bit. It’s celebrating this milestone by scooping up yet another Ward’s 10 Best Engines of the Year: the 2.0-liter FA20DIT found in the Subaru WRX.

Mazda’s plucky roadster reached a significant milestone as the company announced the production of the one millionth, yes the 1,000,000th unit of the MX-5 (or if you prefer its Japanese name, Roadster). The well-received, well-awarded two-seater roadster achieved this feat after 27 years and four generations.

Philippine Car Price Guide: May 2016

The height of summer brings some of the coolest new cars to hit the Philippine market. In this update of the Philippine Car Price Guide, we have some of the much-awaited new cars making their debut on the list. Also, any vehicle that’s clickable (with a link) brings you to our test drive or first drive of that particular variant. Now neat is that?

Chevrolet Colorado (new variant)
Ford Everest (price increase)
Ford Explorer Sport (price increase)
Great Wall Haval M4
Honda Accord (price increase)
Honda Brio Amaze (new variant)
Honda City (price increase)
Honda Civic
Honda HR-V (price increase)
Honda Jazz (price increase)
Honda Mobilio (price increase)
Honda Odyssey (price increase)
Isuzu mu-X
Kia Soul (new variant)
Mazda6 Skyactiv-D
Mazda CX-5 Skyactiv-D
MINI Cooper Convertible
Suzuki Ertiga
Toyota Wigo (price increase)
Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen Polo

Last year, over 22,000 fans made history when Monster Jam entertained Pinoy fans of all ages. 2016 gets even bigger as Monster Jam returns to the Philippines on June 18 and 19 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Michelin boosted the Porsche Dream SUV Drive event on last April with its trademark road safety initiative called the Fill Up With Air campaign (FUWA).

Review: 2016 Mitsubishi Strada GLS Sport V A/T

It’s hard to understand why there’s little love for the all-new Mitsubishi Strada. Many dismissed it for the toothy chrome grille, but besides that, it’s a great performer. It may not spout the same sort of spec sheet worthy numbers like horsepower, torque, or water wading depth, but at the end of the day, the Strada simply works. So, it’s time to go beyond the cover (or in this case, the grille) and witness what could be the best everyday pickup truck.

2017 Chevrolet Colorado High Country vs 2016 Ford Ranger Wildtrak vs 2016 Nissan NP300 Navara

After being previewed as a concept in the Bangkok Motor Show, Chevrolet has finally pulled the wraps off the production version of the 2017 Colorado, a pickup which Chevy says offers greater performance, better safety, increased refinement, and segment-leading technology.

For all intents and purposes, you are looking at the Nissan Juke’s future replacement: meet the Kicks. Sounding like something only millenials could name, the Kicks isn’t a pair of sneakers. Instead, it’s an all-new small crossover designed for the global market. In fact, at its launch in Brazil, Nissan has confirmed that it will sell the Kicks in around 80 markets worldwide. Will the Philippines be a part of that? With left-hand drive assembly confirmed, that sounds very likely.

Ford Philippines today reported an all-time record month with retail sales in April that soared 93 percent year-over-year to 3,152 units, led by strong demand for the Ranger pickup and all-new Everest, EcoSport, and Explorer SUVs.

Just How Fuel Efficient Are the New Toyota Fortuner, Innova, and Hilux?

Bringing out their second-generation IMV or Innovative Multipurpose Vehicle to its first long-distance road trip at the annual Toyota Road Trek, Toyota Motor Philippines took the opportunity to test the real-world fuel mileage provided by the new GD-series diesel and Dual VVT-i equipped TR-series gasoline engines.

Reigning Miss Universe, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, was back in town recently to personally witness the crowning of the next batch of Binibining Pilipinas winners at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum – including her successor as Bb. Pilipinas-Universe, Maxine Medina.

World-renowned jazz trumpeter Chris Botti and rock legend Sting both rode in utmost luxury and class aboard the dynamic Volvo XC60 SUV and All-New Volvo 7-seater XC90 SUV during their Manila tour. Ensconced in legendary Volvo safety, they were also ferried around in well-appointed comfort as these Volvos served as their official transport. Both icons shared the stage at the Marriot Grand Ballroom in Resorts World Manila for their Up Close and Personal concert this March 2016.

It had to be seen to be believed. Looking like something out of a Sci-Fi blockbuster, Flyboard Air inventor Franky Zapata piloted his creation 2,253 meters to smash the world record for the farthest distance traveled by hoverboard, which previously stood at 276 meters.

Experience Petron's "Best Day" Promo

Petron gives you some respite from the heat of the summer with its Best Day Promo at participating service stations. Petron helps you start and end the work week right by giving you one free bottle of Magnolia Purewater and Polo candies for any amount of fuel purchase between 6AM to 9AM on Mondays and Fridays from April 22 to May 30, 2016.

Racing under the hot summer sun, it was a day full of on-track action at Round 2 of the 2016 GT Radial FlatOut Race Series (FORS) held last April 9 at the Clark International Speedway (CIS). It was also the biggest turnout this season with 95 drivers competing in the Time Trial challenge and Grid races.

