Displaying items by tag: isuzu

Displaying items by tag: isuzu The Philippines’ first and longest running on-line automotive magazine. http://kotse.com Sat, 25 May 2013 22:07:17 +0000 Joomla! 1.5 - Open Source Content Management en-gb COTY 2012 - 2013 Test Fest Day 8: Performance Day http://kotse.com/home/index.php/features/car-of-the-year/item/1212-coty-2012-2013-testfest-day-8 http://kotse.com/home/index.php/features/car-of-the-year/item/1212-coty-2012-2013-testfest-day-8

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:

Leslie Sy, Kotse.com Online Expert: 2012 MINI Cooper S Roadster

I have just driven my “midlife crisis” car. It's not a Ferrari, Porsche, or a Lamborghini. Rather, it's a MINI Cooper S Coupe! For only a fraction of the price of a supercar, I had the most fun behind the wheel of the MINI Roadster in my many years of driving.

First of all, this MINI is quick, very quick. The 1.6L engine might be small, but a twin-scroll turbo helps it produce 184 hp with a claimed 0 to 100 km/h time of around 7.0 seconds. Boost comes up at 1,600 rpm and a firm press on the accelerator sends this MINI to speed with ease, pushing me deep into the sporty seats. And as always, this MINI feels like driving a go kart. Just turn the wheel, and it goes wherever you point.

A two-seat coupe may not be the most practical car to buy if you have kids to drop off at school, but looking beyond the lack of rear seats, the Cooper S Coupe does have a decent-sized trunk. It would fit enough bags for a full weekend getaway or a couple of golf bags. And did I tell you this MINI also has a pretty rear wing that automatically deploys when you reach 80 km/h or manually at the flick of a switch?

Having driven the Coupe and Roaster versions back-to-back, the top-down would be my pick, especially for that “wind in your hair” experience. Hopefully I would still have some hair left when my midlife crisis arrives. (I hope it arrives soon!)

Jose Carlo R. Sapera, Kotse.com Assistant Editor: 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T 6MT

Even at a standstill, Hyundai’s new two door sports coupe looked fast with its large front grill and glaring headlights. Likewise, it's blessed with an equally eye-catching interior. I quickly fell in love with the sporty seats covered in leather with red cloth inserts. The backseats though are more suitable for little kids because of the tight leg and head room.

On the road, the 2.0L four-cylinder turbocharged engine was indeed a performer. With 256 hp, it now has enough grunt to catch up to its V6 brother. Response was quite good too, and turbo lag was minimal. The unit we drove came with a short-shift six-speed manual gearbox and shifted smoothly through the gears, but shifting in reverse was a bit challenging. And since the Genesis Coupe is after all a sports-oriented two-door, the ride can be a bit firm at times, but it was something I could easily live with.

Honestly, this was my first time drive the 2.0L version of the Genesis Coupe, and the experience was nothing less than breathtaking.

Hans Chua, Kotse.com Contributor: 2012 Toyota 86 MT

It was a dream come true to be able to get behind the wheel of Toyota's new 86, and the experience simply blew me away.

Pushing this pocket rocket is a 200 hp 2.0L four-cylinder boxer engine that's accompanied by either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. But I prefer the short shift manual, as it lets me feel much more involved in the driving experience. And despite it having a low grumbling boxer, I still fell in love with how the engine screams, especially when you push it to the red line. One drawback though is the suspension. Tuned specifically for sporty driving, it was a bit hash for me driving on Manila's pot hole-ridden streets.

Having a small cabin means everything is within reach, and the dashboard's straightforward layout certainly makes life a lot easier. The bucket-style seats are comfortable and give a snug fit, which is a plus for anyone who wants to take a corner at speed. Too bad no one can sit comfortably at the back, not even kids.

Overall, if you’re the type of person who’s looking for a two door coupe that delivers both fuel efficiency and great handling, then this is the car for you. It's definitely a machine one can enjoy on and off the track, but I still have to try out the latter one of these days.

