Monday, August 31, 2015

Toyota Corolla - Generation 6 (1988-1992)

TOYOTA COROLLA (1988-1992)

After years of absence, the Corolla nameplate returned in 1988 with Toyota Motor Philippine's establishment. Two 1.3 models and a sole 1.6 variant round up the line-up.

See the overview of this Corolla





Friday, August 28, 2015

Jeep Grand Cherokee - Generation 3 (2007-2010)

JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE (2007-2010)

The third generation model continued on by carrying V8 engines only: a 5.7 HEMI and a mouth watering SRT-8. The former was dropped in 2009 with the higher powered brethren remained. 

See the overview of this Grand Cherokee





Thursday, August 27, 2015

Jeep Grand Cherokee - Generation 2 (2000-2004)

JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE (2000-2004)

The second generation Grand Cherokee was only launched with a 4.7 V8 gasoline. Aside from the removal of a traction control (weird, eh), not much changes had occurred.







Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Peugeot 206cc - Generation 1 (2003-2007)

PEUGEOT 206cc (2003-2007)

Basically the convertible version of the 206 hatchback, the 206cc gets a larger 1.6 engine with 127hp. Just like other Peugeots back in the day, sales weren't high which lead to its Philippine pull-out in 2007.






Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Smart Roadster - Generation 1 (2003-2006)

SMART ROADSTER (2003-2006)

After the CityCoupe (later renamed the Fortwo) came the Roadster, which sparked the wave of new cars from the brand. Based on the stretched platform of the Fortwo, the Roadster aims for drop down driving for less, similar to those old British roadsters. No thanks to some warranty breakdowns, it was dropped years later worldwide.




Monday, August 24, 2015

BMW M3 Convertible - Generation 4 (2010-2014)

BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE (2010-2014)

While the coupe version is available since 2007, a convertible was added in 2010 via indent basis. Not much difference in equipment except for the folding top is present.

See the latest model of the M3





BMW M3 Coupe - Generation 4 (2008-2014)

BMW M3 COUPE (2008-2014)

Based on the E90 chassis, the M3 coupe arrived in 2008. A 4.0 V8 is the standard engine, which was a step up from its predecessor's V6. Except for the additional radio functions in 2010, not much changes occurred.

See the latest model of the M3




Friday, August 21, 2015

Car Profiles - Ford Ranger (Wildtrak)

FORD RANGER (WILDTRAK)

If a Ranger is a must on your list, then the Wildtrak variant is the way to go. Amenities are a lot including traction control and presence comes standard. Engine of choice is the 3.2 inline five since it has gobs of power and an option for a manual.

The Good: Powerful 3.2 engine
The Bad: Too big for some

Price Range: P1,328,000-P1,628,000
Our Rating: ***

Last Update: January 23, 2018

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Car Profiles - Ford Ranger (Non Wildtrak)

FORD RANGER (NON WILDTRAK)

Even if you go with the non-Wildtrak models, you still get the same interior space that the new Ranger has. For 2015, it gets a new face as well as some upgrades in equipment and its engine.

The Good: Lots of space
The Bad: Lacks oomph

Price Range: P868,000-P1,268,000
Our Rating: ***

Last Update: January 23, 2018

Car Profiles - Ford Ranger (2012-Current)

2012-Current Ford Ranger

The Good: Lots of space and kit, powerful engines

The Bad: 2.2 engine may be little for a few, somewhat large exterior dimensions

The Say: A leader in the truck race with rivals following suit.

Go For: 2.2 Wildtrak
Avoid: Anything with quality issues

Price Range: P920,000-P1,300,000
Our Rating: ***

Related Reviews: None as of the Moment
Latest vehicle profile: Ford Ranger Non-Wildtrak/Wildtrak

See the different versions of this vehicle:

Recall Alert - Honda Philippines Recalls Accords, Pilots, and Two Civics

We all know about the mess that was brought by Takata airbags that affected a number of manufacturers around the world in which some had died due to this one. So owners of affected Honda vehicles including 2003 to 2006 Accords, 2006 to 2007 Pilots, and 2004 to 2005 Civics, you need to read this one.

