Mention the phrase "best selling car in the Philippines" and a Toyota will emerge as a best seller. Since 1995 (with available data, although there might be since its return in 1989) a Toyota is the best seller in a country of 7,000 plus islands, with four vehicles from the brand became a best seller.
For curiosity sake, let us discover which vehicle that does not wear the Toyota badge is the best seller. Sure, a lot of brands throughout the years want to beat out what the Japanese brand has to offer but they have failed. Let us see who is the best seller per year.
Monday, August 28, 2017
Monday, August 21, 2017
Car Features - Top 30 Best Selling Vehicles of Japan for 2013
For the last Japan best seller series, we shall go to year 2013. Two years since a deadly earthquake and tsunami hit the country, car sales were down in that year but shot up the following year only to go down in 2013.
Regular cars sold during the year totaled to 3.2 million with Kei cars at 2.1 million and 346,000 imported cars. This list only counts regular models especially that our source doesn't include Keis and imports but these are just the minority.
Regular cars sold during the year totaled to 3.2 million with Kei cars at 2.1 million and 346,000 imported cars. This list only counts regular models especially that our source doesn't include Keis and imports but these are just the minority.
Monday, August 14, 2017
Used Car Review - Kia Picanto (2011-2017)
This tiny Korean hatchback will have a new model change this year.
2011-2017 Kia Picanto
History
Slotting as the smallest vehicle in Kia's/Hyundai's line-up, the Kia Visto/Hyundai Atos twins are the cheapest vehicles that can be purchased from the two Korean brands. Sold in numerous markets around the world, it utilized a 1.0 or a 1.1 engine depending on the market and although production of the Kia version ended earlier, the Atos enjoyed a longer life with European production ceased in 2007 and with the Indian market cutting assembly seven years later. The Picanto shares a platform of what would be the successor of the Atos, the Hyundai i10 subcompact.
Having its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in 2011, the second generation Picanto is longer than the model it replaces and gets a new design language done by Peter Schreyer. A first for this vehicle is the availability of a three door hatchback exclusively for the European market.
The late 00s and the early 2010s was a time where mini hatchbacks were the rage and the second generation Picanto ushered in. Although the category wasn't that much in the boom, the arrival of competitors such as the Mitsubishi Mirage, Toyota Wigo, and its compatriot Hyundai Eon throughout the years as well as low down payment schemes (you can have this car for as low as P5,000) made this one a popular choice among buyers. A solo engine option in the form of the 1.0 with either transmission (manual and automatic) was first sold with a 1.2 followed later on. From 2014 onwards, 1.0 models are paired to manuals while the 1.2 get automatics. Two variants were made available with the EX being the most common, the downgraded LX was offered for a limited time.
Value and Costs
Similar to vehicles aimed at first time owners, a used second gen Picanto costs between P240,000 to P440,000. Models sold from 2012 could have the chunk of the remainder of the five year manufacturer warranty, so it pays to look for these. Since this model are offered with low down schemes that makes them a common sight in repossessed bank lots, this is a good hunting place to start if you aim for this car.
Maintenance costs of these vehicles are on the lower side and on par with most Asian makes. A cause of concern of this vehicle, in general, is the auxiliary fan which tends to give up easily. And before we leave this paragraph, we would advise you to forget going for the automatics since it is not fuel friendly so choose a manual if possible.
Exterior and Interior
Thanks to the efforts of Mr. Schreyer and company, the Picanto isn't any more cute but rather it shows its bolder side and does not look or shout budget meal. Little details which are integrated in the grille and the rear end makes the vehicle mistaken that it costs more than what it offers. Prior to 2017, 1.0 manuals wear steel wheels with cover while alloys are exclusive to the 1.0 automatic and 1.2 models. LX models wear black bumpers and does not get a rear wiper while the EX is body colored and has a rear washer system.
Inside reveals what could be a mixed bag, especially that it may disappoint you while at the same time, make you smile. Good thing is you get, for the EX models at least, all power amenities and keyless entry with alarm all coupled with an average interior in its class and an interior quality fit for cars costing more; bad news is if you get a unit before the 2017 model year, it does not have any airbag or anti-lock brakes as standard kit since competitors of the same price have them plus the high quality interior comes basic. Do not expect much as with some rivals come with touch screen monitor systems and even some with a navigation system head unit.
