Words and photos by Niky Tamayo
Perhaps it’s a good measure of the mental state that the Suzuki Alto K10 puts you in, because the very first day I had it, I instinctively put on my old Adidas driving shoes. I haven’t worn these things for the longest time, and last time I was on the racetrack, I bummed it and wore a pair of leather sandals instead. But for the Alto, I pulled my beloved F40 GTs out of the closet and dusted them off. I even polished and laced them properly just for this ride. It’s even more telling that I raised the Alto's tire pressure from the standard 32 psi up to a rock-hard 45 psi just to get that tiny bit more cornering grip. But what proves it beyond any reasonable doubt is that every time I get out of the K10, I’m grinning from ear to ear.
This is an engaging little car. Even better, it’s the most economical car we’ve ever driven.
Published in
Subcompact
28 February 2012
Changing Expectations | 2011 Kia Picanto 1.0L EX AT
Words by Leslie Sy | Photos by Christopher Kho
On the topic of small sub-compact cars, I've always had the impression that driving these little things was an experience as exciting as waiting for grass to grow. It’s something to look forward to as much as getting a root-canal from your least favorite dentist. Excuses flowed from my mind as to why I couldn't drive that day as I was handed the keys to test drive the 2011 Kia Picanto. But I finally ran out of reasons and decided to give the car a try.
Fitting in
Walking around the car, it actually looks better in person than in the published pictures I've seen. It gets even better up close as it appears to be well put together for its price range. The headlights and front bumpers give the Picanto very modern sporty styling, while the trendy 15-inch alloy wheels enhance the car's somewhat stylish angular looks.
Published in
Subcompact
04 January 2012
Made in China | 2011 Geely LC 1.3 GL MT
Words by Jade Lu | Photos by Christopher Kho
There’s a stigma many - if not all - of us have come to accept: If it’s made in China, it’s cheap, and it probably has defects. Throughout decades of buying Chinese goods, one would almost expect the product to break after a couple of days. And because of how low the price on these goods can go, one would simply accept its poor quality. “Made in China kasi,” some would say.
So when we got the news that it was our turn to test drive the Geely LC 1.3L - also known as the Geely Panda in China, we really didn’t have high expectations for it, except maybe that it was cheap and something in it would probably come off soon. We’re so glad we were mistaken.
Published in
Subcompact
05 September 2011
The Humble Hatchback | 2011 Honda Jazz 1.3 S AT
Words and photos by Christopher Kho
Have you ever noticed that cars these days are packed with so many gadgets and gizmos that most of us don't really comprehend how they work, let alone understand what they're for? The list of features they come with keeps getting longer and longer, that it’s all starting to get confusing. Well, whether you like the tech or not, it’s the manufacturer's way to captivate our hearts and, possibly, make that all-important sale. But what these big brands are forgetting is that while they're satisfying our wants, they're not really providing our needs. If you agree and want something different, then look no further than Honda's humble hatchback. The Jazz might not have a fancy-pansy transmission or an overly-decorated interior, but these are more than made up for with its fun to drive attitude and versatile cargo space.
Published in
Subcompact
06 June 2011
Beaming Around Town | 2011 Chevrolet Spark 1.2 MT
Words by Jade Lu | Photos by Christopher Kho
Today’s yuppies have got it all going for them: advanced technology, increased buying power, and Angry Birds among other things. Between tweeting and passing out applications for their dream jobs, I’ve noticed quite a lot of today’s products aimed at the youth on-the-go, which is why I’m really not surprised that the automotive world followed suit and designed vehicles suited for this “in-crowd.” So allow me to describe my exploits with Chevrolet's latest hip mini-car, the all-new Spark.
Published in
Subcompact
13 May 2011
A Boost in Ego | 2011 Hyundai Accent GLS 1.6 AT
Words and photos by Christopher Kho
For the past several years, the Accent emblem has been quietly building a solid reputation in the Philippines. The simplistic subcompact won the hearts of its private and commercial patrons due to its reliability, build quality, and the unbeatable fuel-economy of its once 1.5L diesel engine. Though Hyundai sold them by the boatloads, it never quite had the charisma nor the confidence to rub elbows with its peers. But in late 2010, all that changed when the Accent was given a new life. Embracing Hyundai's new “fluidic sculpture” design philosophy, the all-new 2011 Accent now has the looks and the grandeur to hold its head up high.
Published in
Subcompact
Words by Jade Lu | Photos by Christopher Kho
Parties are always a delight. Mingling with friends and frequent trips to the buffet lineup make for a swell evening. But like any social gathering, one element can’t make the whole party. It takes the seamless collaboration of each dynamic to bring together enjoyment, fun, and good vibes the majority of society look forward to posting all over Facebook.
The all-new Ford Fiesta is making headlines everywhere, and we were no less than thrilled to get in on the hype when it was our chance to test drive this little mobile party. Our unit came in a classy Sparkling Gold 4-door Trend with a 1.6L Duratec I4 engine and 6-speed Powershift. Finally, it was our turn to find out if good things really come in small packages.
Published in
Subcompact
15 April 2010
Why 2 is Better than 1 | 2010 Mazda 2 1.5L Hatchback A/T
Words and photos by Christopher Kho
Holy Week is a yearly holiday all Christians around the world observe as it commemorates our Lord and savior Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. Filipinos pay tribute to this momentous occasion by means of traditions passed down through generations. And for people like me who are weary from long busy workweeks, Holy Week translates to a four-day long weekend earmarked for some well-deserved R&R.
As much as I would want to spend the entire four days on a beach, soaking up the sun with matching cold tropical drink in hand, I’m still recuperating from the post-financial trauma I sustained during Christmas and Valentines Day. So the only thing I could afford at the moment was a leisurely out-of-town day trip with my significant other.
Published in
Subcompact
