Yes, this is the all-new Toyota Vios, and yes, the photo above is from the Philippines. You may have seen spy shots of the Japanese carmaker's best-selling subcompact sedan circulating online lately, but this one—taken by a reader on the side of a provincial road last week—is our best look at the vehicle yet. This is definitely a sign that the next-gen Vios is making its local debut soon. Toyota Motor Philippines has a couple of launch events lined up for July. And though the company has yet to provide specific details regarding what's being brought in, we think it's safe to assume that the all-new Vios will be present for at least one of them. Back to the car: As far as looks are concerned, the photo shows an exterior largely similar to units we've come across at international motor shows. There's a new-look front face with swept-back headlights and a more dominant grille. While we don't get a good look at the rear from these shots, a different reader did send us photos of the car's back covered in camouflage earlier in June. Regarding performance, Thai-spec 1.5-liter units come equipped with the same engine currently available in our market (dual VVT-i, 106hp and 140Nm) mated to a CVT, so we expect no changes either. Chances are the 1.3-liter with the availability of a manual transmission will remain as well. And knowing the length of time before Toyota changes engines, expect these to be the Vios engines for a long time. Of course, this is still speculation until the company makes it official, if ever, later this month. So, are you guys excited for the all-new Vios or are you eyeing a different subcompact sedan? ARTICLE BY TOP GEAR PHILIPPINESWere you one of the nearly 4,000 Filipinos who placed orders for the Xpander? If yes, you'll be glad to know that the Mitsubishi MPV's first batch of units has arrived and will be ready for delivery by the end of this month. Mitsubishi Motors Philippines (MMPC) shared a short video of the pioneer batch of units fresh off the boat at the Bauan International Port in Batangas. The brief 18-second clip begins with a handful of the MPVs rolling onto the port, eventually panning out to show an entire fleet of brand-new Xpanders neatly parked side by side. MMPC president and CEO Mutsuhiro Oshikiri thanked the Philippine market for welcoming the Japanese carmaker's newest offering with open arms, adding that he hopes the Xpander will see the same level of success here as it did in Indonesia where it took home Car of the Year honors. You can check out the video embedded below for more. How do you think the Mitsubishi Xpander will do in the Philippines? Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. The All-New Mitsubishi XPANDER has arrived! Deliveries will start soon. #MitsubishiMotorsPH #XPANDER #XpandYourPossibilities ARTICLE BY TOPGEAR PHILIPPINESThe new Toyota Alphard has arrived in the Philippines with more style both inside and out, better performance, and a handful of added convenience features for both passengers and driver. The Japanese premium minivan was revealed by Toyota Motor Philippines(TMP) earlier today, flaunting a new, shiny and more dominating grille design up front along with a new logo, as well as new sequential turn signal lamps. Inside, the Alphard's eight-speaker entertainment setup is now controlled by a new infotainment system with navigation capability. A start/stop system for better fuel efficiency has also been included. Added niceties are a digital rearview mirror, heaters in the second-row seats, and new A/C vents. Along with the vehicle's plush captain's chairs, these new features will only solidify the Alphard's reputation as one of the nicest cars to sit in. We're still confirming these figures with TMP, but the spec sheet shows that the potent 3.5-liter V6 engine now puts out 296hp at 6,600rpm and 361Nm between 4,600-4,700rpm--a noticeable improvement from the previous model's 271hp and 340Nm. The mill comes mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission instead of the previous model's six-speed, too. So how much for all this? The updated Toyota Alphard carries a price tag of P3,580,000 (throw in an additional P15,000 if you want one in Pearl White). Do you think these improvements warrant the jump in cost? ARTICLE BY TOP GEAR PHILIPPINESEven though Mitsubishi CEO Osamu Masuko said that the Lancer will be no more, it looks like the name will be here to stay, albeit as a completely different vehicle. Mitsubishi Motors chief operating officer Trevor Mann and chief designer Tsunehiro Kunimoto are said to be currently working on the new car. Mann then told correspondents from Auto Express the new direction the Lancer will be taking, which will be a crossover. Mann said that the design of the next-generation Lancer is close to being finalized. The executive added that they will be replacing the ASX and the Outlander with just one model and he specifically mentioned the Lancer. Given that Mitsubishi turned the Eclipse into a crossover, perhaps it was inevitable that the Lancer would follow suit. On the design front, Kunimoto mentioned that the future Lancer's looks will be based on the e-Evolution concept shown during the Tokyo Motor Show late last year. While it's unlikely the radical styling