We saw it as early as November in Japan last year. We test drove it ‘on road’ and ‘off road’ and found it outstanding in engine performance, in its ride and its functional design. But the entire experience was frustrating for dyed-in-the-wool motoring journalists simply because of a gentleman’s agreement of a “news embargo” or nothing is to be written or broadcast about it with our Japanese hosts.
It was only barely a month ago when the “embargo” was lifted and only last Thursday, March 19 when the All-new Mitsubishi Strada was officially unveiled to the public via a launch by Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) at the newly opened City of Dreams.
Mitsubishi presents this 5th generation model as engineered as a sport utility truck combining the functionality of a pick-up truck, the comfort of a passenger car and the amenities of a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).
The 1st generation of Strada was launched in 1978 and for over 36 years, records show that more than 4 million units were sold worldwide. We were appraised during the launch that in the Philippines, MMPC sold more than 56,000 units from the time it introduced the 2nd generation in the ‘90s up to the current 4th generation model.
The All-new Mitsubishi Strada comes in different variants, from 2-wheel to 4-wheel drive and with either manual or automatic transmission.
The VGT (Variable Geometry Turbocharged) variants boast of a 2.5 liter 4 In-line 16 valve DOHC Turbocharged and Intercooled Common Rail Direct Injection Diesel (4D56), which creates a maximum power of 178Ps/4,000 rpm and a much-improved torque of 400N-m/2,000 rpm. The top of the line GLS Sport V is equipped with an electronic dial of the Super Select 4WD-II. This technology provides remarkable off-road performance and handling with just a turn of the knob. It also controls the torque distribution between front and rear at a ratio of 40:60 equating to better handling and easy operation.
There is still a mouthful to say about the All-new Mitsubishi Strada but I leave that for you to discover when you visit your nearest Mitsubishi dealer for a much closer look and a test drive.
Its entry-level model (Strada 2.5 GL 4x2 MT) is currently priced at P950,000.00 while its top of the line variant (Strada 2.5 GLS Sport V 4x4 AT) goes for P1,440,000.00.
After a long wait, finally, the All-new Mitsubishi Strada has arrived in the Philippines, which makes for a very interesting segment of the local auto industry that’s hastily developing.
Changing of the Guard
Of equal importance during the launch of the All-new Strada was the announcement of a change of leadership at MMPC.
Effective on the April 1, Yoshiaki Kato becomes the new president and chief executive officer of MMPC succeeding Mr. Hikosaburo Shibata.
In his four years of leadership, Shibata is said to have contributed greatly in strengthening MMPC’s presence in the country by achieving record breaking sales and improving its market share despite increased and fast-growing competition in the industry. Throughout Shibata-san’s watch, MMPC recorded an all-time high sales record of 50,085 units. During the entire length of Shibata-san’s stay in the country it was always a pleasure to cover Mitsubishi Philippines events knowing that by the event’s end there will always be a kind, smiling MMPC president who’s willing and very capable to be interviewed and share whatever needed information.
The incoming president, Kato graduated from the University of Tokyo and took postgraduate studies at the Graduate School of Business, University of South Australia. He started with the Mitsubishi Group in 1988 and had significant positions in several of its companies, the latest of which was as executive vice president for Corporate Global Unit of Mitsubishi Motors Thailand.
We wish Shibata all the best as he moves on to face new challenges and more success while we welcome Kato as he ventures to bring MMPC to greater heights.
Bolder and sportier Toyota Camry
It was known as the Nielsen Tower, an edifice that used to stand guard over the vast empty land and a runway now turned into a concrete jungle known as Makati.
The historical structure, which used to be an airport tower (yes, there used to be an airport and a runway in the heart of what’s now known as Makati Business Center) has been converted into a fine dining restaurant cum elegant bar and now known as Blackbird Restaurant. And it was a very apt venue for the luncheon launch of the 2015 Toyota Camry.
Executives of Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), if only to demonstrate the importance of the event, came in full force led by its rocker of a president, Michinobu Sugata, youthful vice chairman Alfred Ty, evp Yohei Murase, Toyota Foundation’s Dr. David Go and the outstanding Toyota Philippines elite marketing group composed of 1st VPs Raymond Rodriguez and Jing Atienza and TMP vp for sales, Sherwin Chualim.
The 7th generation Camry comes with a 2.5 liter 4 cylinder, 16-valve Dual VVTi or 3.5 liter 6-cylinder, 24-valve Dual VVTi V6 engine.
The Camry’s top-of-the-line model, the 3.5 V6 AT, is priced at P2,128,000.00, the 2.5V AT is at P1,745,000.00, its new sport variant 2.5 S AT goes for P1,645,000.00 and the 2.5 G AT is priced at P1,511,000.00.
A quick visit to a Toyota dealer nearest you (they are almost everywhere anyway) can increase your familiarity with this 2015 Toyota Camry and while you’re it, ask for a test drive. That’s the best way to know and confirm if you like a car or not.
The Crosswind takes the road less traveled
“Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) has been known to cover pretty much every scenic destination in the Philippines and at the right occasion in our media ride and drive series. This time, we like everyone to know how to appreciate the beauty that surrounds the whole archipelago, through the Isuzu Crosswind,” were the words of IPC president Nobuo Izumina as he saw off motoring journalists for an exciting ride and drive experience all the way to Baler, Quezon.
The convoy of sturdy Isuzu Crosswinds made its way from Quezon City to Cabanatuan via the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).
It was a long ride, indeed, but for the motoring journalists who participated they were almost in unison in saying that they didn’t feel how time flew so fast as they basked in the midst of the driver and passenger-friendly amenities of the Isuzu Crosswind. And to think that after the long ride, Baler’s surf awaited them—as if they knew how.
Gone to be back
As you read this, I’ll either be flying to or have reached Sao Paulo, Brazil for a cruise of South America and a quick trip to the States. No, I won’t be hosted so it means I wouldn’t have to work. No writing of scripts, articles or columns for about three weeks — I intend not only to relax but also have a long overdue rest.
Happy Motoring!!!
(Email) motoringtoday-star@stv.com.ph / sunshine.television@yahoo.com