Displaying items by tag: manila international auto show

Displaying items by tag: manila international auto show The Philippines’ first and longest running on-line automotive magazine. http://kotse.com Tue, 21 May 2013 23:06:41 +0000 Joomla! 1.5 - Open Source Content Management en-gb Chery makes a comeback with all-new models at 2013 MIAS http://kotse.com/home/index.php/news/newly-launched/item/1366-chery-all-new-models-2013-mias http://kotse.com/home/index.php/news/newly-launched/item/1366-chery-all-new-models-2013-mias

Words by Jose Carlo R. Sapera | Photos by Christopher Kho

Do you guys still remember Chery? The Chinese car manufacturer first came to the Philippines through its previous distributor Iseway Motors Philippines Inc. about six years ago, bringing with them models such as the QQ and Tiggo. These guys had some success with the brand, but were plagued by customer complaints regarding reliability and after sales service. Faced with all these problems, they then decided to call it quits in 2011. And that's when Chery Motors Philippines, Inc. stepped in with hopes to give the brand a second chance at life.

After a long hiatus, Chery is finally back on its feet and they just launched four all-new models at this year's Manila International Auto Show (MIAS).

Chery QQ3
The little QQ was Chery's bread and butter model back in '07. Its sub-P400,000 price tag won the hearts of many, including Coke Philippines who bought a few hundred QQs for their fleet. Fast forward six years later and we get a restyled, and hopefully re-engineered, version now called the QQ3.

The 2,340 mm wheelbase indicates that the QQ3 is still loosely based on the older QQ, but has since lost its Daewoo Matiz- derived body. It, however, hasn't lost its curves and cute charming looks. They've even retained the “smiley face” upfront that's formed by the headlights and curvy front grill.

For P419,000, you get power windows, power steering, five-speed manual transmission, and a 12-valve 1.0 liter DOHC engine that delivers 68 hp and 93 Nm of torque. Not bad. Now, the only question is: Does it run better than the old QQ?

Chery X1
Part of Chery's new exciting line-up is the X1 mini city SUV. Aside from the roundish body, the X1 comes with big plastic wheel arches and an increased ground clearance - perfect for those who will use the X1 as a workhorse. The black-cased headlight clusters, on the other hand, resemble a Panda's eyes. Now if only it came in white.

The X1 is powered by four-cylinder 1.3 liter engine and paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Other features include a digital speedometer, USB connectivity, dual airbags, and ABS with EBD. You can get one for as low as P619,000, but we're guessing that it'll have to be renamed sometime in the near future once BMW takes notice that the X1 shares its name with one of their SUVs.

Chery Fulwin II
The Fulwin II is the best looker of the bunch. This five-door hatchback was first launched in China three years ago, and what we got is the refreshed model. To give you an idea how big it is, it’s about 20mm longer than the Hyundai Accent hatchback and is classified as a subcompact.

Upfront, the Fulwin II sports sharp-looking headlights and a rather wide lower grill that stretches across the entire front bumper. The c-shaped tail lights, on the other hand, fits well with the body. Inside, the Fulwin II boasts a neat dashboard layout that somehow resembles the Chevrolet Cruze minus the numerous audio buttons. The plastic panels on the doors and tops are of good quality, while the manual shifter doesn’t feel spongy which is a plus.

This beautiful hatchback is propelled by a four-cylinder 1.5 liter SOHC ACTECO engine that generates 107 hp and 140 Nm of torque. Chery said that it is only available with five-speed manual gearbox. Safety kits such as dual airbags, ABS with EBD are part of the package and is affordably priced at P599,000.

Chery E5
The E5 is the only four-door sedan in Chery's line-up and replaces the A5 sedan which was available locally few years back. If you look at it closely, this compact somewhat resembles the outgoing Honda Accord upfront which explains the good looks. As for its size, the E5 is 40mm longer than the current Toyota Corolla Altis.

Like the Fulwin II, the E5 also comes with a solidly-built interior. However, it lacks some luxurious touches such as chrome or wood paneling that some might want.