could reach production, it is likely we will see a toned-down version of it in a few years time. Kunimoto also said that it won't be a conventional hatchback, possibly hinting it may well be a crossover. He added that they are going also 'radical' with the new look. The next Lancer could compete against the likes of the Toyota C-HR and Subaru XV. For now, these are the only pieces of information Mitsubishi is willing to give to the public surrounding the next-generation Lancer. As Nissan now owns a large chunk of Mitsubishi Motors, it is possible that the platform that could be used will be shared with both Nissan and Renault. Hybrids and all-wheels drive versions are a possibility as well, says Auto Express. Source: Auto Express ARTICLE BY AUTOINDUSTRIYA.COMWe recently revealed to you guys the prices of the incoming and much-awaited Toyota Rush. In case you missed it, the numbers are: *1.5 E MT (five-seater): P948,000 *1.5 E AT (five-seater): P988,000 *1.5 G AT (seven-seater): P1,070,000 Okay, so now that you know how much it's going to cost, you might be wondering what kind of features are available for the price. Starting under the hood, the Rush is powered by a 1.5-liter inline-four dual VVT-i gasoline mill with 102hp and 134Nm on tap. Transmission options include a five-speed manual and a four-speed auto. Its fuel tank can hold 45L. The Rush is 4,435mm long, 1,695mm wide, and 1,705mm tall, meaning it's about as big as the rival Honda BR-V. Ground clearance sits at 220mm (not bad), while trunk space ranges from 213 liters (for the seven-seater) to 514 liters (for five seats). The tires are 17-inch for the G variant, and 16-inch for the Es, paired to corresponding alloy wheels. Stopping power comes courtesy of ventilated discs up front and drum brakes in the rear. Both the front and rear headlamps are LEDs (we'll verify this info). Inside, a seven-inch infotainment screen comes standard. The G has eight speakers, while the E models get six. You also get a urethane-wrapped tiller (leather for the G) which is tilt-adjustable. The base variants get only one accessory outlet, while the G gets three. The fabric seats are slide-, recline-, and height-adjustable for the driver. The safety features are standard across the range, and include multiple airbags, vehicle stability control, and Isofix and Tether anchors. The top-of-the-line model comes with smart entry, while the rest get keyless. Do you guys think the Rush is worth the price? Let us know your thoughts below. ARTICLE BY TOP GEAR PHILIPPINESThe Mitsubishi Xpander might be new for our market, but it's been around in Indonesia since August last year. So it's had a lot more time to make an impact over there. It also seems that it's made quite a big impression, as it was just named the country's Car of the Year. Otomotif, Indonesia's leading tabloid, bestowed the honor on Mitsubishi's MPV. It also gave the Xpander awards in two other categories: Best of the Best MPV and Best Small MPV. Since its launch, Mitsubishi's Indonesian office (MMKSI) has taken 60,000 orders for units, and is already a bestseller in its segment. Mitsubishi CEO Osamu Masuko said: "We are very grateful to have received this award from Otomotif, which is a recognition of the wonderful reception that Xpander has been given by the people of Indonesia. Many people had a hand in this success, including our friends and business partners at MMKSI and the Indonesian government. Years of careful research went into the design of the Xpander, a modern MPV that meets the needs of Indonesia's hard-working families." Congratulations, Mitsubishi! Do you guys think the Xpander will win similar accolades in our country? ARTICLE BY TOP GEAR PHILIPPINESThe Suzuki Ertiga has often struck us as one of the more humble-looking offerings in the Philippines, at least as far as seven-seat MPVs are concerned. Even more so now, with the likes of the Mitsubishi Xpander and Toyota Rushentering the market. That's not a knock on the car by any means, as the Ertiga exuded a simple, no-nonsense styling befitting its practical nature and reliable performance. Well, the all-new one was revealed in Indonesia today, and we're glad to report that its look one-ups that of the previous model with a more aggressive face plus sharper and more elegant design bits. First up, you'll notice the vehicle's eye-catching new grille design flanked by angrier-looking projector headlights. The fenders are subtle, but the Ertiga shows off a muscular new look with well-sculpted foglight housings. Meanwhile, the rear flaunts new L-shaped modern taillight designs and it runs on new 15-inch alloys. This MPV is now 130mm longer, too, providing more space for both passengers and cargo inside, Suzuki says. The interior features a clean look--but one that appears difficult to maintain--with plenty of light-colored fabrics and materials, and a fair bit of glossy faux wood trim on the dashboard and door panels. There's a flat-bottom, three-spoke steering wheel with controls, a new instrument cluster design, and a touchscreen infotainment system for higher-end variants as well. Other optional features include smart entry, electric folding side mirrors, and a push start button. Underneath the hood of this Ertiga