AUV benchmark goes a notch higher

"Innovative, immeasurable and incomparable" were the by-words used by IPC, Isuzu Philippines Corp. in justifying the "i" in their latest variant of the highly successful and fast selling Crosswind model series.

The Isuzu Crosswind XUVi was launched to the media last July 12 at the Alabang Town Center. Despite the uncooperative weather and the horrendous traffic that normally comes with it, the affair was definitely a success judging by the number of media practitioners present with the "motoring mafia", the crème dela crème of local motoring journalists, in full attendance.

Despite successes with the current Crosswind variants, as proven by its high demand and a long list of those waiting in line, Isuzu Philippines unveiled a "top-of-the-line" model that promises to revolutionize in-car entertainment in what it describes as "in ways previously unseen not just in its class but even in all of the industry".

The well-attended event had no less that the very friendly IPC president, Mr. Toru Koyasu, delivering the welcome remarks where he took the time to assure those buyers of Isuzu vehicles who may still be waiting in line that IPC is moving heaven and earth to deliver their units as soon as possible.

Toru-san also took the opportunity to have the president of the CUP, Consumers Union of the Philippines, Atty. Quirino Marquenez to join him on the stage for a toast to celebrate the recent award, "the Best AUV manufacturer" bestowed by the CUP to Isuzu Philippines.

The Isuzu Crosswind XUVi boasts of its unique videoke system entertainment package that includes an MPEG audio unit with single in-dash CD player, two 5.6-inch headrest-mounted LCD monitors, two wireless microphones and a remote control. With this feature, the Crosswind XUVi becomes an instant videoke bar and entertainment theater on wheels while in traffic or even when parked.

Other unique features of the XUVi found inside include Montana Beige leather for its seats, the same material used for the leather inserts of the door trim. It has a four-spoke wrap-around leather steering wheel and a leather-wrapped parking brake lever, while having center armrests for the first row seats. Map lamps, seat back tray and a total of six upholders for an instant party round out the inside convenience features.

Outside, the XUVi is distinguished by a special monotone body color: Ebony Black or Caribbean Gold. The bumper overrider is now rendered in body color with stainless steel garnish, while the rear bumper has an integrated chrome-plated step board with anti-slip molding. Wheels are 15-inch titanium silver painted alloys.

The Isuzu Crosswind XUVi is powered by Isuzu’s 2.5-liter 4-cylinder OHV turbo diesel engine and is available only with 4-speed automatic transmission.

And finally, how much? The introductory price is at P899,000.00.

To cap the event, Isuzu’s vice president for fleet sales, the very amiable and soft-spoken Mr. Art Balmadrid, assured those present of a very aggressive and lifestyle-oriented marketing efforts by Isuzu Philippines in meeting the exacting demands of the local automotive market. Art graphically underscored IPC’s thrust by what he hopes Isuzu customers nationwide would say, "When you buy an Isuzu you are not just buying a vehicle – you are getting access to a new lifestyle."

And for the "after the event", some members of the "motoring mafia" were seen trying to wet each other with the battery-operated water pistol gamely given away after the launch.

That’s what it was for, wasn’t it?

BMW does it in style

The 7 Series, BMW’s flagship model is now in Philippine shores, and its Press Launch, which was held last July 10 did not have the usual glitter and entertainment numbers that now normally come in such events.

Instead it was the glitzy Enterprise Center in Makati in a quaint-looking corner of the ground lobby where an elegantly furnished BMW Club 7 was put up just so invited personages can get an exclusive glimpse of what’s vaunted to be, "Tomorrow’s technology in a car of today."

In welcoming the local motoring media, Mr. Mark Gilbert, president of BMW Philippine Corporation says, "For the BMW group, the new 7-Series means more than just the introduction of a new model range. As our flagship model, the new BMW 7-Series naturally has a special place since it sets the direction of BMW’s new design philosophy."

He adds, "It is for this reason that we invested in the BMW Club 7. We want to introduce the new BMW 7-Series Li, in what we feel is the most appropriate manner and venue, best representative of the lifestyle in which our customers are accustomed to."

Now I can only touch, feel and marvel at the unique features of this remarkable car. I missed the chance to actually drive it when I passed on two opportunities. The first one was in Rome when I had to decline BMW’s invitation for its launch. The schedule was too tight that after the launch and test-drive, I was to arrive in Manila at 7 p.m. Sunday and leave 7 a.m. the next day for Japan as a guest of Toyota Motor Philippines for the Tokyo Motor Show. The latter commitment having been made a long time ago and the possibility of delayed flights making me possibly miss my flight to Japan gave me no choice but to let it go. The second chance was in Thailand, for the Asian launch, which ran smacked that time into my "Sampaguita Rally". They were all coincidental, no offence meant Mark.

Formula One Update

For the third straight year, Michael Schumacher is the Formula 1 World Champion. With his win at the French Grand Prix, he so far already has 96 championship points, and it is therefore mathematically impossible for anyone to overtake him. But the bigger story here perhaps is that he has tied the legendary Juan Miguel Fangio for the most number of championships won with five.

It wasn’t exactly smooth sailing for Ferrari the entire race. Their troubles began when Rubens Barrichello stalled for the second race in a row on the grid for the warm-up lap. A disgruntled Rubino was seen pulling off his gloves in disgust after the incident, no doubt thinking about how reliability problems once again botched up his chances of standing on top of the podium. Another miscue happened when Schumi crossed the white line in the pit exit. This cost him what many thought were precious seconds as he was penalized with a drive-through. As we all know now however, those few seconds meant nothing, as he won the race despite the penalty.

Team McLaren-Mercedes is certainly shaping up. Though they didn’t get the 1-2 finish they were aiming for, a 2-3 ain’t that bad at all. Their booboos at Montreal seemed to have left their minds completely as they went through their pitstops with pinpoint accuracy in France. In fact, Kimi Raikkonen held the lead in the late stages of the race. He was doing a good job of not letting Schumi get past him, but unfortunately, with 5 laps remaining, some oil from a Toyota wreck caused him to skid and lose control of his car for a split-second. Michael capitalized on this and grabbed the lead once again as he went past the youngster. David Coulthard seized 3rd place despite also being penalized with a drive-through, as he committed the exact same mistake Michael did of crossing the white line in the pit lane exit.

Juan Pablo Montoya was on pole position for the 5th race in a row, and once again, he failed to capitalize on it as he finished 4th. Teammate Ralf Schumacher, who also had to go through a drive-through penalty, came in 5th. Jenson Button of Renault took the last championship point as he grabbed 6th place.