Friday, 22 March 2013 10:32
Performance results for 2012 - 2013 Car of the Year Philippines nominees now out
Words by Christopher Kho | Photos by Mikko David
As some of you might already know, one aspect used to determine a new Car of the Year Philippines (COTY-P) are the results gathered from the Technical Test performed at the Clark International Speedway (CIS). And for the 2012 - 2013 edition, all 80 nominees had to subjected to acceleration (0 to 100 km/h), braking (100 to 0 km/h), and handling (slalom) tests.
Although the Technical Tests have been performed every year since the award-giving body was formed, this is the very first time we could remember that the Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI) published the official performance results for public viewing. Not only will this help in guiding consumers choose which car to buy, but it will finally put to rest claims of which one's the fastest.
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Car of the Year
Wednesday, 20 March 2013 07:58
CAGI publishes final 2012 - 2013 Car of the Year Philippines nominees
Words by Christopher Kho | Photos by Mikko David
After spending nine days for Qualitative Tests at ETON Centris, Quezon City and another four days for Technical Tests at the Clark International Speedway (CIS), it all comes down to this. On the eve of April 4, 2013 at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), there will be a newly-crowed Car of the Year Philippines (COTY-P) for 2012 - 2013. But before last year's COTY - the Hyundai Elantra - hands over its throne, the Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI) has published this year's final nominees.
The list includes 80 vehicles competing in 20 Categories, plus the coveted Car of the Year Philippines title. But new for this year is a Truck of the Year Philippines (TOTY-P) award that separately recognizes the bigger cars in the bunch.
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Car of the Year
Tuesday, 19 February 2013 10:17
CAGI re-elects Kotse.com EIC and Editorial Director as officers for 2013 - 2014
Although the 2012 - 2013 Car of the Year Philippines (COTY-P) isn't quite over yet, the Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI) had to elect a new set of officers once again for the upcoming 2013 - 2014 season. And after the votes were tallied, Kotse.com's very own Editorial Director, Ferman Lao, and Editor-in-Chief, Christopher Kho, reassumes their position as CAGI President and Corporate Secretary, respectively.
Likewise, Bam Olivares from the Daily Tribune was re-elected as VP - Internal Affairs as well as Bess Zamora from AQ Magazine who retains her position as Treasurer. There is, however, a newcomer to the group. Mikko David from Top Gear Philippines effectively replaces Andy Sevilla as VP - External Affairs.
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Car of the Year
Friday, 01 February 2013 07:28
Car of the Year 2012 - 2013 Day 9: The Last Hurrah
Words by Jade Lu | Photos by Hans Gerald Chua
Last Saturday, January 26, 2013, was the final day of the qualitative testing for the 2012 - 2013 Car of the Year Philippines (COTY-P). It was a day for big brutes once again, as Hyundai sent the Santa Fe R-2.2 GLS 6AT 2WD and Premium 4WD, which were matched by Toyota’s Fortuner 4x2 G DSL AT and Hilux 4x2 G MT and Mazda’s CX-5 and BT-50. The Honda CR-V made its reprise with the 2.0 S and 2.4 SX variant, this time made in Thailand with local specs (Honda sent the Japan-made CR-V last time).
It was the fitting ending for this chapter. The cars weren’t too exciting to leave us done and fulfilled at the end of the day; they were mellowed down to leave us wanting more. Of course, “more” would come to us during the technical testing at the Clark International Speedway on February 25 to 27, when the cars will once again converge for the acceleration, braking, and handling tests. But until that comes, we were satisfied enough with the cars we’ve driven to keep us at ease until the end of February. Hopefully, the sky will stay clear of rain clouds and strong winds until then.
With that last hurrah, here are some final words from our writers about the cars of Day 9:
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Car of the Year
Friday, 25 January 2013 08:56
COTY 2012 - 2013 Test Fest Day 8: Performance Day
Words by Jade Lu | Photos by Hans Gerald Chua
The end is near - for the qualitative testing dates, at least. The second to the last 2012 - 2013 Car of the Year Philippines (COTY-P) qualitative test fest day was held least Saturday, 19 January, and things were looking pretty bright despite the gray skies. And who wouldn’t be excited? We were testing six lovely sportsters and two tough trucks. The members of the Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI) couldn’t wait to get their hands all over these beauties; we didn’t know where to start!
Hyundai brought in the Genesis Coupe’s 2.0T 6MT and 3.8L V6 8AT variants, set side-by-side with Toyota’s 86 Aero AT and MT, not to be outdone by MINI’s Cooper S Coupe and Cooper S Roadster. Contrast these low riders with Isuzu’s D-Max 4x4 AT and 4x2 MT, and we had a ball.
After the final qualitative test day this coming Saturday, 26 January, all models from the previous and this coming weeks will once again be put to the test by CAGI’s Technical Team, this time on track for the technical phase of the COTY-P. That would be held in the end of February at the Clark International Speedway (CIS).