]]> Car of the Year Fri, 25 Jan 2013 00:56:39 +0000 Isuzu Philippines' 2012 sales performance is highest in 8 years http://kotse.com/home/index.php/news/industry-update/item/1203-isuzu-2012-sales-report http://kotse.com/home/index.php/news/industry-update/item/1203-isuzu-2012-sales-report

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) once again proves that you don't need all-new models, high tech features, or fancy colors to sell cars. What they really focused on are reliability, versatility, and value for money, which allowed them to sell 11,759 vehicles in 2012 - a 20% increase from 2011 and the company's best annual performance since 2004.

Would you believe, more than half of Isuzu's 2012 sales belonged to the ever-so-dependable Crosswind. IPC sold 6,244 Crosswinds last year compared to 5,029 units they managed to sell in 2011. That's a remarkable 24% growth and is also the model's best ever record since 2004. Yep, the Crosswind has been around that long and yet, still sells like hotcakes. As a matter of fact, it was one of the Top 10 Best Selling Vehicles in the country in 2012.

Another model that contributed largely to IPC's success in 2012 was the N-Series truck. 1,630 N-Series models were delivered last year which is 36% more than Isuzu managed to sell in 2011. This is also the truck's best total since 1996 and is the country's top-selling light-duty commercial truck for 14 consecutive years.

The D-MAX pickup also posted gains in 2012 with sales of 2,691 units compared to the 2,500 sold in 2011, while the Alterra SUV sold 838 units last year.

Even with the continuous influx of used, imported trucks and buses in the Philippines that largely affect sales of brand new units, IPC still managed to improve their sales in 2012. Medium-duty Forward trucks sold 257 units, up from 2011's 193. Isuzu's heavy-duty trucks and buses also logged an all-time high of 99 units sold in 2012, compared to the 27 moved in 2011.

“The 20% growth of Isuzu Philippines Corporation in 2012 is proof that the company continues to offer value-laden products that are appreciated by Filipinos,” said IPC President Ryoji Yamazaki. “In 2013, Isuzu will be even more aggressive as we increase our brand equity, and improve our dealer facilities and services, as we target to sell 13,000 vehicles.”

]]> Industry Update Mon, 21 Jan 2013 22:10:58 +0000 Isuzu's D-Max is all set to take on the challenge of the 2013 Dakar Rally http://kotse.com/home/index.php/news/motorsports/item/1120-isuzu-d-max-2013-dakar http://kotse.com/home/index.php/news/motorsports/item/1120-isuzu-d-max-2013-dakar

Words by Gracey Maquiniana | Photos courtesy of Isuzu Motorsports

Isuzu’s motorsport division has built their most powerful pick-up ever to compete in the world's toughest off-road race, the Dakar Rally. The team will race a purpose-built Isuzu D-Max in the T2 Cross-Country car class for production vehicles which will be piloted by Australian Bruce Garland with countrymen Harry Suzuki taking on navigator duties. Together, they will be attempting covering over 8,000 kilometers over the most difficult terrains of Peru, Argentina, and Chile in just 14 days; hopefully finishing in first.

The pick-up is based on a production double-cab D-Max 4x4 powered by a 3.0 liter common-rail turbo-diesel engine with 242 hp and 589 Nm of torque. That's 65 hp and 290 Nm more than the D-Max's most potent production model. Prepped to take on the most punishing terrains, it's mated to a rugged four-wheel drive system with a five-speed Hollinger gearbox and Xtreme rally clutch. This makes it possible for the Dakar-spec D-Max to run from 0 to 100 km/h time in just 7.0 seconds on dirt before it reaches a top speed of 190 km/h. In addition, the chassis has been fitted with aluminum skid plates while the body gets a full roll-cage to prep it for the hardest hits. And taking it through the South American desert are a set of 16x7-inch ROH Trojan alloy wheels with Toyo Open Country M/T-R tires.