Under the hood is the same power block found on the Fulwin II and paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Also included in the P600,000 price tag are dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and USB radio connectivity.

All these new Cherys come with a three-year or 100,000 kilometer warranty for worry-free driving and ownership. Lets just hope that its new distributor, Chery Motors Philippines, Inc., will learn from the past and succeed where others have failed.

]]> Newly Launched Wed, 24 Apr 2013 01:34:52 +0000 Ford's updated 2013 Everest grows a smile for 9th MIAS http://kotse.com/home/index.php/news/newly-launched/item/1361-ford-2013-everest-mias http://kotse.com/home/index.php/news/newly-launched/item/1361-ford-2013-everest-mias

Words and photos by Christopher Kho

If history is any indication, Ford will base the upcoming next generation Everest on the latest all-new Ranger. And now that the Everest we currently have is already six years old, it's only about time that Ford comes up with a new one. But at the 2013 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), Ford Philippines gave their best-selling SUV one last hurrah by giving it a smile. This is the new 2013 Ford Everest.

Unlike the other Fords on display, the 2013 Everest didn't receive as much fan fare. It was only when our own Assistant Editor Carlo Sapera pointed it out that I noticed the differences.

The biggest updates on this 2013 model can be found on the front end. The bottom corners of the headlights have been chamfered, while the chrome grill is now much much smaller - so small that the letters E-V-E-R-E-S-T had to be relocated to the hood as stickers. The two front flog lamp housings were likewise reshaped. But the most prominent change of all is the huge hexagonal lower grill, that at some angles, look like a smile.

Other external changes we noticed were silver accents placed on the bottoms of the front and rear bumpers, and a different design twin six-spoke alloy wheels. Oh, they've also managed to add a small rear spoiler.

As for the cabin, the unit on display had an all-black interior as opposed to beige that we saw on our last test drive. This not only makes the interior look more upscale, but also a lot easier to clean.

No changes has been made mechanically so engine options are still the 2.5L and 3.0L four-cylinder CRDi. Meanwhile, prices only get a slight adjustment at P1,370,000 for the 2.5L 4x2 XLT MT, P1,450,000 for the 2.5L 4x2 XLT AT, P1,540,000 for the 2.5L 4x2 AT limited, and P1,740,000 for the 3.0L 4x4 AT Limited.

]]> Newly Launched Mon, 22 Apr 2013 01:54:12 +0000 Motor Image Pilipinas marks arrival of all-new 2013 Subaru Forester http://kotse.com/home/index.php/news/newly-launched/item/1352-subaru-all-new-2013-forester-launch http://kotse.com/home/index.php/news/newly-launched/item/1352-subaru-all-new-2013-forester-launch

Words and photos by Hans Gerald Chua

The 1st generation Forester of the 90's looked more like a station wagon than the crossover that it has shaped up to be today. Subaru engineers redesigned it from the ground up, making it a little bit taller and a little bit bigger to cater to the growing appeal of compact SUVs, but without messing with the fun-to-drive AWD formula. I should know, because I was one of those people who bought one a 3rd generation Forester to be exact. Now five years have passed since that model was introduced, Motor Image Pilipinas finally launched the all-new 4th generation Subaru Forester at the 2013 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) which is bigger and taller than before, and promises to be a little bit faster.

The all-new Forester is actually 36 mm longer and 15 mm wider than the old model. They've also extended the wheelbase by 23 mm (almost an inch) to give way for more passenger legroom. Ground clearance was then raised to 221 mm for better off-road driving capabilities.

For those who are looking for something out of the extraordinary, the all-new Forester is anything but. To the untrained eye, the all-new Forester is a spitting image of the model it replaces. It's only when you really look at each body line and curve do you see how Subaru ever-so-slightly made their beloved compact SUV even better. As they say, the devil is in the details.

Quite honestly, I wasn't all too impressed when I first saw photos of the all-new Forester online. I felt a bit iffy about its design, because at a glance, it looked like a supersized XV, especially with those new signature Subaru “arrow-shaped” headlights. But all that changed when I saw it in the sheet metal. You'll really have to see it for yourself to know what I'm talking about.

