Words by Niky Tamayo | Photos by Christopher Kho
At the recent 4th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), Kia’s booth was a stand-out, in more ways than one. Show-goers might be forgiven, however, for missing the new facelifted 2014 Sorento. In many ways, it looks a lot like the current 2012 Sorento.
That’s not quite a bad thing. The current model is a hit. It’s powerful, stylish, and very affordable. With the smooth 2.4 liter Theta II gasoline powerplant and the astonishing 190 horsepower 2.2 liter R-eVGT diesel, the Sorento is already a compelling package. You know how the saying goes: “If it ain’t broke, don’t break it.”
But of course, it would be cruel to leave things unchanged...
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31 August 2012
Mazda's all-new 2012 BT-50 arrives with a whimper
Words by Christopher Kho
“Better late than never,” they say. Although we've already seen this familiar pickup in showrooms as early as July, Mazda Philippines only recently advised us that their all-new 2012 BT-50 pickup truck is officially here. And now that the Japanese automaker is in the middle of divorce proceedings with Ford Group Philippines, it'd be great to see the BT-50 try to upstage the blue oval brand's Ranger, which also happens to be its fraternal twin.
According to its design team, the BT-50 was sculpted as a “sophisticated beast.” So how do you turn a brute into a prima donna? Well, aside from just giving it a futuristic wedge-shaped profile and slapping on the Mazda 6's front end to it, Mazda engineers have also fitted it with more features than your iPad. Of course, this pickup has its muscular side to it too, highlighted by Mazda's signature five-point grill, boomerang-shaped headlights, and beefy wheel arches.
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30 August 2012
The all-new 2014 Mazda 6 concocts the science of sexy
Words by Niky Tamayo | Photos courtesy of Mazda Motor Corporation
There’s a lot in the pipe-line for the next Mazda 6. While it has never been a big player in the mid-sized sedan market, and Mazda’s global market share has been pretty flat over the past few years, there are hopes that this car will turn it around. Mazda’s new Kodo design language and SkyActiv engine technology have produced a runaway hit in the CX-5 - a product that proves that downsizing and economy can go hand-in-hand with higher value and convenience.
The all-new 2014 Mazda 6 looks all set to follow in the CX-5’s footsteps. But with the sexy turned up to 11. While the CX-5’s looks are a bit challenging, the Mazda 6 looks like a concept car brought to life.
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Words and photos by Christopher Kho
Aside from spare and maintenance parts, Mopar (short for Motor Parts) is also the tuning arm of Chrysler and Dodge. Think of it as what AMG is to Mercedes-Benz. And to show the world just how crazy their machines can get, Mopar Underground built the Dodge Charger Redline Concept - a 590 HP fire-breathing monster that's packed with three stages of hell.
From exterior parts to interior accents all the way to performance enhancement and extra horsepower, Mopar has it all covered stage-by-stage.
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27 August 2012
Soft, safe, and simple: Mitsubishi previews upcoming all-new 2013 Outlander at 4th PIMS
Words by Leslie Sy | Photos by Christopher Kho
A lot of things happened in 2003. Iraq fell to US forces, SARS epidemic spread worldwide, the supersonic passenger airplane Concorde had its last commercial flight, Arnold Schwarzenegger was elected as governor of California, and the very first generation Mitsubishi Outlander came to life as a compact crossover SUV.
Loosely based on the Lancer, it was configured to seat five or seven passengers and powered with a 160 hp 2.4L engine normally found in the Galant. Moving forward, the Outlander was boldly restyled in 2007, given a more powerful 200 hp 3.0L V6 but lost two seats. So what does the 3rd generation 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander have to offer?
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25 August 2012
JMC marks Philippine debut with Orion and Vigor
Words and photos by Christopher Kho
Jiangling Motors Corporation Limited, abbreviated as JMC, is a Chinese car manufacturer that produces subcontracted models from Ford. Unknown to most, they're now here in the Philippines - brought in by the Star Motors Group of the Lee family who also distributes Chevrolet, Hyundai, Nissan, and Volvo locally. And to make their grand entrance, JMC Philippines recently showcased their latest SUV and pickup truck at the recent 4th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS). Meet the Orion and its utilitarian counterpart, the Vigor.
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24 August 2012
BMW shows off new M Performance parts lineup at 4th PIMS
Words by Jade Lu | Photos by Christopher Kho
While other car manufacturers showed off their latest line-up at the recently-concluded 4th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC) opted to show off their sporty side with BMW's new triple threat. All fired up, the German automaker showcased their M Performance packages for the 1 Series, 3 Series sedan, and the 5 Series sedan.
The cream of the crop is stepping up a notch higher in terms of driving performance and athletic capabilities. The exclusive chassis, aerodynamic, cockpit, and powertrain components were designed in collaboration with BMW M GmbH. Now, you no longer need to be a pro race car driver to experience active racing dynamics with modifications from M Performance.
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24 August 2012
Toyota gets new 86 Aero and 200 more units to sell for 2012
Words and photos by Hans Gerald Chua
Light weight, rear wheel drive, and ideal power-to-weight ratio are the perfect characteristics that make a great Japanese sportscar. Toyota got it right on the money in 1982 when they created the Corolla Levin and Trueno, otherwise known as the AE86 or “Hachiroku.” Many drivers found it as the preferred weapon of choice for race tracks and especially mountain passes in Japan. Unfortunately, Toyota stopped manufacturing this rare breed of rear-wheel-drive two-door coupes in 1987. But 25 years later, Toyota went back to basics and revived the legend of the 86.
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) officially launched the 86 back in June with a price tag of a little over P1.5 million. It was like a dream come true. All the hype made it seem as if all of the 94 million inhabitants of this country wanted one, except there's one small problem. TMP was only able to get their hands on 77 units; and by the time it made its public debut, all have been spoken for. Well, our prayers have been answered, because at the 4th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), Toyota announced that 200 additional units are headed our way and will be made available this 2012. Not only that, they've also added a new 86 Aero variant to the line-up. Ladies and gentlemen, it looks like Christmas is coming early.
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