Words by Leslie Sy
Traffic jams are a daily reality for anyone who drives around Metro Manila. Day or night. And it only gets worse even if it rains ever so slightly. With today's technology and internet connectivity, there should be some way of knowing which roads are free and which ones are to avoid altogether in real time, right?
There are those like MMDA's Traffic Navigator that does well to inform its users of the traffic condition on major roads in the Metro. But what about the thousands of kilometers that are not covered by the MMDA's system? Fortunately there is a solution and it's an app called Waze - available for both iOS and Android devices. Best part is, it's free.
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Features
29 January 2013
Acero Intertrade offers body kits that's fit for all occasions
Words by Christian Peña
There are only two fundamental elements in the world of car customization: wheels and body kits. These are the very first things one should ever consider changing to improve how their ride looks, way before lowering springs, exhausts, and paint. But while wheel choices may already seem endless in terms of design, size, and offset, choosing the perfect body kit for your car is much more difficult than that. Not only do you have to find the style that best suits your taste, you'll also have to consider quality, durability, material, and even weight. On top of that, installing body kits is a long term commitment that you can't simply swap out like a set of wheels.
With those things in mind, Acero Intertrade offers a wide range of aero and body kits for the growing number of Filipino car enthusiasts who are willing to pay a premium for a higher quality product. Think of it as an investment that will surely pay you dividends in style points and longevity.
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Features
04 January 2013
A date with a dolled-up Porsche 911 Carrera S
Words and photos by Christopher Kho
It's not everyday that you get the chance to go on a date with a supermodel - a voluptuous German one for that matter. So when the opportunity came my way, I could hardly say no. She might be a little wide on the hips, but she is sure to turn heads wherever she goes. Some have warned me that this doll could be a bit too hot too handle. Still, I've heard that she's great in the saddle. Her name is the Porsche 911 Carrera S, and she’s based on the latest 991 chassis.
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Words and photos by Christopher Kho
My occupation allows me to drive almost all the new cars you see on the road. We typically test them for performance, handling, and fuel-efficiency. Of course, it’s also good put these set of wheels through our daily routines to see just how practical they are. But nothing assesses a car's comfort quite like doing errands outside our comfort zone. And to prove a point, Ford Philippines turned us burly men into Mr. Moms for a day with the all-new Focus.
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Short on cash? Why not buy second-hand? That seems to be a great idea if you're buying appliances, furniture, or maybe even articles of clothing. But would you really buy an imported, converted second-hand truck for your business?
It might seem cheap at first, but it could be like adopting a 10-year-old dog. Before any of you animal activists air out your opinions, hear me out. While an old pooch may only have a few years left and cost extra for frequent check-ups at the vet, at least it will love you unconditionally. A second-hand truck's low price, on the other hand, might look enticing, but the risks could outweigh the benefits.
Thankfully, the country's diesel expert, Isuzu Philippine Corporation (IPC), has listed down these Top 10 reasons why you should buy Trucks brand new.
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Features
05 October 2012
Technical Analysis: 2012 Hyundai Eon 0.8L MT
Words and graphics by Niky Tamayo
While the 2012 Hyundai Eon may not have the sophistication of, say, a MINI Cooper, there’s a lot of work that goes into its deceptively simple underpinnings. To keep prices below the P500,000 mark, design solutions that simultaneously reduce costs and increase value are a must. No high-tech direct injection or multi-link suspension here, just good old-fashioned engineering. So to find out what really makes Hyundai's latest small car tick, we dissect it part by part.
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Features
24 September 2012
Kotse.com's 14th Anniversary: The Growing Years
Words by Ferman Lao
If you were already a car nut back in 1998, you've probably come across a nondescript booth in one of the more popular car shows back then. This particular booth housed nothing more than a stocky gentleman in glasses with long wavy hair, sitting behind a table with a computer. Behind him would have been a poster with a Fonzi look-alike caricature (from the old “Happy Days” TV Series) in a black leather jacket driving what looks like a VW convertible.
Oddly enough, the guy behind the table wasn't selling anything and was only giving out free stickers. The stickers read the words Kotse.com.
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Features
10 September 2012
Toyota 86: A tough act to follow
Words by Charlie Cruz | Photos by Christopher Kho
The most basic formula in making a great sports car is to put the most powerful engine you can possibly fit into the lightest chassis you can find. It can accelerate quicker, brake later, and corner much much faster. No other car does this better than the Toyota Corolla AE86. The AE86 earned its title from years of being raced, thrashed, and – up until recently – drifted. And after a rich 30-year history, there is no doubt that the 86 or the Hachi-Rouku is an undisputed legend.
But after three decades of its reign, amidst the flurry of front wheel drive cars, Toyota finally decided to revive the legend of their front-engined rear-wheel-drive coupe. Meet the new 86, Toyota's latest reincarnation of the ideal affordable sports car.
I must say, it looks really cool. This sleek new sports car has a sophistication that's fit for any occasion. And while Toyota got the looks department spot on, the question now is, “Is better than the original AE86?”
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