Nissan has refreshed its 370Z sports car for 2018. Yeah, it’s another blink-and-you’ll-miss-it type affair. Most changes are aesthetic, such as blacked-out door handles and a new rear bumper. There are also tinted headlights and rear lights, previously only available on Nismo models. Perhaps the 19in alloys and metallic red paint will be easier to spot. Inside, ‘GT versions’ of the new car gets Nissan’s premium infotainment system as standard. This means a seven-inch touchscreen featuring satnav and a reversing camera. Under the hood, its 3.7-liter V6 still produces just over 320hp, allied to your choice of a six-speed manual or seven-speed auto. Just like before. However, the single mechanical change comes in the form of a new high-performance clutch developed in conjunction with EXEDY. We’re told the new clutch reduces driver pedal effort and provides “even greater levels of gear change precision and comfort”, especially when coupled with Nissan’s rev-match system dubbed ‘Syncro Rev Control’. The 370Z Nismo remains the same. Prices for this 2018 ‘standard’ Zed are cheaper than a four-cylinder, EcoBoost-engined Ford Mustang in other markets. Which one would you pick? ARTICLE BY TOP GEAR PHILIPPINESBecause you’re reading this website, we’re assuming that you’re as much of a fan of cars and driving as we are. Cars are aspirational, and finally having the power to buy and own one is a major milestone. So the buying process should go as smoothly as possible, right? Good thing we have accommodating car sales agents and executives to answer all our questions and quell our worries, with promises of a reliable car and good after-sales service. And we’re pretty sure that car companies will insist that you are always right. But just like how consumers complain about some brands’ quality of service, the people behind these badges also have their grievances. Here are some reasons why they might resent you, but only a teeny bit of course: 1) You didn’t buy their car Picture this: You’ve talked to the helpful sales agent and scheduled multiple test drives. You even haggled to get the best deal and payment terms plus freebies. You promise to have the money prepared. The sales agent gets your order request approved and processed the necessary papers. But then you stop replying to texts and follow-ups. You then buy from another dealership, or worse, from another brand. According to a salesperson, they have a quota of 20 customers per day in their dealership. They would really appreciate it if you respect their time and effort. 2) You have an ulterior motive You’ve approached the pretty sales agent. But instead of asking her about the seating capacity or the latest down payment promos of the model you’re eyeing, you ask if she’s single and you try to add her on Facebook. Apparently, some prospective clients approach attractive agents and propose that they will buy a car in exchange for a date. These people are conditioned to be friendly and accommodating, so it puts them in a quandary on how to deal with sleazeballs. 3) You think you deserve more than what you’re getting You probably brought your car in for a regular service, but then you asked the service advisor to include another repair job. This other job is totally unrelated to the work that will be done on your car and not even covered by the warranty, but you want it free of charge, of course. If you’re a regular client, how can they not throw this one in for free for a loyal customer? 4) You know better than their service technicians While your car is being serviced, you show everyone that you just happen to know more about your ride than the technicians. That’s good of course. A driver should know his car better than anyone else. However, please note that these technicians are trained by car companies to service your car and to do a good job of it. It won’t help if you insist that your car must get some type of job done while citing Google, online forums, and car club buddies as your reference. 5) You’re too outspoken online You’ve trolled their social media accounts and left nasty comments on car reviews of automotive websites. Have you bought any of their cars? Have you ever test driven a unit? 6) You da VIP You’ve namedropped almost everyone you know and asserted yourself as a VIP client. You brag about the sedan, SUV, and pickup you bought from the dealership. So why can’t they give you the lowest of the low payment option, huh? But car companies don’t really hate you, of course not. But just like how you expect them to give you the ultimate client experience, they would likewise appreciate it if you also value the people they hire to cater to your whims and make car ownership a breeze. ARTICLE BY TOP GEAR PHILIPPINESWe recently reported that after-sales