Saturday, January 31, 2015

Suzuki Esteem - Generation 1 (1997-2002)

SUZUKI ESTEEM (1997-2002)

The first attempt of Suzuki (through its current distributor, Pilipinas Hino) in the passenger car category but this one didn't succeed at all, despite the amenities and a practical package. The sedan version is sold as the Chevrolet Cassia.





Friday, January 30, 2015

Toyota Previa - Generation 2 (2003-2006)

TOYOTA PREVIA (2003-2006)

With the revisions on vehicle tax structure in the Philippines, Toyota decided to bring the Previa locally. Only one model is available: a 2.4 gasoline. This generation is shortlived, since the third generation model was made available nearly two years later.






Toyota Revo (Diesel) - Generation 4.3 (2002-2005)

TOYOTA REVO (DIESEL) (2002-2005)

The last of the Revo series, this generation included numerous exterior and interior changes and additions plus the name simplification to Revo only. The line was replaced by the Innova, basically the fifth generation model of the Kijang.

See the Generation 4.1 (gasoline or diesel) or 4.2 (gasoline or diesel) models
See the latest model of the Revo (gasoline or diesel)

Toyota Revo (Gasoline) - Generation 4.3 (2002-2005)

TOYOTA REVO (GASOLINE) (2002-2005)

The last of the Revo series, this generation included numerous exterior and interior changes and additions plus the name simplification to Revo only. The line was replaced by the Innova, basically the fifth generation model of the Kijang.

See the Generation 4.1 (gasoline or diesel) or 4.2 (gasoline or diesel) models
See the latest model of the Revo (gasoline or diesel)


Kia Sephia - Generation 2.1 (2000-2002)

KIA SEPHIA (2000-2002)

Larger than the Pride and Rio, the Sephia aims to compete with the big boys (Corolla, Civic come to mind) with a lift back body. This car wasn't a hit, and lasted for two years only.



Thursday, January 29, 2015

Car Profiles - Toyota Alphard (2010-2015)

2010-2015 Toyota Alphard

The Good: Top levels of comfort and luxury in a practical package

The Bad: Strained 2.4 engine for such size

The Say: The Lexus of all minivans.

Go For: 3.5 V6
Avoid: 2.4

Price Range: Data Not Available
Our Rating: ****

Related Reviews: Used Car Review - Toyota Alphard (2010-2015)
Latest vehicle profile: Toyota Alphard

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2010-2015

Toyota Revo (Diesel) - Generation 4.2 (2001-2002)

TOYOTA REVO (DIESEL) (2001-2002)

Together with its gasoline brothers, the Revo receives a facelift for 2001. Three variants are initially available, until the SR gets a diesel treatment.

See the Generation 4.1 (gasoline or diesel) or 4.3 (gasoline or diesel) models
See the latest model of the Revo (gasoline or diesel)

Toyota Revo (Gasoline) - Generation 4.2 (2001-2002)

TOYOTA REVO (GASOLINE) (2001-2002)

An update in February 2001 gave the Revo a new 2.0 gasoline engine which is fitted in the GSX, SR, a limited edition SRJ, and VX. A limited edition J Series model is available for the SR and VX models.

See the Generation 4.1 (gasoline or diesel) or 4.3 (gasoline or diesel) models
See the latest model of the Revo (gasoline or diesel)

Suzuki APV - Generation 1.1 (2005-2008)

SUZUKI APV (2005-2008)

Competing in the growing MPV class is the Indonesian designed APV. Early models get two variants, a basic GL and a fully loaded GLX. An improved version called the APV Type 2 was released in 2008 which replaced this one.






Chevrolet Cassia - Generation 1 (2000-2002)

CHEVROLET CASSIA (2000-2002)

Chevrolet's first sedan to be offered which was not a market success. Basically a sedan version of the Suzuki Esteem, it has the same specifications but wrapped with a trunk.


Also see: Suzuki Esteem


Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Recall Alert - Isuzu Philippines Announces Special Service Campaign for MU-X

Isuzu Philippines would like to inform MU-X owners of a special service campaign (that's recall in Isuzu speak) for the newly launched vehicle.

Toyota Revo (Diesel) - Generation 4.1 (1999-2001)

TOYOTA REVO (DIESEL) (1999-2001)

Replacing the Tamaraw FX (the moniker is still there) is the Revo, which is the fourth generation model of the Kijang lineage. This model introduced power amenities and wood panels to the model range. Gasoline powered models have a total of five models sold from 1998 to 2001 while a diesel engine is available with three variants.