Engine
Most Picanto units would come with a Hyundai derived 1.0 3-cylinder which has 68hp at 6,200 rpm and 94Nm at 3,500rpm that is fine puttering around but we choose the manual as a pair, since we said earlier that going two pedals would cost you more at the pump. Introduced in 2012 is a 1.2 4-cylinder that gains 86hp at 6,000rpm and 120Nm at 4,000rpm that is a livelier partner but as we said earlier, if paired to a manual.
Driving Impressions
If you want something that is easy to drive inside the city, this is one fine partner especially that you get top notch visibility and light steering. Going to the highways shows its limitations especially that its steering is numb and a nervous ride.
Verdict
Grown up already, the Picanto sheds it cute image for something more mature. While there are some positives of this vehicle, still some negatives such as the lack of safety kit for most units and a gas guzzling nature back it off from the segments best.
2011-2017 Kia Picanto
History
Slotting as the smallest vehicle in Kia's/Hyundai's line-up, the Kia Visto/Hyundai Atos twins are the cheapest vehicles that can be purchased from the two Korean brands. Sold in numerous markets around the world, it utilized a 1.0 or a 1.1 engine depending on the market and although production of the Kia version ended earlier, the Atos enjoyed a longer life with European production ceased in 2007 and with the Indian market cutting assembly seven years later. The Picanto shares a platform of what would be the successor of the Atos, the Hyundai i10 subcompact.
Having its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in 2011, the second generation Picanto is longer than the model it replaces and gets a new design language done by Peter Schreyer. A first for this vehicle is the availability of a three door hatchback exclusively for the European market.
The late 00s and the early 2010s was a time where mini hatchbacks were the rage and the second generation Picanto ushered in. Although the category wasn't that much in the boom, the arrival of competitors such as the Mitsubishi Mirage, Toyota Wigo, and its compatriot Hyundai Eon throughout the years as well as low down payment schemes (you can have this car for as low as P5,000) made this one a popular choice among buyers. A solo engine option in the form of the 1.0 with either transmission (manual and automatic) was first sold with a 1.2 followed later on. From 2014 onwards, 1.0 models are paired to manuals while the 1.2 get automatics. Two variants were made available with the EX being the most common, the downgraded LX was offered for a limited time.
Value and Costs
Similar to vehicles aimed at first time owners, a used second gen Picanto costs between P240,000 to P440,000. Models sold from 2012 could have the chunk of the remainder of the five year manufacturer warranty, so it pays to look for these. Since this model are offered with low down schemes that makes them a common sight in repossessed bank lots, this is a good hunting place to start if you aim for this car.
Maintenance costs of these vehicles are on the lower side and on par with most Asian makes. A cause of concern of this vehicle, in general, is the auxiliary fan which tends to give up easily. And before we leave this paragraph, we would advise you to forget going for the automatics since it is not fuel friendly so choose a manual if possible.
Exterior and Interior
Thanks to the efforts of Mr. Schreyer and company, the Picanto isn't any more cute but rather it shows its bolder side and does not look or shout budget meal. Little details which are integrated in the grille and the rear end makes the vehicle mistaken that it costs more than what it offers. Prior to 2017, 1.0 manuals wear steel wheels with cover while alloys are exclusive to the 1.0 automatic and 1.2 models. LX models wear black bumpers and does not get a rear wiper while the EX is body colored and has a rear washer system.
Inside reveals what could be a mixed bag, especially that it may disappoint you while at the same time, make you smile. Good thing is you get, for the EX models at least, all power amenities and keyless entry with alarm all coupled with an average interior in its class and an interior quality fit for cars costing more; bad news is if you get a unit before the 2017 model year, it does not have any airbag or anti-lock brakes as standard kit since competitors of the same price have them plus the high quality interior comes basic. Do not expect much as with some rivals come with touch screen monitor systems and even some with a navigation system head unit.
Engine
Most Picanto units would come with a Hyundai derived 1.0 3-cylinder which has 68hp at 6,200 rpm and 94Nm at 3,500rpm that is fine puttering around but we choose the manual as a pair, since we said earlier that going two pedals would cost you more at the pump. Introduced in 2012 is a 1.2 4-cylinder that gains 86hp at 6,000rpm and 120Nm at 4,000rpm that is a livelier partner but as we said earlier, if paired to a manual.
Driving Impressions
If you want something that is easy to drive inside the city, this is one fine partner especially that you get top notch visibility and light steering. Going to the highways shows its limitations especially that its steering is numb and a nervous ride.