Suzuki Swift Sells 5 Million Globally

Suzuki Motor Corporation’s bestselling compact car, the Suzuki Swift, marks a milestone for having sold five million units worldwide this April, 11 years since its introduction.

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) posted 151 percent growth in Q1 2016 against the comparable period last year, bringing the year-to-date sales tally to 21,160 units.

It’s fair to say that the Civic made Honda. Since the nameplate’s introduction in 1972, it has become renowned the world over for its class-leading dynamics and fuel efficiency. In the decades that followed, it revolutionized “the car for all people” and has thus embodied Honda’s challenging spirit. The 2000s though have been largely unfavorable to the Civic with duds such as the 2000-2005 ES (7th generation) and the 2011-2016 FB (9th generation). Though people still bought them, it raised Honda’s vulnerability in the compact car segment. Today, there’s this: the all-new, tenth-generation Honda Civic. Is this, finally, the Civic re-born?

It’s often joked that the typical Filipino family is composed of at least seven people: the parents, the grandparents, two children, and a yaya. This has led to the rise of AUVs or Asian Utility Vehicles, since a 5-seater car can no longer suffice. Even with the phasing out of AUVs in the early 2000’s, the clamor for an affordable family carrier continued and manufacturers have gone through varied routes trying to serve an ever fickle market. The one that has always led the charge is Toyota and their Avanza. Now on its second-generation, it’s become the default choice for those who want seven seats but can’t afford an Innova. But with an increasing number of choices in the small MPV segment, can the big minor change Avanza continue to lead?

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Refreshes Mirage for 2016 (w/ Brochure)

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) is confident of regaining the number one spot in the small car category with the launch of the new 2016 Mirage hatchback. Already the country’s best-selling hatchback, the Mirage gets a major update that increases its value-for-money quotient—important in the competitive sub-B and B-segment passenger car category.

Kia's Family Service Heads to Calapan

Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), the exclusive distributor of Kia vehicles in the Philippines, and its After-Sales group are continuing to stage its year-long customer care service program in select Kia dealerships nationwide called Kia Family Service.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the country displayed bullish growth for the first three months of 2016. Ending the first quarter with 7,469 units, sales are up by 39 percent compared to the 5,364 units sold in the first quarter of the previous year. Quarter-on-quarter results also show auspicious results in automotive sales as the company also posted an identical 39 percent growth.

The continued uptick in demand locally for motor vehicles has helped push Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) to log its best monthly tally in the company’s 19-year history.

You’ve read our first impressions on the new Skyactiv-D equipped Mazda6 and CX-5 AWD. If not, you can check it out here. Meanwhile, if you’re interested in all the specs, well, you came to the right place. Just remember two things: first, the price for both models is P 1,985,000; second, stocks, particularly for the CX-5 AWD Skyactiv-D are limited (due to allocation). So if you’re in the market for a top-end compact crossover, decide now. Anyway, the specs continue after the break.

First Drive: 2016 Mazda6 2.2 Skyactiv-D and 2016 Mazda CX-5 2.2 Skyactiv-D AWD

What a difference a letter makes. Though it doesn’t look it, the two Mazda vehicles you see here: the Mazda6 and CX-5 AWD are very different from the models introduced last year. No amount of squinting will help you see the changes, because the only discernable difference is found on a trunk badge that reads, “Skyactiv Technology D”. Yes, Philippines, the Skyactiv-D is now here and it’s going to transform how you’ll drive.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan (Don’t be a foreigner in your country) has been an effective call for Filipinos to explore more of their country first than any other place. It’s a clear message that every region of the country offers not just attractions, but culture and heritage as well. It’s a call that Kia Philippines and Columbian Autocar Coporation (CAC) heeded well as they brought six of their best-selling vehicles to the island of Negros for a three-day journey across three provinces.

UPDATED: The Next Step: Honda Cars Philippines Launches All-New 2016 Civic (w/ Specs)

UPDATE 1: And now, here is our First Drive of the all-new Civic RS Turbo (5/3).

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) is celebrating its 25th anniversary by going back to where it all began: the Civic. At the festivities commemorating this occasion, HCPI unveiled the all-new, tenth-generation Civic, a car that pushes the compact segment envelope in terms of styling, driving dynamics, and advanced technologies.

What defines luxury? Is it the amount of wood and leather you touch and feel inside the cabin? Is it the badge and the story it tells through its rich history? For the all-new Honda Legend, it’s none of that. Instead, it’s reinterpreting luxury using cutting-edge technology where science fiction seems to blend with science reality. Whether or not you share that world view is immaterial; it’s undeniable that the company that has brought forth VTEC, ASIMO, and the Honda Jet has every reason to be proud of this flagship sedan.

Dig These Honda Civic-Inspired Kicks: the JackThreads HT3

If you’re equal parts sneaker head and car enthusiast, then this latest sneaker collaboration is for you. Thrillist, JackThreads, and Honda have come together to bring out this limited edition HT3 Driving Shoe that’s inspired by the all-new tenth-generation Civic. The sneaker is said to pay tribute to the three core aspects of the Civic’s sporty and dynamic styling: high touch, high tension, and high tech.