With all these modifications, the D-Max now weighs about 2,300 kg.

The Dakar Rally is no stranger to the Australian-based team. Back in 2009, they became the first diesel-powered pickup to finish the race using a previous generation D-Max.

The 35th edition of the Dakar Rally will start on January 5, 2013 in Lima, Peru (with one rest day on the 13th) and finish in Santiago, Chile on the 19th.

]]> Motorsports Tue, 04 Dec 2012 22:21:01 +0000 Bridgestone Cup Round 2: Wading through mud with the Dueler http://kotse.com/home/index.php/motorsports/off-road/item/1034-bridgestone-cup-round-2 http://kotse.com/home/index.php/motorsports/off-road/item/1034-bridgestone-cup-round-2

Words by Beeboy Bargas | Photos by Christopher Kho

Bridgestone puts its 4x4 and SUV tires where its mouth is by staging the second round of the Bridgestone Cup at the Clark International Speedway (CIS) last September. This leg is geared towards demonstrating the Dueler All-Terrain (A/T 697) and Dueler Mud-Terrain (M/T 673) tires, both for on-road and off-road use.

Organized by the Philippine Allied Enterprises Corp. (PAEC), Bridgestone Tires' official distributor in the country, two challenges were prepared to demonstrate the logic of using the right tire for the right “off-the-paved-road” driving condition. And to keep a level playing field, we were divided in to teams of two - one experienced driver matched with a less experienced one. As a veteran of the rough stuff, I was partnered with Kotse.com Assistant Editor, Carlo Sapera.

Dirt Rallycross

The first challenge is run on a flat but twisty corrugated rallycross-style dirt course using a Dueler All-Terrain-equipped 4x2 Isuzu D-Max. It would have been a simple sprint on a mix of dirt and tarmac, but a heavy downpour in the morning turned soil into slippery mud. Designed for superior performance for on-road and off-road driving, the Dueler A/T 697 boasts excellent durability and resistance to cutting and chipping. This would be the perfect chance to see what the tire was made of.

The objective here is to post the fastest time on one lap without gaining penalties by not touching any of the route markers. The track demonstrates the tire's durability from constant pounding of going through the rough terrain at speed. It also must be noted that the vehicle and tires are subjected to continuous abuse from the Bridgestone Cup's many participants – all of whom take turns behind the wheel in trying to best each other's fastest time.

Mud Crawling

On the other hand, the second challenge is an off-road course, complete with steep inclines, small ravines, and lots of slick mud. The track was designed so that we could appreciate the new-generation Bridgestone Dueler Mud-Terrain tire, mounted on Suzuki Samurai pickups. The name speaks for itself. It's an aggressive big-lug mud tire specifically designed more for mud-use than on-road, which was perfect for the day's wet and slippery conditions.

Instead of just going gung-ho on the slick surface like we did in the first challenge, the competition was given a new twist. An open container filled with plastic balls was suspended on the pickup's bed and penalties are incurred for every ball that bounces out on every bump. This forced all the participants to drive smoothly on the uneven and rough terrain. This was not made easier by the Samurai's short wheelbase leaf spring, which made each trail bump very pronounced.

Another twist to the off-road course was the need to stop twice to accomplish tasks along the route. These were a picture puzzle and a ground wire buzzer. All I could say is that, I have very shaky hands.

Duel in the Dirt

Well, unfortunately, the prize was not for us to take. After the times have been tallied, it was the duo of Vince Pornelos and Dean Ang of Autoindustriya.com who came out as champions. But when the fog of war has cleared in the competition and after much cajoling among the participants, the real winner here is Bridgestone's Dueler A/T and M/T tires. Both tires were able to demonstrate their capabilities and practicalities on very different conditions and applications for the increasing number of vehicles in the light truck segment.

