07 February 2013
Exceeding Expectations | 2012 Ford Focus 1.6L Trend Hatchback 6PS
Words by Jose Carlo R. Sapera | Photos by Leslie Sy
We’re no strangers to Ford compact hatchbacks. Mantrade, the official distributor of Ford vehicles in the country a few decades ago, introduced the Mazda 323-based Laser in the 80's - a car which I have fond memories of as a child. But with no proper successor, the country didn't see a new Ford hatchback for quite some time. Then came Ford Group Philippines (FGP), who brought in the Focus back in 2005 and revived Ford's fame for five-door people carriers. And now, they're back at what they do best with the all-new Focus - sportier, curvier, and stuffed with all the gadgets you could ever wish for.
I had the privilege to spend a weekend with the all-new Focus 1.6L Trend hatchback, which sits neatly between the base Ambiente and top-of-the-line Sport+ variants in the five-door line up. We all know it looks great, but is it as good in person as it seems on paper? Well, that's what I'm about to find out.
Published in
Compact
17 October 2012
An Awesome Ride | 2012 Hyundai i30 Active 1.6L CRDi
Words and photos by Elmer Maniebo
After three worry-free years with our old Kia Cee’d, we’re astounded with the Korean promise of improved quality, unprecedented list of standard equipment, and ground breaking seven-year warranty. And for our upcoming European Road Trip through UK, France, and Spain, the unanimous decision with the family was to take a chance with Kia’s big sister - the giant-slaying and overachieving Hyundai. Ticking all the right options and considering the immediate availability of a unit is our top priority after our abysmal experience with our local Ford dealer.
Upon test-driving the 110 hp 1.6L CRDi i30 for a good 30 minutes, we were left in awe on how far Hyundai raised the bar for its competitors in every aspect. Ride and handling, interior finish, design and practicality, standard equipment, and running cost - nothing came close to the overall value this car can offer.
Published in
Compact
04 July 2012
All Smiles | 2012 Mazda 3 2.0L R
Words and photos by Sidney Ang
The sexy body, lavish interior, and choice of a 2.0L instantly made the first Mazda 3 stand out from the competition, which is why it was an instant hit back in 2004. I used to own a Mazda 3, and the good looks, both in and out, are what attracted me to it. I opted for the 1.6L over the more powerful 2.0L engine, but I do have my reasons. Needless to say, I enjoyed the car immensely and, years later, it still got its share of double takes, with just a few exterior enhancements.
Eight years later we finally get the “all-new” Mazda 3 in the Philippines. But every car enthusiast should know that this model came out way back in 2008, and the Internet is already flooded with pictures, specs, and reviews. So is it too late for the latest generation Mazda 3 to join the party?
Published in
Compact
Words and photos by Niky Tamayo
Honda has taken a lot of stick for the all-new Civic. Many feel that it is too much of the same, that Honda has not invested enough in technical innovations, as if they’ve dropped the ball, fallen asleep at the wheel, or jumped the shark. But did the Civic really need changing? Granted, there are things I didn’t like about the previous car; but even until it was replaced, it was very good. It was spacious, lightweight, powerful, and economical. Never mind that it wasn’t the newest car on the market, it was still one of the best.
Hence, the FD Civic is a hard act to follow. This new Civic falls short in some ways, but improves upon the formula in others. While the Honda faithful may not be happy, it is undoubtedly a better car. Let’s break down the differences and see why.
Published in
Compact
03 April 2012
In the Fast Lane | 2011 Hyundai Elantra 1.8 GLS AT
Words by Charlie Cruz | Photos by Christopher Kho
The moniker “Elantra” should be familiar to most of us these days. You probably first heard of it in the mid 90’s, saw the car, then forgot about it. After a few years on sale, it slowly faded away. It has now risen from the shadows after a long hiatus, reborn as the all-new 2011 Hyundai Elantra - a new breed of car that surpasses all my expectations and offers more… loads more.
Having the car on a busy weekend, judging a car show in Manila on a Friday, organizing a drag race at the Clark International Speedway on Saturday, and attending a private corporate event in Batangas the very next day, I was sure that my itinerary would test the Elantra’s city and highway dynamics, as well as its practicality. Plus, it was a good chance for me to find out basically what it would be like to own one.
Published in
Compact
29 March 2012
A better Cruze? | 2011 Chevrolet Cruze 2.0 VDCi AT
Words by Andre Palma | Photos by Niky Tamayo and Christopher Kho
Much has been said about the Chevrolet Cruze. Not surprising, owing to the fact that this is a car that has to live up to every inch of its plural, ‘world car’ status. Built to respond to the needs of every market, this is a car that finally brought Chevy out of the dark ages of solely relying on rebranding to get products to fill out gaps in its automotive line-up. The current Cruze is now built on a global platform designed by GM, branded and kitted to regional and country-specific needs - a surer formula for market acceptance. And now that there's a diesel version thrown in the mix, can it really make a better Cruze?
Published in
Compact
14 November 2011
Wake Up Call | 2011 Hyundai Elantra 1.6 MT
Words by Ferman Lao | Photos by Christopher Kho
When the all-new Elantra came about in early 2011, it looked to me like the engineers at Hyundai had just rehashed one of their previous designs. By pulling and stretching the Accent's basic shape to the necessary dimensions, they've managed to come up with a new compact car. But in my mind, the Accent was already the mini-Sonata, and therefore had no room left for another car to sit between the two. Add to this Hyundai's habit of recycling design concepts, which made me take the Elantra not so seriously.
Warming Up
Fast forward a couple of months ahead and I found myself in South Korea, sitting behind the wheel of an automatic 1.6 Elantra for a media test drive experience. This was my chance to get acquainted with Hyundai's latest compact, away from the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila's streets. For first impressions, I was quite impressed at how its 6-speed auto behaved very much like a manual transmission would, and how good it was for an affordably-sedan. That experience left me thinking, "If the auto's this good, I wonder what the manual's like?"
Published in
Compact
10 November 2011
Going High-Tech Hybrid | 2010 Toyota Prius 1.8 VVTi
Words and photos by Jose Carlo R. Sapera
Back in the mid-90's, I honestly believed that cars with power windows, airbags, anti-lock brakes, and other gizmos were already considered “high-tech.” Through the years, my perspective gradually has changed. Cars now have reverse cameras, iPod ports, navigation systems, and up until recently, cars that are powered by both nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries and a gasoline engine - otherwise known as hybrids. And it was only when I spent a week driving in a Toyota Prius did I grasp the true meaning of “high-tech.”
Published in
Compact