BMW M3 - Generation 3 (2001-2006)

BMW M3 (2001-2006)

The first M3 model to be marketed by BMW Philippines. Based on the E46 chassis, the local market got a six speed manual and the coupe body (the sedan from previous models are not anymore available).

See the latest model of the M3





Wednesday, August 19, 2015

BMW M5 - Generation 5 (2005-2010)

BMW M5 (2005-2010)

While the E60 5 Series was launched in 2003, its equivalent M5 model appeared two years later. A sedan body was sold first, followed by an indent-basis wagon model.

See the latest model of the M5





Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Ferrari F599 GTB Fiorano - Generation 1 (2006-2008)

FERRARI F599 GTB FIORANO (2006-2008)

Replacing the 575M Maranello is the F599, whose name is derived from its 5,999cc engine, Gran Turismo Berlinetta nature, and the Fiorano Circuit used by the brand.







Monday, August 17, 2015

Porsche Cayman - Generation 1.2 (2009-2013)

PORSCHE CAYMAN (2009-2013)

An update done in 2009 gave the Cayman upgraded engines - the 2.7 became the 2.9, Porsche's PDK transmission, and a revised rear with LED lights.

See the latest model of the Cayman





Porsche Cayman - Generation 1.1 (2005-2009)

PORSCHE CAYMAN (2005-2009)

Derived from the Boxster's platform, the Cayman is technically the convertible's coupe version. The S model was first sold, which was followed by a more simple 2.7 engine.

See the latest model of the Cayman




Saturday, August 15, 2015

Car Features - May 2015 Philippines Car Sales Figures by Segment

Today, let us check out how some cars fare well against their contemporaries in their respective categories. May sales figures can be seen here.

Friday, August 14, 2015

Great Wall Coolbear - Generation 1 (2009-2012)

GREAT WALL COOLBEAR (2009-2012)

A car with a funny name made an appearance as a clone of the first generation Scion XB/Toyota bB. The copy comes fully kitted including a 1.5 gasoline engine. No thanks to poor sales, this vehicle saw the end of its life in 2012.





Thursday, August 13, 2015

Chery V5 - Generation 1 (2007-2012)

CHERY V5 (2007-2012)

While the V2 is aimed at the lower scale of the market, the V5 targets the upper class. Amenities that are absent in the V2 comes standard here, including a center mounted gauges. Lack of interest resulted to its discontinuation in 2012







Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Mercedes Benz ViTO - Generation 1 (1996-2003)

MERCEDES BENZ ViTO (1996-2003)

Another van that the German brand is offering which is essentially the replacement of the MB100. As opposed to the MB, this one is powered by a 2.2 turbo diesel with CRDi technology. This van was replaced by the Viano (technically the same vehicle) in 2003.

See the latest model of the ViTO




Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Hyundai Elantra - Generation 4 (2007-2008)

HYUNDAI ELANTRA (2007-2008)

Nearly 11 years later, the Elantra nameplate made a return with a award winning version and a diesel engine under the hood. However, this one didn't sell well with only one unit was known to be sold in the country.




Monday, August 10, 2015

Daewoo Espero - Generation 1 (1995-2000)

DAEWOO ESPERO (1995-2000)

Supplementing the Racer but classified as a mid-size (it actually competes with the Corolla/Lancer class) sedan, the Espero has a roomy cabin for the price. Driving experience and refinement isn't something noteworthy.






Sunday, August 9, 2015

Car Profiles - Suzuki Celerio

SUZUKI CELERIO

Although launched in some countries a bit earlier, its never too late for a hatchback which was known for its fuel efficiency but fell off the radar later on to be fresh. Although the engine is the same, it now gets alloy wheels and all power amenities. Plus the price directly rivals the Mirage GLX and Wigo G.

