Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Mini Clubman - Generation 1 (2009-2014)

MINI CLUBMAN (2009-2014)

The station wagon Mini Cooper, the Clubman has 4 doors (two are side hinged at the rear) and an extended body. Two engine options are available, a normally flavored 1.6 and a turbocharged version of the same engine. It was dropped in 2014.

See the overview of this Clubman





Monday, June 29, 2015

Peugeot 807 - Generation 1 (2005-2007)

PEUGEOT 807 (2005-2007)

Basically Peugeot's largest vehicle based on size and seating capacity and the expensive of the lot back then. Based on the Eurovans which saw Peugeot, Fiat, Citroen, and Lancia sharing the same car with different badges in the same factory. This van came with a 2.0 4-cylinder gasoline paired to a 4-speed automatic. Disappointing sales forced to drop the brand in 2007.




Sunday, June 28, 2015

Car Profiles - Nissan Urvan (1988-2015)

1988-2015 Nissan Urvan

The Good: Simple mechanical parts, availability

The Bad: Outdated by modern standards

The Say: There are fans of this van for a reason.

Go For: Any well maintained unit
Avoid: Overly tired units

Price Range: P300,000-P1,000,000
Our Rating: **

Related Reviews: Used Car Review - Nissan Urvan (1988-2015)
Latest vehicle profile: Nissan NV350 Urvan

See the different versions of this vehicle:
1988-2015

Friday, June 26, 2015

Ford E150 - Generation 4 (1998-2009)

FORD E150 (1998-2009)

One of the first Fords to be brought here, the E150 van became a popular choice among the rich and famous. Powering this 11 seat vehicle is a 4.6 V8 that is also utilized by the Expedition and Mustang.






Thursday, June 25, 2015

Dodge Caravan - Generation 4 (1998-2002)

DODGE CARAVAN (1998-2002)

Before the local distributor sold the Chrysler equivalents, we had the Caravan in Grand guise (which is the longer version). No thanks to a high price tag and a limited warranty, it was discontinued in favor of the Chrysler counterparts.






Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Car Profiles - Kia Forte Hatchback

KIA FORTE HATCHBACK

The most expensive among the Forte siblings, the hatchback may look stylish but loses some equipment its lower brothers have. Price may be somewhat dangerous, since a Soul with a diesel engine is a hundred grand less while add more you can get a Mazda 3 or Ford Focus.

The Good: Top levels of quality, space
The Bad: Ain't that fun to drive

Price Range: P1,190,000
Our Rating: ****

Last Update: June 24, 2015

Car Profiles - Kia Forte Koup

KIA FORTE KOUP

Returning after a year, the Forte Koup has no known competitors in its price range. It has more amenities in a more affordable package than its predecessor.

The Good: Looks good, now affordable than before
The Bad: Handling isn't inspiring

Price Range: P1,090,000
Our Rating: ****

Last Update: June 24, 2015

Car Profiles - Kia Forte Sedan

KIA FORTE

After a year's worth of absence, Kia brings back the Forte which faces stiff competition from established rivals (and a somewhat decreasing segment). Now priced at a snip below a million bucks, it comes fully clothed.

The Good: High levels of quality, spacious cabin
The Bad: Not fun to drive

Price Range: P965,000
Our Rating: ****

Last Update: June 24, 2015

Chrysler Voyager - Generation 4 (2000-2003)

CHRYSLER VOYAGER (2000-2003)

Basically, this van is the short length and a less optioned version of the Town and Country. It carries the 3.3 V6 which saw usage in the more luxurious sibling. This van was dropped from the market in 2003.






Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Chrysler Town and Country - Generation 5.1 (2008-2012)

CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY (2008-2012)

Redesigned in 2008, the Town and Country gets a six-speed automatic, an optional Swivel 'N Go seating configuration for the Limited, and a diesel engine. This model can be had until 2012.






Monday, June 22, 2015

Chrysler Town and Country - Generation 4.2 (2005-2008)

CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY (2005-2008)

For 2005, the Town and Country receives one important (and famed) feature: the Stow 'N Go seating function which makes all seats stowed underneath. Apart from that, numerous changes occurred.




Chrysler Town and Country - Generation 4.1 (2002-2005)

CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY (2002-2005)

First introduced in 2002, the Town and Country is initially sold with a 3.3 engine in LXi guise. An update done in February 2004 had the 3.8 V6 under the hood as well as other power amenities and other features are added.





Friday, June 19, 2015

Subaru Impreza WRX/WRX STi - Generation 2.2 (2006-2007)

SUBARU IMPREZA WRX/WRX STi (2005-2007)

An update in 2006 gave the WRX series a more aggressive body kit, upgraded power, and the arrival of the STi variant. This version is marketed by Motor Image Pilipinas, the new distributor of Subaru during that time (up to now).