service in car dealerships is sagging overall. Does it have something to do with the volume of cars on the road, perhaps? Car brands are also selling their stocks in droves, and this is surely bringing in first-time owners who are still having their units serviced via dealer warranty. Everyone knows a big reason for the strong car sales this year is the pending excise tax law that’s now in the Senate’s hands. Now like all professional publications we’ve published our own take on what cars might cost if the law takes effect on January 2018, although we didn’t name any specific model. But a lot of people are still confused about the pending bill, and we still receive questions on how much popular models will cost. Well now the Department of Finance has released its own suggested retail prices of popular models, and what it showed is not the doomsday scenario we were all afraid of—but of course we completely understand the resistance to any more newfangled ways to milk us. Based on the sample list, up to the Toyota Vios 1.5 G the P40k price difference is somewhat negligible—maybe even up to the Nissan Juke that costs P54k more is okay. It starts to sting with the almost P100k increase of the Toyota Innova 2.8 E, and we’re sad that Honda Civic RS Turbo will be even more out of reach. But those interested in the top-spec Fortuner will want to buy now, because it’ll jump to more than P2.5 million. As expected luxury cars will take the brunt of the proposed taxes, with a theoretical P20 million vehicle (Ferraris, Lambos, Astons) costing more then P7 million more. What do you think about the proposed price increases? ARTICLE BY TOP GEAR PHILIPPINESIt's official: The all-new Honda CR-V will be arriving in the Philippines this month. Details are still scarce, but it has been confirmed there will be a diesel variant, and that the vehicle will come equipped with three rows and seven seats. This is in line with a photo released by Honda Cars Philippines teasing an "all-new seven-seater diesel SUV" from the Japanese carmaker. We've posted the image below. The all-new CR-V will be available for reservation by August 9. Gasoline variants will be arriving sometime this month, and you can ask your Honda dealer when the diesel variant will arrive. We've seen the vehicle up close at the 2017 Bangkok International Show. No specifics regarding the engine yet, but we've written before that Thai-spec units pack a 1.6-liter turbodiesel engine capable of 160hp and 350Nm mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Could we see the same here in the Philippines? We'll find out soon enough. With better looks, more seats, a new tubodiesel engine, and impressive cargo space, the CR-V is looking like an increasingly promising proposition. We'll have more details, numbers and photos when the vehicle makes its debut next Tuesday. Mark your calendars for August 8, 2017. ARTICLE BY TOP GEAR PHILIPPINESThe 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
DOF: Income tax cuts to make subcompacts, MPVs fairly priced Much has been made about the impending increase in the prices of automobiles because of the proposed excise tax but the Department of Finance (DOF) asserts that it will only really adversely affect luxury vehicles. Speaking with members of the senate, DOF Undersecretary Karl Kendrick Chua made assurances that small cars and multipurpose vehicles (MPVs) will remain affordable to families because of the considerable personal income tax rate (PIT) cuts under the tax reform bill. Chua explained that the aim of the excise tax system for automobiles under the proposed Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act (TRAIN) is to put in place a progressive system that will implement stiffer consumption taxes on the wealthy, thus a substantial increase in the price of luxury vehicles. As an example, Chua stated that a call center agent’s net income will increase by Php 22,000 a year and in a family setting where both parents are working, that’s an increase in annual net income by Php 44,000. “If two of them are working, the couple will take home PHP 44,000. So the increase in the price of Vios and Mirage will be much less compared to the increase in the take-home pay of these families. And because the non-rich will amortize or borrow, and given the low interest rates, this is actually still going to be affordable,” said Chua. The goal of TRAIN, according to Chua, is to simply slow down auto sales and not to ‘cripple’ the industry as expressed by some executives from the automotive industry. He further defending his assumption by citing examples of vehicles under the government's Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program. "Entry-level models such as the Toyota Vios will only increase by P10,000 and