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

May 7, 2017

UPDATED: How the Approved Excise Tax Bill Affects 20 Popular Vehicles

EDITOR’S NOTE (3): We simulate the prices of 42 vehicles under the final bicameral version of the TRAIN bill. Read it here. (12/14/2017).

EDITOR’S NOTE (2): The House of Representatives and Senate have agreed on a compromised version of the new vehicle excise tax which excludes pick-up trucks and EVs. See the story here (12/12/2017).

EDITOR’S NOTE (1): The senate just approved a new version of TRAIN that is friendlier to luxury vehicles. See the full story here. (11/28/2017).

A few days ago, several media outlets including The Philippine STAR reported that The House Committee on Ways and Means has just approved the tax reform package proposed by the Department of Finance. Included in this tax reform package is a revision to the current new vehicle excise tax which car buyers have been enjoying for the good part of a decade.

Video: Vin Diesel Joins The Brotherhood of Muscle

It sounds like the perfect match. Vin Diesel, known for his iconic role as badass Dom Toretto in the Fast & Furious movie franchise is now a member of the Dodge and SRT family. Diesel, whose film character has a preference for Dodge muscle cars, will be extending his passion beyond the big screen with a series of television ads.

Wheeltek Motor Sales Corporation, a nationwide motorcycle dealer, has signed up with Petron Corporation to offer the Petron Value Card (PVC) to new motorcycle buyers. With over 200 stores nationwide selling about 6,000 new Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and TVS motorcycles, Wheeltek will be giving its customers additional benefits and privileges through the co-branded Wheeltek-PVC.

Motor Image Pilipinas, Inc. is offering a sweet deal to would-be Subaru XV buyers by offering savings as much as P 200,000 and a free aero kit this summer season.

Volkswagen Philippines Turns Over Polo, Touareg, and Passat Units to DNS

Volkswagen Philippines, exclusive importer and distributor of the country’s top-selling European car brand, turned over Polo Sedan, Touareg SUV and Passat premium executive sedan to veteran fleet management company Delta NeoSolutions Inc. (DNS), a spinoff company of DNS Transport Group during a recent ceremonial handover.

Since its launch as the All-Japan GT Championship in 1994 (becoming Super GT in 2005), the popular series has gone from strength to strength. Motul has been an invaluable partner in this highly competitive motorsport through its successful technical partnerships with different teams beginning with NISMO in 2003 and expanding to other teams in the years since.

Beat the heat with a cool new ride as Chevrolet Philippines offers exciting deals with its Summer Power Offers Promo. The promo offers cash savings on select Chevrolet models, namely the Trailblazer, Colorado, Trax, and Sail.

Porsche Posts Best First Quarter Ever in 2017

Porsche has made a strong start to 2017 with around 60,000 vehicles delivered to customers worldwide in the first quarter. This means the sports car manufacturer has exceeded the number of vehicles delivered in the same period in the previous year by around 7 percent and is reflecting on the best first quarter in its history. The drivers of growth were China and the company’s home market of Germany, as well as the Panamera and Macan model lines, which both saw double-digit growth.

It’s summer and while it’s tempting to cut down on car detailing, dust, grime, and the sun’s relentless UV rays can take a toll on your car’s exterior. Enter Sonax Nano Paint Protect. From the world’s most trusted brand in automotive car care products, Sonax Nano Paint Protect offers paint protection like no other.

There’s a big shift going on at BMW. After its first front-wheel drive offering, the 2 Series Active Tourer, here comes a compact crossover built atop the same platform: the second-generation X1. In as much as the 2 Series Active Tourer left enthusiasts scratching their heads discomfortingly, it’s more of a niche vehicle. That’s not the case with the X1. Moving some 730,000 examples in the past 7 years, it’s become an important part of BMW’s X family. They, therefore, cannot afford to get this one wrong.

Stock Porsche Cayenne Pulls Heaviest Production Aircraft, Sets Guinness World Record

A completely standard Porsche Cayenne has successfully towed an Air France Airbus A380 weighing 285 tons. The Cayenne, driven by Porsche GB technician Richard Payne, towed the aircraft over a distance of 42 meters at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, to set a new Guinness World Records title for Heaviest aircraft pull by a production car, by a margin of 115 tons.

Foton Philippines is offering some of the hottest deals this summer specifically for its Gratour, View Traveller, View Transvan, and Toplander making it the best time to drive home your own Foton vehicle.

Bermaz Auto Philippines (BAP), the exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles and parts in the country, together with Zoomhub, Incorporated, formally opens the first Mazda showroom in the city of Manila.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) celebrates the Filipino working by showing off the first batch of locally produced Eon sub-compact hatchbacks and H350 passenger vans. Manufactured at HARI’s recently unveiled Hyundai Assembly Center (HAC) in the Laguna Technopark in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, it continues the brand’s strong momentum entering into the second quarter of 2017.