The Good: More practical and feature loaded
The Bad:

Price Range: P538,000-P569,000
Our Rating: ***

Last Update: May 9. 2017

Friday, August 7, 2015

Kia Besta - Generation 2 (1995-2000)

KIA BESTA (1995-2000)

This van shares the platform with the Ceres, a vehicle known for its utilitarian roots. It was the first van to offer seating capacity for 17 people, which the Nissan Urvan had it 10 years later. All models can be had with either a 2.2 or 2.7 diesel engine.






Thursday, August 6, 2015

Chrysler 300 Wagon - Generation 1.2 (2010-2011)

CHRYSLER 300 WAGON (2010-2011)

Added in May 2010 is the 300 wagon which has the 5.7 HEMI in it. It was shortlived since this model was replaced in 2011.








Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Peugeot 307 - Generation 1 (2003-2007)

PEUGEOT 307 (2003-2007)

Larger in size than the 206, the 307 has more power, space and (thank goodness) equipment with six airbags for the price back then. Not much efforts were exerted for the brand to stay afloat which cause this and the rest of the line-up to be pulled out years later.

See the overview of this 307




Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Volvo 850 Wagon - Generation 1.2 (1994-1997)

VOLVO 850 WAGON (1994-1997)

The first Swedish car to be locally sold, the 850 sedan (the wagon is featured separately) can be had in either regular or tubo versions. A main difference of the wagon is the availability of a third row seat. The line-up was replaced by the S70/V70 in 1997.






Volvo 850 Sedan - Generation 1.2 (1994-1997)

VOLVO 850 SEDAN (1994-1997)

The first Swedish car to be locally sold, the 850 sedan (the wagon is featured separately) can be had in either regular or tubo versions. The line-up was replaced by the S70/V70 in 1997.







Volkswagen Passat - Generation 5.1 (2000-2004)

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT (2000-2004)

When Volkswagen was relaunched in 2000, the Passat became the brand's top end model and the most expensive one. Offered between a short-lived V5 or a basic 1.8 Turbo, the Passat is basically a mass market Audi A4, in which it shares its platform.





Monday, August 3, 2015

Hyundai Elantra Sedan - Generation 2 (1996-2000)

HYUNDAI ELANTRA SEDAN (1996-2000)

Hyundai's first attempt locally to compete with the Corolla/Civic rivalry, the Elantra has all McPherson struts, all disc brakes, and ABS braking system, so is a wagon body (until the Opel Astra had it). The nameplate would return seven years later.





Sunday, August 2, 2015

Car Profiles - Haima S5

HAIMA S5

Slotting below the Mazda based 7 when it comes to size, the S5 is built from the ground up. Bearing an almost original design, more spacious interior, and turbocharged engines, this Haima may have the potential of breaking the notion against Chinese vehicles.

The Good: An original Chinese car
The Bad: Still carries the stigma

Price Range: P849,000-P1,119,000
Our Rating: ***

Last Update: August 2, 2015

Car Profiles - Peugeot 2008

PEUGEOT 2008

Now occupying as the cheapest Peugeot (the 3008 had gone above 2 million bucks), the 2008 has a 1.6 gasoline engine and high ground clearance. It rivals the Subaru XV and Mitsubishi ASX with its French flair as its fighting ground.

The Good: The cheapest French car you can buy 
The Bad: No diesels like the rest of Peugeots

Price Range: P1,390,000
Our Rating: ***

Last Update: August 2, 2015

Car Profiles - Suzuki Celerio (2009-2015)

2009-2015 Suzuki Celerio

The Good: Fuel friendly (with the manual), easy to drive

The Bad: Power sapping automatic, tight third row

The Say: While it has some virtues, it gets lost on a sea of sub-compacts.

Go For: GL
Avoid:

Price Range: P250,000-P450,000
Our Rating: ***

Related Reviews: Used Car Review - Suzuki Celerio (2009-2015)
Latest vehicle profile: Suzuki Celerio

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2009-2015