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

July 25, 2018

Tony Stark Just Swapped His Exotic Cars for This Hyundai Kona

Kona in Hawaii is known as the site for the Ironman World Championship—a world-renowned triathlon race that tests strength and endurance. Yet, Hyundai decided to partner with a different Iron Man when it wanted to come up with a limited-edition Kona sub-compact SUV.

With half of the 2018 season now done, the battles in the Petron FlatOut Race Series (Petron FORS) are really tightening up as the country’s premier grassroots motorsports event returned to the Batangas Racing Circuit (BRC) last July 14.

Mazda x First/We/Drive Collection to Debut at Zoom Fest 2018

This weekend, passion for cars and the arts come together as Mazda Philippines is set to reveal the new Mazda Collection merchandise at the Zoom Fest 2018 happening at the BGC.

Ceramic coating has become the latest buzzword in the world of automotive detailing. Often marketed as the ultimate in paint protection, it has replaced automotive film (aka wraps or foils) as the go-to for the obsessive-compulsive car owner. The problem is, some detailers have begun to oversell it (exaggerated Facebook videos and posts don’t help) and as such, is creating a big hype around ceramic coating. But is it all worth it?

Six hundred eighty six thousand pesos doesn’t get you much car these days. A second-hand car is possible, but for those who want something new, the choices are limited. You can’t even get an entry-level Kia Rio or Hyundai Accent at those prices, much less something like a Honda City; only the bottom-rung Nissan Almera and Toyota Vios are available, and goodness, they’re pretty much penalty boxes with wheels. But, lo and behold, there’s one new entry that’s pretty much shaken the sub-compact genre and it comes from an unlikely source: Volkswagen. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the 2018 Volkswagen Santana.

2018 Toyota Vios in Facts & Figures

The launch of the all-new 2018 Toyota Vios comes at the heels of the brand’s 30th anniversary in the Philippines, as well its record achievement of 1.5 million in cumulative sales in the course of those three decades. The Vios is undoubtedly one of the breakthrough models for Toyota Motor Philippines since its launch in 2003. By the release of the second generation, the Vios was already proudly Philippine-made.

Nissan has reiterated the need for collaboration among automakers, governments, and other stakeholders as key to accelerating electrification in the Asia and Oceania region.

Jeep Head is Now Fiat Chrysler's New CEO

Both Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Ferrari have replaced Sergio Marchionne due to his poor health.

Ford Launches 2019 Ranger for Asia-Pacific; Gets New Engines, Safety, Tech Features

After showing off the 2019 Everest equipped with a new twin-turbo 2.0-liter engine, Ford is now doing the same with the 2019 Ranger. Dubbed the Ranger Raptor’s “Blood Brother,” the 2019 Ranger packs a new drivetrain as well as some exterior and interior enhancements.

The Euro-4 compliant RZ4E engine is now on the Isuzu D-Max. Slated to arrive at all Isuzu showrooms by the end of this month, this small-displacement 1.9-liter engine replaces the previous 2.5-liter mill on all value-oriented trims. Together with the new engine and transmission (all models now get a 6-speed manual or automatic), the D-Max also receives some cosmetic changes inside and out.

Not to be outdone by the US-market WRX STI Type RA, Subaru is now releasing a limited edition WRX STI in the land of the rising sun dubbed the WRX STI Type RA-R. It’s a Japan-only model with just a 500 unit production run to commemorate STI’s 30th year anniversary.

Volkswagen Philippines recently turned over to CW Home Depot 4 units of Santana subcompact sedans that the pioneering home construction and renovation store will issue to its top sales performers.

What's the Best Fuel Economy Figure We Could Do with Isuzu's RZ4E Engine?

Isuzu launched a modern, downsized turbodiesel engine last March in the form of the 1.9-liter RZ4E Blue Power. Fitted under the entry-level mu-X and now, D-Max, the Japanese diesel specialist touts it as a technical tour-de-force with two goals in mind: offer response expected for an SUV (or pick-up) in its class while returning even better fuel economy than the outgoing 2.5-liter motor.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) was recently cited by the Commission on Audit for having been able to meet a 90-percent achievement rate in registering new vehicles and issuing them Motor Vehicle plates and stickers within 7 days.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the country, capped off its 1st Semester 2018 sales with 15,957 unit sales.

The smile of would-be sub-compact sedan buyers would be as wide as the all-new 2018 Toyota Vios’s front maw as the number one carmaker in the country has finally revealed the pricing and specs of their best-selling passenger car.

Isuzu Philippines Corp (IPC), continued its road show to promote the modern jeepney, this time at the Philippine Bus & Truck Show 2018.