Centro to Locally Manufacture and Assemble Wing Van Bodies

Centro Manufacturing Corporation has partnered with Japan’s and the world’s number one wing van manufacturer, Nippon Fruehauf Company Ltd. to locally manufacture and assemble the wing van.

After intense speculation coming from Japanese car blogs (such as this one), Mazda has gone on record and confirmed that they are indeed making a 7-seater CX-5. In fact, they’ve released a single teaser image of the production model called the CX-8. The CX-8 will be sold in Japan by the end of 2017 (as early as the third quarter according to some sources).

5 Reasons Why the 2017 BMW X1 is the Ultimate Urban All-Rounder

BMW created a stir when they created the Sport Activity Vehicle or SAV segment in 1999. At the same, premium SUVs were great to drive off the road, but not really good on it. The SAV broke that mold, offering BMW’s famed driving dynamics with a body style the world loved. The BMW X1 is the smallest among them all, and since the second-generation model arrives, here are 5 reasons why it’s the ultimate urban all-rounder.

Nissan Sets Up New Unit to Concentrate on NISMO Road Car Business

After identifying the importance and commitment to expand the NISMO brand, Nissan is formalizing that with the setting up of a new business unit that will cater to the expansion of the NISMO road car as well as its expansion into more markets.

We now know the 2018 Honda Civic Type-R kicks serious ass. It just broke the record for the fastest time for a FWD car around the challenging Nürburgring Nordschleife with a lap time of 7 minutes 43.8 seconds. That makes it faster than its most immediate predecessor, the 2015 Civic Type-R. Just how did the record lap look like though? Watch the whole lap through with this on-board video.

Chevrolet Philippines – The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI), the exclusive importer and distributor of Chevrolet automobiles and parts in the country, makes its presence stronger in Mindanao with the grand opening of Chevrolet GenSan last March 31, 2017.

Ford Mustang is Once Again Planet Earth's Best-Selling Sports Car

The iconic Ford Mustang has just conquered the world. After being the best-selling sports car in the US over the last 50 years, the original pony car is once again the best-selling sports car on Planet Earth for the second year in a row.

You’re looking at the fastest front-wheel drive that has ever lapped the famous Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit. The all-new 2018 Civic Type-R blitzed the challenging track in just 7 minutes and 43.8 seconds—some 6.83 seconds faster than the previous record holder: the 2015 Civic Type-R.

After equipping its Civic 1.8 E with speed-sensing door locks and power folding mirrors, it was just a matter of time when the Civic RS Turbo would get them too. Well, the wait was much shorter than everyone anticipated as Honda Cars Philippines has finally equipped it on its range-topping compact sedan.

Objectively, Honda created the sub-compact crossover segment in the Philippines back in 1999. At first, buyers didn’t warm up to something smaller than a compact crossover, but fast forward to today and they’re considered vogue. They’re a foil to the diesel-powered SUVs, providing more style, driving fun, and urban maneuverability while still giving that added ground clearance that people crave nowadays. More than anything, they’re now seen as the compact sedan’s more fashionable alternative. And while you can buy a Honda Civic or Mazda3 for this sort of money, one can argue that going for either HR-V and the CX-3 is a visible sign that you’ve finally made it. The question is: which one is the fashion leader and which is the fashion follower?

Toyota Motor Philippines is ramping up the excitement this summer as the biggest one-make race (69 racers) in the country gears up once more. The Toyota Vios Cup Season 4 races to the Clark International Speedway for Round 1 this Friday, April 28 to Saturday, April 29. Revised rules and a slew of new celebrity racers will make it a heart-pounding event that both petrol heads and families can enjoy.

Large Gathering of Toyota FJ Cruisers Expected at Pilipinas FJ Summit

Owners and enthusiasts of Toyota’s retro-styled off-roader, the FJ Cruiser, will happen on April 29-30 in Calamba City, Laguna as part of the Pilipinas FJ Summit.

Harley-Davidson of Manila has bagged the Dealer of the Year Award for Asia Emerging Markets (AEM) for 2016. Presented during the AEM Dealer Principal meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, Harley-Davidson of Manila won this prestigious honor only after opening in 2013.

Toyota Poised to Open Largest Showroom in Nueva Ecija

Last March marked the beginning of the construction of Toyota Nueva Ecija, the newest showroom location for the number one car brand in the country.

Hino Motors Philippines (HMP) recently turned over twelve (12) new Hino FG8J medium-duty trucks to Dolefil Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (DARBC), the fruit grower behind natural food provider Dole Philippines, Inc.

Caltex, marketed by Chevron Philippines, Inc. (CPI), is enhancing Filipino motorists’ gas-up experience with the introduction of Visa payWave, contactless payment technology. Visa cardholders can wave their cards in front of readers to pay for Caltex fuel with no swiping, signing, or PIN needed.

Discounts, Free PMS Await Kia Picanto and Soul Buyers

Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), the exclusive distributor of Kia vehicles in the Philippines, is offering added savings this summer on the Picanto and Soul with their Sizzling Summer Deals promo.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, brought together experts from the automotive industry and thought leaders from private businesses and multi-lateral organizations in a groundbreaking knowledge forum, dubbed the Hyundai Innovation Congress (iCON), aimed to generate a new culture of innovation in the industry.

