The Q4 2017 Recap

MANILA, Philippines —  As 2017 comes to a close, the Philippine automotive industry has shown no signs of slowing down. Fueled by the motoring public’s growing demand for new cars (and of course, the looming vehicle excise tax), carmakers continue bringing in new and/or enhanced offerings into the market. In addition, they’ve expanded their dealership network and engaged activities that brought them closer to would-be buyers. This is a highlight of some of the most important local motoring events from October to December 2017.

October 2017

Honda Civic Type R arrives in Manila

After about four months of an agonizing wait, the first batch of Civic Type R hot hatches finally made it to the Philippines. The first “red-badged” Honda to be made available locally, the Type R represents the highest performance version of its award-winning Civic. It offers purity, power, and responsiveness while delivering a rewarding driving experience be it on the road or track.

Michael Bolton rocks Subaru-sponsored concert

Fresh from hosting his new prime time music competition reality show Bolt of Talent, Michael Bolton takes on the Asian Dream Tour presented by Subaru: a series of five exclusive concerts taking place across the region celebrating the musical legacy of the pop culture icon. The tour, which kicked off in Manila, also featured appearances from Bolt of Talent co-hosts, Morisette Amon and Sandra Riley Tang.

Mitsubishi upgrades Montero Sport

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines upgraded the Montero Sport SUV, making it one of the safest choices in its segment. In top-trim 4WD GT trim, the comprehensive list of safety features that include seven airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Traction and Stability Control (M-ASTC), blind spot indicators (BSW), and forward collision mitigation (FCW) is joined by the Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System (UMS) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

Volkswagen Golf with ABT Power

Volkswagen is now offering its “ultimate sportsman” with much more bite. Fitted with the ABT Power-Up module, this special Golf GTI ABT receives a 32 percent increase in power (290 from 220hp) and 20 percent in torque (420Nm from 350Nm). The plug-and-play system reduces the Golf GTI’s 0-100 km/h time to just 5.9 seconds (from 6.5 seconds) while top speed has gone up to 254 km/h (from 244 km/h). The tuning module comes from ABT Sportsline of Germany, Volkswagen’s exclusive tuning partner. As a result, the bump in performance does not affect the Golf GTI’s emissions or warranty.

Toyota Avanza Veloz

Toyota Motor Philippines is adding a sporty variant to its Avanza compact MPV with the introduction of the 2018 Avanza Veloz. Picking up from where the 1.5G A/T left off, the Avanza Veloz shows off the Avanza’s sportier side with variant-specific front and rear bumpers, grille, and smoked chrome lamp garnish and back handle. Inside, the 2018 Avanza Veloz gets serious with its all-black interior. It’s complemented by the upgraded fabric seats and door trim, leather on the steering wheel and shift knob, chrome interior door handle and air conditioning vents, and a 2-DIN touchscreen audio system with GPS navigation.

Isuzu Blue Power trucks

In time for their 20th anniversary, IPC unveiled its newest diesel engine line-up: Blue Power. As the government mandates a shift from Euro 2 to Euro 4 emissions, IPC heads the call by launching this engine series that delivers four key traits: maximum engine output, low emissions, best fuel economy, and excellent durability. Among the upgraded trucks shown is their all-new 2018 N-Series. Already the country’s bestselling light-duty truck, the all-new 2018 N-Series features a new “Hexa-Pod” cab design making it look solid, clean, and emotional.

BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer

Comfort and clever functionality come together as BMW introduces the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer. BMW’s first foray into the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) category, the 2 Series Gran Tourer carves out a new vehicle segment with its generous space, versatility, and flexibility. Available in just one variant, the 218i, it’s powered by a compact, lightweight, transversely-mounted 1.5-liter 3-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine generates a healthy 136hp and 220Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic.

Foton Toplander A/T

Foton Philippines is pushing its bid to be recognized as a mainstream car brand in the Philippines by launching the much-awaited automatic transmission variant of its Toplander midsized SUV. Available solely as a 4x2 variant for now, the Toplander A/T is available in two variants: the value-oriented 4x2 EL A/T and the premium-trimmed 4x2 EX A/T. Both models are powered by a Euro V compliant 2.8-liter Cummins ISF common rail direct injection diesel engine. Mated to the engine is a 6-speed automatic. Sourced from Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, this transmission comes with a manual shift override and four driving modes: Normal, ECO, Sport, and Winter. The EX even gets cruise control.

