The Suzuki Swift Sport has always been a bit of a hero. Naturally aspirated, light, a joy to manhandle and styled presumably to resemble a baby sports shoe. It was really good. This is the new one. And immediately you will notice that it no longer resembles a baby sports shoe. The fact it’s yellow probably doesn’t help. It’s recognizably a Swift Sport… just a little different. We’ll leave you to decipher whether it’s a good change or a bad change. Otherwise, that’s pretty much your lot. Suzuki isn’t revealing anything until its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show on 12 September, so we’ve got a while to go yet. We are told however, that this new third-gen Swift Sport "has undergone a complete redesign and delivers an all-new level of excitement for sport minded drivers across the world." Have they whacked on a turbo and given in to the modern world of motoring? Will it still be the chuckable loon we know and love? Tune in on 12 September to find out. NOTE: This article first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made. ARTICLE BY TOP GEAR PHILIPPINESNo teasers, no shadows, no silhouettes. This is your first real look at Mitsubishi's next-generation MPV. The Japanese carmaker pulled the wraps off its upcoming seven-seater earlier today, and it's expected to make its global debut at the 2017 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show this coming August. The yet-to-be-officially-named vehicle (though some sources report it will be dubbed the 'Expander'), which the company describes as a combination of an SUV and MPV, looks near-identical to the XM crossover concept brought in for the 2016 Philippine International Motor Show. It still flaunts the signature Dynamic Shield design up front, boasts a tall ride height, and feature modern design elements all around. Mitsubishi describes the look as a fusion of "MPV lines with tough and dynamic SUV looks." Sleek, futuristic headlights flank the aforementioned grille, while large foglights emphasize the car's muscular stance. Vehicle dimensions are listed at 4,475mm x 1750mm x 1700mm (LWH). Ground clearance is a very capable 205mm. This is our first look at the interior, too. So far, it looks like occupants will be met by a light, minimalist cabin featuring a touchscreen infotainment system, physical dials, and a modern yet simple dashboard design and layout. There's some metal trim around the A/C vents, some faux wood, and plenty of storage compartments in there as well. Mitsubishi promises "class-topping" cabin space, comfortable third-row seats, and "generous luggage space." From what our sources say, this will be in the same class as the Honda Mobilio and the Suzuki Ertiga, but it will likely be the largest in this segment. No output figures yet, but the MPV/crossover will be FWD and powered by a 1.5-liter engine mated to a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The company says we can expect low fuel consumption, and a comfortable drive thanks to a "high-strength body and optimized suspension design." More details are expected to emerge come its global debut this August. IMAGE Mitsubishi Motors ARTICLE BY TOP GEAR PHILIPPINESThe all-new Honda Accord has been unveiled. The Japanese carmaker revealed the 10th-generation midsize sedan in Detroit, in what it calls a 'redefining' moment for one of the best-selling cars in the US. With its new look, Honda turned to the fundamentals of design and proportion to come up with the Accord’s athletic stance. It’s low and wide, which the company says provides better visibility and seating position for the driver. The wheelbase has been extended by 55mm, but the overall length is cut by 10mm. You can choose between 17- or 18-inch alloys. A larger chrome wing front-grille and air intake drop all the way down the bolder front fascia, and the long, low hood provides a sporty appearance. Lighting the way are sleek, swept back nine-lamp LED headlights. The roof arches and merges seamlessly with the sides and rear, too. At the back are futuristic taillights and dual chrome exhausts. The overall design is very angular, modern, and premium. Inside, the Accord gets more space and tech to go along with the cabin’s premium vibe. The trim and dash materials are soft to the touch, Honda says, and the driver’s side features a 'sport-inspired' steering wheel. The seats are equipped with improved padding as well. While the eight-inch infotainment screen is new, the center console still features physical dials and buttons for better tactile feel. Aside from Bluetooth capability, it provides 4G in-car WiFi, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. New tech features include stolen vehicle tracking, remote diagnostics, and speed tracking among others. The big changes come with the Accord’s chassis and drivetrain. The former is lighter and more rigid thanks to ultra-high-strength steel which makes up more than 54% of the vehicle. Total weight is cut by between 50 and 80kg, depending on the trim. Torsional and bending rigidity have been dramatically improved, resulting in better ride quality and NVH levels. You can choose between three new engines: a 1.5-liter turbo DOHC (192hp, 260Nm), a 2.0-liter turbo DOHC (252hp, 370Nm), and a 2.0-liter hybrid (no specs yet). What’s more, the 2.0-liter turbo variant is available with Honda’s revolutionary new 10-speed transmission--a first for a FWD car. Hopefully Honda Cars Philippines brings in the 10th-gen Accord into the market before (if ever) the automotive excise tax hike hits. Keep your fingers crossed, guys. IMAGE Honda North America ARTICLE BY :TOP GEAR PHILIPPINES