Verdict
Grown up already, the Picanto sheds it cute image for something more mature. While there are some positives of this vehicle, still some negatives such as the lack of safety kit for most units and a gas guzzling nature back it off from the segments best.
Thursday, August 10, 2017
Honda CR-V - Generation 4.2 (2015-2017)
HONDA CR-V (2015-2017)
See the overview of this CR-V
See the Generation 4.1 Japan or Thailand model
See the latest model of the CR-V
See the Generation 4.1 Japan or Thailand model
See the latest model of the CR-V
Kia Picanto - Generation 2.1-2 (2011-2017)
KIA PICANTO (2011-2017)
Car Profiles - Kia Picanto (2011-2017)
The Good: High quality interior, easy to drive
The Bad: Basic interior, automatics are fuel guzzlers
The Say: Improved but still primitive.
Go For: EX M/T
Avoid: EX A/T
Price Range: P240,000-P440,000
Our Rating: ***
Related Review: Used Car Review - Kia Picanto (2011-2017)
Latest vehicle profile: Kia Picanto
See the different versions of this vehicle:
2011-2017
Monday, August 7, 2017
Used Car Review - Honda CR-V (2012-2017)
A popular nameplate gets redesigned this year, let us revisit.
2012-2017 Honda CR-V
History
One of the popular nameplates in the Philippine car landscape is the Honda CR-V, which became the sole model to start the compact SUV category ever since it entered the market in late 1997. Sure, the Toyota RAV4 came first, but the straight H badge became the class leader. Rivals from other parts of Asia (such as Japan and Korea) and America came to the scene and toppled this but the legacy of this category starts with this one.
Debuted as a concept car at the Orange County International Auto Show in September 2011 with the actual production model launched two months later in Los Angeles and sales starting December in both US and Japan markets.
We all know that Honda's assembly plant in Thailand got flooded in late 2011, resulting to vehicle shortages for selected models for our market. Because of this, the local subsidiary of Honda had to result to importing certain models such as the CR-V (most PHDM models come from Thailand, the same goes with the Jazz, Civic, and Accord). Japanese models were first brought here in two guises, the LX 2WD and EX 4WD, which carried different specifications in April 2012. In December 2012, Thailand spec models were shipped in with varying features from the first batches. Updates occurred in November 2014 and July 2016 which were either model changes or additional equipment.
Value and Costs
Most gasoline powered compact sport utility vehicles - especially when their displacement is above two liters - aren't friendly to the first owner, but if you're buying second hand that may come to an advantage especially that lower prices may prove as a bargain. Japan sourced models have a slight price premium over those from Thailand, given the fact that the former is sold for a limited time. Just like previous generation models, you can have a Modulo or Cruiser Edition for this one. Manuals can only be had for the V sourced from Thailand.
Keeping this baby wouldn't require you to skip meals or do cost cutting measures, especially that maintenance costs aren't that far and between compared to rivals of the same price point (not including turbocharged models and diesels). No serious problems were reported as of now but a recall issued in July 2012 for 834 units sold between April to July of that year involving the interior door latch whose inside system may get loose that may open when the vehicle is moving.
Exterior and Interior
While the front looked sleek, the rear is somewhat flat due to the sloping window design. Sure, it may not be a standout when it comes to its style but the design adds to one advantage the vehicle has. November 2014 (for the 2015 model year) gives the vehicle a revised grille which made the car look more premium, different wheel design, and daytime running lamps. Models from Japan can be distinguished by their matte finish grill (Thailand units have theirs in piano black) and DRLs (2013-2014 models don't get them).
Inside, a spacious cabin treats both people and cargo which is a long time advantage for this nameplate. A third row seat became a cost-free option for LX and EX models in 2013 with later models being a P25,000 optional item but it is best treated for emergency uses only. Regardless of country of origin, interior quality is top notch especially it has that premium touch. A touchscreen radio monitor with Bluetooth comes standard among S and S-X models from 2015 while the LaneWatch and a navigation system comes standard for the top end model for 2015. Japan models come with fabric seats with their counterparts from Thailand get optional leather. Other major differences include the following: conventional handbrake for Japan units versus a footbrake for Thailand models, and an advanced i-Mid system for later units.