There are, however, some things we noticed that are worth mentioning. Based on observation, it now has bigger doors for easier access going in and out of the crossover. The bigger door leads to a bigger cabin space that comfortably seats all five passengers. A newly-developed X-mode control system also comes with the new package. What it does is work with the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive to make navigating through slippery roads and steeps hills a whole lot easier.

The top-of-the-line 2.0XT variant comes with luxuries such as a start/stop button, leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, a power liftgate, and a boost gauge that's integrated into the central multi-information display. Moreover, it no longer has a hood scoop that all other turbocharged Subarus had before it. Instead, it’s been replaced by an air channel hidden in the new front grill to move air to the intercooler.

Resting under the hood of the entry-level 2.0i-L variant is a normally-aspirated FB20 four-cylinder 2.0L boxer engine - the same one found in the previous Forester with 146 hp and 196 Nm of torque. The 2.0XT variant, on the other, hand gets a new 2.0L four-cylinder with Direct Injection Turbo (DIT) engine, which produces 237 hp and 350 Nm of torque. Subaru claims that the 2.0XT only takes 7.5 seconds in the sprint to 100 km/h, and yet, is economical enough to get up to 13.6 km/L on the highway. Both are mated to a new Lineartronic transmission (otherwise known as a CVT to you and me) but only the 2.0XT gets the SI-DRIVE where you can choose between Intelligent, Sports, and S# mode.

The all-new Forester is now on sale through Motor Image Pilipinas. The 2.0i-L is listed at P1,398,000, while the 2.0XT is priced at P1,868,000.

]]> Newly Launched Wed, 17 Apr 2013 01:23:22 +0000 Aeolus Tires rolls in new passenger car tire line-up at 9th MIAS http://kotse.com/home/index.php/news/item/1349-aeolus-tires-passenger-car-9th-mias http://kotse.com/home/index.php/news/item/1349-aeolus-tires-passenger-car-9th-mias

You might not have heard of them before, but Aeolus Tires have actually been around since the 60's. Well, in China at least where its headquarters is based. They're currently ranked 20th among the “Top 75 Global Ranking Tires” according to their portfolio and have partnered with bus, truck, and commercial vehicle manufacturers such as DFM and Foton. As proof of how good their tires are, the brand has now built a solid reputation in North and South America, Europe, and Asia. And now, they're here in the Philippines with a full line-up of passenger car tires that debuted at the recently-concluded 2013 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS).

Technically, Aeolus Tires first came to the Philippines back in 2000 where they started distributing tires for buses, trucks, and heavy equipment. Now, they're extending their portfolio by offering a wide variety of passenger car tires that according to them are “guaranteed to be dependable, durable, and very cost-effective.”

Their most basic tire is called GreenAce AG02, designed mainly for long mileage applications such as taxis or fleet vehicles. This pretty much explains why it's only available for 13- and 14- inch rim sizes. And as the name suggests, they've designed this for optimum fuel efficiency.

Then, there's the UtilityAce AS02 - a sporty tire made for SUVs. Like the GreenAce, it's also made for longevity and fuel efficiency. But to help it cope with rough terrain, Aeolus claims that it's also a good performer on mud and snow. Sizes range from 15 to 17-inch rims.

For your regular subcompact and compact hatchback or sedan, Aeolus has the PrecisionAce AH01. The brochure actually says it's “designed for limousine,” but we guess it means that this tire will make your car drive like one; comfort-wise, not handling-wise. Available in 14- to 17-inch rim sizes, they've designed the PrecisionAce to prevent wheel damage when you accidentally hit the sidewalk.

Finally, track day enthusiasts should try out SteeringAce AU01 - Aeolus' high performance tire. Asymmetric grooves and something they call “Seamless Beat Wire Connection Technology” should provide excellent high-speed stability and grip. It's available in 14- to 20-inch rim sizes, ranging from as tall as 65 series to as low as 35 series.

