Car Features - The Pops and Flops of 2016

If 2015 was a huge year for the automotive industry, this year would be exciting times since more cars were sold and two major motor shows graced the country (despite the fact there are two automotive groups locally. With huge demand from consumers thanks to a growing economy plus the shift to Euro 4 emissions, lots of new cars were made available despite the transition of a new administration.

For this article, we would be looking towards new releases in the form of a new model, nameplate, engine upgrade, or some trim level and we would gauge if these were hits or misses. For this year, we would pick at least five per category and gauge how they were successful or not.

Car Features - Cars Canadians Can Buy That Filipinos Can't (And Vice Versa)

9.985 million square kilometers and a population of just 35 million people with a location just near North Pole, Canada has a lot of space but a few people. Since this used to be a British colony, you may expect that vehicle options are similar (it gained independence in 1867) to UK, but rather it has some similarities with USA although some models are present while some are not.

As mentioned above, vehicle brands are similar and some are assembled up there for export such as The Detroit Three and Toyota. We do get Canadian assembled vehicles for sale locally but they are the minority. No federal laws for safety or vehicle emissions, unlike their neighbors down south. And if you're wondering, Canada does not have any car manufacturer from France present despite French being a lingua franca there and was colonized back then.

Our series for today features a former British colony (and the fourth this month) whose vehicles are available there and the other way around.

Car Features - Cars Indians Can Buy That Filipinos Can't (And Vice Versa)

With 3.2 million square kilometers (including some outlying islands) and a population of 1.2 billion people, India makes an interesting market for most brands since the economy is booming plus people are graduating from their motorcycles and are now buying four wheeled vehicles. What used to be a closed and restricted market is now one of the major players in the world.

Although some manufacturers have to conquer the market (such as Kia and Mazda), a lot had made a dent in this large market. The Philippines has Tata and Mahindra and receives exports such as the Hyundai Eon and Suzuki Alto. Our road conditions are nearly the same, making it one of the huge similarities.

In this series, we shall see the vehicles sold in this former British colony. This list includes items from Mahindra, Tata, and Maruti Suzuki, whose cars are available here. We will not be listing vehicles that were used to be sold locally (India has a number of old models sold alongside its newer counterpart) here.

Car Features - Cars Australians Can Buy That Filipinos Can't (And Vice Versa)

Australia (the country, not the continent) has 7.7 million square kilometers worth of land which translates to thousands of kilometers of roads for them to drive their automobiles there. Their market is varied although three major players (Holden from General Motors, Ford, and Toyota) eat up the majority of the market. No more car manufacturing there as the above mentioned manufacturers had pulled out assembly plants there.

With a population of just 23 million people, let us discover the vehicle options their market has (and what we don't get in return). Since numerous brands are available, we would focus on mainstream brands which leaves out luxury brands in this list.

So, let us check the vehicles offered at the Land Down Under. To remind you again our rules: to qualify for the what we get (and don't get), we factored in their market requirements as well if the vehicle is available in either RHD (Australia) or LHD (Philippines) to make things fair. Also, some vehicles sold by Holden are available outside AU as an Opel or Buick which aren't available in the Philippines, so these do not count.

Car Profies - Suzuki Kizashi (2012-2016)

2012-2016 Suzuki Kizashi

The Good: Fun to drive personality, cheap to buy

The Bad: Limited space at the back, struggles an identity crisis

The Say: Practical in size but fails to impress in any aspect.

Go For: 2.4
Avoid:

Price Range: P480,000-P660,000
Our Rating: ***

Related Review: Used Car Review - Suzuki Kizashi (2012-2016)

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2012-2016

Car Features - Cars Singaporeans Can Buy That Filipinos Can't (And Vice Versa)

For those who don't know their history, Singapore used to be a part of Malaysia until they've bolted out and declared their independence. With 719.1 square meters, they do have numerous vehicle choices while having their efficient public transportation which moves the nation and despite a certificate of entitlement which gives you a right to purchase a car.

Despite the lack of parking space, let us discover what cars that their market get (and the ones they don't) and the other way around. Since numerous brands are available, we would focus on mainstream brands which leaves out luxury brands in this list.

Large SUVs aren't included here, which is popular around ASEAN but not there since space is lacking. So let's list down the cars here, so prepare for a short trip. Ok lah?

Car Features - Cars Vietnamese People Can Buy That Filipinos Can't (And Vice Versa)

From a communist nation closed to the world back then, Vietnam is becoming one of the rising economies in ASEAN. While they do have a larger market for motorcycles (similar to us), their car market is booming with several car assembly plants located there.