the high-end model of the Mitsubishi Mirage only by P13,000 per unit," he said. “We think that the overall impact (of TRAIN) is simply to slow down the sale of cars, but not to contribute to a contraction. We do not see that this tax will cripple the automobile industry,” added Chua. Chua also pointed out that the revenue gained from TRAIN will help fund the government’s program to increase infrastructure to reduce vehicular congestion. “We don’t think that the strategy going forward is simply to make cars affordable because we in the government believe that the key merit of development is not that the poor will have cars but the rich will take public transport -- and that is what we are proposing to do under the tax reform program,” Chua said. The proposed tax reform measures will also introduce additional levies on diesel and gasoline fuels, which power all vehicles everyday. Article by Auto Industriya
Good day, sir. Just want to ask if it's a good decision to buy the Ford Ecosport Trend AT to use as an Uber. How about the Nissan Juke, Honda City or Mazda 2? What are their pros and cons should we choose to buy one of them? Which car would you recommend based on fuel efficiency, performance, and maintenance cost? Hoping you can enlighten us regarding which vehicle we should purchase. Your help will be much appreciated. Thank you. Sincerely, Menchu M. Hi, Menchu! Thanks for sending us an email. Regarding your choice for Uber, arguably the best type of vehicle to use is a common model precisely because parts will be plentiful and relatively affordable when looking through third-party suppliers. Know-how in terms of fixing and servicing the car will be more widespread and allow you to pick from a wider variety of independent car repair shops, too. Also, it will be easier to sell in a few years. In the list that you gave, the Honda City is the most common car. Since it is made locally, parts will be easier to find and should be cheaper versus cars that are rarer and made abroad. I dislike the Ford EcoSport because the dual-clutch transmission delivers a slightly jarring and harsh drive--especially when moving from dead stop on an incline. The Nissan Juke is a really fun compact crossover, but the rear seats are tight and cargo space out back is practically nonexistent. The Mazda 2 is also tight, something Uber riders won't appreciate. Aside from the City, the Hyundai Accent in diesel guise makes for a really good and economical car that's also very enjoyable to drive. The City and the Accent would be my top two choices if you'll be sticking to that budget range. Oh, and of course my ever favorite Honda Jazz, which will be even more practical than the City because of its hatchback body that allows you to dump more things in the back and pile them up. It looks good, too! Lastly, if it will be a purely business-related car, consider the Toyota Vios and Toyota Avanza. Both do seem a tad boring, lacking some style and pizzazz, but they're very reliable, affordable and quite cheap to maintain. Toyota is after all, a legend when it comes to durability and reliability. I hope this helps. Good luck on your choice and be safe on the road! Botchi Santos Consumer Editor Article by Top Gear Philippines
Motoring writers and enthusiasts have not warmed up much to the Mitsubishi Mirage, knocking it for poor driving dynamics and lackadaisical performance. But despite this, it has been a hit with economy buyers. With a lot to offer for the money—at least locally—the mini-Mitsubishi has forced other players to adapt or die. More refined cars like the Kia Picanto and the Hyundai Grand i10 have struggled to compete on price, while cheaper cars have struggled to match it on space and specs. But with the Celerio now boasting Mirage-rivaling space, can the face-lifted Mirage still retain its market lead? First impressions are good. The recent facelift boasts a new grille and sharper front-end sheet metal than the blobby old car. The interior is still a sea of hard black plastic, but ambience goes up a notch with the inclusion of the touchscreen head unit from the GLS. The seats are comfortable on long drives, if a bit lacking in thigh and lumbar support. Legroom is still better than in most small cars, beating even the upsized Celerio. While taller rear passengers will find the roof a bit low, generously reclined seatbacks make for good long distance comfort. The driving position is still on the low side, but it can be adjusted for rake. The five-speed gearbox still suffers from a vague clutch biting point and floppy shift quality, but it proves quick and stress-free to use. Unfortunately, also unchanged is the weight- and cost-saving dual engine-mount setup, which leaves the Mirage more prone to shuddering under load than the