Planning to buy a new family hauler sometime soon? Well, you may want to hold off for just a wee bit longer. Mitsubishi has released teaser images of its new highly-anticipated seven-seat MPV, and it looks promising. Granted, the photos you're seeing aren't much to go by. But this silhouette is our best look at the all-new vehicle yet. The release of the images come with the announcement that the model will finally make its global debut at the 25th Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) this coming August. The company says that the car—described as a "small crossover MPV"—will bring "class-topping" space which can seat seven comfortably and adapt "to a wide array of cargo." "The class-leading model will combine the outstanding comfort and versatility of an MPV with the performance, strength and toughness of a Mitsubishi SUV," the carmaker said in its statement. According to sources, the vehicle will be pegged somewhere between the Toyota Innova and Avanza in terms of size, and is expected to arrive either in the fourth quarter of 2017 or early 2018. Cross your fingers. If you can recall, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines brought in the XM crossover concept for the 2016 Philippine International Motor Show. The images shown below show similar proportions and design elements, such as Mitsubishi's signature Dynamic Shield up front, muscular fenders, and aggressive fascia. By the looks of it, it has the ride height of a crossover/SUV, too. Mitsubishi says we can expect "serious SUV performance and toughness rightly expected" from the company. We hope to see this rugged new seven-seater in the Philippines sooner rather than later. ARTICLE BY : TOP GEAR PHILIPPINES
It looks like Uber and Grab’s local woes are far from over. In addition to the P5 million fine that the LTFRB imposed on the ride-hailing services, which both of them will fully comply with, the government agency plans to shut down unlicensed Uber and Grab cars. In a memo released last July 11, 2017, the LTFRB said that “both Transport Network Companies are directed to cease with dispatch the operations of all their TNVS (Transport Network Vehicle Services) which do not have the required Certificates of Public Convenience.” That sounds perfectly reasonable until you realize that only a small fraction of drivers out there have this certificate. The reason is that the LTFRB stopped accepting applications roughly a year ago so that Uber and Grab cars could be regulated, and for the policies to be studied. Since then no proposals to move forward have been released. Regulation is done in the interest of public safety, so that Uber and Grab vehicles would be as ‘safe’ as other public modes of transport with existing franchises: taxis, buses, and jeepneys--these are all legal and supposedly regulated. But because there is no framework in place for TNVS, many Grab and Uber vehicles are not, so on July 26, 15 days after the July 11 order, the LTFRB will order majority of them to be deactivated. It is estimated that 90% of ride-hailing vehicles out there don’t have the necessary certificates because the LTFRB stopped issuing them a year ago, so riders will now all scramble for the 10% left. We understand the need for regulation and proper procedure, and no one should be above the law. But Uber and Grab have always expressed their desire to follow whatever rules are required for them to operate. And in the years since these ride-hailing companies have set up operations here, they've amassed a loyal and massive following from commuters tired of the status quo. Let the public choose which mode of transport they want. What do you think of this development? Sound off in the comments below. Article by Top Gear Philippines
Who would've thought the Honda Mobilio could look this good? Honda Cars Philippines has brought in the seven-seat MPV's refresh and a new RS variant, and we have to say we're impressed with the results. Gone are the vehicle's Brio-esque bug-eyed headlamps, replaced by a much more aggressive design more akin to a Honda sedan or a crossover than a 'mom mobile' (if you can even still call it that). The new front fascia gives off a sportier vibe, as does the new front grille and redesigned 15-inch alloy wheels. The new RS variant finally gets aesthetics fitting of the badge, which include RS-designed 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels, and a gloss black front-grille. Inside, occupants are now met by an interior and dashboard layout more akin to the Jazz and other Honda models, rather than the plain one the MPV had at launch. There's nicer plastic and trim, and a much cozier and premium vibe about it. It comes equipped with a redesigned instrument cluster, while RS owners get special RS-style gauges with orange illumination. Higher-end models also get a new seven-inch touchscreen among other improvements. Adding a new driving dynamic is the availability of paddle shifters in the RS model. All Mobilio units now come with speed sensing automatic door locks as standard, while RS variants get vehicle stability assist and hill start assist. The RS also comes with an integrated rear view camera and a smart entry push-to-start system. The updated Mobilio still runs on a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with an output of 118hp and 145Nm. Below are the official prices and variants: *Mobilio 1.5 RS Navi – P1,029,000 *Mobilio 1.5 V CVT – P909,000 *Mobilio 1.5 E MT – P829,000 All this and the car retains its signature space and practical 60:40 rear folding seats. With new looks inside and out, can we now consider the Mobilio as the sporty alternative to plain Jane family MPVs? What do you think? ARTICLE BY: Top Gear Philippines
