Monday, 25 March 2013 10:50
The Perfect First Car | 2013 Mitsubishi Mirage 1.2L GLS CVT
Words and photos by Leslie Sy
The all-new Mirage that came in late 2012 is Mitsubishi's first small car in the country in over a decade. Right away, it was no secret that this subcompact would be a game changer for the local car industry considering its low price combined with its trusted Japanese heritage. But as we know, a good car is more than just a brand and a price tag.
Obviously, potential buyers will be comparing the Mirage to other similar models originating from Japan, Korea, and maybe even China and the United States. So how does it match? I was given the keys to a top-of-the-line Mirage 1.2L GLS CVT to find out for myself.
Published in
Subcompact
Thursday, 17 January 2013 15:44
All-new Almera: 8 reasons to love Nissan's newest subcompact (w/ video)
Words and photos by Christopher Kho
It was exactly 153 days ago when our eyes first caught a glimpse of the all-new Almera. Colored in Titanium Grey and sporting a huge set of aftermarket rims from Concept One, the subcompact was the centerpiece of Nissan's booth at the 2012 Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS). But something just didn't feel right back then. While it was displayed in all its glory, there was no fancy product presentation nor were there any brochures being given away like a typical public unveiling should. Instead, it stood there as a silent monument to let everyone know what was coming to eventually blow the competition out of the water. And at last, the wait is finally over.
We were there last night when the much-awaited all-new Nissan Almera made its official debut. Though we've already had to get up close and personal with it a few months back, this was the perfect chance to rekindle the relationship. And by doing so, we were able to gather 8 reasons for you to love the all-new Almera:
Published in
Newly Launched
Friday, 28 September 2012 18:47
Chevrolet's all-new 2013 Sonic sedan now available in dealerships
Words by Rico Soriano | Photos courtesy of Chevrolet Europe
Does anyone still remember the Aveo? It was a subcompact sold locally in hatchback and sedan versions back in mid 2000 that, unfortunately, didn't sell so well... compared to the Toyota Vios, at least. But The Covenant Car Company Inc. (TCCCI), the exclusive distributor of Chevrolet in the Philippines, finally grew tired of seeing too many Vios', City's, and Accent's on our streets and decided to bring in their latest armament. This is the Aveo's timely-replacement, the all-new 2013 Chevrolet Sonic sedan.
Published in
Newly Launched
Friday, 14 September 2012 08:44
Korean Pride | 2012 Kia Rio 1.2 LX MT Sedan
Words and photos by Niky Tamayo
The very first media test unit I ever drove was a Kia Rio back in 2006. It was a taxi-spec Kia Rio, in white. The only luxuries were air-conditioning, power-steering, and a radio. It had wind-up windows, hubcaps, and a price-tag not much higher than a Kia Picanto. Despite the low price, not many buyers bit. The spartan interior and lack of toys meant that it was more popular with taxi services than private buyers. And even then, taxi services often went for the 1.5 liter diesel Accent over the 1.4 liter gasoline Rio.
With the new-model roll-over, Kia reintroduces the taxi-spec Rio at the same sub-P600,000 price-point. It's still pretty basic. But it now comes with a 1.2 liter engine, shared with the Hyundai i10. Most people might see this as a disadvantage, but the expected savings in fuel could make it an even more attractive proposition for taxi-operators everywhere.
Published in
Subcompact
Wednesday, 08 August 2012 15:51
Play time's over; Mitsubishi's all-new Mirage is out to change the world of subcompacts
Words and photos by Christopher Kho
In June of 2012, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) registered a total of 16,956 units in sales for the first six months of the year. This puts them securely as the country's second-largest automaker, though still 40% shy of Toyota's lead. But all that could change when Mitsubishi brings out their smallest car yet - the all-new 2012 Mirage.
Not due to be released until the year's end, MMPC was kind enough to fly members of the motoring media to Thailand - where the Mirage is being built - just so we could get a first-hand look at their upcoming subcompact. And given their close roots in motorsports, they opted to let us take the spunky hatchback to the race track instead of going on a long drive out of the city. Though the units we tested were in right hand drive (RHD), the specs were as close as what we're going to get in a few months’ time according to Mitsubishi.
Published in
Features