Aeolus is not your typical “made in China” brand, which tends to be cheap and substandard. These guys have done their homework and actually have an in-house R&D department. The four tires listed above are pretty advanced too, which were all just launched in 2012. They might just want to rethink their tagline “The Preferred Alternative,” which doesn't speak too well about their brand.

The Philippine distributor of Aeolus Tires, however, has failed to give us a list of shops where you can buy tires, so you will have to try your nearest tire shop and ask if they carry the brand.

Check out Aeolus Tire's full line up by visiting www.aeolus-tyre.com.

]]> News Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:29:13 +0000 Suzuki's new Alto 800 and Dzire makes unannounced appearance at 2013 MIAS http://kotse.com/home/index.php/news/newly-launched/item/1348-suzuki-alto-800-dzire-2013-mias http://kotse.com/home/index.php/news/newly-launched/item/1348-suzuki-alto-800-dzire-2013-mias

Words by Jose Carlo R. Sapera | Photos courtesy of Maruti-Suzuki

For those who went to the 2013 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), some of you may have noticed two new small Maruti-made cars from Suzuki. Their little booth isn’t as noticeable as some since it was not situated in the the main hall like all the other major manufacturers were. It was also a rather lackluster display from one of their dealers, instead of being a full-blown fiasco funded by Suzuki Philippines Inc. (SPI). Still, our peering eyes quickly saw the all-new Alto 800 and Dzire.

Suzuki Alto 800

Maruti-Suzuki launched the Alto K10-based Alto 800 in India back in October 2012. It looks a lot more modern compared with the 13-year-old Alto K10 design as it carries Suzuki's new “wave front” design philosophy which, they say, is composed of complex curves and rounded edges. However, the same cannot be said for the cabin. Everything inside looks plain, boring, and plasticky. Kudos to Suzuki's photographers and graphic artists for making it look nice on pictures.

Based on the flyer we got, the Alto 800 comes with power windows, door locks, and steering for the GLX model. The basic GA grade, on the other hand, doesn't have all these ammenities. It is powered by a three-cylinder 796cc mill that generates 47 hp and 68 Nm of torque, and is matted with a five-speed manual gearbox only.

The sales agent present at the display told us that it will be priced around P350,000 to P450,000.

Suzuki Dzire

The Suzuki Dzire is actually the sedan version of the Swift and considered as one of the best selling cars in Sari land. Seriously. We thought that this car was tailored solely for the Indian market, so we couldn't help but be a bit surprised to see it here.

This oddly-shaped sedan is 145 mm longer than the hatchback and offers more luggage space. It comes with steel rims with wheel covers, dual-airbags, and immobilizer. The Dzire on display, however, only has all four manual wind-up windows. It could have been more desirable if the two front windows are electric powered, at least. The beige seats look bright, but not as classy as the all-black interior of the Swift.

Under the hood is a four-cylinder 1.2 liter engine rated at 86 hp and 114 Nm of torque. The power block is then paired with a five-speed manual transmission. The price tag is yet to be finalized, but it will likely be sold below P600,000. With the low cost and specs, Suzuki intends it to be a cash cow serving fleets or taxis.

We were told that both the Alto 800 and Dzire will be officially launched and go on sale by the end of this month. Both entry-level subcompacts will likely target the segment where the Hyundai EON and Kia Rio LX thrive, but the Korean counterparts look a lot more appealing.

]]> Newly Launched Mon, 15 Apr 2013 23:53:12 +0000 Ford Ranger's new Chassis Cab and Single Cab variants will help get your business going http://kotse.com/home/index.php/news/newly-launched/item/1340-ford-ranger-chassis-single-cab-mias http://kotse.com/home/index.php/news/newly-launched/item/1340-ford-ranger-chassis-single-cab-mias

Words and photos by Christopher Kho

Ford's display at the recently-concluded 9th Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) was by far this year's biggest - spanning the entire length of the World Trade Center and measuring at 1,000 sq. meters in floor space. Ford's entire line-up was proudly on display, from the pint-sized Fiesta all the way to the colossal Explorer. They were all poised in the spotlight, outshining even the leggy models in high heels beside them.