Nissan has set the Guinness World Records title for the fastest ever drift. The record was broken with a speed of 304.96 km/h and 30 degrees angle using a specially-tuned 2016 Nissan GT-R. Masato Kawabata, the Japanese drift champion and title holder for the Japanese drifting series, clinched the top spot from former record holder Jakub Przygoński of Poland. The record was set during a special event that took place at Fujairah International Airport, UAE.

Tata Motors Philippines Offers Low All In Downpayment this Summer

Tata Motors Philippines recently launched their latest promo “Sizzling Summer Deals” which makes owning a car or light commercial vehicle for your business this summer so easy and hassle free. The Sizzling Summer Deals promo offers flexible financing plans and all in low down payment packages for customers this season.

As a venerated nameplate in the Volkswagen range, the Golf has been around for seven generations and 43 years. Throughout its history, it’s become the brand’s best-selling vehicle (outselling even the Beetle) and has won numerous awards and accolades worldwide. The current generation is no different. It has won more than two dozen awards around the world including the World Car of the Year and the Japan Car of the Year (the first foreign nameplate to do so).

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) registered a double-digit growth of 23.8 percent as it closed the first quarter of 2016. From January to March this year, MMPC sold a total of 14,688 units far better than the 11,849 units sold during the same period last year. Meanwhile, the industry registered growth of 21.6 percent for the first quarter as reflected on the combined reports of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and Trucks Manufacturer of Association (TMA). These reports also showed that MMPC captured 19.2 percent market share keeping its spot as the second bestselling automotive brand in the country.

Your daily routine may be damaging your car’s paint job without you even realizing it. Innocent everyday happenings like accidentally spilled fuel, cheeky finger writings, or annoying bird droppings can leave long-lasting stains and scratches on the surface of your car or, even worse, cause corrosion.

Nissan Philippines, Inc. (NPI) confirmed its participation in the upcoming Nissan GT Academy 2016, which will be launched later this year. This was announced during an exclusive screening of the Nissan GT Academy reality show, produced by NPI’s broadcast partner, ABS-CBN at the Bonifacio High Street Cinema.

Peugeot is revealing the next step in its i-Cockpit interior design after reviewing the experience of 2.2 million users of the current-generation i-Cockpit one fitted in the 208, 2008, and 308 vehicles. This next-generation i-Cockpit is designed to provide an engaging experience for the driver, important since Peugeot is now positioning itself as an enthusiast’s brand.

Isuzu Philippines Shows Off 2016 mu-X and Crosswind at 4x4 Action Playground

As a pioneer in organizing off-road driving adventures, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) is further promoting this enjoyable outdoor activity through the Isuzu 4x4 Action Playground, a specially designed off-road course laid out at the Exploreum Parking Area of SM Mall of Asia. This unique attraction, with its lineup of many fun-filled activities, is set up at the venue from today until April 24, 2016.

Get Freebies When You Apply for A PSBank Auto Loan Online

Great deals await those who will apply for a PSBank Auto Loan through the latest addition to the Bank’s digital offerings—the PSBank Online Auto Loan Application.

In answer to the increasing popularity of diesel-powered sports utility vehicles in the Philippines and the continued changes in Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) engine designs, Caltex Lubricants introduces the latest member of its Diesel Engine Oil product family, Delo Sports with ISOSYN Technology. Delo Sports is specifically designed for SUVs and pick-up trucks. Delo Sports provides enhanced engine protection and power even under the most challenging of driving conditions.

What do you get when you mix an unconventional car like the Prius and a conventional hatchback like the Yaris? You get the Toyota Prius c. Based off a modified Yaris platform, the Prius c is making waves in its home country of Japan (it’s known as the Aqua over there) because of its no frills approach to hybridization. Instead of going all space-age and techy, the Prius c is simple: push the starter, select D, and go—no need to re-learn the displays, gearbox, and what. Though it doesn’t change the fact that it’s an utter bore to drive, at least it presents its case as a perfect urban crawler with its compact proportions and sky-high fuel mileage.

In celebration of a Volvo’s record-breaking global sales performance in 2015 – a total of 503,127 units sold – Volvo Philippines is giving its customers a P 500,000.00 discount on new Volvos purchased this summer.

Honda Spruces Up Brio Amaze with 1.3 S A/T Special Edition

Continuing its knack for releasing special or limited edition variants of its models, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) is doing just that with its Brio Amaze entry-level sedan. Coming by the third week of April (that’s this week), the Brio Amaze 1.3 S A/T Special Edition joins the line-up. And get this, this won’t be a super limited edition run.

UPDATE 1: We included the official press statement and a rear shot below (5/11).

Fans of Suzuki’s fast-selling Ertiga are in for a treat as it gets a minor refresh this 2016. Dubbed the “Life Utility Vehicle” or LUV, the Ertiga has become an integral part of Suzuki Philippines’s line-up. And now, after two or so years in the market, it gets a refreshed look. Along with more interior features, there’s certainly more to like with this small MPV.

Volkswagen Holds Road Show in Cebu

Volkswagen Cebu offers a cool way to beat that summer heat: A road show at the Cebu City Banilad Town Center from April 15 to 17.

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