For now, here is what our writers had to say about the hardy two-door contenders from last Saturday:
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Car of the Year
Monday, 21 January 2013 07:22
COTY 2012 - 2013 Test Fest Day 7: Big, small, and everything in between
Words by Christopher Kho | Photos by Hans Gerald Chua and author
On a regular day, we'd have around 8 to 10 cars to drive at the Qualitative Testing for the 2012 - 2013 Car of the Year Philippines (COTY-P). But this was no regular day. Last January 12, 2013, the boys and girls of the Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI) found themselves face-to-face with 17 shiny new cars and they had to drive every single one of them. Though the experience was fun, we were all left battered and bruised by the day's end. Still, we got to drive big, small, and everything in between.
The smallest of the bunch were all four variants of the all-new Mirage from Mitsubishi. Following on its trail are the trio of Chevrolet Sonics, in both hatchback and notchback (sedan) forms. Then there were the heavyweights. Chevrolet brought three Colorados with 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains; Foton stepped up with their own all-new Thunder 4x2 and 4x4; and Mitsubishi fielded their 3.0L V6-equipped Montero Sport. But I guess it goes without saying that the crème de la crème were from newcomer Peugeot, who brought their entire line-up: the 3008 crossover, 5008 mpv, 508 sedan, and RCZ sports coupe.
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Car of the Year
Wednesday, 31 October 2012 10:16
COTY 2012 - 2013 Test Fest Day 5: Ford family gathering
Words by Jade Lu | Photos by Hans Gerald Chua
We have finally reached the final day of the 2012 - 2013 Car of the Year Philippines (COTY-P) qualitative testing for 2012! It was our privilege to test the latest car models from different manufacturers, and that made each test day special. Last Saturday’s was quite unique, as all the cars we tested were from Ford: Explorer EcoBoost 2.0 XLT, Fiesta 1.4 AT Sedan, Focus 2.0L Sport + and Titanium +, and the Ranger 2.2L Duratorq 4x2 AT and MT.
With only six cars to drive that day, we were relatively more relaxed and could take each car for a leisurely ride, especially the Explorer. There was even time to demonstrate the Ford Focus’ Active Park Assist feature. There were much ooh’s and ahh’s. It goes without saying: A day testing a one-make lineup really makes one understand the brand as a whole a bit better.
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Car of the Year
Thursday, 18 October 2012 08:19
COTY 2012 - 2013 Test Fest Day 3: Return of the Kings
Words by Christopher Kho | Photos by Hans Gerald Chua and author
Honda and Subaru are no strangers to the Car of the Year Philippines (COTY-P). In fact, both Japanese automakers have won the prestigious award twice in the past. The Accord took the prize in 2004, followed by the previous generation Civic in 2005. Then, it was Subaru's turn to take a back-to-back title with the Impreza STI in 2008 and the Legacy 2.5L GT in 2009. So, it was a chance for these Japanese giants to face-off once again at the third day of the Qualitative Testing for the 2012 - 2013 COTY-P, last October 13, 2012 at Eton Centris in Quezon City. Of course, we didn't forget about the trio of American brutes brought by CATS Motors Inc.
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Thursday, 11 October 2012 09:28
COTY 2012 - 2013 Test Fest Day 2: The Korean conundrum
Words and photos by Christopher Kho
Blessed with good weather, the members of the Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI) once again assembled at Eton Centris, Quezon City for yet another day in the search for the 2012 - 2013 Car of the Year Philippines (COTY-P). Last week's test proved that traffic around the designated test route stayed light throughout the day, which gave us the liberty to drive and enjoy each of the cars a bit longer, knowing that we wouldn't be wasting so much time in a standstill. So, with only six beautiful cars on the list, the second day of the Qualitative Testing was one worth enjoying.
Dominated by the Koreans, the day's list included lightweights from both Kia and Hyundai, plus one rather luxurious Scandinavian sedan from Volvo. Kia brought all three variants of their Rio: the 1.2 LX MT sedan, 1.4 EX AT sedan, and the 1.4 EX AT hatchback. Not to be outdone, Hyundai finally went public with their long-awaited Accent 1.6 GLS CRDi VGT hatchback. They also brought along the cute little EON 0.8 GLS that will go up against last week's Alto K10. Finally, Volvo spoiled us in absolute luxury with their new turbo-diesel-powered S60 D3.
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Car of the Year
Saturday, 06 October 2012 07:20
COTY 2012 - 2013 Test Fest Day 1: A good rainy start
Words and photos by Christopher Kho
At last, the search for the 2012 - 2013 Car of the Year Philippines (COTY-P) has begun. Attended by almost 30 eager motoring journalists, the first day of the Qualitative Test Fest was held last September 29, 2012 at the new official test venue in Eton Centris, Quezon City. And despite the heavy downpour, we forged on to put all these new cars to the test. Although thankfully, the generous people from Eton Centris were kind enough to provide us with tents to shelter us from the weather.
The first seven vehicles were a mix of mini cars, compacts, and a mid-size sedan. Lifan returns this year with a revised LF320 EX - a mini which we also drove last year - and the new seven-seater LF6201 Foison van. Meanwhile, Suzuki's entries include the more powerful Alto K10 and the all-new Kizashi. Lastly, Mitsubishi looks strong in their attempt at the strongly-contested compact car battle, bringing three variants of the 1.6L MIVEC-equipped Lancer EX: the GLX MT, GLX AT, and the top-of-the-line MX AT.
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