See the Generation 4.2 (gasoline or diesel) or 4.3 (gasoline or diesel) models
See the latest model of the Revo (gasoline or diesel)

Toyota Revo (Gasoline) - Generation 4.1 (1998-2001)

TOYOTA REVO (GASOLINE) (1998-2001)

Replacing the Tamaraw FX (the moniker is still there) is the Revo, which is the fourth generation model of the Kijang lineage. This model introduced power amenities and wood panels to the model range. Gasoline powered models have a total of five models sold from 1998 to 2001 while a diesel engine is available with three variants.

See the Generation 4.2 (gasoline or diesel) or 4.3 (gasoline or diesel) models
See the latest model of the Revo (gasoline or diesel)


Ssangyong Rodius - Generation 1 (2004-2012)

SSANGYONG RODIUS (2004-2012)

This Korean MPV has a Mercedes Benz engine under the hood, as well as 9 and 11 seater options. Do take note that first releases can accommodate 11 people paired to an automatic transmission but a March 2009 update gave this car tons of changes.





Subaru Impreza Hatchback - Generation 3 (2007-2012)

2007-2012 SUBARU IMPREZA HATCHBACK

The first (and last) time that an Impreza name was affixed to a hatchback - the next generation hatchback was raised and called the XV in 2012 - and the first time to get naturally aspirated engines. Unlike the sedan, one may get both transmission options.




Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Nissan Vanette - Generation 2 (1993-2001)

NISSAN VANETTE (1993-2001)

Nissans had two distributors locally prior to 2014, and Pilipinas Nissan had the Vanette which complements Universal Motors' Urvan. Unlike larger vans having diesel engines, this one gets a carbureted gasoline plus it can seat 10 people in four rows.






Mitsubishi Adventure (Diesel) - Generation 1.3 (2004-2009)

MITSUBISHI ADVENTURE (DIESEL) (2004-2009)

The third update for the Adventure occurred twice (May 2004 and 2007) which included an upgrade to Euro 2 emissions in 2007. While the gasoline model was discontinued, the diesel stayed.

See the Generation 1.1 or 1.2 (gasoline or diesel) model

Mitsubishi Adventure (Gasoline) - Generation 1.3 (2004-2008)

MITSUBISHI ADVENTURE (GASOLINE) (2004-2008)

The third update for the Adventure occurred twice (May 2004 and 2007) which included an upgrade to Euro 2 emissions in 2007. This would be the last of the gasoline engines that is offered in the Adventure.

See the Generation 1.1 or 1.2 (gasoline or diesel) model

Kia Soul - Generation 1.2 (2010-2014)

KIA SOUL (2010-2014)

Launched alongside the 2.0 models back in 2010, the updated Soul has conventional pull type door handles and a 1.6 engine. However, this loses the fog lamps and ABS brakes. Do take note the transmission was upgraded to a six speed unit in 2012, which also added a telescopic steering.

See the overview of this Soul


Kia Soul - Generation 1.1 (2009-2010)

KIA SOUL (2009-2010)

Launched together with the expensive Forte and Mohave, the Soul is their contender to the compact SUV or car (whatever you call it) category but this version ends up unsuccessful due to brand new prices. Do take note the 2.0 models are short lived, and replaced by a sole 1.6 model in 2011.


Monday, January 26, 2015

Mitsubishi Adventure (Diesel) - Generation 1.2 (2001-2004)

MITSUBISHI ADVENTURE (DIESEL) (2001-2004)

Released in 2001 as a 2002 model, the Adventure spawned numerous variants with one replacing each other (GLS replaced the GLS Sport) while one was launched in a December 2002 update. The GX took a hiatus for this version.

See the overview of this Adventure
See the Generation 1.1 or 1.3 (gasoline or diesel) model
Also see: Adventure (Gasoline) (2001-2004)

Mitsubishi Adventure (Gasoline) - Generation 1.2 (2001-2004)

MITSUBISHI ADVENTURE (GASOLINE) (2001-2004)

Released in 2001 as a 2002 model, the Adventure spawned numerous variants with one replacing each other (GLS replaced the GLS Sport) while one was launched in a December 2002 update. The GX took a hiatus for this version.

See the overview of this Adventure
See the Generation 1.1 or 1.3 (gasoline or diesel) model

Mitsubishi Adventure - Generation 1.1 (1998-2001)

MITSUBISHI ADVENTURE (1998-2001)

Based from the Taiwanese Freeca, the Adventure gets the popular 4D56 diesel or a 2.0 gasoline engine. An uplevel Super Sport variant was added in 1999 with a gasoline engine. This would be eventually the only model range to get a side hinge rear door, until later models of the GX have it.