The updated Subaru WRX and WRX STI are coming to the Philippines. Motor Image Pilipinas, the Japanese carmaker's local distributor, has announced the two models will be available by early September 2017. Both AWD cars come in the middle of what has been a very busy year for Subaru, which brought in the all-new Impreza and refreshed BRZ earlier this year. The all-new XV is also slated for its Philippine launch this coming September. First seen at the 2017 Detroit International Auto Show, the WRX and its STI sibling come with a variety of aesthetic and performance enhancements. The front-end has been given a restyled grille, a meaner fascia, and LED steering responsive headlights. Unfortunately, those of you expecting to ride on the model's first-ever 19-inch alloys (as seen in US-spec units) will be disappointed, as both the WRX and STI only come with 18-inch wheels. Meanwhile, the interiors get better materials and an updated trim on the dash and doors. STI models will get dimpled leather steering wheels with red stitching, too. Entertainment duties are handled by a six-speaker setup and an infotainment touchscreen with Bluetooth and voice command capability. The WRX is still powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline boxer enginewith an output of 264hp and 350Nm good for a top speed of either 215kph for the base 6MT variant, or 240kph for the Sport Lineartronic model. Likewise, the STI gets no extra output from its 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer, which still produces 296hp and 407Nm--good for a top speed of 250kph. The STI will only come with a six-speed manual transmission. The same engine doesn't necessarily equate to the same performance, as both cars now come with high-performance Brembo brakes. The STI also has an improved driver-controlled center differential. Safety-wise, both vehicles are equipped with airbags from top to bottom, though rear vehicle detection is absent in base variants. Here's the best part: a Subaru representative has confirmed there will be no changes in price. *Subaru WRX 2.0 MT – P1,818,000 *Subaru WRX 2.0 CVT – P1,888,000 *Subaru WRX STI+W 2.5 MT – P2,498,000 *Subaru WRX STI 2.5 MT – P2,598,000 More looks and a bit more performance for the same price? That sounds like a pretty good deal to us. Are you excited for September yet? Article by : Top Gear Philippines
At last, we give you Hyundai's first proper hot hatch. The i30 N has been teased for months but at last we know all the numbers and have had a peek at how it looks. The looks you may still be digesting, so here’s a run through the numbers. It’s front-wheel drive, with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol turbo providing the power. There’s a base 247hp tune, or a Performance Package car, which gets 271hp. Both have the same amount of torque—488Nm—and both have a 249kph top speed. The Performance Package is 0.3 seconds quicker at completing 0-100kph, at 6.1 seconds. But you do want the Performance Package. That’s because it also adds an electronic limited-slip differential, gets bigger 19-inch wheels wrapped in very grown up Pirelli P-Zero tires, rides a little lower, and gets a variable exhaust system. It’s a hot hatch, so you want it to make a little noise, right? Both cars come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox—no paddleshift option—which gets launch control and rev-matching tech, so the car heels-and-toes for you on downchanges. The new Civic Type R also does that, but here you can simply turn it on and off with a button on the steering wheel. A more driver-focused process than the Honda… Steering wheel buttons also switch the car through its various suspension and drivetrain modes. The N button is the one to press to put the i30 N in its toughest, feistiest modes. The stability control can be turned completely off, but also has a middle Sport mode for a bit of extra self-preservation. Other wonderfully driver-focused touches include big hugging sports seats, a proper manual handbrake, and an illuminated rev-counter, whose red line moves as the car warms up. It’s a touch we’ve seen in BMW M Division’s cars, which is where Hyundai’s performance car boss, Albert Biermann, used to work. Funny that. "The Hyundai i30 N has been developed for no other purpose than to deliver maximum driving fun to our customers in an accessible high-performance package," says Biermann. The spec sheet reads very well (even if it’s a smidgen less powerful than we expected, and some way behind the Civic), while our first impressions behind the wheel proved promising, too. Right, those looks. What do you think? The Performance Blue paint is one area for debate. It’s inspired by Hyundai’s rally team—as is the whole car—but you can have red, white, gray or black too. We quite like it, and we like the rest of it, too. It’s a tasteful makeover of the standard i30 that doesn’t go over the top, even if the red detailing is a bit unoriginal. No prices just yet, but expect the i30 N to be priced competitively against the VW Golf GTI and Peugeot 308 GTI--its key rivals. Could Hyundai tempt you away from the hot hatch establishment? NOTE: This article first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.