is a newly-developed 1.5-liter gasoline engine capable of 104hp at 6,000rpm and 138Nm at 4,400rpm. It can come mated with either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. If the all-new Ertiga arrives here, it will compete directly with the likes of the Honda Mobilio, Toyota Avanza, and yes, even the aforementioned Xpander and Rush. To say it'll have its work cut out for it is a major understatement. Would you consider this over its rivals mentioned above? ARTICLE BY TOP GEAR PHILIPPINESWith Mitsubishi establishing their brand identity through their new Dynamic Shield design, it appears they're bound to apply it to another hot-selling model in their lineup. Following the Montero Sport and the Xpander, their stalwart pickup will now receive the new face for its updated version. Thanks to a few spy photos from Paultan.org as well as a rendering from Minkara, we get an idea of how the Strada will look like with its new face. We know that the Dynamic Shield is distinguished via thin headlamps that join into an X-Shaped grill with a chrome garnish and the triple diamond emblem on the upper half. This layout then pushes the turn signals and foglight array towards the far sides of the front fascia. Judging from what we can see on these photos, the updated Strada seems to follow these design cues to a tee much like the rest of Mitsubishi's lineup. While most of the changes happen on the front end, the rear bed still clearly hints at the Strada's lines from the current model. The J-Shaped profile that splits the cab from the bed is still present, while the swooping lower profile of the bed itself lends towards making the Strada look a tad taller than it actually is. The dynamic shield face is not totally alien to the Strada, as it was originally previewed with one on the GR-HEV concept back in 2013. Somehow, the company decided on a different strategy when they unveiled the production version. Details on release dates and technical specifications have yet to be mentioned for the Strada, but considering that the current generation has been on sale since 2015, it's safe to say that the Strada is ripe for an update very soon. Sources: Paultan.org, Minkara ARTICLE BY : AUTOINDUSTRIYA.COMWe can finally confirm that Nissan is building a new SUV, and it's called the Terra. The Japanese carmaker made the announcement earlier this morning. The Terra is set to make its global debut in China (which will also be the first market to get it) later this year, and will be the first vehicle from Nissan's frame and light commercial vehicle (LCV) division. Division vice president Ashwani Gupta describes the Terra as a rugged, practical and 'authentic' SUV designed to get anywhere. "Nissan's frame and LCV business is seeing steady growth, and with our ambitious midterm plan and growing product lineup, we're confident that this growth will continue. It is an exciting time for Nissan. We have the Nissan Terra arriving soon, the award-winning Nissan Navara is now in 133 markets worldwide, and more drivers are purchasing our LCVs around the world," Gupta added. Official photos reveal a front endowed with large fenders and a muscular fascia, typical midsize SUV proportions, and an overall aesthetic similar to that of the Nissan Navara. The same goes for the interior. Actually, if we're being honest this thing looks a lot like Nissan's popular pickup truck offering--not a bad thing. The company also released a short teaser video on YouTube (see below) showing off the Terra taking on some dirt, mountain twisties, and snow. Nice. Frankly, the Terra has been an open secret since last year. Photographs of the vehicle have been circulating online for quite some time already, including alleged photos of a Terra unit being tested right here in the Philippines. Considering our market's strong passion for the midsize SUV segment, we wouldn't be surprised at all if Nissan Philippines brought it over to compete with the likes of the Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Isuzu MU-X and Ford Everest. So, is a new contender joining the battle? We hope so. ARTICLE BY TOP GEAR PHILIPPINESThe refreshed Nissan Navara is finally out of the bag. The Japanese workhorse was revealed late last month alongside the GT-R Nismo and a bunch of other new additions to the carmaker's lineup, but because of an embargo we've only been permitted to publish after a specified date. Frankly, there's not exactly much to go by if we're basing things on photos alone. There's a bit more chrome up front, as well as a new grille. But other than that, there's nothing really striking in terms of aesthetic changes. There appears to be nothing new on the inside as well. What we do have are how much the new 'Sport Edition' variants are going to cost. Their prices are as follows: *Navara 2.5L 4x2 EL Calibre Sport Edition (6MT) – P1,229,000 *Navara 2.5L 4x4 VL Sport Edition (6MT) – P1,615,000 *Navara 2.5L 4x2 EL Calibre Sport Edition (7AT) – P1,300,000 * Navara 2.5L 4x4 VL Sport Edition (7AT) – P1,686,000 You guys ought to wait a little while before making any judgments, at least until we get a proper test drive. What do you think of the refreshed pickup? Can you spot any differences? ARTICLE BY TOP GEAR PHILIPPINESWe said it before