See the Generation 1.2 (gasoline or diesel) or 1.3 (gasoline or diesel) model

Hyundai i30 - Generation 1 (2008-2013)

HYUNDAI i30 (2008-2013)

Launched together with the i10 and Genesis, the i30 represents a new direction for Hyundai (this is developed with Europe in mind) with a stylish design and feature loaded car that suffers an expensive price tag. No thanks to low sales caused by the "by order basis" status it was dropped and reintroduced before putting to rest.




Friday, January 23, 2015

Nissan Serena - Generation 2.2 (2007-2012)

NISSAN SERENA (2007-2012)

An update done in November 2007 gave the Serena a new 2.5 engine and some additional equipment. It was discontinued at the end of 2012.








Nissan Serena - Generation 2.1 (2002-2007)

NISSAN SERENA (2002-2007)

Nissan's entry to the rising people mover category, the Serena we got is based from the Taiwanese model. Two models with either a manual or automatic powered by a 2.0 engine comes standard.


Mazda 3 Hatchback - Generation 2.2 (2012-2014)

MAZDA 3 HATCHBACK (2012-2014)

Unlike the sedan where it is available in multiple trims, this one makes do with only one. Positioned above the 1.6 V sedan, this one gets a sunroof.




Thursday, January 22, 2015

Mitsubishi Spacewagon - Generation 2 (1992-1999)

MITSUBISHI SPACEWAGON

This MPV was launched during a time that the Liteace, Vanette, and Tamaraw FX were gaining market share. Only a single variant is available, with early ones getting a carburetor engine as opposed to 1995 and later ones having electronic fuel injection. The Spacewagon line was replaced by the Grandis in Japan in 2003.





Mazda 3 Sedan - Generation 2.2 (2012-2014)

MAZDA 3 SEDAN (2012-2014)

What our market got is the updated model whose original model is available since 2008 in other markets. Initially, the 1.6 V and 2.0 R was first made available with a less content Maxx launched in 2013.


Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Mitsubishi Spacegear - Generation 4 (1997-2007)

MITSUBISHI SPACEGEAR (1997-2007)

Essentially, this is the fourth generation of the Delica line sold alongside the older L300 Versa Van. First models had an upgraded 2.5 engine while later ones gained a 2.4 gasoline.





Honda Civic - Generation 9.1 (2012-2014)

HONDA CIVIC (2012-2014)

Two models were introduced in this version: the first was an initial model from Japan which was launched first due to the Thailand flooding and a second ones were sourced from the ASEAN neighbor that had more variants but not all equipment are available from the original.

See the overview of this Civic
See the Generation 9.2 model
See the latest model of the Civic


Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Mitsubishi L300 - Generation 2 (1987-2012)

MITSUBISHI L300 (1987-2012)

This van started the competition and cemented its foothold in the market. Initially, the Versa/De Luxe was launched with a fully loaded Exceed following it by supplanting it (and ended up getting discontinued in 2005).





Hyundai Elantra - Generation 5.1 (2011-2013)

HYUNDAI ELANTRA (2011-2013)

After years of offering the less successful predecessor with a diesel, the fifth generation Elantra is offered with conventional gasoline engines. There's not much changes until the line-up expansion in its facelift in 2014.





Monday, January 19, 2015

Recall Alert - Honda Philippines Recalls 2003-2004 Civic

If you have a 2003 to 2004 Civic, then read this piece of information. Honda Philippines is issuing a recall based on the original announcement of Honda Motor Co. Ltd.

Mitsubishi Grandis - Generation 1 (2005-2011)

MITSUBISHI GRANDIS (2005-2011)

Replacing the Chariot/Space Wagon line, the Grandis is leaps beyond its predecessor. It was the first to feature Mitsubishi's corporate face. A single 2.4 model was available until a Limited variant stayed for barely 10 months. It was simplified to a single model in February 2009, coinciding to upgrades and a price drop.



Chevrolet Cruze - Generation 1.1 (2010-2013)

CHEVROLET CRUZE (2010-2013)

Replacing the Optra whose marred with several problems that kept it noncompetitive than rivals. This one can be ordered with either a 1.8 in three variants or a diesel. This version ended in 2013 with a silently launched facelift in that year being launched.


Sunday, January 18, 2015

Kia Forte Sedan - Generation 1 (2009-2014)

KIA FORTE SEDAN (2009-2014)

The Korean maker's first attempt in the compact sedan category, the Forte didn't sell well due to a expensive price when it was new. The 2.0 SX came in first then a 1.6 LX replaced it in 2012. Rather than bringing the next generation model, it was discontinued in 2014.




Saturday, January 17, 2015

Kia Forte Koup - Generation 1 (2009-2014)

KIA FORTE KOUP (2009-2014)

The Korean maker's first attempt in the compact sedan category, the Forte (with a coupe version) didn't sell well due to a expensive price when it was new. The 2.0 SX came in first with a rather downgraded EX. Rather than bringing the next generation model, it was discontinued in 2014.