Subaru Impreza WRX/WRX STi - Generation 2.1 (2002-2005)

SUBARU IMPREZA WRX/WRX STi (2002-2005)

This version was first brought in by GM Autoworld back in 2002, this Impreza (regardless of non-turbo or not) is larger than the first iteration. While the first design of its headlamps weren't accepted (it was launched in 2000), a fix in 2002 - the model we got - made the car acceptable. No STi model here, as it was introduced in 2006.



Thursday, June 18, 2015

Car Profiles - Nissan Urvan

NISSAN URVAN

Replacing the now overdue current model, the NV350 Urvan has more power and more aircon vents compared to the Toyota Hiace Commuter. While variants targeting UV Express operators are first available, high end models rivaling the Grandias and Grand Starexes are coming soon.

Price Range: P1,436,000-P1,836,000

Last Update: February 5, 2018




Car Profiles - Mazda MX-5

MAZDA MX-5

Now on its fourth generation, the MX-5 has the tried and tested formula which made it successful. With some new styling plus a lower price entry, this one will surely win hearts of car enthusiasts.

The Good: Driving dynamics is top notch
The Bad:

Price Range: P1,850,000-P2,260,000
Our Rating: *****

Last Update: February 5, 2018

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution - Generation 9 (2005-2008)

MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION (2005-2008)

The ninth of the Lancer Evolution series, in which it became an indent order basis model locally (unlike previous models that a number of them are shipped). Two models are available: a basic RS and an upgraded MR.





Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Subaru Impreza WRX/WRX STi - Generation 3.2 (2010-2014)

SUBARU IMPREZA WRX/WRX STi

This version is now called the WRX STi since its non-turbo brother was redesigned ahead of it. No more WRX, only the more potent model is available in either hatchback (with an automatic) or sedan (paired to a manual).






Subaru Impreza WRX/WRX STi - Generation 3.1 (2007-2010)

SUBARU IMPREZA WRX/WRX STi (2007-2010)

For this generation, the WRX model was launched alongside its non-turbo counterpart while the STi debuted months later. Locally, the WRX Hatchback came first with the WRX STi hatch and the WRX sedan followed suit. Specification updates occurred in September 2009. 

See the overview of this WRX/WRX STi

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Audi TT - Generation 1 (1999-2006)

AUDI TT (1999-2006)

Known internally as the Typ 8N, the first generation TT was first launched in Europe in 1998 with Philippine availability a year later. Locally, it can be had with either front or all wheel drive paired to a five or six speed manual respectively.





Opel Tigra - Generation 1 (1998-2001)

OPEL TIGRA (1998-2001)

Based on the Corsa subcompact, the Tigra is basically a coupe version of the above-mentioned sub-compact. While the interior is the same, other components are unique. Only a 1.6 with a manual is offered.






Sunday, June 14, 2015

Car Profiles - Mazda MX-5 (2008-2014)

2008-2014 Mazda MX-5

The Good: Pure unadulterated driving fun

The Bad: Definitely not the first thing when it comes to practicality

The Say: Still an undisputed vehicle, not staying away from its formula.

Go For: Anything that is well taken care of
Avoid: Sloppy units

Price Range:
Our Rating: *****

Related Reviews: Used Car Review - Mazda MX-5
Latest vehicle profile: Mazda MX-5

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2008-2014

Friday, June 12, 2015

Nissan 350z - Generation 5 (2003-2010)

NISSAN 350z (2003-2010)

Essentially the fifth generation model of the Z line, the 350z was launched in order to revive Nissan. While this vehicle can be had in either coupe or roadster models, only the former is available locally. The 370z successor isn't marketed in the Philippines.





Thursday, June 11, 2015

Car Features - January-April 2015 Philippines Car Sales Figures by Segment

While we had posted sales figures for the first four months of 2015 days ago, it is time to analyze more details by knowing what cars sell well in their respective categories. Without further adieu, lets see who fares better and who lags behind.

Nissan 200SX - Generation 5 (1997-1998)

NISSAN 200SX (1997-1998)

While other Nissans can be bought in a regular basis, only 200 units of the 200SX (known to be used as a drift vehicle) was only brought in. Only one variant is available: a 2.0 turbo paired to an automatic.




Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Mitsubishi Eclipse - Generation 4.1 (2007-2011)

MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE (2007-2011)

The fourth (and essentially the last) generation model Eclipse that carried a swoopy styling while remaining Mitsubishi's corporate profile. Only one model is offered: a 3.8 V6. It is dropped in 2011.







Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Mercedes Benz CLC Class - Generation 1 (2009-2014)

MERCEDES BENZ CLC CLASS (2009-2014)

Previously it was called the C Class Sports Coupe but in 2008 it became the CLC Class, which is based from the W203 C Class. It was launched during the time the W204 was sold. Although the C Class Coupe (now based from the model it succeeded) replaced it, this vehicle is still available until 2014.





Monday, June 8, 2015

Car Features - January-April 2015 Philippines Car Sales Figures

With some numbers crunched by our source (thank you Auto Focus People's Choice Awards for making it a little early), its time to present the sales figures of its nominated vehicle. For the first four months of the year, 108,583 cars found a buyer in the Philippine shores.

While the January-July 2014 figures which we posted had some surprises and non-surprises, this year had some big shockers in the industry while some had declining sales. In the top 10, the Ford Ecosport and Isuzu MU-X made their debut while we suggest that you look down further and identify the sales winners and losers.

DISCLAIMER: SALES FIGURES RELEASED BY CAMPI AND AVID MAY VARY FROM HERE, SINCE AUTO FOCUS GETS ITS DATA FROM STRADCOM, THE OUTSOURCED IT COMPANY OF LTO.

Note: Not all vehicles are included in this list such as the Audi A4, Chevrolet Camaro, Chevrolet Suburban, Hyundai Eon, Lexus RX, Kia Optima, Mitsubishi L300, Subaru BRZ, Subaru Legacy, Suzuki Celerio, Suzuki SX4, and Volvo S60. Newly launched cars like the Honda Mobilio aren't also included here.

By segment can be viewed here

THE TOP 5


Toyota Vios - 11,378 units


Toyota Fortuner - 8,196 units


Toyota Innova - 6,489 units


Toyota Hiace - 5,961 units


Mitsubishi Montero Sport - 5,873 units

Hyundai Genesis Coupe - Generation 1.1 (2009-2012)

HYUNDAI GENESIS COUPE (2009-2012)

With Hyundai aiming the top levels, they made the Genesis Coupe which shares its platform with the Genesis sedan. From launch, three models were available with a higher R-Spec for the V6 added a year later.





Sunday, June 7, 2015

Car Profiles - Honda HR-V

HONDA HR-V

This is an all new model based from the Jazz, not a successor of the flopped model at the turn of the decade. Sporting engines from the Civic, expect driving performance from the vehicle it is based without sacrificing driving height.

The Good: Sporty to drive, radical looks
The Bad: Pricey for some

Price Range: P1,260,000-P1,634,000
Our Rating: ****

Last Update: January 9, 2018

Friday, June 5, 2015

Hyundai Coupe - Generation 2.1 (2003-2007)

HYUNDAI COUPE (2003-2007)

Returning after some years of hiatus, the Coupe does not have engines smaller than a 2.0. Initial models have the 2.0 liter engine which can be had with a manual or automatic with varying equipment levels. but a 2005 update got the V6 that dropped the manual.

See the overview of this Coupe




Hyundai Coupe - Generation 2.2 (2007-2009)

HYUNDAI COUPE (2007-2009)

For 2007, the Coupe received a facelift which had some exterior details revised and the return of the cassette function since it was removed years ago. It was replaced, for the Philippine market at least, by the Genesis Coupe which is more larger.

See the overview of this Coupe
See the Generation 2.1 model





Thursday, June 4, 2015

Volvo C70 - Generation 2 (2007-2012)

VOLVO C70 (2007-2012)

The second generation model was notable for offering a retractable hard top. It also replaced both convertible and coupe models of the predecessor. It was dropped from the line-up in 2012 locally and entirely the following year without any replacement. 






Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Mercedes Benz SLK Class - Generation 2 (2004-2011)

MERCEDES BENZ SLK CLASS (2004-2011)

Known as the R171 body, the second generation SLK Class got new engines, a new interior, and a chiseled body. The AMG version got a V8 engine as opposed to the last one's V6.

See the latest model of the SLK Class






Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Porsche Boxster - Generation 2.2 (2009-2012)

PORSCHE BOXSTER (2009-2012)

An update done in 2009 gave the Boxster fresh engines, options between a manual and a PDK transmission, revised exterior, and some interior additions.

See the latest model of the Boxster





Porsche Boxster - Generation 2.1 (2005-2009)

PORSCHE BOXSTER (2005-2009)

The redesigned Boxster (internal code 987) may be similar to the last generation model, but some details are new including some exterior and interior changes. The Cayman coupe is derived from this convertible.

See the latest model of the Boxster




Monday, June 1, 2015

Porsche Boxster - Generation 1 (1998-2005)

PORSCHE BOXSTER (1998-2005)

With an internal code 986, the first generation Boxster is Porsche's first road vehicle originally designed as a roadster. Philippine market models were the 2.5 first, which was replaced by the 2.7 and S models.

See the latest model of the Boxster