Celerio. The 3A92 three-cylinder engine itself, however, is still a champ. While lacking in low-end torque compared to other 1.2- and 1.3-liter units, MIVEC valve trickery and optimized breathing give it some high-rev zing and the ability to do 26km/L at 80kph. Going over 3,000rpm at 100kph, it still pips the 20km/L mark, making it a viable long distance cruiser. The old GLX wasn’t quite suited to the open road, plagued by a bouncy ride, wooly steering, and poor tracking over ruts. Stiffer springs now eliminate the boat-like wallowing, while a recalibrated steering rack makes for more precision and quicker turn-in. That said, the steering is a bit too flighty, and at full-blast, body roll in corners is still severe. Even in sedate driving, the tires are noisy, and the Mirage can feel rattly over potholes. Add in a cheap-sounding horn and a flimsy tonneau cover, and it’s obvious where Mitsubishi has cut corners to get the price down. That said, the cost and weight savings result in an astonishingly light car that seats five and aces global crashworthiness requirements. The lightness and the tiny engine pay dividends as well, in terms of running and maintenance costs. And the finger-twirl steering, along with the ample engine grunt, makes it feel much zippier than most small cars through traffic. It’s hard to find this much space and equipment elsewhere at this price—but Suzuki just might have something to say about that. SPECS: Mitsubishi Mirage Price: P560,000 Engine: 1.2-liter DOHC I3 Power: 77hp @ 6,000rpm Torque: 100Nm @ 4,000rpm Transmission: 5-speed manual Layout: FWD Seating: 5 IMAGE Christian Halili UP NEXT SUZUKI CELERIO The old Celerio was a charmer, with its goggly-eyed countenance, tiny size, and rorty K10 three-pot. The new one more closely resembles a micro van. But it has traded in its quirky charm for an anonymously non-offensive look. On the inside, however, that boxiness pays off. The Celerio has much more headroom than the Mirage does, and the extended wheelbase gives it legroom that’s only a finger or two shy. Gone is the gimmicky motorcycle instrument pod, replaced by a full gauge cluster. Fit and finish marginally betters that of Mitsubishi; we’re still undecided if the plasticky finish on the door panels counts as ‘fabric.’ Console storage wins over the Mirage, with multiple shelves that don’t force you to wedge gadgets under the dash or in inadequate door pockets. On the debit side, the narrow cabin means the front cupholders sit below the seats rather than by your knees, and the rear bench is a tight fit for three. In terms of cargo capacity, the Celerio just pips the Mirage. While latter has a deeper and wider trunk, the former’s bigger trunk opening, longer floor, and square load bay are more suitcase-friendly. Unfortunately, that extra capacity comes courtesy of upright rear seatbacks—a disadvantage for those who use those seats often. Where the Celerio isn’t at a disadvantage is in the drive. On twisty two-lanes, it boasts more confident turn-in and a more composed ride, though there’s still quite a bit of body roll at a push. The steering, while lacking in feel, is much more measured and precise, and compares favorably to pricier hatchbacks like the Chevy Spark and the Honda Brio. The ride is a bit stiff-legged, but the car doesn’t crash over bumps like the Mirage does. Around town, big glass and incredible sightlines make it ridiculously easy to thread through traffic, and the positive gearshift and clutch are confidence-inspiring. The carried-over K10 engine, while weaker on paper, feels eager at low revs, with a more linear powerband and a raspy exhaust note that conjures up fantasies of miniature Lamborghini V12s. Much unlike the tuneless drone of the Mirage. At highway speeds, it struggles to pace the Mirage. The trade-off here is fantastic economy. While the Celerio’s 26-30km/L cruising economy might not seem impressive compared to modern 1.5-liter sedans that hit 25km/L, it is unparalleled in traffic, boasting 16-18km/L in mixed running and 10-12km/L in even the heaviest congestion. It bests the Mirage by around a kilomer The Celerio is marginally easier to park, and shorter drivers do have a better view, despite the lack of height adjustment. Sad to say, you don’t get a touchscreen system at this price, but sound quality trumps the Mitsubishi. And if you really want it, a touchscreen comes standard with the CVT variant, which is only P9,000 more than the manual Mirage GLX. Interesting conundrum, right? SPECS: Suzuki Celerio Price: P514,000 Engine: 1.0-liter DOHC I3 Power: 67hp @ 6,000rpm Torque: 90Nm @ 3,500rpm Transmission: 5-speed manual Layout: FWD Seating: 5 IMAGE Christian Halili The Verdict While the Mirage is still a runaway bestseller, the Celerio is Suzuki’s