But tucked away at one corner were two little white trucks that only a few peering eyes noticed. They might not be the prettiest or fastest on display, but we're pretty sure that both can easily outsell all other Ford nameplates 100-to-1. We're talking about the new Ranger 2.2L 4x2 Chassis Cab and Single Cab - tough trucks that will help your business go places.

These two Rangers are the single cab version of the Ranger XLT and Wildtrak, but with less kit. They have no fancy leather seats, climate control, or power windows, and the only luxuries are a two-speaker sound system and a radio with CD, MP3, and AUX. The front bumper and side mirrors are also left unpainted, not only to save cost in production, but also for repair. Likewise, 16-inch steel rims have replaced the pretty alloys. All of these cost-cutting measures were done because they're designed as workhorses to haul items from point A to B, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

While they ride on the same Ranger platform, the Chassis Cab and Single Cab versions only come as 4x2. The ground clearance is also 88 mm lower so the 800 mm wading depth of the XLT no longer applies.

Powering these two beasts of burden is a four-cylinder 2.2L Duratorq diesel engine with turbo-charged direct common-rail injection. On paper, it's rated at 120 hp and 285 Nm of torque which is 30 hp less than the standard Ranger. Meanwhile, the only transmission option is a five-speed manual.

The Ranger 2.2L Single Cab comes with a flat bed so you can haul large items with ease. The plastic bedliner shown in the press photo, however, is not included as standard equipment. On the other hand, the Chassis Cab version, as the name suggests, is a bare chassis that you can customize for either passenger or cargo.

The Ford Ranger 2.2L Single Cab and Chassis Cab will go on sale this May. Pricing has yet been announced.

Apart from these two, Ford also launched a Ranger 2.2L Base Lowrider MT and Ranger 2.2L 4x2 XL MT variant to add to the line-up. The Base Lowrider is simply a doublecab version of the Ranger Single Cab and is priced at P859,000. Meanwhile, the Ranger 4x2 XL MT is an XLT minus the luxuries of USB and Bluetooth Connectivity, side steps, mud flaps, power folding side mirrors, bedliner, leather seats, airbags, and alarm, priced at P959,000 which is P110,000 cheaper than the XLT model.

]]> Newly Launched Wed, 10 Apr 2013 03:05:07 +0000 Peugeot’s eye-catching RCZ coupe gets a facelift, makes debut at 2013 MIAS http://kotse.com/home/index.php/news/newly-launched/item/1336-peugeot-rcz-debut-2013-mias http://kotse.com/home/index.php/news/newly-launched/item/1336-peugeot-rcz-debut-2013-mias

Words by Jade Lu | Photos by Christopher Kho

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to look younger and fresher, than to age like wine. Take it from the French and their quest for aesthetics and romanticism. It’s no surprise that the ‘Spirit of the Snob Appeal’ is translated to their cars as well. At the recently-concluded 2013 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), Eurobrands Distributor Inc (EDI), the official distributor of Peugeot in the Philippines, unveiled their newly refreshed sports coupe, the RCZ.

The new RCZ embodies Peugeot’s signature: MOTION & EMOTION. Its new front grill, sloping lines, and double-bubble roof very well depict poise and exhilaration and sportiness at the same time, making the coupe look like it’s ready to pounce at any given time. It definitely earns the lion on its marque. The 19-inch wheels add to the effect. We’ll let the photos speak for themselves.

Do take note: The RCZ is not all looks, even if it does aim to be the center of aesthetic attention. Its particularly low ride height may not be practical for Metro Manila’s roads, but it is practical in other ways. The Hill Start assistance, for example, is practical for those living on sloping villages. Its trunk space is a hefty 384 liters, which can expand to 760 liters when the rear seats are folded back. (Those seats were never really meant to be occupied anyway.) It is still powered by a 156 hp 1.6L engine mated to a six-speed automated gearbox.

There are five available colors for the RCZ - Opal White, Tuanake Blue, Haria Grey, Nera Black, and Moroccan Red. A Moroccan Red unit was on display at MIAS, and it definitely looked stunning. For those who have an inner hipster and want a sporty ‘date car’ that’s a break from the usual picks, the Peugeot RCZ may just be the answer.