]]> Off Road Mon, 22 Oct 2012 01:51:35 +0000 Isuzu Philippines' digital Fuel Calculator helps you prep for your trip http://kotse.com/home/index.php/news/item/1030-ipc-fuel-calculator http://kotse.com/home/index.php/news/item/1030-ipc-fuel-calculator

Whether you're traveling on the road for business or pleasure, one major factor you always have to consider is fuel cost. Though it shouldn't be that difficult to estimate how much will be spent on the pump, it definitely takes a lot experience to get the numbers spot on. Thankfully, the country's diesel expert Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) created an online digital Fuel Calculator to help you punch the numbers for your road trip.

Available at Isuzuphil.com, the Fuel Calculator determines your estimated fuel consumption and cost based on: (1) the Isuzu vehicle your driving, (2) its variant, (3) your starting point and destination within the Philippines, and (4) fuel price in Peso per liter. It does this by using a pre-determined Fuel Efficiency Rating for specific Isuzu models and Google's geomapping software to calculate for the fuel consumption and total travel distance.

The results gives you an estimate of how much fuel will be consumed for the trip and how much it would cost to fill up. This should give you a ballpark figure to help you budget for business deliveries or family road trips.

IPC's Fuel Calculator, however, has its limitations. The fuel efficiency ratings are based on ideal conditions, so different driving, traffic, and road conditions and other factors will affect actual results. Likewise, it does not compute for distances travelled by the vehicle via ferry. Still, it's a great tool for anyone who needs a helping hand.

]]> News Thu, 18 Oct 2012 02:57:23 +0000 Brute Force: Isuzu bares Top 10 reasons why you should buy Trucks brand new http://kotse.com/home/index.php/features/item/1024-isuzu-top10-brand-new-trucks http://kotse.com/home/index.php/features/item/1024-isuzu-top10-brand-new-trucks

Short on cash? Why not buy second-hand? That seems to be a great idea if you're buying appliances, furniture, or maybe even articles of clothing. But would you really buy an imported, converted second-hand truck for your business?

It might seem cheap at first, but it could be like adopting a 10-year-old dog. Before any of you animal activists air out your opinions, hear me out. While an old pooch may only have a few years left and cost extra for frequent check-ups at the vet, at least it will love you unconditionally. A second-hand truck's low price, on the other hand, might look enticing, but the risks could outweigh the benefits.

Thankfully, the country's diesel expert, Isuzu Philippine Corporation (IPC), has listed down these Top 10 reasons why you should buy Trucks brand new.

Imported second-hand trucks offer only one advantage: they're cheap to acquire. But a closer look would reveal that used trucks become costlier to operate in the long run.
With no service history and warranty, it puts the buyer at risk.
Used trucks imported into the Philippines have served past their useful lifetime in their country of origin.
An uncertain reliability could require more maintenance and repair work, cause costly delays to business, and are likely to fail emission standards.
Majority have been converted from right-hand-drive to left-hand-drive using questionable methods, making them unsafe.
Brand new trucks may be priced higher, but the long-term advantages make them more cost-effective.
New trucks have a useful life of more than 10 years, while imported second-hand units may only last 3 years.
After a decade of reliable service, trucks bought new have a higher resale value.
Brand new Isuzu trucks are in excellent operating condition. Maintenance schedules are also performed by highly-trained IPC technicians who strictly follow manufacturer specifications. Plus, they're fitted only with genuine Isuzu parts.
Fitted with powerful modern engines, brand new Isuzu trucks comply with strict emission standards and are guaranteed to be fuel-efficient.

Still not convinced? Looking at the numbers, a second hand unit can be purchased for only P580,00, while a new Isuzu truck costs P944,000. But put into account service life, fuel-efficiency, warranty coverage, and additional expenses associated with imported used trucks (repair downtime, breakdowns, or roadside apprehension due to smoke belching), a brand new Isuzu actually comes out P300,000 cheaper to run per year. Savings come from longer service life, better fuel efficiency, and parts warranty for the truck's first three years. Not bad, eh?

