More motorists’ concerns

Some reader-motorists wrote in to share some of their experiences and observations, which we would like to give some space in this week’s column.

Mr. Ferdie Pajarillo emailed a long letter that detailed his alleged horrifying experience with one of the drivers of San Agustin Liner while on his way home to Cavite, which resulted in an accident.

According to his account, which he placed on record in the police report of the accident, the said bus driver first started honking his horn and flashing his lights while closely behind him and when he gave way for him to pass the driver swerved into his path. This repeated cutting into his lane finally resulted in the bus hitting his Honda CR-V. When they went to the police station to report the incident, Mr. Pajarillo said the driver was unrepentant and unapologetic and even falsely claimed that he was counter-flowing.     

Our reader feels that “this driver has no place in our streets and a danger to motorists, pedestrians and commuters, especially his passengers.”

I agree and I suggest you see through your case all the way to its legal conclusion. This driver you just described does not have a place behind the wheel, especially that of a public utility vehicle.

                                            ***

There is also this letter from Mr. Wilson M. Velasquez about a situation that pervades in an area in the City of Manila, which he hopes could reach the good former President of the Philippines and now Manila City Mayor, the Honorable Joseph Estrada.

Our reader writes, “Going from Lawton to Quiapo-Morayta, sa harap ng Mang Inasal sa Quiapo, may mga “kotong boys” at yung mga jeepney ay laging nakabalagbag kaya traffic lagi kahit hinde samba ng Quiapo.” (Coming from Lawton going to Quiapo-Morayta you’ll find mulchers and the jeepneys are always parked whichever way, causing a slow flow of traffic even when it’s not Quiapo Church day).     

Mr. Velasquez also further observes that there must be something wrong with the timing of the traffic lights in Espana St. where pedestrians are given a much longer time to cross than the vehicles that travel along the main thoroughfare causing a very slow traffic flow from Morayta-UST to Welcome Rotonda. He also adds the “kuligligs” (pedicabs) in Taft ave., wantonly counterflow and appropriate LRT stations as parking areas or terminals. 

Authorities involved, I hope you’re reading this and do something about it.

All-New Honda

Accord is here

“I could not think of anything but to start the year right by introducing Honda’s flagship model. With the launch of the All-New Accord, we aim to present nothing but a sedan that excels in all areas that customers expect from this segment from exterior to interior” were the exact words of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) president and GM Mr. Tatsuya Natsume when the 9^th-generation Honda Accord was launched to the motoring media last week at Blue Leaf Filipinas.

Although the All-New Accord that comes in 2.4 S and 3.5 SV variants boasts of a smaller and lighter body than its predecessor, Honda says its engineers achieved to extend the interior space, offering generous head, foot and legroom and 450 liters trunk capacity.

The lighter body obviously contributed to its vaunted improved fuel efficiency together with its Eco Assist System, which consists of the ECON mode that controls the engine, drive-by-wire, transmission and air conditioning performance to improve fuel consumption, and the Eco coaching ambient light that promotes a more fuel efficient driving habit by glowing green when throttle input is light and glowing white when throttle input is heavy.

What else are new in the All-New Honda Accord?

“One thing that’s not new in the All-New Accord is its upscale stature of comfort and elegance,” says HCPI’s marketing head MJ Del Pilar. “Together with this “given” in the Accord is the addition of LED daytime running lights, LED brake lights, fog lights, power folding side mirrors with signal lights and a first-in-class feature, LED dual projector type headlights” he added.

Well, the unique and class-leading safety features of the All-New Accord are something that we suggest you find out and try for yourselves when you see it up close and personal and have a hands-on experience when you have your test drive at any of its dealerships located nationwide.

If you’re thinking about price, the 2.4 S (5-speed AT with Paddle Shifters) go for P1,720,000 while the 3.5 SV (6-speed AT with Paddle Shifters) has an SRP of P2,097,000.