A fresh batch of the facelifted RCZ will be coming in the country with EDI’s next shipment. There’s no word about its price yet.

]]> Newly Launched Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:23:34 +0000 All-new Mazda 6 with SKYACTIV-G now in the Philippines, Priced at P1.705 million http://kotse.com/home/index.php/news/newly-launched/item/1334-all-new-mazda6-philippine-launch http://kotse.com/home/index.php/news/newly-launched/item/1334-all-new-mazda6-philippine-launch

Words by Leslie Sy | Photos by Christopher Kho

This is the car we've all been waiting for. Well, at least we at Kotse.com have. Why? Because it's the prettiest and most well-engineered midsize sedan we've seen in a long while, not only from Mazda, but from everyone else. The all-new 2013 Mazda 6 is the 3rd generation of the series Mazda started in 2002. Not only is it packed with SKYACTIV technology nose to tail, it also promises a larger interior space and better fuel economy than ever before.

The latest generation all-new Mazda 6 was recently launched at the 2013 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS). Berjaya Auto Philippines, Mazda's new local distributor, even gave us a quick preview at the newly-opened Mazda Pasig before the show opened. So please do hear our reasons why you should want one too.

SKYACTIV Goodness
Under that long sloping bonnet is the new direct-injection four-cylinder 2.5L SKYACTIV-G engine that's rated at 185 hp and 250 Nm of torque. It's mated to a SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifts designed to give exceptionally quick and smooth shifts between gears.

Like a hybrid, the new powerplant now comes with a brake energy regeneration power system, called i-ELOOP, that captures some of the (normally wasted) kinetic energy back into electrical power to used by the car's electrical system. Aside from that, there is also i-stop - a system which stops the engine when the car is stationary to help cut down fuel consumption.

All that tech propels the Mazda 6 from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 223 km/h - numbers which could easily beat its competitors with much bigger engines. And yet, Mazda claims it can achieve a respectable combined fuel economy of 15.9 km/L.

Sadly, Berjaya Auto Philippines can't bring in the SKYACTIV-D (diesel) engine yet, because Mazda has a strict policy on fuel quality.

KODO - Soul of Motion
The all-new Mazda 6 is also as good aesthetically as it is mechanically. It's wrapped in a beautifully sculpted body that flows smoothly from the front all the way to the back, which reflects Mazda's new “KODO - Soul of Motion” design philosophy. In all honestly, we found it hard to find an angle where the car doesn't look good. In many ways, it reminds me of a Jaguar (the car, not the animal) whose body lines the Mazda 6 seems to closely resemble. The streamlined profile also gives it a low 0.26 drag coefficient, which should help fuel economy. To cap it all off, it's fitted with sweet multi-spoke 19-inch rims and a sunroof.

Measuring at 4,865 mm long, 1,840 mm wide, and 1,450 mm tall, it's marginally bigger than its predecessor. Yet, they've managed to shed 110 kg off its weight, tipping the scales at just 1,360 kg. And as we should all know by now, lighter always means faster. The wheelbase has likewise been extended to a class-leading 2,830 mm.

Creature Comforts
Inside, you'd be greeted by a white and black leather-covered interior that's exclusive for this Soul Red Metallic color. The interior is all-black leather for the other body colors. Soft-to-touch surfaces with dark wood and metallic trims then adorn the interior to give it that luxurious touch. Both front seats are also power adjustable, while the nicely sculptured rear seats have tons of legroom thanks to the long wheelbase.

Mazda has made a substantial effort to make the dashboard uncluttered and easy to use, mainly by replacing all the buttons with a 5.8 inch touchscreen infotainment system. Other noteworthy features include Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, reverse camera, automatic dual-zone climate control, and push start/stop button.

Also worth mentioning is the all-new Mazda 6's rear compartment 489 liter capacity. Although relatively shallow, it's very wide and deep, probably designed to fit a handful of golf bags.