first micro car to boast global-level crash safety, sitting just one star shy of the Mirage’s five-star ANCAP rating. And it only loses that last star due to the lack of side curtain airbags, which aren’t available on the Mirage GLX, either. One could argue that the Mirage is a no-brainer for the price. It offers the power and space of a subcompact with the price and economy of a microcar. The Celerio, on the other hand, feels like a more mature product. It is the only direct competitor that roundly beats the Mirage in terms of economy. The venerable K10 is also a more characterful and willing performer than the Mitsubishi 1.2-liter, lacking only that last bit of oomph past 80kph. Considering most owners will spend most of their time stuck in crawling rush-hour traffic, that’s an easy sacrifice to make. Against the old Mirage, the Celerio would be an unquestioned winner. Superior driving dynamics and refinement would have won the day. The new Mirage, on the other hand, does just enough to justify a points win over the Suzuki, driving less like a wet noodle and more like a slightly soggy one. Neither of these cars is ever going to get your heart thumping, but the Mirage’s extra power and kit go some way toward convincing you that you’ve bought something a little more than basic transportation. Article by TopGear Philippines
Are you willing to give up using your vehicle for two days a week? If the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority's (MMDA) plan to implement a two-day coding scheme pushes through, you might just have to. According to a report by Inquirer.net, MMDA chairman Danilo Lim has proposed that a two-day coding scheme replace the current one to help lessen the volume of vehicles congesting Manila's streets. "Pinag-iisipan natin with the support of the Metro Manila Council, mga mayors natin, kung pwedeng i-modify pa 'yung number coding scheme," Lim says. "Siguro pwede naman kaunting sakripisyo pa para sa lahat. Baka pwede gawing two days every week ang hindi paggamit ng sasakyan." Lim cites the sheer volume of cars, shoddy road conditions, lack of discipline, and not enough personnel and support as major contributing factors to the capital's terrible traffic situation. "Sobrang dami talaga ng sasakyan dito sa Metro Manila. We have more than 30% of vehicles nagsasama dito sa less than 5% (of roads). So volume problema, kailangan talaga bawasan." "Sa MMDA, kulang talaga 'yung tao namin. Kulang na nga, 'yung suporta pa eh, underpaid. Marami tayong traffic enforcers na P6,000 lang isang buwan, mababa na nga nade-delay pa," Lim added, saying that there is a delay in salaries by the Department of Budget and Management. "These are some of the things na nakaka-aggravate sa ating sitwasyon sa traffic at aksidente." Does a two-day number coding scheme sound reasonable to you? Or should government agencies come up with a different solution to address the increasing volume of vehicles in Manila? Let us know in the comments; we wouldn't be surprised if the authorities are reading them. Article by TopGear Philippines
Cockroaches, ants, rats, and mosquitoes--having these pests inside your vehicle is something no driver ever wants to deal with. Regardless of whether they crawl or buzz around, get rid of them immediately. Because there's no feeling quite like that mini heart attack you get upon realizing there's an unwelcome passenger climbing up your pant leg in the middle of a drive. With that in mind, we've put together a short guide on how to remove and prevent unwanted guests from calling your vehicle home. Here are a few things to keep in mind when dealing with them, straight from our experts: 1. Be careful where you park. Avoid parking under ant-infested trees or stagnant bodies of water. Positioning one's ride within the vicinity of these pests' breeding grounds is just asking for trouble. "Common sense will dictate not to park your car next to or on top of an anthill or, even worse, giving your hotrod some cool shade under a tree where army ants have nestled," says Top Gear Philippines writer Manskee Nascimento. Meanwhile, technical editor Ferman Lao shares it's best to ensure any spot is clean and well lit prior to parking: "By keeping the area where you park your car generally clean, you reduce the chances of mosquitoes migrating into your car's cabin. " He adds to make sure all windows and doors are closed before leaving your vehicle. 2. Don't eat inside your vehicle. For obvious reasons. After all, you don't want to turn your ride into a mobile buffet table. "If you can't avoid it completely, make sure to always do a proper clean-up after," Manskee says. 3. Watch your hygiene. Anything from different kinds of body odor and sweat, to smelly socks and feet can attract mosquitoes, says Ferman. "How we smell affects how prone we are to being bitten. Scientists haven't entirely identified which scent yet, but noted that some odors are more attractive to mosquitoes than others." Avoid leaving sweaty gym clothes inside your car. Keep in mind though that certain perfume scents also attract pests. 