Lets discover the Vietnamese market by determining what cars we get (and in return they don't) and vice versa. The list does not include the likes of engine and body configurations for both countries and we would only focus on popular brands, leaving out small players such as luxury brands and some unknowns.

Before we start, we'd remind you this list on has cars and not motorcycles so don't expect Honda Cubs on this one.

Used Car Review - Audi A4 (2008-2012)

This compact executive is being replaced and Myk Belmonte discovers this gem.

2008-2012 Audi A4

History
Mention the word "compact executive" and the top two answers would be two German compatriots: the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C Class. Heck, the Lexus IS would also be mentioned at the same breath leaving some rivals such as the Audi A4 or the Volvo S60 out of the equation. Sure, the A4 doesn't have any faults but with rivals overshadowing over its popularity, this one deserves a keen look at the second hand market.

Released in September 2007 at the Frankfurt Motor Show for the sedan (with the Avant having its debut in March 2008), the B8 series A4 represented the fourth generation model of the vehicle line. This generation utilized a variant of the Audi Modular Longitudinal Platform which allowed the vehicle to utilize a longer wheelbase without growing in length which made improvements in its handling due to the redistribution of the center of gravity.

Locally, it had its debut sometime in mid-2008 which competed with the fresh C Class, long-in-the-tooth S60 and class leader 3 Series. Both diesel and turbocharged gasoline models were made available to Filipino consumers.

Value and Costs
If you are not a fan of the bling-bling that a Benz or a Bimmer gives you, even on a second hand package, then the allure of an Audi may suit you. Prices for this Ingolstadt assembled vehicle ranges from P900,000 to P1,900,000, which may also include rivals from Europe and Japan given the range. Our advice for premium brands when going second hand is to go certified pre-owned, as such PGA Cars has a wide range of certified units available.

Between the two engines, we'd pick the diesel due to the savings that can give you. Common problems for this vehicle include the EGR in diesel models and the headlights have the tendency to blacken out. Early release models have their MMI interface freeze, so make sure it works properly.

Exterior and Interior
As we said earlier, the redesign gave this vehicle more space without looking bulky and making it more longer than its two German rivals. Its styling is definitely timeless and can withstand the test of time without making this vehicle look outdated.

The interior is where Audi excels, and they succeed in this redesign with high quality materials abound this vehicle. Inside it may be bare but it was crafted perfectly. When placing in passengers, the rear is best left to two since the middle seat has the driveshaft tunnel (to make way to an all wheel drive system) passing through making the one sitting there uncomfortable.

Engine
If you prefer the quietness of a gasoline engine, the sole option would be the 1.8 turbocharged which puts out, depending on the year model, 158hp at 4,500-6,200rpm and 250Nm at 1,500-4,500rpm for 2008 to 2011 models while later ones play at 170hp at 3,800-6,200rpm and 320Nm at 1,750-3,000rpm. Choosing the diesel will opt you for a 2.0 unit having 143hp at 4,200rpm and 320Nm at 1,750-2,500rpm. Both engines are impressive enough on their own intents, with the diesel masquerading for something as gasoline driven.

Driving Impressions
Having a suspension set-up for touring purposes, the ride will not beat you up and still bring your tired body home with ease. Steering is on the sharp side and ride quality is excellent.

Verdict
Sure, it may not have the badge of a Benz or the driving feel of a BMW, the Audi A4 makes an excellent proposition if you value economy and presence more without the flash.

Car Profiles - Honda BR-V

HONDA BR-V

Still derived from the Brio platform, the BR-V (short for Bold Roundabout Vehicle) has chunky looks while being practical and importantly, cheap. Price places it as a tweener, same with size. Do not expect high levels of quality inside though.

The Good:
The Bad:

Price Range: P1,030,000-P1,210,000
Our Rating:

Last Update: January 9, 2018

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles November 2016

Today is your payday and you are contemplating on getting a car. Rather than wasting money on new car depreciation, a late model repossessed car is a prudent choice since recent year models are available. This list reveals that one bank has a lot of cars repo'ed.

Do take note the list is accurate as of November 19, 2016. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Maybank, BPI, and Security Bank.

See the top 10 of  the following months: October 2015, November 2015, January 2016, February 2016, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, June 2016, July 2016, August 2016, September 2016, and October 2016. Original 2014 article here.