Safety doesn't take a back seat in the all-new Mazda 6. It features dual front, side, and curtain airbags as well as other safety systems like Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), ABS with EBD, Hill Launch Assist (HLA), and Adaptive Front-lighting System with Auto Leveling (AFS).

King of the Road

Steven Tan, CEO of Berjaya Auto Philippines said, “The new Mazda 6 signifies a fresh direction for Mazda in the Philippines. We are rebuilding the foundation to bring cars, SUV and trucks to our customers that are exhilarating to drive, beautiful to look at, comfortable, safe, high quality and above all, incredibly fuel efficient. The new Mazda6 and CX-5 are leading the path with SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY.”

The all-new 2013 Mazda 6 with SKYACTIV technology is now on sale in the Philippines. Good news is, the price had remained unchanged from its previous model, listed at P1.705 million. Plus, it also comes with Mazda's YOJIN3 Total Care program, which includes a 3-year periodic maintenance service, 3-year emergency roadside assistance, and 3-year product warranty. Colors available are Soul Red Metallic, Meteor Grey Mica, Jet Black Mica, Aluminum Metallic, and Snowflake White Pearl Mica.

In related news, Mazda has recently issued a recall for all 2013 Mazda 6's with concerns over the electrical system and components of its i-ELOOP system that affects 15,000 cars worldwide. Thankfully, Steven Tan assured us that all local Mazda 6 units will have these faulty parts replaced before they're delivered to customers.

]]> Newly Launched Mon, 08 Apr 2013 07:39:42 +0000 Ford's facelifted Fiesta makes special 1-day appearance at 9th MIAS http://kotse.com/home/index.php/news/newly-launched/item/1333-ford-new-fiesta-9th-mias http://kotse.com/home/index.php/news/newly-launched/item/1333-ford-new-fiesta-9th-mias

Words by Jose Carlo R. Sapera | Photos by Christopher Kho

Just a week ago, the new Ford Fiesta, with its 1.0L EcoBoost engine, made its ASEAN debut at the 34th Bangkok International Motor Show. From our sources within Ford Philippines, we knew that the facelifted model will be coming to the Philippines within the year. But we didn't expect them to pull a rabbit out of the hat when it made a special 1-day appearance at the 9th Manila International Auto Show (MIAS).

Honestly, we didn’t expect the new Fiesta to make it to the show, let alone a local-spec left-hand-drive unit. We only found out when we saw a peculiar little car covered with a silver silk cloth on Ford's display. Sadly, Ford decided to hide it from public view for the remaining three days of the show.

Apart from pictures, this was our first time to see the new Fiesta in the sheet metal. The hexagonal chrome grill and slimmer headlight clusters does made the front look more upscale, ala Aston Martin. The foglamp housing have been likewise reshaped. Although it might not translate well in photos, the hood now has a new “power bludge.”

Seeing the new Fiesta in person answered few questions we had in mind especially on the interior. Luckily, we were able to get up close, but Ford preferred to keep the display unit locked for some unknown reasons. Still, the untinted windows gave us a clear view of what’s inside.

The new facelifted Fiesta has the same dashboard layout but now has a piano-black finish on the center console and door panels instead of shiny silver the old one has. We also noticed that the seat fabric is different from the previous, but we can't say for now if they feel better to sit on. The press release then confirmed that it will indeed come with Ford SYNC.

Ford Philippines, however, has yet to confirm if the new three-cylinder 1.0L EcoBoost engine will be made available locally.

According to Ford Philippines President Randy Krieger, the said new Fiesta that was displayed at MIAS is a special pre-production unit for the Philippine market. He also didn’t disclose any details about pricing and specs, but he assured us that it will arrive in the Philippines within the year.

