02 November 2010
Renaissance at Point Zero: The Honda CR-Z
Words by Jade Lu | Photos courtesy of American Honda Motor Co. Inc.
The Renaissance was a period of reform, a time of artistic revolution, and a time of breaking away from traditional bounds of medieval thinking. Honda has come up with their own revolution with the 2011 CR-Z. Standing for “Compact Renaissance Zero,” the name braves the challenge of creating a new compact car that’s not bound by the cliché of traditional coupes.Even from the outside, the CR-Z is already veering away from traditional hybrid stereotypes. Packaged as “Low, Short, Wide:” low vehicle height, short wheelbase, and wide tread; the CR-Z has a sporty frame to match its aerodynamic body. Its deep sloping hood, sporty driving position, and curved windshield complete the contemporary look.
Published in
Features
25 September 2010
Matters of the Trunk
Words by Jade Lu
Today’s automobiles have come a long way from their predecessors decades ago. We live in a time when automatic controls come as standard features, and mechanical controls are incorporated with circuitry. The automotive industry has turned to electronics for power locks, power windows, and power-open trunks. Sensors and alarms have been designed for added safety to drivers and passengers. From automatic brakes to bumper cameras, child locks to safety latches; it seems as if car designers have covered almost all areas of safety and security. Almost.Last month, our writer Christopher Kho along with friends including myself, brought a test unit for a spin up and about Baguio City. After going around some of the popular destinations, we decided to park the car at the hotel where it was safe, and continued our trip of the surrounding area on foot. After a day of pinecones, butterflies, and sandwiches taller than a hand’s span, we arrived back at the hotel to something we weren’t quite expecting. Security called our attention to inform us that the trunk of the car we were testing was found open. To our surprise, there were no marks on the car, no signs of forced entry, and the car alarm didn’t even let out peep. The incident left all of us baffled, which prompted us to investigate.
Published in
Features
Words by Christopher Kho and Jade Lu | Photos courtesy of CATS Motors Philippines
With the inauguration of the 15th Philippine President Benigno Simeon “Noy Noy” Cojuangco Aquino III comes a new hope for the Filipino people. Following the footsteps of his infamous parents, his battle cry is also “Laban” as he undertakes the never-ending battle against corruption. Going up against notorious corrupt government officials, he surely needs to gear up in preparation for the war ahead. Welcome Noy’s new presidential car, the Mercedez-Benz S-Guard. Externally, the S-Guard is virtually identical to a standard S-Class and still retains the same functions despite the amount of armor that envelopes it. So technically, the only identifying mark on the Presidential car is the No. 1 plate it bears front and back.
Published in
Features
01 April 2009
Over the Hills: Land Rover Experience
Words and photos by Christopher Kho
The hills may be alive with the sound of music, but how would you get there? You’d have to climb every mountain, ford every stream, follow every rainbow, ‘til you find your dream. And for the past 60 years, there has only been one car brand, which can do all of these things unfailingly. Land Rover has been giving the best 4x4’s the world has ever seen for the past six decades and to celebrate, LRPhils Motors Inc, the Philippine distributor of the celebrated English brand, has invited us for a day of fun over the muddy plains of Eaton City in Sta. Rosa, Laguna with their best set of wheels. It might be no hill or a mountain, but the boys of Land Craft worked the sweat off their brow and created a field complete with ruts, crests and streams for us to experience the best of what Land Rover has to offer.
Published in
Features
