19 March 2012
No Sacrifices | 2010 Kia Sorento CRDi 2.2 4x2 EX
Words and photos by Niky Tamayo
Once upon a time, Kia was known as a “cheap” alternative. The Pride, for one, was once the cheapest brand new vehicle available on the market in the early 90's. This trend continued through with the Picanto, which debuted at half the price of its then non-existent competitors.
Nowadays, Kia is more mainstream. In fact, it positions itself as an upmarket choice to the common car, with stylish models like the Rio and the Sportage. And while the Sorento may not be the newest car in the Kia garage, it’s still one of the more enticing SUVs in its segment, so we went out to find out just how exciting it really is.
Published in
SUV
Words by Niky Tamayo | Photos by Ken Tamayo
I’ve always seen SUVs as a conceit: The Sport in “Sport Utility Vehicle” suggests some sort of rugged, manly endeavour, like climbing mountains, crossing rainforests, or clubbing baby seals. Despite the utter lack of sporting ability of some so-called SUVs, their Marlboro-esque machismo is a more effective status enhancer than an eggplant in your jockstrap. You’re never going to use them to their full potential, but boy do they look impressive.
Yet, after a few days with Ford's all-new Explorer, I’ve been having more and more doubts about my manhood. Driving meekly. Fudging overtakes. Avoiding crowded streets. At the end of the week, I would wake up screaming in the middle of the night in a cold sweat. Well... not really... but I’m certain an SUV is meant to be intimidating to other drivers, not to the person behind the wheel.
Published in
SUV
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
09 February 2012
The Rough Rider's Adventure | 2011 Toyota Fortuner 2.7G 4x2 Gas AT
Words and photos by Christopher Kho
A decade ago, SUV's cost an arm and a leg in the Philippines, and were reserved for the rich, famous, and your otherwise infamous government official. But ever since Toyota brought the Fortuner to our shores, the almighty SUV has become more accessible to the masses, without losing its revered reputation as road bully. Other brands were quick to follow in its footsteps, and now, our roads are littered with these behemoths. So when the country's largest automaker came up with an updated version for 2011, we tried to find out this affordable SUV's secret to success.
Published in
SUV
01 February 2012
Riding High | 2011 Toyota Hilux 3.0G 4x4 AT
Words and photos by Jose Carlo Roberto R. Sapera
Six years after it was first launched, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has finally released a new D4D Hilux. Despite the fresh front fascia and updated interior, it’s no secret that this is a sleek facelift. While this move has garnered mixed reactions from the market, as the line goes, “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” Let’s find out how much Toyota's renowned pickup has improved in its latest incarnation.
Changing Faces
The Hilux's enlivened look resembles the current Land Cruiser - with emphasis on the large horizontal chrome grill and swept headlights. A couple of exterior updates include newly sculpted bumpers, a re-designed hood scoop, side mirrors with integrated repeaters, and fresh 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels.
Published in
Pickup
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
20 December 2011
On a Blind Date | 2011 Kia Sportage 2.0 EX AWD
Words and photos by Jose Carlo R. Sapera
Back in March, I got a sneak peek of the yet-to-be-launched all-new Sportage when I paid a visit to the old Columbian Autocar Coporation in Bicutan. All I can say is, in that brief moment, Kia's got its marketing tag line, “the power to surprise,” spot on with its latest crossover.
Fast forward a few months later, I was finally given the chance to take the lovely Sportage out for a spin to find out if it can really sweep me off my feet.
Inner Circle
Inside, the Sportage has a simple and straightforward interior layout with bits of Kia's signature “tiger nose” design integrated into the dashboard to highlight its curves. There's also an abundance of hard plastic, but build quality is top notch, so I really can't complain. On a different note, the red lit gauges are a warm welcome as it makes the instrument cluster easy to read even in broad daylight.
Published in
Crossover
05 December 2011
Feeling Invincible | 2010 Ford Everest 4x4 Limited AT
Words by Eric Ayrton S. Soriano | Photos by Christopher Kho
The 2010 Ford Everest faces formidable foes in the truck-based seven-seater SUV segment, namely the Toyota Fortuner and the Mitsubishi Montero Sport. Other vehicles very likely to be on the shortlist of typical SUV shoppers needing seven seats, all-weather capability, and the practicality of a diesel engine are the Korean cousins composed of the Kia Sorento and the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Although most of the Everest’s chief rivals have undergone major upgrades recently, the current Everest has been enjoying resurgent sales in recent months.
Published in
SUV