and we'll say it again: Our country is a seven-seater SUV nation. Because of poor roads and bad traffic to contend with, it makes sense that we're in love with vehicles that can carry a lot of people and clear obstacles at the same time. Right now, the smaller-than-midsize SUV segment is heating up. Honda's BR-Vis going strong, while Mitsubishi is making waves with its incoming Xpander. It's inevitable that Toyota Motor Philippines would throw its hat into the ring. And it just did in a big way. At its annual media thanksgiving party, the Japanese carmaker announced that the all-new Rush is making its way here in the second quarter of the year. We don't have much info yet, but the announcement is enough to get excited about. It shares similar dimensions to the aforementioned Honda, with features like slim headlights with LED strips, a dark chrome grille, and integrated rear LED combination lamps included in the Indonesian-spec variants. Like its competitors, the Rush has a 1.5-liter engine. The Indonesian variant is capable of 103hp and 136Nm, paired to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. Now that it's official, are you signing up for a unit at your nearest Toyota dealership? ARTICLE BY TOP GEAR PHILIPPINESNo doubt one of the most anticipated arrivals this year is Mitsubishi's Xpander MPV, the somewhat replacement for the beloved Adventure. We've driven it in Japan, and we can say that it lives up to the hype. And now the wait for local ownership is almost over, as Mitsubishi Motors Philippines has announced that it is accepting pre-orders for its much-anticipated Xpander. Here are the variants and the indicative prices: GLX MT - P900,000 GLX Plus AT - P990,000 GLS AT - P1,050,000 GLS Sport AT - P1,100,000 All Xpanders are powered by a 1.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder naturally aspirated gasoline engine with MIVEC tech. If you're worried about it being underpowered, for most motoring needs it's not. And believe us, even the manual variant is fun to drive. But if you're paying for the top spec variant, you'll be getting Hill Start Assist, Active Stability Control, Emergency Stop Signal, and ABS with EBD. To pre-order, go to the Xpander's website (xpander.mmpc.ph) and fill out the pre-order form. Then you have to pay P10,000 at your preferred Mitsubishi dealer to complete the pre-order. The Mitsubishi Xpander is that rare model that lives up to the hype. It's comfortable, fun to drive and (depending on your taste) stylish. Watch out for more content on this MPV soon! ARTICLE BY TOP GEAR PHILIPPINESThe new Honda Odyssey is now available in the Philippines. Honda Cars Philippines has introduced the refreshed model, adding more style and interior comfort to what was already one of the most impressive family vans available in the market. Both the EX-V Navi and EX variants get improved exteriors thanks to new sportier front and rear bumper designs and redesigned wheels. The EX-V Navi Odyssey also gets a new grille design and door handles finished in Dark Chrome, as well as smoked LED taillights, while the EX receives a platinum grille and new halogen foglights. The cabins get an overhaul, too. The EX-V Navi now comes with a new black wood and silver trim, as well as a large armrest center console for additional storage. Both variants now come with a push to start system and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Navi variant also gets a 9-inch rear entertainment screen with HDMI, as well as a blind spot information system, smart parking assist, cross traffic monitor, and multi-view camera system. The Honda Odyssey still runs on the same 2.4-liter gasoline engine capable of 173hp and 226Nm of torque. Below are the vehicle's updated prices: *Honda Odyssey EX-V Navi – P2,449,000 *Honda Odyssey EX – P2,039,000 *Platinum White Pearl or Premium Twinkle Black (EX-V Navi only) – additional P20,000 With great handling, a stylish interior, and a handful of new convenience and safety features, the Odyssey should be worth checking out for those looking for a new family hauler. Will you be placing it on your shortlist? ARTICLE BY TOP GEAR PHILIPPINES2018 is going to be an important year for Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation. Next year it will launch the Xpander MPV in our market, a seven-seater model introduced in Indonesia this year. Mitsubishi says it’s not a replacement for the outgoing Adventure, but that’s sort of the void the Xpander will be filling. Is the Xpander any good? Based on our first drive in the Japanese carmaker’s Okazaki compound, oh yes. From the moment I sat inside, I already noticed the very good driving position. My knee rested snugly against the center console, something I like to do to brace myself for long drives. It made operating the three pedals and shift knob an easy process despite the right-hand-drive configuration. Yes, this being Japan I was on the opposite side of the cockpit. This made me a little apprehensive because I haven’t driven a manual RHD car in 10 years. But the Xpander’s clutch was so forgiving and responsive at the same time. It was easy to find the biting point of the clutch, and the leather-wrapped ball-shaped shift knob was a joy to grip. That driving exercise is