All-New Ford EcoSport:

An SUV for the City

“High driving position, superior water-wading capability” are enough features to make the Pinoy car buyer, who’s exposed to a daily life of heavy traffic and more than often possibility of driving through flash floods, make an inquiring second look at this new offering from Ford Philippines—the All-New Ford EcoSport.

This compact SUV also boasts of an array of smart features such as the high-tech Ford SYNC connectivity system. And it’s powered by the Ford-unique 1.5L engine with twin independent variable camshaft timing technology (Ti-VCT), which improves low-speed torque and increases fuel economy.

“The All-New EcoSport was designed to break through the boundaries of today’s compact car and SUV segment. With a combination of quality design, an array of smart technologies and great value for money, it sets a completely new standard in the market,” managing director of Ford Philippines, Kay Hart was quoted as saying.

There will be four variants of the all-new Ford EcoSport in both automatic and manual transmissions that will be available starting in April that will have a price range of a low of P775, 000 to a high of P975, 000 and in seven colors.

Isuzu Thanksgiving

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) decided to forego with their Christmas Party for the motoring media last year in deference to the sufferings of the victims of the Philippines’ twin calamities—the very destructive Bohol earthquake and the super typhoon Yolanda. Instead IPC made donations for the victims through several organizations like World Vision, GMA Network and ABS-CBN.

The destruction and suffering notwithstanding, the instant overflowing aid from all over the world that still comes until now is a fact to be most thankful for, and some. So IPC decided to get the media together last week for a Thanksgiving Party.

The motoring media came in full force dressed as Latin American hombres and senorinas, continuing a yearly tradition of Christmas costume parties.  

“But despite the gloomy turn of events that we went through, there is so much to be thankful for,” declared Mr. Nobuo Izumina, the friendly IPC president who came fully dressed as a convincing “hombre” (complete with a wide colorful “sombrero” and sash), after having had previous assignments in Mexico and Colombia, in welcoming their invited motoring journalists. “For one, Isuzu remains the undisputed leader in the light-duty trucks category for 15 consecutive years, making the Isuzu N Series the preferred business partner of Filipinos,” he proudly added.

Izumina-san also made mention of another IPC major feat to be thankful for, which is the successful launch of the all-new D-Max and its very warm reception by the market and the public. “And more importantly, we are very thankful to you, our valued media friends, who have constantly supported us through all our activities, providing positive news reports that promote the Isuzu brand. To all of you, maraming, maraming salamat!”

A coming together

of prestige and luxury

What’s a better way to gather together an array of the most luxurious vehicles coupled with the who’s who of the country’s rich and famous?

Well, for the 11^th time the very prestigious Enrique Zobel Memorial Polo Cup was staged at the posh Manila Polo Club in the midst of a collection of premium Porsche, Audi and Bentley vehicles—particularly the new Bentley Flying Spur, the ultra-luxurious saloon, which is the “Official Tournament Trophy Car.”

The Enrique Zobel Field, the battleground for the yearly, much-awaited and most prestigious polo match became the showcase of the high-end PGA Cars stable of Audi models that included A1 Sportback, the A6 executive sedan, the Q3 compact crossover, and Porsche’s rear-wheel drive sports car Cayman S and the Cayenne V6 SUV plus the Bentley Continental GT V8.

The well-attended exciting matches were participated in by no less than E. Zobel, Inc. CEO Inigo Zobel and watched by the country’s crème de la crème. The winners were awarded by Zobel Foundation chair Dee Zobel and PGA Cars directors and siblings, Robert Coyiuto III and Benedicto Coyiuto.

Welcome back, Sammy

As many of those in the automotive world may know, Wheel Gallery, the country’s wheel authority located along Santolan Road in San Juan figured in a fire that almost totally gutted the “haven of aftermarket enthusiasts” shortly before Christmas.

Well, here’s the good news for auto buffs from your friend, the “aftermarket godfather” himself, Sammy Liuson, the managing partner of Wheel Gallery: “With the grace of the Almighty God, Wheel Gallery has literally risen from the ashes. I thank you all for the prayers and support you have extended to us in our moment of need.”  

Happy Motoring!!!

For comments email [email protected] [email protected].