4. Your seat covers make a difference. Avoid synthetic-leather seat covers, Ferman says. These don't breathe, leading to more sweat and residue. Fabric alternatives are better. You can even skip seat cover completely and use a fabric protector instead. 5. A quick wash and vacuum might do the trick. You can try flushing out those pesky bugs via a quick trip to the car wash, Manskee says: "Ants aren't fond of water so if you have neglected your car for some time, then a good wash followed by vacuuming all internals would definitely be in check." Do remember to get into every nook, cranny and corner of your vehicle though, as "These provide a hiding place for the skeeters to rest while they wait for their prey to appear," says Ferman. If rats or mice somehow find their way into your engine bay, Ferman says a little detailing may help: "Getting the engine bay detailed will, at the very least, get rid of some of the scent that may have been left behind by both man and mice. This also includes urine, which animals use to mark their territory." 6. If all else fails, go with insecticide, baits and traps. Or in Manskee's case, water-based insecticides: "I sprayed it in the suspected areas of infestation, including the handbrake slit. I also sprayed some areas within my dash, as they tend to thrive and lay eggs in such places. Immediately after spraying, I closed all the doors with the windows completely shut to allow the chemicals to stay concentrated within the cabin." Of course, do not forget to air your vehicle out afterwards. Remember, bigger game such as mice and rats will require bigger traps, too. 7. An organic approach can work, too. Citronella-based insect repellants and bars are easily available, and citronella-based air fresheners are already available in the market. Manskee calls it "nature's gift to us cockroach haters." 8. Don't neglect your car. According to Manskee, garage queens are more prone to bug invasions than daily drivers. "A vehicle that is used twice or thrice a week won't attract these resourceful arthropods. Go for a drive!" "Vehicles that are immobile for long periods of time or those which are not being used often are the ones that usually encounter this problem. After all, rodents may find it comfortable to live inside a non-moving home," Ferman says. Article by TopGear philippines What is it? The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is more crossover than Eclipse. There’s no relevance in its taking its middle name from the Eclipse sports coupe of distant memory. Instead it’s a fairly mainstream crossover. The styling is robust in the lower half, reflecting Mitsubishi’s 4x4 heritage, but it has a more dart-like upper profile than its boxy rivals. It’s the first complete work of Tsunehiro Kunimoto since he arrived as Mitsubishi’s chief of design. He joined from Nissan three years ago. Ironically, Nissan later took a lifeline shareholding in the troubled Mitsubishi Motors, so you could call this the last pure Mitsubishi. In the future, Mitsubishi will donate PHEV and 4x4 expertise to Nissan-Renault. Traveling in the other direction will be Nissan platforms, and presumably, Nissan’s ability to operate at a profit. If you’re a student of the Mitsubishi range, the Eclipse Cross fits in size between the ASX and the Outlander. If that doesn’t seem a huge gap, be aware the next-gen ASX will shrink and the next Outlander will grow. That’ll open up more elbow room for the Eclipse Cross. The first engine is a new lightweight 1.5 turbo gasoline. Mitsubishi’s existing (if modified) 2.2 diesel will follow. We tried the 4x4 version of the turbo gasoline, which comes with a mandatory CVT auto transmission, albeit one with fake stepped modes for when you take over-ride control. The front-driver gets a manual, and the 2.2 diesel has a proper eight-speed automatic gearbox. It’s bigger inside than rivals because the wheelbase is long, taken directly from the Outlander, as is most of the suspension. It’s also versatile, helped by sliding reclining rear seats. But the bobtail does reduce trunk space. The cabin style and finish is a whole lot better than previous Mitsubishis. That of course isn’t saying much, so let’s add that it’s into the upper-middle of the rivals. Driving: What is it like on the road? The turbo gasoline engine smears its torque over a wide range, so it responds well from low down. It also sings sweetly and quietly at the top end. But annoyingly, at 