AVID Sales Down 11 Percent in First Half of 2018; Bullish on EVs and Hybrids for Second Half

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) sales momentum waned by 11 percent as it reported 43,138 units sold in the first half of 2018 from 48,344 units sold for the comparable period in 2017.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed has come and gone and people were slightly disappointed that they didn’t see the 2019 Toyota Supra in all its glory. Yes, it did do the hill climb, but it was still sporting the geometric camouflage, so a bit of a bummer there. But, some tidbits about Toyota’s upcoming sportscar did come out courtesy of Road & Track.

Review: 2018 Mercedes-Benz B 180 Urban

Despite what other people say, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class is one likeable car. It’s not perfect, but after some days in it, it’s easy to prefer it over its more stylish sibling, the GLA-Class. While it fulfills a very particular niche—one whose needs center around a car with comfort, space, and one that carries a premium brand; it shouldn’t matter. In the end, it’s a sorted little number that deserves a look because it appeals to the sensibilities more than it does to the senses.

Hyundai Dream Centre Philippines (HDCP) is equipping its first batch of scholars with world-class skills in automotive technology and vehicle maintenance. Through the HDCP, partners Hyundai Motor Group (HMG), Plan International, and Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), aim to elevate the skills of the local workforce, broaden opportunities for underprivileged youth to begin productive careers in the automotive industry and, ultimately, boost Philippine competitiveness on the regional and global stages.

Hino Motors Philippines (HMP), the exclusive distributor of Hino trucks and buses in the country recently launched its fleet of Euro IV trucks and buses in Cebu, the Queen City of the South.

Caltex Philippines Combats Rising Gas Prices with Various Initiatives

From discount lanes for public utility vehicles (PUVs) to rewards points for dining and shopping—Caltex combats the rising gas prices by giving motorists the most benefits per liter.

Caltex, marketed by Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), continues to reward the loyalty of its patrons and give back to Filipinos with year-round projects that open opportunities for disadvantaged people.

The Refreshed 2018 Hyundai Grand Starex Has Landed (w/ Brochure)

The refreshed 2018 Hyundai Grand Starex is now here. Tucked quietly in the company’s latest price list, the best-selling van gets a nip and tuck better equipping it to do battle with other full-sized vans in the market.

Many people will not be able to experience the romance of travel because of a condition called kinetosis or more commonly known as motion sickness. In Europe, over 30 million people are affected by this chronically and 33 percent have experienced it at least once in their life. Well, this affliction may become a thing of the past as Citroën, the French carmaker is presenting a pair of glasses that can combat motion sickness.

Hoping to score tickets to the Toyota Must Fest? Unfortunately, you’re out of luck. The event, which serves as the public debut of the 2019 Vios has reached its full capacity after 120,000 unique users logged into the Toyota Music Fest server after just 2 days.

SMC Asia Car Distributors Corporation launches the most sporting executive sedan in the world: the all-new 2018 BMW M5. Dubbed “the supercar with four doors,” the BMW M5 features extremely high levels of performance wrapped around a highly-practical sedan body. Best news of all? It’s priced at just half of a typical supercar with the same level of performance.

JMC, through its authorized importer and distributor, Global Autodistribution, Inc. (GAI) is showcasing its vision for the modern jeepney through the N700 Modern Jeepney. Based off the JMC 4-wheeler light truck, it was shown to the public for the first time at the Philippine Bus & Truck 2018 Exhibit at the SMX Convention Center.

Suzuki Philippines (SPH) further strengthens its market presence outside Metro Manila with back-to-back expansion initiatives in the CALABARZON and Ilocos regions.

Same Problems Plague DOTr and LTO in 2017 According to COA Report

Around a week after the Commission on Audit (COA) released their findings regarding the Philippine National Police, particularly its purchase of Mahindra patrol vehicles, now it’s the Department of Transportation (DOTr)’s turn to get scrutinized. And while there have been some improvements over at the DOTr, the same problems still plague this government agency.

Here's How You Go Through Floods Safely

At 800 millimeters, some SUVs and pickup trucks have impressive water wading capabilities right off the bat. And while that gives you an extra layer of protection when tackling flash floods, these vehicles aren’t impervious.

Ford Philippines announced that June retail sales rose slightly from the previous month to 2,114 vehicles, led by their big three: Ranger, EcoSport, and Everest.

Quick Links

July 25, 2018

July 24, 2018

July 23, 2018

July 22, 2018

July 21, 2018

July 19, 2018

July 18, 2018

July 17, 2018

July 16, 2018

July 14, 2018

July 13, 2018