one example of why we like Mitsubishi so much. It didn’t treat us with kid gloves and set up a sissy driving course. We did slaloms, lane changes, and high-speed runs on a banked oval. You would think this kind of setup would reveal the flaws of a tall vehicle like the Xpander. Instead, the driving course highlighted what this new model can do. Body roll was there but kept to a minimum on the slalom. I was still getting a feel for the car in the beginning, but there was a very short learning curve. In second gear, it was easy to weave in and out of cones. Same thing with the lane changes. The stability of the Xpander is commendable. On the high-speed runs I had to ask my Japanese companion if there was a turbo in front, but it’s only a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter engine. I was surprised at how quickly I was able to reach 120kph—even touching 140kph at times. Again, the Xpander felt stable and planted. And that transmission! Shifting was such fun. The Xpander is one of those vehicles you look forward to driving because you feel so involved. As an MPV I have no complaints about the cabin. Mitsubishi reps say size-wise it’s the biggest in its class—but this is in the subcompact MPV segment where the Toyota Avanza dwells. So it’s bigger than Toyota’s small MPV, but smaller than the Innova. I peeked at the third row and it looked rather small, but that’s par for the course in this category. Adults not my size should fit and be fine for short drives. We only had a brief time with the new Xpander, but it was a drive full of promise. This model is slated to arrive in our market in the first quarter of 2018. Based on what we’ve experienced, Mitsubishi looks like it has another winner in its hands. ARTICLE BY TOP GEAR PHILIPPINESLooking for a new family hauler for your next Christmas get-together and—before you know it—summer road trips? You may want to wait a little and check out the updated NV350 Urvan base and Premium variants, both of which are coming next month. Nissan Philippines president and managing director Ramesh Narasimhanrevealed this news during a recent intimate media luncheon. He also said that there will be a price increase for these new variants. However, along with the price bump come a handful of updates. To be equipped with a Euro 4-compliant engine, these vans will come with ABS, power windows and other niceties. As you may have noticed with the photo, the exterior has been touched-up as well. Introduced in our market two years ago, this people mover by Nissan touts a superb airconditioning system, like most of the Japanese brand's lineup. We recently reviewed the outgoing Urvan Premium, and we were pleased with its ride comfort, handling and extra features. As for the engine? The 2.5-liter turbodiesel engine tackled Tagaytay's hills without a sweat during one of the media drives, too. This workhorse was an enticing option with a reasonable price. As for the new variants? Well, stay tuned for the updated Urvan's pricing details and new features. We'll put it through its paces soonest, too. ARTICLE BY TOP GEAR PHILIPPINESWe already know the new Mitsubishi Evo (of sorts) is an electric SUV. And now we have an idea of what the e-Evolution will look like. Yep, Mitsubishi has confirmed the name of one of the finest rally reps ever is going to be stuck on the back of a plug-in crossover. The good news is that it sounds a fair bit more advanced than an Outlander PHEV, and it looks a bit more interesting too. It’s a full EV—not a hybrid—with three motors driving all four wheels. One is on the front axle, with two at the rear, and those are operated via a yaw control system. Which proves there’s some credence to the use of the Evo name. But the big story concerns the e-Evo’s artificial intelligence (AI). “An array of sensors allows the AI system to instantly read changes in road and traffic conditions, as well as the driver’s intent,” says Mitsubishi. “Seamlessly coordinating driver intent with vehicle performance, the system supports drivers of all abilities and by making it easier and safer to control the vehicle, thereby bringing the motoring experience to a new level.” If we’re understanding that correctly, Mitsubishi hopes to mimic all the clever diffs and systems of Lancer Evos old via a mix of AI witchcraft and something resembling the license modes of Gran Turismo. Perhaps it’ll project cornering lines onto the road ahead… “After building a picture of the driver’s skill level, the system constructs a training program that provides advice through voice dialogue and a large dashboard display,” the e-Evo’s press material continues. “As a result, drivers of all abilities quickly experience a vehicle that behaves the way they want it and soon they find themselves enjoying the driving experience to an even greater degree.” Yikes. We thought AI was just about cars developing a ‘brain’ that learns how cold you like the A/C. Mitsubishi sees it as a more intelligent stability control system that administers driving advice. Whether it’s a safety-conscious nanny or a Ken Block-like fellow trapped in the dashboard, we don’t yet know. Perhaps inevitably, it’s just a concept, too. We’ll see it at the Tokyo Motor Show in a couple of weeks, when we’ll