The jeepney is a part of Philippine road culture. And while coming up with a vehicle made up of scrap parts may seem like a moment of ingenuity for Filipinos, it’s now facing some challenges thanks to stricter safety and emissions regulations.

Volkswagen Offers Displays, Test Drives at 2 Auto Show at SM MOA Complex This Weekend

Volkswagen Philippines makes two big follow-ups after its recent success at the Manila International Auto Show by participating in two motoring events both located around the SM Mall of Asia Complex this weekend.

Nissan Philippines is getting into the premium full-sized van in a big way (literally) with the 2017 Urvan Premium. On sale to customers starting June 2017, it’s the first Japanese competitor to take on the segment stalwart, the Toyota Hiace GL Grandia. In order to help would-be buyers, we have assembled the 2017 Nissan Urvan Premium, Toyota Hiace GL Grandia, and a dark horse, the Foton View Traveller in this comparison chart.

Nissan Philippines Launches Super-sized Urvan Premium (w/ 15 Photos, Specs)

Nissan Philippines, Inc. (NPI) is looking to continue its strong sales momentum well into 2017. Coming from its highest first quarter sales since 2000 (5,277 units sold), NPI is entering into the lucrative premium van segment with the Urvan Premium.

Wards Auto, an American-based organization that has covered the automotive industry for over 80 years has awarded the winners of this year’s 10 Best Interiors. With no restraint on pricing, these 10 vehicles bested 21 other nominees based on the following criteria: aesthetics, comfort, ergonomics, materials usage, fit and finish, and user-friendliness.

You’ve seen it at the Manila International Auto Show and now, this is your first chance to drive it. Mazda Philippines is offering the public to try out the all-new 2017 CX-5 crossover for the first time at the STV Auto Focus Summer Test Drive Festival happening at the SM Mall of Asia this April 20-23.

Subaru Parent Company Changes Its Name

It’s official Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. or FHI is changing its name to reflect its most important brand, Subaru. FHI is no more and in its place is Subaru Corporation. Marking the change last April 1, 2017, renaming ceremonies were held at the company’s head office in Ebisu, Tokyo, and three other Japanese facilities.

Dreams turned into reality for Pampanga-based Marilyn Lagarde when she became the lucky recipient of a brand-new Lexus NX 200t and P 100, 000 worth of Caltex StarCash from Robinsons Rewards and Chevron Philippines Inc.’s (CPI) Christmas promo. The grand prize winner recently received the Lexus NX 200t keys and Caltex StarCash from CPI country chairman Peter Morris and Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. President and COO Robina Gokongwei-Pe during the awarding ceremony at the Lexus Showroom in Bonifacio Global City.

Centro Manufacturing Corporation, one of the country’s leading truck body builders, proved once more that it is the one and only microbus conversion authority.

The opening montage says it all: Kia wants to turn a new chapter with the all-new Picanto. The video, filled with energetic 20-somethings showed them calling friends on their smartphones, getting a latte at a hipster café, and even high-fiving each other as they whip out their foldable bike before hitting a trail nearby. In-between shots of bright cityscape, pearly-white smiles, and occasional lens flare, the Picanto is there zooming and zipping around, doing what these youngsters want to live a happy, fulfilled life.

Isuzu Philippines Holds Truck Fest in Isabela, Next Round Slated for Manila

Strengthening its presence in growth areas outside of the National Capital Region, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) recently conducted major activities in Isabela.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, closed March 2017 with record sales of 3,371 units, the highest monthly output in the company’s 15-year history. This pushed first quarter sales to 8,841, up by 18 percent as compared to the 7,469 units sold in the same period of 2016.

Isuzu Philippines Awards New mu-X to Lucky Promo Winner

A family woman working as a geologist for a petroleum company has been picked as the lucky winner of a brand-new Isuzu mu-X premium SUV.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. is offering the coolest cash back prizes with Honda’s Summer Splashdown raffle. 100 lucky winners will get a chance to win cash rebates of up to P 100,000.

The 2017 season of the FlatOut Race Series (FORS) is now in full swing as 105 entries took to the Batangas Racing Circuit (BRC) last 1st of April for Round 2.

AVID Members Record 10 Percent Growth in Q1 2017

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) closed the first three months of 2017 on a high note as sales picked up by 10 percent with 23,312 units sold versus the previous year’s 21,160. The continued uptick in industry sales is largely credited on the continued strong consumer appetite for vehicles.

Nissan is continuing to create outrageous one-off of its production vehicles. Following the NV Cargo X, an extreme off-road version of the NV Cargo van, Nissan has come up with the Rogue (Philippine-model X-Trail) Warrior Trail Project.

As part of its corporate social responsibility, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation has teamed up with leading truck body builder Centro Manufacturing Corporation to donate a Mitsubishi L300 XV microbus to the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE) Go Negosyo.

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