November 2014

Subaru Palm Challenge Asian Face-Off

Subaru Palm Challenge Asian Face-Off

MANILA, Philippines –  The MediaCorp Subaru Challenge 2014 came to a dramatic finish, with the Singaporean 50 year-old catering officer, Jaishanker emerging as the champion and setting a new Challenge record time of 82 hours and 16 minutes after the runner up, Analiza Binte Mokhtar, dropped out. His unwavering efforts and determination will see him receive the title of overall winner and the grand prize of an all-new Subaru Forester 2.0i Premium worth S$85,000 (without COE). The last four finalists all broke the record of 81 hours and 32 minutes set by Singaporean George Lee in 2008. The longest Filipino enduring contestant was Alex Jose Neblasca (75 hours, 43 minutes).

Honda Civic new variants

Honda Cars Philippines slowly re-aligning its Civic compact sedan to have more salient features which buyers are increasing looking out for. For the 2015 model year, Honda bringing the Civic’s total variant range to six in either 1.8- or 2.0-liter displacements. And for the first-time ever (since the FD), it will be available with a 5-speed manual transmission box for the entry-level 1.8 S variant. In terms of exterior, nothing much has changed with the 2015 Civic although both the mid-range 1.8 E variant and 2.0 EL are available sans body kit. The Civic also does have more stuff for the 2015 model year. Selected models now get the convenience of a Smart Entry & Push Start system as well as the 7-inch touchscreen display. Selected Civic models use the 7-inch display for the multi-view reverse camera as well.

Honda Jazz Mugen

Based off the Jazz 1.5 V M/T variant, Honda is now offering the Jazz 1.5 V Mugen. For the price bump, you get factory-installed genuine Mugen accessories that include a new front grille, tail gate spoiler, 17-inch Mugen alloy wheels, and emblems. This sporty Jazz is only available in Tafetta White or Rallye Red and is limited to just 30 units.

Porsche Track Experience

It’s in Porsche’s DNA to take new routes which question what was once cast in stone. The all-new 911 Turbo S and 911 GT3 are testaments to engineering a tradition, a tradition of leaving the beaten path. Proving this point, Porsche brought these two new iconic models to the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia where they took part in the Porsche Track Experience.

Isuzu mu-X in Palawan

For Isuzu, a lot is hinging on the success of the all-new mu-X. The mid-sized 7-seater SUV market is the country’s fastest growing segment and yet, their previous effort, the Alterra, barely made a dent in the market. After lessons were learned, they got back to the drawing board and pretty much re-designed, re-engineered, and even re-named their effort. Fast-forward years later and you have five Isuzu mu-Xs parked in a row in the scenic province of Palawan. The mu-X’s first drive just happens to be a road trip in paradise.

Ford All-New Everest unveiled

After countless teasing, the all-new production Ford Everest has finally been revealed and it’s undoubtedly the benchmark by which every mid-sized SUV would be measured against. Built from the ground up to be a smart, rugged, and refined SUV, the all-new Everest promises to blend rugged off-road capability with exceptional on-road ride quality and dynamic handling. Engineered to tackle the most inhospitable environments, the all-new Everest is deemed to be “one of the toughest” in its segment with exceptional torsional strength. It features a new intelligent four-wheel drive system, an active transfer case with Torque on Demand, and Terrain Management System (ala Ford Explorer). It features a 225-mm ground clearance and 800-mm water wading capability. Underneath, the Everest uses front and rear coils spring suspension with a Watt’s linkage at the back. This gives it a comfortable and stable ride while returning agile and predictable handling.

Lexus Launches RC and RC F

Aggressiveness and dynamism blend together into one bold, sensual package as Lexus Manila unveils not one, but two additions to its growing line-up: the RC and RCF. Engineered as a standalone model as opposed to being simply a two-door derivative of an existing sedan model, the RC and RCF have been honed on the world’s most famous race tracks. And now, they are ready to attack the streets of Manila. The all-new RC brings a stronger emotional expression from Lexus with its wide stance, short wheelbase and large diameter tires. The super high-performance RCF meanwhile sits wider, lower, and longer than the RC while maintaining the same wheelbase. Every bit of the RCF’s exterior is rooted in performance with everything contributing to positive aerodynamic benefit.

Honda Accessories Corner

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile business unit in the Philippines, opened an additional Honda Accessory Corner business in Honda Cars Alabang (HCAL)  and Honda Cars Global City (HCGC)  with the continuous effort to provide its valued customers an enhanced driving enjoyment and ownership experience. The business expansion offers accessibility to car enthusiasts who love to equip their vehicles with original Modulo and MUGEN accessories. Honda has been working with these partners to give customers wide selections to improve the look and feel of their vehicles.

Tata Quezon Avenue opens

Owned and operated by Mahindra Auto Corp, which has 36 years of automotive experience under its helm, Tata Quezon Avenue is Pilipinas Taj Auto group’s fourth newest dealership since the brand was launched in the country through the Manila International Auto show, last April 2014. Located along the prominent Quezon Avenue automotive row, Tata Quezon Avenue is housed in a 1,500 sqm. property that can accommodate 4 vehicles in their showroom, a spacious and customer centered lounge, and a service area of 4 work bays.

Subaru XV STI Performance

After being previewed in Malaysia last July, Motor Image Pilipinas, the authorized distributor of Subaru in the Philippines, has announced the arrival of the new Subaru XV STI Performance. It’s the newest addition to the Subaru XV line-up. Based off the Subaru XV 2.0i-Premium, the Subaru XV STI Performance comes equipped with the same new-generation 2.0-liter FB20 Boxer 4-cylinder engine and Lineartronic CVT transmission. It also comes standard with leather seats, high-grade multi-function display with rear parking camera, dual-zone climate control, sunroof, and HID headlamps with washers. However, since it bares the STI Performance badge, it does receive some cosmetic enhancements such as the front under spoiler, daytime running lights, side under spoiler, rear roof spoiler, rear under spoiler, and the STI flexible tower bar.

Michelin takes “Fill-Up with Air” Safety Campaign to PH

Michelin underscored its Road Safety advocacy with the launch of its Fill Up with Air (FUWA) Safety Campaign on at S&R Alabang Open Parking Lot along Alabang-Zapote Road in Alabang, Muntinlupa. An inspection tent setup onsite invited all S&R members to have their vehicles’ tire pressure checked and adjusted for free. The Michelin tire experts also provided more tire safety advices to the participants and an assessment of the tires’ condition.

BMW is Official Premium Mobility Partner for APEC 2015

Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, recently forged ties with the Philippine Government to roll out over 200 BMW luxury vehicles to serve as VIP mobility shuttle for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) event to be hosted by the Philippines in 2015. Secretary Albert Del Rosario of the Department of Foreign Affairs, together with Governor Jose Ch. Alvarez, chairman of ACC, led representatives from the national governement and key officers of ACC to formalize the partnership in a signing ceremony held at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel. As the official premium mobility partner of the forum, ACC provide a fleet of BMW 7 Series Long-Wheelbase Sedan, as well as BMW 5 Series in Sedan & Gran Turismo forms, to service heads of states, government officials, dignitaries, and private sector leaders from 21 APEC member economies.