4th quarter round up: The Force Awakens

December

“There is no SUA issue with Mitsubishi Montero Sport”

There is no sudden unintended acceleration issue on the second-generation Mitsubishi Montero Sport—that’s the unequivocal statement given at the press conference called by Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC). The company had a panel of experts including their own internal product planning and engineering personnel to explain that the Montero Sport has undergone extensive testing, and time and time again, they have reached the same conclusion: there is no design, mechanical, or electronic defect that exists.

BPI/MS’s My Safe Drive App

The largest non-life insurance provider in the country, BPI/MS launches a new and innovative smartphone application called “My Safe Drive.” Available as a download for both iOS and Android smartphones, the My Safe Drive uses the smartphone’s built-in camera, Global Positioning System (GPS), and proprietary software to combine navigation, near-collision, and lane departure alerts with driving analytics.

Hyundai Elantra

After its global unveil at the brand’s Namyang R&D Center in September, Hyundai has previewed the all-new sixth-generation Elantra at the annual Christmas party for dealers, suppliers, and the media. Aiming to recapture market share and regain momentum for the Korean brand, the 2016 Elantra offers a sleeker, more dynamic appearance together with a slew of distinguished performance features. The newest evolution of Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0, the Elantra boasts of an upscale appearance as well as fit and finish that gives it a “class above” feeling. Inside, the Elantra gets a refined interior influenced by the Sonata and Genesis Sedan.

Tata Super Ace

Tata Motors Philippines is expanding its commercial vehicle offering with the introduction of the Tata Super Ace light commercial vehicle. Arriving with a variety of rear body business applications, the Super Ace is powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged Eco-Diesel engine with 70 hp and 135 Nm of torque. Mated to a 5-speed fully synchromesh gearbox, the Super Ace features a one-ton loading capacity.

Toyota RAV 4

Already the country’s undisputed number one carmaker for 2015, Toyota Motor Philippines is showing no signs of slowing as it unveiled the updated RAV4. Dubbed as the “new dimension of action,” the 2016 RAV4 adopts a sleeker and more dynamic exterior styling, refreshed interiors, and added creature comfort features.

Honda CR-Z

On a high after celebrating record-breaking sales for 2015 as well as their 25th anniversary in the country, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) held a surprise preview of the 2016 CR-Z sports hybrid, further providing the brand’s solid direction next year. Mechanically, the 2016 CR-Z remains unchanged but new is the adoption of an Active Noise Control system and Electronic Parking Brake as well as enhancements to make it even more of a standout inside and out.

Nissan Patrol Royale

Nissan’s flagship large SUV, the Patrol Royale is getting a price adjustment for the 2016 model year. Meticulously honed for over five decades, the Patrol (now known as the Patrol Royale) packs a 5.6-liter V8 gasoline engine mated to a 5-speed automatic with a 4WD system with a rear locking differential. For the same amount of features, the 2016 Patrol Royale is now selling for P3,990,000—a million less than its predecessor.

Tata Cagayan de Oro

Pilipinas Taj Autogroup Inc. (PTAJ), the exclusive distributor of Tata Motors passenger cars and commercial vehicles in the Philippines, continues to grow nationwide through its new dealership in Cagayan de Oro. The 2,000 square-meter showroom and service center is owned and operated by Davao Bonifacio Motors, Inc.

Michelin tires made more affordable

Michelin tires for passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks now have new suggested retail prices lower by 10 to 30 percent, making it much more affordable to the buying public. With safety now a core initiative of the French tire brand, it hopes more people will experience the Michelin difference as opposed to going for tires that don’t go through the same research and development.

Honda Jazz 1.5 V MUGEN

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) releases a Limited Edition Jazz 1.5 V variant with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), equipped with exclusive factory-installed MUGEN accessories. This model is especially designed to further enhance the sporty appeal of the vehicle. The Jazz MUGEN Limited Edition is embellished with 17-inch MUGEN alloy wheels with wheel nut and lock set, MUGEN tailgate spoiler, MUGEN emblem, and a shark fin antenna. There are only 12 models available nationwide.

Audi Q7

Audi Philippines is capping off 2015 by unveiling the ‘great quattro’—the all-new Q7 flagship SUV. Marking the second-generation model in this award-winning line, the all-new Q7 boasts of presence, precision, and performance keeping it solidly in place as the brand’s SUV cornerstone. Capitalizing on their expertise in motorsport and of course, the corporate tagline of “Vorsprung Durch Technik” (Advancement Through Technology), the all-new Q7 boasts of a substantial weight loss (as much as 325 kilograms) without sacrificing safety and integrity. Apart from safety, the lighter weight Q7 also means less fuel consumption, more dynamic handling response, and improved acceleration and braking.

Subaru Levorg

Subaru officially launches the Levorg for the Philippine market. Combining the sports performance of Subaru with the practicality of a tourer, the Levorg is designed to appeal to the functional, family-oriented, and adventurous customers who appreciate performance and touring capabilities. The Levorg comes in just one variant powered by a 1.6-liter direct-injection turbocharged engine.

Ferrari 488 GTB

Ferrari opens up a new chapter in its history by unveiling the 488 GTB—the newest car in the Prancing Horse’s stable to pack a turbocharged engine under its shapely body. The successor to the widely successful 458 Italia, the 488 GTB is Ferrari’s newest mid-rear-engined V8 sportscar that’s been designed not just for track use, but for everyday driving as well. Utilizing all of Ferrari’s engineering know-how from Formula One, World Endurance Championship, 24 Hours of Le Mans, and even the XX program, the 488 GTB has been tweaked to deliver incredible performance.

Mitsubishi Strada Fieldmaster 4WD Edition

Adding more flair to its pickup truck offering, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation is reviving the ‘Fieldmaster’ nameplate as the designation for a new dressed-up version of its Strada. Meet the Strada Fieldmaster 4WD Edition. It comes with added style courtesy of cosmetic enhancements and add-ons, which are all dealer-fitted accessories. The package includes the Phantom Grille, a sporty black grille with vertical detailing that replaces the standard chrome grille. Next, it has a Ralliart aluminum skid plate as well as a nudge bar with PIAA LED auxiliary lamps. Over at the side it rides on two-tone 17-inch aluminum wheels called Diamond Vane. The sportier look is finished off by a sportier rear bed aerodynamic extension and of course, additional body graphics.