Goodyear’s 4 new SUV tires

Because of its unparalleled versatility, globally, the SUV has evolved into the “aspirational” vehicle of most people who dream of owning a car. With that, Goodyear launched not one, but four models of SUV tires for versatile SUVs and the diverse people who love them. The four models launched are: Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance SUV, Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar, Wrangler Duratrac, and Wrangler MT/R with Kevlar.

Nissan ends Patrol production with Legend Edition

After 38 years, off-road enthusiasts in the Philippines is saying goodbye to a legend. As the Patrol Super Safari (Y61) ends assembly in the Philippines, Nissan Philippines (NPI) is paying homage to the off-road icon by releasing a limited final edition model aptly named: Nissan Patrol Super Safari Legend Edition. Limited to just 38 units, the Patrol Super Safari Legend Edition is available in just two colors: Pearl Black and Polar White. Outside, it’s distinguishable with its exclusive modifications namely: the front bull bar, tow kit, roof basket, B-pillar door slash, matte-black alloy wheels, and decals on the side and spare tire cover. Inside, it has a serialized interior badge along with plush tan leather on the seats and door trims.

Foton opens in Santa Rosa, Laguna

Foton Philippines’s rapid dealership expansion continues as United Asia Automotive Group, Inc. (UAAGI), the exclusive distributor of Foton vehicles in the country, together with its authorized dealer, Antara Ventures, Inc. officially opened the doors of Foton Santa Rosa, Laguna. It sits on a 2,500-sqm lot, Foton Santa Rosa, Laguna is located along Greenfield Automall—a prominent automotive row situated along the Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road.

November 2017

Peugeot 3008

Peugeot Philippines is now making available the much-awaited European Car of the Year: the 3008 SUV. It combines style, athleticism and efficiency—reaffirming Peugeot’s stand as a leading premium automotive brand in the country. Boasting of sleek and modern lines, the feline-inspired 3008 also has a driver-centric, interactive interior. It’s powered by a 165hp 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and underpinned by Peugeot’s lightweight EMP2 platform.

Toyota Innova Touring Sport

In an effort to sportify the best-selling MPV in the country, the Innova, Toyota launched a new Touring Sport variant that comes equipped with a slew of aesthetic changes. Its exterior design features 16-inch matte black alloy wheels, smoked headlights, more chrome surrounding the front grille, fender moldings, and a wrap-around body kit that includes front and rear diffusers. Based off the 2.8 E model, the Innova Touring Sport gets some additional niceties such as an anti-theft system, reverse sensors, and a door-ajar warning to go with the sporty refresh. It’s powered by a 2.8-liter 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine (1GD-FTV) with 171hp and 360Nm of torque. It comes in both M/T and A/T flavors.

Nissan Urvan

Nissan Philippines has finally pulled the wraps off the 2018 Urvan line-up which is available in five variants, including one that comes with the much-awaited automatic gearbox. The front end is now dominated by a larger grille that incorporates the V-Motion design. In the NV350 variants, this is finished in high-gloss piano black while on the Urvan Premium, it’s finished in chrome. Additionally, the 2018 models get new halogen headlights and bumpers. Mechanically, the Urvan remains the same. It’s powered by a 2.5-liter turbo diesel engine. With its variable geometry turbocharger, it gets 129hp and 356Nm of torque. The 5-speed manual also remains unchanged. New for 2018 though is the availability of a 5-speed automatic on the Urvan Premium model.

Isuzu Blue Power drive to Bohol

Proving its power and efficiency, Isuzu Philippines brought the Blue Power-equipped mu-X and D-Max to the island of Bohol for its first-ever media ride and drive. The Blue Power technology has four main objectives: maximum engine output, low emissions, best fuel economy, and durability. Now compliant with revised provisions of the Philippine Clean Air Act, the 3.0-liter 4-cylinder 4JJ1-TCX engine now has 177hp and 380Nm of torque. Mated to this engine is a new 6-speed automatic on the mu-X, while the D-Max retains the services of a carryover 5-speed automatic. This is Isuzu’s most visible answer to heed the calls for a more environment-friendly motoring. It’s all the power, efficiency, and durability without the guilt.