4,000rpm, which is what you use a lot when pressing on, it drones annoyingly. Just driving around towns, or in gentle traffic, the CVT is smooth and sane, choosing a ratio that plays to the engine’s low-rev strengths. And yeah, we know CVTs are efficient and light. But floor it and, as they all do, it causes the engine to moan like a dying cow, abandoning correlation between speed and revs, and the response to throttle inputs is fuzzy. That makes it irksome and disconcerting to use. For driving down twisty roads, where you want predictable response through a corner, it’s entirely critical to fix it in one of the eight virtual ratios via the paddles. The steering is oddly weighted around the straight ahead, so it’s easy to drift out of your highway lane. It’s like driving in slush. Then you get to a corner or roundabout, probably too fast if you’ve not taken control of the CVT because there’s then no engine braking. So you yank the wheel and the car rolls onto the outside-front wheel, and then you get back on the throttle and there’s more CVT delay before you finally lurch your way out. But guess what. Get the entry right, hold a ratio on the paddles, turn in smoothly and matters are very different. You can feel the AWD system shuffling effort to the tires that can use it, and the chassis and steering feed some info, and the balance is fine. It’s really strange. Such a dissonance between initial impression and dynamics under stress. I can’t imagine many family-crossover buyers will ever get beyond the soggy outside to find, let alone enjoy, the resolved core. Still, anyone can appreciate a pliant ride. It’s got one, and doesn’t clang or thump over lateral ridges. It cruises through the air quietly, too. On the inside: Layout, finish, and space The Eclipse Cross carves a lot of people space from its compact footprint. You sit in the usual throne-like crossover attitude up front. Out back, there’s top-class leg room, and foot space under the front seats. Enough headroom too (just), but then you couldn’t expect more when you see the roof-line. Open up the tailgate and the reason becomes clear. The trunk isn’t very big. Not fore-to-aft because the rear seats are set well back, nor indeed top-to-bottom because the luggage blind is set low down so you can see out of the spilt rear window. There’s an answer. You can slide the back seat bench forward, either one-third, two-thirds or all of it. This adds trunk space, although this leaves endless possibilities for small clutter to disappear into the seat sliding mechanism, never to be seen again. The rolled up blind stores under the floor, handily. The strongly three-dimensional dashboard emerges at you in a series of tiers, like the architecture of a sports stadium. It looks good, though does force some compromises, like hiding the climate controls in a deep dark recess. Still, at least they are proper controls, not virtual ones lost behind layers of screen menus. Some of the other switchgear is scattered around with little apparent clarity or logic. By the time you’ve fumbled around and found the lane departure or collision warning system switches, you might have already had the collision. The dials and screens are clear enough, and top versions have a head-up display. Infotainment is controlled by a touchscreen or well-designed trackpad controller down in the center console. Mirroring of Apple or Android phones is standard, just to add to the user-friendliness. Owning: Running costs and reliability The gasoline FWD manual is officially rated at 15km/L. The 4x4 auto is barely worse, at 14.3km/L. There’s usually a bigger gap between FWD and 4WD, so that’s a demonstration of the efficiency of the loathsome CVT. Sorry. Prices haven’t been fixed as we write. But it won’t be bargain-basement. It’s built in yen, so currency isn’t favorable. Neither, as we write this, have insurance, or NCAP ratings been fixed. Check back later. Standard or optional are most of the safety and driver-assist features you’d expect: collision warning, active cruise including stop-and-go, blind-sport warning with cross-traffic assist, and all-round parking cameras. It’s only lane-departure warning, though, not lane-keeping assistance. The verdict It's a comfy, versatile crossover that looks distinctive enough to be recognizable in this crazily crowded market. Better to drive than the first impression suggests, but in the 4x4 you’ve got to fight your way past an obstructive CVT. Article by TopGear Philippines
This is the new Kia Stonic, and we reckon you know the story by now. Y’know how compact crossovers are rather big business? As in, Hyundai and Citroen have revealed their very own takes within the last week? Well, here’s yet another one. Think Kia Rio supermini, on tiptoes. That’s the Stonic.