When it comes to trucks, nothing compares to the diesel expertise of Isuzu Philippines Corporation. They've established a reputation for being reliable, durable, and fuel efficient. And as proof, their N-Series has been the country's best-selling truck in its category for the past 13 years. Beat that!

]]> Features Tue, 16 Oct 2012 00:12:04 +0000 Isuzu delivers 53 brand-new CYZ51 dump trucks to Philippines' largest nickel mining company http://kotse.com/home/index.php/news/industry-update/item/893-isuzu-nac-dump-trucks http://kotse.com/home/index.php/news/industry-update/item/893-isuzu-nac-dump-trucks

It just goes to show that Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) is indeed the country's diesel expert when the Philippines' largest nickel mining company and one of the biggest in the world, Nickel Asia Corporation (NAC), recently received their order of 53 brand-new Isuzu CYZ51 dump trucks. These new trucks will be used to transport raw lateritic nickel ore extracted from NAC's sites to their processing plants, where it can then be converted to forms suitable for use in various industries.

NAC has a long operating history in the Philippines. The company started selling ore way back in 1977 from its very first mine site in Rio Tuba, Palawan. And since 2004, IPC has supplied more than 100 brand-new vehicles to NAC subsidiaries in Rio Tuba, Taganito, Coral Bay, and Cagdianao.

Among the brand new-trucks recently purchased by NAC, 13 units will be used at the company’s Taganito site in Surigao, while the 40 units will be used in Rio Tuba.

IPC also goes the extra mile to show its commitment to its partners, and went as far as establishing a dedicated on-site parts depot in NAC's Taganito site. On top of that, IPC is also conducting seminars for NAC's drivers and mechanics on proper maintenance and operation of these brand-new Isuzu trucks. Additionally, IPC technical engineers have scheduled regular visits to NAC’s operation sites so they can monitor and assure the optimum performance of the trucks. How's that for after sales support?

]]> Industry Update Thu, 09 Aug 2012 22:47:07 +0000 Isuzu Philippines celebrates 15 years of building world-class trucks http://kotse.com/home/index.php/news/industry-update/item/882-isuzu-philippines-15-year-anniversary http://kotse.com/home/index.php/news/industry-update/item/882-isuzu-philippines-15-year-anniversary

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) first got its production line rolling way back in 1997. Built during the height of the Philippine automotive industry, their plant, located Laguna Technopark in Biñan, Laguna, was formally inaugurated by then-President Fidel V. Ramos. Since then, the plant has produced more than 150,000 trucks, which now accounts for almost 70% of the light-duty and 25% of the medium- to heavy-duty trucks on our roads today. And on its 15th Anniversary, IPC looks back at 15 years of building world-class trucks.

“Over the 15 years that Isuzu Philippines Corporation has been operating, we have introduced vehicles that Filipinos have counted on for their business use and personal enjoyment,” said IPC President Ryoji Yamazaki. “As we celebrate our 15th year milestone, Isuzu will continue to deliver such reliable, durable and fuel-efficient products in the many more years to come.”

For more than a decade, IPC has established itself as the Diesel Engine Technology Expert, building reliable and trusted workhorses and leisure vehicles alike. As a testament, they've periodically led the pickup and AUV segments in the country and dominated the light-duty truck class. The Isuzu N-Series truck has led its category for 13 straight years, while the Crosswind has been the only Philippine-made vehicle in history to appear at the Tokyo Motor Show when it was displayed in 2003. That year also proved to be a milestone when IPC recorded its best production run with almost 13,000 units delivered.

Though admittedly, it would be cheaper for Isuzu to import their vehicles Completely Built Up (CBU) from Thailand, IPC remains committed to build and assemble vehicles in the country to support the local automotive industry's and the government's thrust to promote domestic manufacturing.

“We believe in the world-class competence and skills of the Filipino, and in contributing to the national interest by generating jobs,” Yamazaki said.

For the past 15 years, IPC has not only built world-class trucks, but has also given hundreds of our countrymen livelihoods. See what goes on inside IPC's assembly plant by checking out our plant tour experience: “An Isuzu is Born: A day of building world-class trucks.”