Mercedes-Benz shines in Justice League

Zack Snyder’s superhero epic got a boost from the iconic three-pointed star as two Mercedes-Benz vehicles took a starring role in the newest superhero movie from DC Comics. Moving away from the Lamborghinis and the Aston Martin from Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, Bruce Wayne (Batman) recruited Barry Allen (The Flash) into the team in a Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo. While Diana Prince (Wonder Woman) also upped the heat when she stepped out from a sexy Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet in her signature “hot” couture outfit.

Chevrolet Colorado Centennial Edition

For 100 years, Chevrolet has relentlessly built legendary, strong, and dependable trucks that are made for work and play. And celebrating that is the launch of the Colorado Centennial Edition. It features design elements that exude the rich Chevrolet history including “heritage” emblems, the inclusion of a bedliner, fender flares, a tubular sports bar, and black 18-inch alloy wheels. It’s powered by a 2.8-liter Duramax 4-cylinder diesel engine with 200hp and 500Nm of torque.

Mitsubishi expands Santa Rosa, Laguna facility

To further improve local operations and continue its commitment to manufacture quality automobiles, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) has invested around P360 million on additional land and constructed its own container yard and material handling operations (MHO) warehouse. This increases the total land area of its Santa Rosa plant from 21 hectares to around 23 hectares and building area from 83,000sqm to 120,500sqm.

Mazda CX-3

Mazda has launched its upgraded CX-3 premium subcompact SUV for the 2018 model year. Outside, the CX-3 carries on unchanged for 2018 except for the top-of-the-line model, which gets a new body kit. Inside, it gets a new steering wheel as well as a new instrument cluster, full-colored heads-up display, and driver’s seat with two-setting memory. Mechanically, the CX-3 remains unchanged. It’s still powered by a 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine making 148hp and 192Nm of torque. G-Vectoring Control is now standard across all variants while the i-stop system has been deleted.

Jaguar Land Rover appoints Coventry Motors Corporation

Jaguar Land Rover Asia Pacific Importers signed on a new partner for its premium brands in the Philippines effective immediately. Its two brands, Jaguar and Land Rover, will now be imported and distributed by Coventry Motors Corporation (CMC). The signing of the distributorship contract lays down the groundwork to bring back Jaguar Land Rover into the country. CMC will announce its first dealership (officially) soon with an opening date slated for the first quarter of 2018. In the meantime, CMC has announced that they will now accept current Jaguar and Land Rover customers for service under an appointment basis.

Suzuki Vitara shakedown

After its launch, the Suzuki Vitara was given its first shakedown as it was driven from Manila to La Union in a two-day test drive. The Vitara highlighted its power, efficiency, and fuel efficiency through the straightaways of TPLex and winding roads of La Union.

CAGI Awards Philippines’s Car and Truck of the Year

The Car Awards Group, Inc., the organization made of around 50 motoring journalists and bloggers has finally revealed the 2017 Car of the Year – Philippines and 2017 Truck of the Year – Philippines. This year, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. made it a two-for-two as their 7-seater diesel compact SUV, the Honda CR-V SX Diesel bagged the Car of the Year – Philippines award. This is the second in a series of wins for the Japanese carmaker which won the same award last year for the Civic RS Turbo. The same can be said about Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation who once again returned into the winner’s circle with the Strada pickup. This time, it won the Truck of the Year – Philippines award.

December 2017

Honda Odyssey

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), introduces a refreshed Odyssey premium MPV for 2018. Featuring a tweaked exterior styling and added convenience features, it aims to further satisfy the Filipino customer’s needs for luxurious and comfortable mobility. Both variants now come standard with a Smart Entry with Push Start System. A 7-inch Touch Screen Display Audio System with Bluetooth is standard with the EX-V Navi receiving GPS navigation. The EX-V Navi also gets a rear entertainment system with DVD and HDMI playback through its 9-inch LCD screen. Though it remains unchanged in terms of drivetrain, the 2018 Odyssey does offer improved NVH for a smoother, more comfortable ride.

Peugeot launches SUV offensive

Peugeot Philippines unveiled three all-new SUV offerings for the local market, an alignment to Peugeot’s global SUV offensive. The French automotive giant unveiled the all-new 2008 sub-compact SUV, 3008 compact SUV, and 5008 7-seater mid-sized SUV. Standard in the new Peugeot SUV range is the brand’s signature iCockpit. Lauded for its minimalist look and intuitive functionality, the second generation iCockpit has been redesigned to further enhance the driving sensation. Making its way to the new SUV range are the next generation of Peugeot’s petrol engines. The 1.6-liter Turbo High-Pressure (THP) engine will be available on the all-new Peugeot 3008 SUV, while the award-winning 1.2L PureTech engine will be available for the first time in the Philippines on the New Peugeot 2008 SUV.