Engine
Similar to previous generation models, you can have two engine variants but only paired to a certain drivetrain. Front wheel drive models are paired to a R20A 2.0 having 153hp at 6,500rpm and 190Nm at 4,300rpm while all wheel drive models have a K24Y1 2.4 displacing 185hp at 7,000rpm and 220Nm at 4,400rpm. An ECON mode which aids the car to be more fuel friendly on an already fuel thirsty engine comes standard.
Driving Impressions
If you want something comfortable and relaxing, then you have came to the right place since this vehicle has that attribute. The CR-V has a light steering which is a boon for city driving and its ride comfort is perfect for both environments.
Verdict
Despite rivals which have more power or are cheaper that came to the market, the CR-V still has that place in the consumer's heart by providing a sweet spot between something that is comfortable in all places while at the same time a reliable partner.
2012-2017 Honda CR-V
History
One of the popular nameplates in the Philippine car landscape is the Honda CR-V, which became the sole model to start the compact SUV category ever since it entered the market in late 1997. Sure, the Toyota RAV4 came first, but the straight H badge became the class leader. Rivals from other parts of Asia (such as Japan and Korea) and America came to the scene and toppled this but the legacy of this category starts with this one.
Debuted as a concept car at the Orange County International Auto Show in September 2011 with the actual production model launched two months later in Los Angeles and sales starting December in both US and Japan markets.
We all know that Honda's assembly plant in Thailand got flooded in late 2011, resulting to vehicle shortages for selected models for our market. Because of this, the local subsidiary of Honda had to result to importing certain models such as the CR-V (most PHDM models come from Thailand, the same goes with the Jazz, Civic, and Accord). Japanese models were first brought here in two guises, the LX 2WD and EX 4WD, which carried different specifications in April 2012. In December 2012, Thailand spec models were shipped in with varying features from the first batches. Updates occurred in November 2014 and July 2016 which were either model changes or additional equipment.
Value and Costs
Most gasoline powered compact sport utility vehicles - especially when their displacement is above two liters - aren't friendly to the first owner, but if you're buying second hand that may come to an advantage especially that lower prices may prove as a bargain. Japan sourced models have a slight price premium over those from Thailand, given the fact that the former is sold for a limited time. Just like previous generation models, you can have a Modulo or Cruiser Edition for this one. Manuals can only be had for the V sourced from Thailand.
Keeping this baby wouldn't require you to skip meals or do cost cutting measures, especially that maintenance costs aren't that far and between compared to rivals of the same price point (not including turbocharged models and diesels). No serious problems were reported as of now but a recall issued in July 2012 for 834 units sold between April to July of that year involving the interior door latch whose inside system may get loose that may open when the vehicle is moving.
Exterior and Interior
While the front looked sleek, the rear is somewhat flat due to the sloping window design. Sure, it may not be a standout when it comes to its style but the design adds to one advantage the vehicle has. November 2014 (for the 2015 model year) gives the vehicle a revised grille which made the car look more premium, different wheel design, and daytime running lamps. Models from Japan can be distinguished by their matte finish grill (Thailand units have theirs in piano black) and DRLs (2013-2014 models don't get them).
Inside, a spacious cabin treats both people and cargo which is a long time advantage for this nameplate. A third row seat became a cost-free option for LX and EX models in 2013 with later models being a P25,000 optional item but it is best treated for emergency uses only. Regardless of country of origin, interior quality is top notch especially it has that premium touch. A touchscreen radio monitor with Bluetooth comes standard among S and S-X models from 2015 while the LaneWatch and a navigation system comes standard for the top end model for 2015. Japan models come with fabric seats with their counterparts from Thailand get optional leather. Other major differences include the following: conventional handbrake for Japan units versus a footbrake for Thailand models, and an advanced i-Mid system for later units.
Engine
Similar to previous generation models, you can have two engine variants but only paired to a certain drivetrain. Front wheel drive models are paired to a R20A 2.0 having 153hp at 6,500rpm and 190Nm at 4,300rpm while all wheel drive models have a K24Y1 2.4 displacing 185hp at 7,000rpm and 220Nm at 4,400rpm. An ECON mode which aids the car to be more fuel friendly on an already fuel thirsty engine comes standard.
Driving Impressions
If you want something comfortable and relaxing, then you have came to the right place since this vehicle has that attribute. The CR-V has a light steering which is a boon for city driving and its ride comfort is perfect for both environments.
Verdict
Despite rivals which have more power or are cheaper that came to the market, the CR-V still has that place in the consumer's heart by providing a sweet spot between something that is comfortable in all places while at the same time a reliable partner.
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