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August 21, 2020

2021 Toyota Corolla Cross vs the Competition

The almost back-to-back arrivals of the 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross and 2021 Ford Territory have re-ignited the compact crossover segment. Once a niche market cornered by the Honda HR-V and Subaru XV, it’s now getting crowded with at least half a dozen choices out there.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official Philippine distributor of the leading Korean auto brand in the country, and Petron Corporation, the country’s largest oil company, forged a new partnership to support the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) Libreng Sakay program.

Update: The rumors are true. The turbo is back (10/22).

One of the biggest criticisms leveled against the current fifth-generation Subaru Forester is the lack of a turbocharged option. Ever since the nameplate’s introduction in 1997, having a turbo option along with all-wheel drive has always been one of its defining characteristics. Don’t fret Subaru fans, because it seems the Japanese carmaker may be looking to bring back that back as early as the end of this year.

Toyota Motor PH to Seek Government Help to Keep Local Manufacturing Viable

With the economic slowdown, the Philippine automotive industry will need the government’s support to survive.

After a long wait, Toyota Motor Philippines has finally entered the compact crossover segment with the 2021 Corolla Cross. Sitting below the RAV4 in terms of size and price, the Corolla Cross aims to bring the brand’s success in the compact sedan space into the small SUV segment.

New-vehicle buyers are being offered an increasing number of advanced technology features, some of which are hits while others are currently missing the mark.

Despite the economic slowdown brought upon by the coronavirus pandemic, Mercedes-AMG says its Project ONE hypercar is still a go. Their latest proof is that it has finally entered the next phase of development: dynamic testing.

In response to the government’s call for contactless and cashless solutions for the transport sector, PayMaya is now enabling operators of various modes of mass transportation in the country with its advanced end-to-end payment platforms.

Subaru has shown off the second-generation Levorg sports tourer in Japan, and it brings the company’s newest turbocharged engine along with a promise of bolder styling and even more enhanced dynamics.

Maxus Philippines, established just a little over a year ago in June 2019, continues its dealer expansion efforts with the opening of two dealerships in the south: Bacolod City in Western Visayas and Cagayan de Oro City in Northern Mindanao.

While most people associate the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study or IQS for vehicles available in the U.S. market, did you know they hold the same for Japan as well? Given the reputation of Japanese carmakers in making high-quality vehicles, which carmaker has had the least problems during the first 90 days of ownership? Honda.

Thailand Debuts a Sharper Looking, Better Speced 2021 Yaris Hatchback

About a month after the global debut of the “new look” Vios, Toyota has now grafted on the same serious-looking face on its hatchback sibling, the Yaris. But more than just giving it a more acceptable fascia, the Yaris in Thailand also levels up in terms of equipment that puts even the recently-launched Philippine market new Vios to shame.

If there’s one product that’s responsible for the rise of Hyundai in the Philippines, it’s the Starex. It’s become the vehicle of choice for many Filipino families enabling it to establish a legacy all on its own.

With all the glitz of the Ford Territory’s launch now past us now, it’s time to get to work. With no potential commercial interest that could cloud our verdict (after all, we treat car reviews as sacred), we’ll have our honest and semi-brutal review real soon. Before that though, we’d like to share one Easter Egg we found buried in the Territory’s infotainment system.

If you’re looking at the Xpander Cross, now is certainly a good time as Mitsubishi Motors Philippines has now included it in their Head Start Promo.

Lexus takes pride in the hospitality that it shows its customers at the Lexus Manila dealership. This spirit of Japanese hospitality, otherwise known as Omotenashi is at the center of the Lexus brand after all. Taking care of the Lexus customer is paramount, so the necessary precautions (thorough disinfection, mandatory face mask use, social-distancing guidelines, and strict temperature checks) have already been put in place early on to elevate Lexus Manila’s safety standards amidst this global pandemic.

While I’m not completely sold on Mazda’s new “Carbon Edition,” here’s some news that’s welcome to just about every aspiring CX-9 owner: it’s getting an even more upscale interior for 2021.

Japanese government figures tried to bring Nissan and Honda together for merger talks this year according to the Financial Times.

Ford is planning to stretch the lifecycle of the next-generation Mustang from the previously planned six to eight years.

Motorcycle Barriers No Longer Required for Certain Riders

In the latest installment regarding those motorcycle barriers, the national task force for COVID-19 has said that they’re no longer required for as long as the riders are living in the same house, and that the place of residence is under General Community Quarantine or GCQ.

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August 21, 2020

2021 Toyota Corolla Cross vs the Competition

Hyundai PH and Petron Partner to Offer Free Shuttles to Health Workers and Front Liners

Subaru is Looking to Bring Back the Turbocharged Forester

August 20, 2020

Toyota Motor PH to Seek Government Help to Keep Local Manufacturing Viable

Toyota Motor PH Unveils 2021 Corolla Cross with Prices Starting at P 1.285M (w/ Specs)

No One Cares About Gesture Controls

Mercedes-AMG's F1-Engined Project ONE Heads to Road Testing

PayMaya to Offer Cashless Payments to Transport Sector

Subaru Unveils the All-New 2021 Levorg

Maxus Expands to Bacolod and Cagayan de Oro

Honda is Best in Initial Quality, Mazda Most Improved

August 19, 2020

Thailand Debuts a Sharper Looking, Better Speced 2021 Yaris Hatchback

The Hyundai Starex Reinvents Itself with Cargo, Ambulance Versions

The Ford Territory's Infotainment System Revealed One Easter Egg

Xpander Cross Now Included in Mitsubishi PH's Head Start Promo

Lexus PH Brings Japanese Hospitality to Cyberspace with New Virtual Showroom

The 2021 Mazda CX-9's Interior Has Shades of Bentley to It

The Japanese Government Wanted a Nissan-Honda Merger

Next-Gen Ford Mustang Not Expected Until Late 2022

August 18, 2020

Motorcycle Barriers No Longer Required for Certain Riders