have a better idea of when the car—and its intriguing tech—will arrive. ARTICLE BY TOP GEAR PHILIPPINESThe Toyota FJ Cruiser is dead. Long live the Toyota TJ Cruiser. This utterly delightful concept will appear at the Tokyo Motor Show in a couple of weeks, and it apparently launches a whole new sub-genre. Yep, it’s “the birth of a new van and SUV fusion genre.” It looks to us more like a chunky remake of the people carrier to us, though there are only four seats. Either way, it’s a slab of utilitarian cool, at least to our eyes. Correct us via the comments box below. If you’re curious, TJ stands for ‘Toolbox Joy’. We’re not making that up. The seats fold in all sorts of ways, and the passenger seat can fold completely flat, basically forming a bed. The TJ can swallow entire surfboards and bikes, while there are all manner of hooks and storage boxes. That’s despite it being no longer or wider than a Ford Focus. Power comes from a 2.0-liter gasoline engine mated to an electric motor and an automatic gearbox, and there’s a choice of front- or four-wheel drive. Only there isn’t, as it’s just a concept for now. But Toyota’s tone of voice suggests it isn’t something that’ll be scurried away into a collection once the show finishes, and the interior looks a handful of buttons away from being production-ready. If you’re not a fan, then don’t worry. Toyota’s having quite a busy Tokyo show and, among other things, it will also show us the Batmobile-like GR HV Sports concept and the new Century limo. Something for everyone, then. But only one car if you really like toolboxes. ARTICLE BY TOP GEAR PHILIPPINESIt's been a while since we've seen anything new regarding the PH-spec Hyundai Accent. The subcompact, a staple on city roads here, received a slight upgrade back in 2014. Since then, Japanese competitors like the Toyota Vios, Mazda 2, and Honda City have upped their games, while the market waited patiently for more from one of the Korean carmaker's most prominent models. Earlier this year, the all-new Accent broke cover at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. The fifth-gen vehicle was bigger, much more stylish, and more capable than its predecessor on paper. No word on a hatchback version or diesel engine, but it was already enough to have us wanting more. Thankfully, the company released more images of the sedan together with its US debut at the Orange County International Auto Show. It's a better look at Hyundai's new 'cascading' grille design and the Accent's sleeker, more sculpted exterior look. We've already talked about the changes to the car's structure and performance here. We finally get a real glimpse at what's inside as well—soft touch materials, a familiar Hyundai dash with angular vents and components, a new instrument panel with a TFT LCD display, plenty of tactile controls and physical dials, a neat leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay capability. We're really digging the door trim, too. As far as subcompacts go, the all-new Accent is looking pretty premium. Hopefully we get the same when it arrives here in the Philippines. You can check out more photos of the vehicle right below. ARTICLE BY TOP GEAR PHILIPPINESIsuzu Philippines (IPC) sure knows how to celebrate a major milestone. On its 20th anniversary, the company hosted a formal gala and unveiled 20 vehicles with new engines. Included in the updates are new Euro 4-compliant mills for the D-Max and the MU-X. Dubbed the Blue Power Technology engines, they're said to "provide maximum engine output, cleaner emissions, superb fuel economy and engine durability." All Isuzu vehicles available in the country will be powered by this new engine technology. Under the hood of the D-Max and the MU-X is the 4JJ1-TCX turbodiesel powerplant. It now has more horses at 175hp and more grunt at 380Nm. The face-lifted MU-X is now equipped with a six-speed transmission for both its manual and automatic variants. Other handy driver-assist features include auto-leveling headlights, hill start assist, and hill descent control. Its 8-inch screen entertainment system with USB link has text-to-speech navigation. The D-Max gets these features without the auto-leveling headlights, but it does get extra USB ports for those women people who always forget to keep their gadgets charged. Along with these new features and greener engines come a price bump, and we'll let you know their pricing soonest. "We are hoping, yet we are confident, that the Philippines will continue to patronize the brand with these substantial changes that we have introduced," said IPC president Hajime Koso said. So, who's checking out the new D-Max and MU-X at the nearest Isuzu dealership? ARTICLE BY TOP GEAR PHILIPPINESNow we know what it looks like, but no, that isn't an all-new FJ Cruiser. At least we can take solace in the fact that the vehicle you see above isn't a fan-made render, but an actual concept set to be displayed at this year's Tokyo Motor Show. It's a concept compact crossover called the XBEE (or cross-bee), and Suzuki's bringing it to Tokyo next month along with a handful of other creations. But for FJ-related reasons, this one's our favorite of the bunch. The XBEE will be showcased in three distinct variants: the regular