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 Ferman Lao | Photos by Christopher Kho
Truth be told, I've never been a Toyota fan, not since the very beginning. Perhaps it's because of the fact that I grew up in a household whose garage is primarily made up of Toyota's. To this day, I can still vividly remember my first encounter with cars. It was a deep red 1979 Corona with a 12 R engine, outlined with shiny chrome trims. It was a time when I could still barely reach the pedals. After that episode, we also had a memorable 1978 Tamaraw wherein I logged thousands upon thousands of kilometers and first learned how to power slide a car. Apart from those two, we also had a 1969 and a 1979 Crown, both in refrigerator white. And to close this chapter of my life, I almost bought a 1990 Corolla when the opportunity came, but fate had other plans for me, and the Crowns were the last Toyota's that our family ever owned.
Fast forward a couple of decades into the present day, circumstance led me behind the wheel of the latest 2010 Corolla Altis 1.6V with an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission. I had reluctantly given up the opportunity to review a popular AWD diesel crossover for this, in particular; I'm glad that I did.
Published in
Compact
Words by Jade Lu | Photos by Christopher Kho
Well, technically it was Quasar Gray, but it had a hint of blue in its hue. And yes, it was borrowed! We recently borrowed the 2004 Suzuki Jimny JLX AT for a test drive, and let me just say, it’s a fun little buggy. I’ve been itching to get a hold of this small SUV for a while now, and the opportunity finally presented itself. The Jimny may be dated, but it’s definitely not out-dated.
Getting to Know You
As Chris Kho and I hopped on to the Jimny, the first thing I noticed was its size. It all seemed great for two people, but what about backseat passengers? There was only one way to find out. Deciding to go out for lunch that day, we passed by my house and picked up my mom, my dad, and my brother. The brochure says the Jimny’s seating capacity is up to four persons, but I suppose that refers to two average-sized persons for the front and the back. So fitting three slightly-smaller-than-average passengers at the back seat was no surprise. A snug functional fit, but fit nonetheless.
Published in
SUV
01 March 2011
Korean Limo | 2010 Hyundai Grand Starex Limousine
Words by Kris C. Lim | Photos courtesy of Hyundai Asia Resources Inc.
Hyundai's top seller underwent a makeover and was re-introduced as its latest iteration - the Grand Starex. Noticeable changes of the new version are its larger dimensions and a much stronger 2.5 liter in-line-four CRDi with a Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) that produces a healthy 170 hp.
To add more sizzle to this variant, the boys from Asan, South Korea further pushed the envelope on how a people mover should feel and look like. Thus coming up with the full-size version Grand Starex Limousine.
Exterior features that exude the vehicle’s classy and luxurious nature includes new side garnish and body mouldings, a massive chromed radiator grille, side step boards for easy ingress and egress, a front chin, and a distinctive bubble roof that's engraved with a golden line and stamped with the word “Limousine”.
Published in
Van & MPV
21 February 2011
Aiming High | 2010 Nissan Sentra 200
Words by Kris C. Lim | Photos courtesy of Nissan Motors Philippines Inc.
It was in 2005 when I first bought my Nissan Sentra (B14 second-generation) at the Nissan Mantrade dealership in Makati. I was supposed to buy a Toyota Vios back then, because it was newly launched and something that I liked. But due to my brother’s persistence in pushing me to try Nissan's technology, the next thing I remember was parking the Sentra inside my garage.
The N16, also referred to as the Exalta body, was a bit intriguing to the public. After the phenomenal success of the B13 LEC and super saloon, Nissan took charge to replaced it with the Super Touring (series 3) B14. It came packed with a sportier bodykit, bumpers, sideskirts and spoiler. Back then, Nissan patrons got so thrilled when the facelift model of B14 arrived.
It took quite some time for Nissan to replace their aging B14. So when I had this opportunity to test drive the new Nissan Sentra 200 over the weekend, I couldn't help but feel excited and be a bit nostalgic. It was like seeing an old friend once again.
Published in
Compact
18 January 2011
Back with a Vengeance | 2010 Chevrolet Captiva 4x2
Words by Kris C. Lim | Photos courtesy of The Covenant Car Company Inc.
When the Chevrolet Captiva launched four years ago, there were signs that General Motors (GM) can bounce back from a financial rut with their new crossover. Reasons include value for money, superiority and promising variants such as its seven-seater version. With the brand now handled by The Covenant Car Company Inc., it appears that they're taking the Captiva to new heights.
The Captiva is one of the newest products to roll off Chevrolet’s assembly lines. It has a rugged yet sophisticated look, an eye-catching interplay between toughness and style. If you’ve had enough square cut designs of previous American designs, try to look now on how the Captiva have matured. The side profile is dominated by the large wheels and bold-arches, while the grille is underlined by a firmed skid plate making it more visually striking.
Published in
Crossover
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
09 December 2010
Super Size Me | 2010 Ford E-150 Club Wagon
Words and photos by Eric Ayrton S. Soriano
The Ford E-150 Club Wagon is one of the most colossal four-wheeled passenger vehicle in the market today. It has enough space for a fourth-row bench but Ford Group Philippines decided to leave that out to increase luggage space. There are smaller vans that seat more passengers so you can think of the seven-seater E-150 as the Business Class of vans. If, by some weird twist of fate, the starting five of the Boston Celtics decide to pay me a visit, there’s no question what van I will opt for to pick them and their stuff up from the airport.
Published in
Van & MPV