What do we reckon to the looks, then? After all, there’s a lot of competition to stand out against. The Stonic wears its rough’n’tumble kick-plate-style bumpers well, but the signature detail is that color-contrast roof, which Kia confusingly refers to as a ‘Targa style roof.’ Hmm. We can confirm that the Kia Stonic’s roof does not lift out, a la Honda NSX or mid-1980s Porsche 911, so it shouldn’t be called ‘Targa.’ It should be called ‘color contrast roof.’ You can have 20 different body paint finishes and five colors for the roof, since you ask. What else? Well ,there’s the standard Kia ‘tiger nose’ face, behind which you’ll be able to spec numerous gasolines and diesels, most interesting being the 1.0-liter turbo three-cylinder petrol good for 118hp and a 1.6-liter diesel aimed at low-CO2 tax breaks and company car users. All pretty standard stuff. Like most Kias and Hyundais, the Stonic’s been subjected to chassis tuning in Europe to make sure its steering and suspension are up to the task of aggressive European driving habits in general, and rubbish British roads in particular. You won’t be able to have four-wheel drive (as if you were going off-road), but there is torque-vectoring on board to tidy up your wayward cornering. Inside, well, it’s a Kia Rio, but with a higher roof, and orange bits in this one to match the orange not-a-targa roof. Standard equipment includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and optional packs add so much anti-crash and pedestrian-saving tech we suspect the Stonic might be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Kia’s clearly done some serious homework for its first B-SUV: It reckons the sector currently does up 1.1 million European sales and will soar past 2 million by 2020, overtaking C-segment SUVs like the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai in the process. So, you’ll be seeing one or two of these Stonics about, then. After releasing several teasers, Hyundai has finally pulled the wraps off its new vehicle, the Kona. This funky model will sit below the popular Tucson compact crossover SUV. Like its siblings, it too is named after a place. In this case, a Hawaiian district popular among adventurous tourists.
It’s clear that the 4,165mm long, 1,800mm wide, and 1,550mm tall Kona was designed to go up against the more stylish B-segment crossovers like the new Toyota CH-R and the Nissan Juke. Up front, its familiar 'Cascading Grille' is probably the only thing that links it to its siblings. To create a distinct face, its slim daytime running lights and turn signals are positioned high up on each corner. The main LED headlights are separate units positioned low on matte black panels that blend with the front wheel arch trims. Bulging fenders, prominent rear haunches, and sculpted door panels give it a muscular look. The front styling theme is mirrored at the back—its slim taillights are mounted high, while its turn signals and reversing lights are paired on the protective matte black panels, which blend with the rear wheel arch trims. Like most trendy new vehicles, it features a contrasting roof color that begins from the bottom of the A-pillars. Inside, it features a sleek dashboard with horizontal lines and a vertical floating screen at the center. On the tech end, it’s available with a premium infotainment system which features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Depending on the trim or market, you’ll have the option of a 5-, 7-, or 8-inch display. It also features a heads-up display and wireless charging for compatible smartphones. The Kona will be offered with three gasoline powerplants: a 147hp 2.0-liter MPI Atkinson mill paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission, a 175hp Gamma 1.6-liter turbocharged T-GDI lump mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch, while Europeans also have the option for tiny 118hp 1.0-liter turbocharged T-GDI 3-cylinder unit coupled to a 6-speed manual. A 1.6-liter oil-burner will also be offered in select markets. It rides on a new platform and is available with front-wheel and all-wheel drive, each featuring its own rear suspension. FWD models get a rear torsion beam while AWD models get a multi-link independent rear set-up. A Kona Iron Man Special Edition will also be displayed at Hyundai’s Motorstudio in Soul. As the name suggests, it gets its inspiration from Tony Stark’s powered armored suit. The Kona will hit Korean showrooms later this month, followed by export markets like America and Europe. Will it reach out shores? Seeing how closely positioned the Creta and Tucson are to each other currently, you shouldn’t hold your breath. Unless Hyundai makes room for it, the Kona’s addition to the local lineup is seemingly uncertain. |
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