XBEE, XBEE Outdoor Adventure, and XBEE Street adventure. One's for nature, one's for the city, one is for those who can't decide, and we'll leave it up to you to guess which is which. Not much else regarding this vehicle yet, though Suzuki does say it'll be compact, boast rough road drivability, and feature a spacious cabin. We're excited. For those looking for concept a little less likely to make it into production, there's the Suzuki e-Survivor. "A compact SUV of the next age" Suzuki calls this one, and a mix of the ever lovable Jimny and Suzuki Vitara. It's lightweight and features all-electric four-wheel drive. Lastly, there's are a pair of "tall miniwagons" called the Spacia. You can catch all these and more when they take to the Tokyo Motor Show next month. ARTICLE BY TOP GEAR PHILIPPINESBoys and girls, it’s our first look at an all-new Mitsubishi Evo. A sentence that, 10 years ago, would have had the internet comments section in an immediate frenzy. There’d be debates about how much more power had been wrung out of a two-liter turbo engine, how much the rear wing had been extended by, and just how much fun we’d all have pretending to be rally drivers when we got a go in the thing. Either in real life or on a games console. This time though, it’s different. The seemingly endless battle in the '90s and '00s between fast Subaru Imprezas and Mitsubishi Evos, um, ended. You can still buy an STI-badged Subaru, but its spec sheet has been stagnant for years. Fast Lancers, meanwhile, are dead and buried. The e-Evolution Concept, as Mitsubishi has named the car teased above, will be at next month’s Tokyo Motor Show. We're told it mates Mitsubishi’s latest four-wheel-drive electric setup with artificial intelligence “under a low-slung, highly aerodynamic SUV Coupé shape.” Which leads us to conclude it’s a sportier, sexier, cleverer version of the really quite popular Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, a car that launched as a pioneer but now finds itself increasingly surrounded by plug-in SUV rivals. Will it be a proper performance car, though? Well, you could argue those old Evos were very good at channeling new tech, and as highly turbocharged performance cars, were well ahead of the curve. Perhaps the e-Evolution’s ethos isn’t a million miles away. But does it have to be an SUV? “The e-Evolution Concept signals the start of anexciting new era that will see long-term growth and sustainable development for the brand,” says Mitsubishi. To achieve those things, it kinda has to be a crossover of some description. If that really must be the case, let’s cross all our fingers and toes it's miraculously inspired by the Mitsubishi Pajero Evo. NOTE: This article first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made. ARTICLE BY TOP GEAR PHILIPPINESThe world can’t have enough rear-wheel-drive sedans with turbo V6 power, right? Here’s the latest challenger to the likes of the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class: Meet the Genesis G70. Europeans might be scratching their heads right now, but Americans will be nodding knowledgeably and saying “Of course, the latest project from Hyundai’s premium offshoot, aiming to leapfrog Lexus and Infiniti”. The G70 is aiming at Korean, US and Russian markets first, slotting in beneath the G80 and G90 sedans in the Genesis lineup, just like BMW offers a 3-, 5- and 7-Series to choose between. And first off, it looks rather handsome. Check out that front wing vent, the AMG-style wheels, and how short the overhangs are. Maybe it’s not as gorgeous as an Alfa Romeo Giulia, but a Jaguar XE looks quite dated all of a sudden. Audi designers might be having a wry look at the enormous front grille right now. Pity half of it is actually blanked off to hide the front anti-collision and cruise control radar, but that’s par for the course among rivals, too. Underneath the G70, if you were to break out the angle grinders, you’d find the same rear-drive platform as the Kia Stinger. The engine lineup is shared too: You can have a 2.0-liter gasoline, a 2.2-liter turbodiesel, or a 3.3-liter turbo V6 with 350hp. But this isn’t supposed to be a cannibalization that’ll accidentally chomp the Stinger. The Kia is meant to be the sporty one, and the Genesis is the more luxurious one. It has more soundproofing, and you can spec diamond-quilted upholstery inside. Fine, but there are also red brake calipers and gaping oval exhausts on the G70 Turbo Sport. Wonder if Kia’s pleased about that. Inside, there’s plenty of European influence. A BMW-style tablet infotainment screen, an Audi-esque dash sweep, and more knurled switches than you can shake a Bentley brochure at. Doesn’t look like there’s much Hyundai parts-sharing going on either. There’ll be no wagon or coupe: Like the Giulia or XE, the G70 is a standard sedan, and Genesis says this is the third and final in its range. Next priorities are SUVs as well as adding electric and hybrid models to the lineup as Genesis aims to start pinching premium German marque sales worldwide. Top Gear UK will be grabbing an early drive in the G70 soon. In the meantime, let us know if you reckon it deserves a place among the old guard below. ARTICLE BY TOP GEAR PHILIPPINES*Note: The image above