Piaggio APÉ

Piaggio APÉ, the three-wheel wonder from India is now set to take over the mobile business trend and transport market in the Philippines through Autoitalia Philippines Ent., Inc., (APE Inc.), a business conglomerate of Motohub and a member of the Autohub Group of Companies. Piaggio APÉ features one of the smallest diesel engines in the world: a 435-cc single-cylinder diesel motor and yet it can carry half a ton and climb a 22-percent gradient. This three-wheeled business-minded transport is also exempt from the number coding making it perfect for budding businesses.

Nissan Intelligent Mobility

Nissan Philippines president Ramesh Narasimhan said it best: the idea of “value for money” should not just be about the monetary equivalent, but should also be connected to the quality and the actual value that the product offers to the customer. This philosophy ties in seamlessly with the foundation of the Nissan Intelligent Mobility: creating a community between cars and people. Nissan gave writers the opportunity to try this out firsthand with the 2018 X-Trail. And while, it’s not about being the next self-driving vehicle, but it’s about giving drivers and commuters the confidence of being on the road and having a guiding hand right there in the car with them.

Suzuki expands to Ozamiz

Suzuki Philippines (SPH) marks yet another milestone with the opening of a new dealership in Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental. The expansion down south is part of the company’s objective to increase its presence nationwide. The new dealership owned by Des Strong Motors, Inc., one of the leading automobile dealers in the country, is under the direct management of CEO Dr. Silvestre Lumapas, Jr. It marks the 66th dealer outlet of Suzuki across the country and the 11th to open this year.

Hyundai pledges P100 million for Marawi

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai passenger cars and commercial vehicles the Philippines, announced the launch of its P 100-million fund to rehabilitate Marawi City. HARI together with its 42 dealers pledged their Manifesto of Support to Marawi City responding to the call for economic and inclusive development, and declaring their steadfast commitment to nation-building.

PNP takes delivery of new Montero Sport patrol vehicles

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) announced that 40 brand-new Mitsubishi Montero Sport vehicles have been delivered from Japanese Government to the Philippine National Police (PNP). The vehicles are being supplied through an agreement between the Japan International Cooperation System (JICS) and Sojitz Corporation. These 40 Mitsubishi Montero Sport vehicles are the first batch of cars to be given to Philippine National Police (PNP). The remaining 47 vehicles are set to be delivered by the end of this month.

Mazda2 races in second 8-Hour endurance race

The same stock Mazda2 hatchback, which completed 160 laps and won the Manufacturer’s Class in last year’s 8-hour Philippine Endurance Challenge race, logged in another 163 laps to take home 6th place in the FM3 class in the 8-Oras ng Pilipinas circuit racing endurance race held at the Clark International Speedway this year. Driven this year by graduates and finalists of the Automobile Association Philippines - Motor Sports Development Program, the Mazda2 now marks two years of reliable running with no changes or modifications done to its stock engine and major suspension components.

Volkswagen Caddy

Volkswagen Philippines has just refreshed its Caddy MPV for 2018. Introduced to the Philippine market two years ago, the safe and versatile 7-seater gets a refreshed styling, a new engine, and a more affordable price. The 2018 Caddy is available in two variants: Comfortline (CL) and Sportline (SL). Both are equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged direct injection (TDI) diesel engine that replaces the old 2.0-liter TDI mated to a 7-speed DSG gearbox. Inside, both models offer impeccable flexibility and generous cargo space for its size. They come standard with a leather steering wheel, a touchscreen audio system with 6 speakers and Bluetooth hands-free. The SL tops that with a special Fontana Red Surface highlight on the dashboard.

Toyota Yaris

Toyota Motor Philippines is closing the year by introducing a midcycle refresh of its Yaris subcompact hatchback in time for 2018. As far as refreshes go, the 2018 Yaris goes very far with a substantially changed exterior and interior. The 1.5 G bids goodbye and in its place, is a new variant, the 1.5 S. Although it remains mechanically the same (1.3-liter or 1.5-liter with Dual VVT-i), it does get more safety features. It gets seven airbags, ABS, and Vehicle Stability Control. The 1.5 S also receives automatic climate control and even more luxury goodies inside.