As an emerging market for automobiles, the Philippines has its share of entry-level, seven-seater multipurpose vehicles (MPVs), usually diesel, that are known as AUVs (Asian utility vehicles or all-around utility vehicles). The segment leader in terms of…
During its infancy in the 1960s, Honda acted just like a toddler, tinkering around with anything that moved, from motorcycle engine-powered sports cars to Formula One racers. But its thinking was advanced for its time, as it…
THE HONDA CR-Z I wrote about five months ago (“Honda’s hybrid wannabe sports car,” 5/13/13) was a 2011-2012 concept Mugen test unit with a six-speed manual transmission. Early last month, Honda Cars Philippines Inc. launched the…
While the S-Class is globally recognized as the flagship of Mercedes-Benz, the E-Class is the Stuttgart-based manufacturer’s core product and most important car in terms of profits generated and derivatives spanned.…
When Isuzu Thailand introduced to the world the second-generation D-Max pickup in October 2011, we were hopeful here in the Philippines that a left-hand version would soon reach our showrooms.…
A global success story, the BMW 5 Series model line has sold over 6.5 million units worldwide since its launch in 1972. In Asian countries including the Philippines, BMW has been the top-selling luxury car brand for…
The trend for compact crossover SUVs is truly growing, not just here in the Philippines but the world over. Witness how more and more premium market compact ’utes are coming into the global market, which are also…
After a short, unsuccessful venture into the Philippines in 2005, the major French automaker Peugeot returned in 2012 under the aegis of the Columbian Group of Companies. Founded by chair emeritus Jose Ch. Alvarez, the Columbian Group…
Lately, Ford and Mitsubishi advertisements in Metro Manila broadsheets have been trumpeting the fantastic fuel economy of the 1.6-liter Focus and the 1.6-liter Lancer: 19.07 kilometers per liter touted for the Focus and 19.8 kpl for the…
I’m a big guy. I’m also a heavy guy. I weigh around 215 pounds, stand at 5’10”, wear 11EE shoes, and have a 42-inch waist and XL-size US shirts. Because I’m big, I also consume a lot…