was taken in Japan. The current Nissan X-Trail has been in the country for around three years. A facelift surfaced overseas back in June, and it didn't take Nissan Philippines(NPI) long to bring it to local dealerships. Ladies and gents, the new X-Trail has arrived. The biggest changes to this compact crossover are to its on-board tech. This is the first vehicle in the Philippines that's equipped with the largest range of Nissan's Intelligent Mobility features. This includes a 360-degree monitor for easier navigation, sensors that detect movement around the vehicle, blind spot warning, forward collision warning with intelligent emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert, and the 4x4-I System which automatically adjusts power distribution based on road conditions. Design-wise, the new X-Trail boasts a redesigned front fascia with integrated foglamps and LED daytime running lights, new 19in wheels, a fin-type antenna, and a newly integrated sunroof. Inside, there are new finishes on the door and instrument panel, plus new designs for the shift knob, center console, and steering wheel. “The Nissan X-Trail offers enough room for families and groups who love to go on road trips, says NPI president and managing director Ramesh Narasimhan. “With Nissan Intelligent Mobility, our customers can enjoy each adventure as they drive safe and sound. We want them to treat the new X-Trail as a partner that looks out for them so they can have a fun and hassle-free time on the road.” The Nissan X-Trail is available in both 4x4 (P1,728,000) and 4x2 (P1,399,000) variants. Available colors include Premium Corona Orange, Marine Blue, Pearl White, Gun Metallic, and Diamond Black. It's available in all Nissan dealerships starting this month. ARTICLE BY TOP GEAR PHILIPPINESDetails at last on the new Suzuki Swift Sport! Revealed with one lonely picture and no tech data, we worried the new Swift Sport might be hiding some secrets. But no. It's lighter and more powerful than the last car. The new one ought to reach infatuation, if it lives up to these specs… First off, it weighs just 970kg. That’s a massive 80kg saving versus the last Swift Sport, which already felt like it would blow away in a stiff breeze. Though the new one's 40mm wider, Suzuki says its new platform is the key to cutting out chub. Not bad, since the engine has sprouted a turbocharger. Yes, pray silence for the passing of the last naturally aspirated hot hatch. And when you eye the specs and see the new Swift Sport’s 'Boosterjet' 1.4-liter turbo engine develops 136hp--just 2hp more than before—you might feel a tad cheated. Fear not. You don't need more power when the cabin has more red highlights than a Paramore concert. That's got to be worth 50hp. Happily, torque is now a chunky, Toyota 86-busting 229Nm--up by over 69Nm—and dished out lower down the rev range. This lighter, heartier Swift ought to feel properly punchy for a small car. Suzuki's still not released acceleration times or top speed, though. But the engine is probably quite light, because it appears to defy gravity altogether in the image Suzuki has provided. Anti-gravity engines? That's a world-first in our book. The suspension's had a thorough workover, with stiffer anti-roll bars and wider-spaced wheel bearings. Because nerdy changes equal big B-road smiles, hopefully. The wheels are 17-inchers, wearing another controversial feature: bigger rubber. Yep, tires are 40mm wider front and rear, which slightly sets out scrappy handling fun alarm bells off. Let's hope Suzuki has kept the last car’s brilliantly approachable balance, instead of just concentrating on growing up. The tech spec list is seriously mature—you can have adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning assist, anti-crash braking and a driver drowsiness alert. Drowsy? In one of these? We doubt it… ARTICLE BY TOP GEAR PHILIPPINESThe Toyota FJ Cruiser is a vehicle that you either love or hate, period. Fans will point to its retro-inspired styling and rugged capabilities. Detractors, meanwhile, will point out that it's weird to look at, heavy to drive, cramped, and ridiculously impractical in every conceivable way. Regardless of which camp you're in, though, it's always a bit sad to see a popular nameplate get the axe. Yup, it's finally happening to Toyota's unique SUV. While the Japanese carmaker ended its American production a few years ago, it's now doing so at home as well. Feast your eyes on the 'Final Edition' variant of the FJ Cruiser. The changes to this version are mostly aesthetic, with a beige color scheme permeating throughout to really capture that nostalgic feel. The exterior, seat upholstery, and center cluster trim all get the beige treatment. Black coating is also added throughout the exterior and interior, and underneath are new 20in aluminum wheels and side steps. It kind of looks like the off-roaders of old—beefy control panel buttons and all. Don't get your hopes up, though, because this edition will only be sold in Japan. We've known about the FJ Cruiser's demise for some time now, but the reality still stings for its fans. What's your fondest memory of Toyota's quirky SUV? ARTICLE BY TOP GEAR PHILIPPINES |
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