This is why it's important to make things clear prior to posting on social media, and why it's vital you actually read a post before commenting. Yesterday, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced that it has finally addressed the agency's three million driver's license card backlog for applications with three-year validity. According to the post, distribution of the said cards began in December last year, and was finally completed in February 2017. What's more, the DOTr has also announced it will begin distributing license cards with five years of validity this August. Good news, right? Yes. But here's the thing: As you know, Philippine driver's licenses are now available in with up to five years of validity. The backlog being referred to is only licenses valid for three years. Unfortunately, the post was accompanied by an infographic/image which fails to mention any details regarding which of the two backlogs was fully addressed. "Before June 2016: 3-million backlog on license cards. Now June 2017: No more backlog," and that's basically all the image reads. As expected, angry motorists began commenting. "Not true! My friend renewed her license in Aug 2016 and mine in Feb 2017 but until now both our cards are not yet available," one netizen posted. "Not true. I still don't have mine. LTO Gapan Nueva Ecija doesn't even know when it will arrive. Five years na daw yung bago ko. Sana hindi rin after five years bago ko sya makuha," said another. It goes on and on. Not surprisingly, the DOTr's social media manager had his hands full. The agency eventually posted a clarification in the comments section, though the image still remains attached to the post. So guys, please do read an entire post and not just the image. In many cases, it can save you a ton of trouble. Anyway, if you've yet to receive your three-year valid driver's license, you best get in touch with the Land Transportation Office (LTO). Article by Top Gear Philippines
Our prayers have been answered. The car gods have heard our pleas and have decided to reward our years of wandering in the automotive wilderness. Guys, the Honda Civic Type R is coming. After a rousing debut at the Manila International Auto Show, Honda Cars Philippines Inc. will officially bring in the most popular Honda in its lineup. Starting July 11, 2017, all Honda dealerships will start accepting reservations for this hot hatch. This is a car that needs no introduction. For decades Honda owners have put the red ‘H’ badge on their cars, as a homage to this iconic variant. The closest we ever got to something like the Type R was the SiR Civic back in the ‘90s, and anyone can tell you the resale value of that car is astounding. If the SiR’s residual value is anything to go by, the Type R is almost guaranteed to be a collectible. That’s because HCPI will only bring in 100 units for 2017, and it will come in two colors: Championship White and Rallye Red. Having said that, we certainly hope this won’t just go to collectors and be stored in a climate-controlled garage. It would be a shame to let the 2.0-liter VTEC turbo and its 306hp (at 6,500rpm) go to waste. Peak torque is 400Nm at 2,500rpm to 4,500rpm and channeled to a six-speed manual transmission with rev matching; the latter feature can be switched off if the driver prefers. To manage all that power being sent to the front wheels, there’s an adaptive damper system and ventilated, cross-drilled 350mm discs with 4-piston Brembo calipers. In what is sure to be copied by body kit shops, the Type R has an extensive aerodynamic package. There’s the fierce front grille, wing type spoiler (one of the few legit reasons to have a spoiler), and Vortex generators at the trailing edge of the roof line. The front gets full LED headlights and an aluminum hood with a scoop intake. And those triple tailpipes in the rear? Fully functional. Filling the wheel wells are 20-inch Berlina black alloy wheels with 245/30 R20 tires. Inside, lucky drivers will be treated to Type R bucket seats, a Type R serial number plate, and of course, a Type R titanium shift knob. In front of the owner will be Type R instrument cluster that can show driving mode display, LED gearshift indicator, turbo pressure gauge, throttle/brake input display, G-meter and lap time recorder. In other words, this mighty Civic has all the toys we liked to put in our Japanese cars. Naturally the usual safety systems are present. All this Honda goodness can be yours for P2,980,000, and HCPI will hold a special event for first owners once deliveries are complete. It may not be a big batch of units, and we hoped the price would be friendlier, but the Civic Type R is here, and our corner of the motoring world is all the better for it. Article by : Top Gear Philippines