]]> Newly Launched Mon, 08 Apr 2013 00:53:55 +0000 9 new cars making their debut at the 9th Manila International Auto Show http://kotse.com/home/index.php/news/upcoming-events/item/1311-9new-cars-9th-mias http://kotse.com/home/index.php/news/upcoming-events/item/1311-9new-cars-9th-mias

Words by Christopher Kho

There's no denying that the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) is THE biggest annual automotive event in the country. And on its 9th year running, they're expanding their exhibit floor space even further to over 27,000 sq. meters with more than 300 cars on display. But of all the shiny sheet metal at the show, here are the Top 9 new cars making their debut at the 2013 Manila International Auto Show this April 4 to 7, 2013 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

#1 All-new Ford Ranger Wildtrak
A year after the XLT's debut, Ford is headlining this year's show with the public debut of the Ranger's burlier brother - the Ford Ranger Wildtrak. It's packed with a Sport Package that includes a Roof Rail, Sport Bar, Box Rail, Bedliner, and most importantly, Wildtrak stickers. Ford also tossed out all the chrome pieces and replaced them with gunmetal bits. This big boy might be a brute, but it comes equipped with creature comforts such as special Wildtrak leather/cloth-covered seats, eight-way power seats, and Side Steps.

#2 All-new Mazda 6
This is the all-new Mazda 6 - Mazda's second model to wear the brand's new Kodo design language after the award-winning CX-5. We haven't received much info about the Philippine-bound units, but we're hoping that it comes with the new 2.0L SkyActive-G engine and maybe even the 2.2L SkyActive-D if we're lucky. When it makes it official debut at the 9th MIAS, the Mazda 6 would be Berjaya Auto Philippines' first ever vehicle launch since it took over the brand in January 2013.

#3 All-new Subaru Forester
Motor Image Pilipinas has already began selling and delivering units of the all-new Subaru Forester, but technically, it's not supposed to be launched until the 9th MIAS. In fact, we spotted the first batch of deliveries as early as February. When it does make it on stage, it'll be powered by a naturally-aspirated and turbo-charged 2.0L boxer engine and paired with a CVT.

#4 All-new Kia Carens MPV
Only six months after the model's world debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC) is already ready to bring the all-new Kia Carens into the country. This is no longer your regular soccer-mom MPV as its now sexier and bolder than ever before. Not much has been said about the model but CAC is offering a P50,000 discount if you put in your downpayment at the show. Expect deliveries to come in May or June.

#5 Jeep Wrangler Moab
Named after one of the most popular off-road destinations in the world - Moab, Utah - the Jeep Wrangler Moab is equipped to take on the toughest terrain you could thow at it, even when blindfolded. The Moab edition comes with Trac-Lock anti-spin rear differential with electronic locking, winch-ready steel bumpers, and premium rock rails.

#6 New 2013 Peugeot RCZ
Eurobrands Distributors Inc. (EDI) will be showing off a facelifted version of their RCZ sports coupe. There's a newly redesigned front fascia that includes a new upper grill, reshaped lower intake, and LED daytime running lights. However, no mechanical revisions are expected under the sheetmetal so it will have the same 1.6L THP engine with 197 horsepower.

#7 All-new MINI Paceman
What is technically a two-door version of the Countryman is set to make its official launch at the show. The MINI Paceman is built for single parents who want to let everyone know that they're still available with no strings attached. Expect it to come with either a naturally-aspirated or turbocharged 1.6L engine and all-wheel-drive.

#8 Harley-Davidson
The 9th MIAS might techincally be a “car show” but that didn't stop American Motorcycles Inc., the new Philippine distributor of Harley-Davidson, from showoffing their big bikes. Prepare to see some big men with leather jackets, chains, and beards hanging around the Harley-Davidson booth.

#9 Russ Swift Stunt Show featuring the Subaru BRZ
Our dear friend Russ Swift will once again perform his exhilerating Stunt Show at the 9th MIAS. Powered by Subaru, Russ will have a new toy this year to play with - the all-new Subaru BRZ. We're just not quite sure which tricks he'll use the BRZ for, as he'll also be using the previous-gen Impreza and Impreza WRX STI during the show. But all we want to see is Russ burn up some rubber with the BRZ. As always, the Russ Swift Stunt Show performs daily at 1:30 PM, 3:30 PM, and 5:30 PM with a mere P50 entry fee.

]]> Upcoming Events Tue, 26 Mar 2013 02:20:50 +0000