]]> Industry Update Wed, 01 Aug 2012 23:18:10 +0000 Isuzu funds TESDA's Automotive Training Center to help make lives better http://kotse.com/home/index.php/news/industry-update/item/860-isuzu-tesda-automotive-training-center http://kotse.com/home/index.php/news/industry-update/item/860-isuzu-tesda-automotive-training-center

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Automotive Training Center in Tacloban, Leyte provides the experience and expertise for manpower skills development through Technical Vocational Education and Training. This way, they're able to provide underprivileged youths the proper education, skill, and knowledge to give them a chance to improve their lives. And the driving force behind this is Isuzu Motors Ltd. (IML) of Japan.

IML provides the funding for the project which is part of the company's “Heart and Smile” corporate social responsibility campaign. Besides the financial support, the Japanese automaker also supplies technical requirements that are essential to the course, such as training materials, program modules, and practical training.

For IML Chairman Yoshinori Ida, providing the youth access to education is key to improving their lives. “It is important that we give young people the opportunities that will give them hope and the skills that they can translate into a better future,” said Ida. “Providing them with automotive training is one way of achieving this.”

Taking the top award in this year's list of graduates, Angelito Layco used to be a farmer before he joined the automotive training center. He comes from the island of Mindoro and is now scheduled to take his on-the-job training at Isuzu Makati.

The training center first opened its doors in 2008 with the aim of providing underprivileged but deserving scholars subsidized automotive training that would qualify graduates to TESDA’s NC4 certification - the highest automotive servicing qualification in the Philippines. At present, 84 Isuzu-TESDA scholars have already graduated from the center.

“I hope that the training center’s graduates turn out to be as fine as their seniors and become new stars that brighten the workplace with hope and aspirations,” Ida said.

At the Isuzu-TESDA Automotive Training Center, the future looks bright.

]]> Industry Update Mon, 16 Jul 2012 22:17:42 +0000 Isuzu offers Road Heroes for Pinoy Heroes this May http://kotse.com/home/index.php/news/contest-and-promos/item/789-isuzu-road-heroes-for-pinoy-heroes http://kotse.com/home/index.php/news/contest-and-promos/item/789-isuzu-road-heroes-for-pinoy-heroes

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) is rewarding hardworking Filipino heroes this month of May through the “Road Heroes for Pinoy Heroes” promo. Featuring the Alterra, Crosswind, and D-MAX, customers will be able to take home any of Isuzu's flagship vehicles at specially discounted rates.

The Isuzu Alterra is the perfect choice for anyone who efficiently balances work and family life, now available with a P100,000 discount. Equipped with Isuzu's 2nd generation CRDi engine - ensuring topnotch performance and superior fuel economy - each Alterra purchase comes with an additional P5,000 fuel card FREE.

For the entrepreneurial Pinoy hero, the Isuzu Crosswind is available with a discount of up to P55,000. With its large cargo space for bigger loads, trusted engine, and unbeatable fuel efficiency, the Crosswind is certainly one hardworking vehicle.

Or if you're a Pinoy weekend warrior, the Isuzu D-MAX is now being offered with a discount of up to P50,000. Specially designed for both recreation and business, the D-MAX is the perfect combination of comfort and function. Get ready for any adventure, for whatever exciting possibility with the D-MAX.

“This is our way of paying tribute to the men and women of various industries who contribute, and continue to provide to the progress and development of the Philippines,” says IPC President Ryoji Yamazaki. “This campaign is very much aligned with our corporate vision of being instrumental in moving the country forward.”

Isuzu's “Road Heroes for Pinoy Heroes” promo is up to May 31, 2012 only.

Visit the nearest Isuzu dealership now and find out more about these marvelous deals. For more details, log on to www.isuzuphil.com.

]]> Contest and Promos Wed, 23 May 2012 00:12:01 +0000