During a nostalgic road trip to the northern tip of Luzon to celebrate the final run of the Isuzu Crosswind, we got to chat with Joseph Bautista, Isuzu Philippines division manager for marketing and sales, about the impending shift to the Euro 4 standard in 2018, and what it means for the local automotive manufacturing industry. Plus, he also shared some interesting facts about one of the enduring nameplates in the local automotive scene. Joseph was heavily involved during the introduction of the Crosswind many years ago, and it is very close to his heart. Q: Why the urgent shift to Euro 4? A: The environment is the issue, and the government wants to clean the air. But we did it in such a hurry. There are advantages and disadvantages to the shift, but even now we can see that Metro Manila isn't so smoggy anymore. Q: Why can't Isuzu just put a Euro 4-compliant engine into the Crosswind? A: Putting an engine is easy, but it's not just the engine. You have to change the transmission, the axle, the brakes (for the faster speeds), and modify the engine bay and chassis. It's an entire system, not just the engine. It involves an intake and exhaust system, and on-board diagnostics. The original engineers of the Crosswind from the late '90s who are the experts in the model might have moved on to different projects already. Q: How will local manufacturing be affected by discontinuation of the Crosswind? A: That will be about 25,000 vehicles. The Crosswind, and the Mitsubishi Adventure and L300, have the highest local content, so they support local parts manufacturing. There are many SMEs and second-tier suppliers involved. Parts include nuts and bolts, and small brackets. These three models support the value chain. When production stops, about 25,000 of 100,000 cars that are assembled in the Philippines will be gone. Sales are at 450,000, so one out of five vehicles is assembled in the Philippines, and we are removing 25% from that one. A lot will be lost. Plus, a lot of SMEs will face immediate shutdown because they primarily exist because of those three vehicles. Q: When and how will this go into effect? A: We can no longer register Euro 2 vehicles after December 31, 2017. Q: What will we be missing after this? A: After 2018, there will no longer be any vehicles like the Crosswind, Adventure, and L300. These three vehicles are everyday workhorses. These are relatively cheap, and everyone can afford them. These are the vehicles used for hauling laundry, food for catering, and school buses. There will be no more 10-seater AUVs or L300s that you can use for daily chores or for your small businesses. Will you use your MU-X for hauling goods from the market? It's the end of the era of the multipurpose vehicle. ARTICLE BY : TOP GEAR PHILIPPINES
Here's a bit of good news for green advocates: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has handed over five units each of the Outlander plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and i-MiEV, as well as four EV quick charger units to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The turnover took place at the 1st ASEAN Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Summit last week. Intended for business use by DENR and other government agencies, the EVs have been delivered to fulfill a part of the memorandum of understanding between DENR and the Japanese automaker. Under said MOU, the electric cars will be part of a "joint study into environmental load reduction using electric technologies used in the environment-friendly models." Mitsubishi wants to tap universities, electric companies and government administrations to be part the project, whose goal is to cut down carbon dioxide emissions and ease traffic jam in the country. "The delivery of these vehicles and charger units is a vote of confidence in the electric technologies of Mitsubishi Motors," said MMC CEO Osamu Masuko. "We are pleased to be playing our part in helping reducing emissions in partnership with the DENR in the Philippines." Powered by a 2.0-liter engine with Mitsubishi's plug-in EV system, the Outlander PHEV is said to have a fuel efficiency of 55.56km/L in hybrid mode. The i-MiEV, on the other hand, is no stranger to the Philippine government. Two test units of this electric car were loaned to the Department of Energyand Meralco in 2012 for examination and performance assessment on Metro Manila roads. Article of Top Gear Philippines
Nissan teases upcoming Leaf yet again in the meantime Previously, Nissan unveiled a teaser image of the upcoming Leaf's headlights, giving a first glimpse of the maruqe's upcoming EV. Now, Nissan has released yet another teaser of the all-new Leaf and a release date. Set to make its official debut on September 6, expect the Leaf to break cover in Tokyo and feature an all-new look said to be inspired by the IDS concept. Our spies have previously given us a first look of the 2018 Leaf though still draped in heavy camouflage. The latest update from Nissan meanwhile gives us an updated look of the company's signature V-motion grill. The Nissan logo is now embedded into the plastic grill, which features diamond shaped designs. From what Nissan has released so-far, we do know that the Leaf will get a completely redesigned front fascia given the new headlights and grill teasers, both of which were said to be inspired by the IDS concept. From the spied photos, the rear meanwhile will feature sleeker headlights. Inside Nissan has also given us a glimpse of the digital cluster mated with a mechanical speedo. Apart from those details, nothing is official yet unless Nissan decides to reveal more features of the upcoming EV. Powering the all-new Leaf is said to be a 60kWh battery pack, which supposedly allows it to have an improved range of 547 km on a single charge. It is also said to be the first Nissan to be equipped with autonomous driving capabilities by adopting Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist driver-assistance technology. The technology allows the car to drive itself during single-lane driving. Article by: Auto Industriya
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