Monday, 15 October 2012 12:45
Chevrolet wields all-new Spin as their entry-level MPV for Asia
Words by Jose Carlo R. Sapera | Photos courtesy of Chevrolet
In response to the success of affordable seven-seater MPV's such as the Toyota Avanza, Suzuki APV, and Nissan Grand Livina, Chevrolet pulled the covers off their all-new Spin at the 2012 Indonesian International Motor Show (IIMS) last month.
Based on the Sonic's Gamma II platform, the Spin measures at 4,360 mm long, 1,735 mm wide, and 1,664 mm tall. That makes it bigger than the Avanza, APV, and Grand Livina. It is, however, 292 mm shorter and 101 mm narrower than the Orlando. And yet, it can still accommodate up to seven adults comfortably in a theater-style seating to provide all passengers a great view of the road ahead.
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Thursday, 04 October 2012 07:19
Paris 2012: Kia's all-new 2013 Carens is now a trendsetting family shuttle
Words by Rico Soriano | Photos courtesy of Kia Motors Company
Making its official debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, the all-new fourth generation 2013 Kia Carens is now more than just your trendy MPV. As it boasts a very striking style, it's no longer a wallflower like its predecessor.
The face of the all-new Carens is highlighted by the signature tiger nose grill that's also found in other current Kias. But due to the MPV's sheer size and proportion, this execution looks a bit more aggressive. Complementing it is the headlights' upward stroke shape that sparkles like a supermodel’s eyes. In contrast, a more subtle design wraps the rear end to balance it all out.
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Thursday, 07 June 2012 07:45
Honda's all-new Odyssey marks its arrival in the Philippines
Words and photos by Christopher Kho
The Odyssey began its journey in Japan as a minivan way back in 1994. Unfortunately, the model was not as well-received in North America as they had hoped. So, to better suit the bigger Americans, Honda created a separate lineage of Odyssey's for their larger lifestyles. And while it took Honda Cars Philippines Inc (HCPI) eighteen years to bring their flagship MPV into the country, the fourth generation of this eight-seater people carrier is more than ready to make it big in the Philippines.
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Tuesday, 05 June 2012 03:41
The Little Engine That Could | 2012 Toyota Avanza 1.5G AT
Words by Niky Tamayo | Photos by Ken Tamayo
The Avanza is the brainchild of corporate collaboration. Originally engineered in Indonesia as the Daihatsu Xenia, it slotted in under the Innova as a replacement for the wildly popular Kijang/Revo. It addressed the taxi market that the Innova was too expensive to service.
Being a taxi special, the original Avanza was dirt cheap. The base model interior was straight from the 80’s, complete with analogue odometer and wind-up windows. While the 1.5G was infinitely better, it cost as much as the bigger Innova. Yet the Avanza had its charms. It was light and nimble, and the unibody construction gave it a lot of interior space for its size. Now, there's a new Avanza in town, we take it out for a spin to find out if its still as good as the last one.
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Van & MPV
Saturday, 26 May 2012 06:24
Toyota’s new facelifted Previa is no longer just your soccer-mom MPV
Words by Hans Gerald Chua | Photos courtesy of Toyota Motor Corporation
Three years since its last update, Toyota has finally revealed its new facelifted Estima, otherwise known as the Previa in other countries including the Philippines. And in those three years, its image has changed from an elegant MPV to a more aggressive and sportier-looking mini-van, making it a lot more attractive not just for soccer moms.
The new Estima has been given an updated front end with a lot of angular detailing on the bumper and grill that's so aggressive, it puts other sports coupes to shame. The V6 version even comes with huge air intake upfront that could swallow pedestrians whole. Its front headlights have been likewise reshaped to give it more attitude. However, the rear's sleek silhouette remains untouched, except for the addition of a rear spoiler.
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Tuesday, 17 April 2012 15:10
Going Against the Grain | 2012 Chevrolet Orlando 1.8 LT AT
Words and photos by Christopher Kho
Aren't MPV's supposed to be bland, boring, bouncy bricks whose primary duty is lugging around family members or children, and are best associated with soccer moms? Well, for a change, Chevrolet's out to beat the MPV stereotype with the Orlando - an MPV dressed to look like an SUV, built to drive like a sedan, yet big enough to seat seven adults like a true MPV should. It all sounds like the perfect solution for anyone who’s torn between the modes of transport, but does it really work?
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Van & MPV
Monday, 27 February 2012 08:13
Toyota's new 2012 Innova lands on Philippine shores
Words and photos by Christopher Kho
After the Fortuner and Hilux were launched last August 2011, we knew that their last IMV sibling, the Innova, will be coming pretty soon after. And finally, after a six month wait, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) invited an odd 60 of us motoring journalists to the beautiful island of Boracay to witness the arrival of the country's best-selling commercial vehicle (CV) in the most epic way possible. Let me introduce to you the new 2012 Toyota Innova.
With six years of experience under its belt, the new Innova is now more cultured for the finer things in life. It went under the knife and got an entirely redesigned front end that some might say now looks a bit like the Camry - a good attribute considering the executive sedan's flair. The front grill, cornered headlights, and blackened fog light housings received updated geometries, while the updated bumper, hood, and fenders are given a more defined character, growing more prominent lines and showing off a bit more muscle. Though the body generally remains untouched, the rear gets a fresh set of clear tail lights and a little nip/tuck for the rear bumper. Added changes were also included for the top of the line variants such as side mirror turn lamps, side skirts, and an altered license garnish.
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Saturday, 14 January 2012 07:14
The little MPV that could: Toyota launches all-new 2012 Avanza
Words and photos by Christopher Kho
Toyota Motors Philippines (TMP) is starting the year off on the right foot with the arrival of their latest compact MPV, the all-new 2012 Avanza. Redesigned from ground up, it’s now bigger and packs more features than ever before. Plus, there are new colors and variants to choose from to fit all walks to life. And contrary to its predecessor, the all-new Avanza is no longer just your simple entry-level people carrier.
Like most of us, the Avanza also gained quite a bit around the waistline during the holidays - growing 20mm longer and 30mm wider. This provides greater legroom for rear passengers, additional cargo space at the back, and thankfully, more distance between the third row headrests and the rear glass window. Likewise, the second row seats can now slide front and aft for added convenience.
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Newly Launched
Wednesday, 16 November 2011 10:45
Chevrolet spreads the love with the all-new Orlando at only P1,188,888
Words by Christopher Kho
Don't let the brute looks fool you. Believe it or not, Chevrolet's all-new Orlando is neither a crossover nor an SUV, but is in fact a seven-seater MPV. For only P1,188,888, The Covenant Car Company Inc. (TCCCI) is spreading the love as it unveiled what could be the best thing that ever happened to the Philippine minivan market.
Chevrolet broke the traditional family van stereotype by giving it a robust boxy figure, large fenders, and low-profile 16-inch rims. Add to that Chevy's signature dual-port grill and you've got a ride that's ready to slug it out on the streets; the Orlando definitely wouldn't be mistaken for your regular soccer-mom MPV. And because it's based on the award-winning Cruze's chassis, this compact MPV should have the plush ride and cornering characteristics of a sedan.
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