Friday, January 16, 2015

Mercedes Benz MB100 - Generation 1 (1996-2003)

MERCEDES BENZ MB100 (1996-2003)

Mercedes Benz's first attempt at the people carrier category is this Korean (it is based on the Ssangyong Istana) van. Two engines from Benz can be had which include a gasoline and diesel.






Mitsubishi Lancer EX - Generation 9.1 (2008-2012)

MITSUBISHI LANCER EX (2008-2012)

Called the EX when it was first launched in 2008 to further distinguish it from the ordinary Lancer which is still sold. This version was exclusively 2.0 and it brought in the Ralliart to compete with the WRX. All except the GT-A and Ralliart (the GT was dropped in January 2010) were discontinued in 2012 to make way for their 1.6 counterparts.



Thursday, January 15, 2015

Nissan Sentra - Generation 6 (2010-2014)

NISSAN SENTRA (2010-2014)

After years of shouldering in the rather dated N13 platform (which traces back to 2001), the Mexican built Sentra is introduced for a high end positioning. Although this one is along the Sentra platform (the other rides on a Sylphy chassis), the successor is merged to one.





Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Kia Carnival/Sedona - Generation 1.2 (2002-2003)

KIA CARNIVAL/SEDONA (2002-2003)

An update in January 2002 gave this van a new face, updated profile, new amenities, a less optioned RS variant, and used the Sedona name. Initially, a single variant Sedona was available but some options got transferred later on.

See the Generation 1.1 or 1.3 model




Kia Carnival/Sedona - Generation 1.3 (2003-2006)

KIA CARNIVAL/SEDONA (2003-2006)

The final update for the Sedona made way to a V6 gasoline engine, otherwise the variants are the same. Not much differences were done apart from a new grille and some features are removed.

See the overview of this Carnival/Sedona
See the Generation 1.1 or 1.2 model




Kia Carnival - Generation 1.1 (2000-2002)

KIA CARNIVAL (2000-2002)

Kia's first attempt on the minivan market which they succeeded. For its first iteration, only a single 2.9 diesel with an option between a manual and automatic transmissions are available. Philippine market models also get a 10 seating configuration.

See the overview of this Carnival
See the Generation 1.2 or 1.3 models
See the latest model of the Carnival



Suzuki SX4 Sedan - Generation 1.1 (2008-2010)

SUZUKI SX4 SEDAN (2008-2010)

Suzuki's first attempt on the sedan race since a long time, the SX4 has the basics but this particular version did carry the weaker 102hp which made the car struggle.





Suzuki SX4 Sedan - Generation 1.2 (2010-2011)

SUZUKI SX4 SEDAN (2010-2011)

The 2010 update gave the SX4 sedan an upgraded engine, some kit, and an available hatchback body. While the hatch is still available, the sedan got discontinued in 2011 due to low sales.






Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Kia Carens - Generation 2.1 (2007-2010)

KIA CARENS (2007-2010)

Smaller than the Carnival, the Carens competes with the likes of the Innova and Grand Livina. While both gasoline and diesel engines are offered from the beginning, the former is dropped due to low sales.






Kia Carens - Generation 2.2 (2010-2012)

KIA CARENS (2010-2012)

The facelift gave the Carens Kia's corporate look, a new of wheels, and some equipment changes. Just like the model it replaced, it retains the diesel engines.






Subaru Impreza Sedan - Generation 3 (2009-2012)

SUBARU IMPREZA SEDAN (2009-2012)

Launched nearly a year later, the Impreza sedan has the same performance abilities like its hatch brother but the differences lies on the equipment, which meant some were omitted but this gets 6 airbags.


Also see: Subaru WRX/WRX STi





Monday, January 12, 2015

Kia Pregio - Generation 1 (1996-2005)

KIA PREGIO (1996-2005)

Complementing the Besta is the Pregio, which took care of the high end van market back in the 90s. With the former vehicle's demise, it also targeted the lower scale of the market with one point there are numerous variants available.







Toyota Corolla Altis - Generation 10.2 (2010-2013)

TOYOTA COROLLA ALTIS (2010-2013)

An update gave the Altis two important things for the vehicle: a Dual VVT-i system which gave a boost in power and torque for the 1.6 models and a standard CVT for the 2.0V . Other than that, there are numerous additions to the range.


Toyota Corolla Altis - Generation 10.1 (2008-2010)

TOYOTA COROLLA ALTIS (2008-2010)

Already on its 10th generation worldwide, the Altis retains the same size but power ratings for the 1.6 dropped. One big news is the launch of the 2.0 model, years after soldering the top model with a 1.8 engine. 

See the overview of this Corolla Altis