Autocar Philippines – Wheels June 2024

Neil Pagulayan

EDITOR’S NOTE

We are right smack in the middle of 2024 and our auto industry hasn’t slowed down for a breather which means we’re out quite a bit covering one event after another and that’s a big plus for you as a consumer as your options are more varied now than they were less than a decade ago. It’s hard to imagine that there was a time when there were only a handful of brands and models to chose from.

In Fresh Out the Box, Dongfeng Motors Philippines introduce new models, Rich 7, Nammi, Forthing U-Tour, MHero, and Aeolus Mage. Ford Philippines brings in the muchawaited Bronco and introduces the Territory Sport. Jeep Philippines gives us the Wrangler 4-Door Sport. For those of you with discriminating taste, Mercedes-Benz Philippines, recently unveiled the CLA Coupe and the GLB 200 AMG compact SUV. Nissan Philippines refreshes the Nissan Navara line-up and if you’re one of those people who can, “because I can…” , well the Porsche 911 Dakar is now available in the Philippines just for you.

As always we have the top stories in Industry News, and we have an interesting feature on the BMW i7 Protection in either electric or gasoline, and heavily armoured straight from the factory which is always better than an after market armour upgrade, and here at Autocar PH, we agree its always better to have it and not need it than get caught in an ambush in a regular soft skinned car. Those errands from our office to Starbucks can be quite precarious at times.

Our main feature in this issue is Honda’s refreshed City Hatchback which they just launched, and aside from the new look-good sporty stuff on the outside, the most important update on this looker is that now, it has Honda SENSING, the safety suite that’ll make it probably the safest subcompact hatchback on the road.

Whats in a GT?, we have a road trip feature in a Bentley Continental GT and we have a new contributor on the team, Randolph writes about our recent out of town Summer drive putting the Nissan Terra 4x4 through its paces and ending up in Zambales. Work is tough, but someone’s got to do it.

Our Motorsports section has a bit about pinoy race driver Zach David going pretty good at the Spa and Audi entering Formula One.

While you read this and soak it all in, we’re off on more adventures we’ll tell about in the next one!

Cheers!

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Binky P. Siddayao

CRUNCH OUT THE NUMBERS

Fuel mileage and efficiency of vehicles have, again, become a concern for car owners. Having the right vehicle with efficient fuel mileage can make your lifestyle much easier for you. There are many ways that you can calculate fuel mileage. Learning how to calculate your fuel mileage is an easy process.

Just note that there is no proper result for what a good gas mileage is. It all rests on which and what vehicle you drive, how you drive, where you drive to in which your fuel economy can increase or decrease. So, take time finding out your fuel mileage

If you choose to purchase a vehicle that has great fuel mileage from what the manufacturer stated, as new car owner one may find that it’s not as good as others, let’s say, sedan models, which are lighter than an SUV or a pickup truck. Be “shrewd” and do your research on the vehicles you are interested in to see how much mileage you can get. And compare to other brands/ models.

Computing for fuel mileage can be done on-site with your phone’s calculator and while at the gas station.

Find out how much fuel your tank holds by browsing your vehicle’s owner’s manual. With a full tank load and a reset of your tripmeter (or record

the total mileage after filling up) freely drive your car as you would normally do and not be conscious. Remember that if you accelerate more briskly or slowly or drive differently, your calculated fuel mileage may be different than what you record.

Refill your tank and record your mileage. Waiting longer to refill may make your calculation more accurate as it will be based on a more balanced mix of driving conditions.

To calculate your gas mileage, you divide the number of Kilometers traveled by the number of liters of fuel your vehicle took to refill. In simple form: Kilometers (Distance) driven divided by Liters (Volume) of fuel used.

Be “shrewd” and do your research on

If you missed writing down the volume (how many liters) you filled up your vehicle check your receipt, and you can go by where your tank was when you refilled and then divide out your total tank capacity accordingly to come to the number of liters you refilled. You then divide the distance driven you may roughly recall. It will be less accurate since the fuel gauge in some cars aren’t always accurate. At present maybe 80 percent of all vehicles sold have a digital fuel gauge that would actually show exactly how many liters of fuel are in the tank and how far more you can go for your next top-up. And this, my friends, is much easier than an old analog gauge.

MY WEEK IN CARS

MONDAY

Ford Mustangs are everywhere. There’s a Pony Car Weekend coming up at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon. The cover star of the latest Classic & Sports Car is a beautiful early convertible and the looming Goodwood Members’ Meeting (next weekend) will feature a new race called the Ken Miles Cup for pre-1966 notchback models – in which none other than Ford president and CEO Jim Farley will race with another famous V8 expert, Steve Soper. Under the circumstances, it seemed right to abandon myself to the hype and head for the Goodwood practice day to see some of these cars in early action. They were terrific and there were plenty, including four prepared by legendary hot Fords business Alan Mann Racing. Soper was there, effortlessly stroking his beautiful blue car around in the sun, but Farley (who races GT40s, ’Stangs, Cobras and his own Lola) won’t get a chance until the race weekend. I grabbed a word with Soper, as calm as ever, who looked forward to a “very open” race but reckoned the car might have a top six chance. Great racing ahead.

TUESDAY

Crazy coincidence. Into my inbox falls news from Formula 1 expert and comms guru Matt Bishop, talking rather excitedly about a talented 18-year-old Australian open-wheel champion, Patrick Heuzenroeder. It seems Patrick has won everything relevant over there and has arrived to take his chances in the UK – under the eye of David Brabham, Le Mans winner and son of Jack. Now, Autocar isn’t a big race mag, so the main story will go elsewhere, but the surname Heuzenroeder isn’t exactly common and set off an echo in my head. The last time I heard it was in the outback Australian town where I was

❝

He has direct family links to my family’s sausage provider ❞

brought up, where Heuzenroeders were the big local butchers, specialising in multiple varieties of succulent sausages. Bishop enquired, and it turns out racing Patrick has direct family links to my family’s sausage provider. Small world. That will make me watch his race career with interest.

THURSDAY

Anniversaries are a disease in our business, but I make a very large exception for last week’s 50th anniversary of the official launch of the Volkswagen Golf, which came along and changed the world. I’d just arrived in auto journalism in 1974, so I especially remember the furore about air-cooled VWs disappearing for good (actually, the transverse, front-drive Passat had already arrived, if my memory serves).

AND ANOTHER THING

Next weekend’s Goodwood Members’ Meeting will mark the latest appearance for this famous, Autocarsponsored Ford Capri brilliantly driven in its saloon car heyday by Gordon Spice, and still extremely quick. I spotted it at the recent practice day. One of next weekend’s drivers will be Guy Smith, Le Mans winner for Bentley back in 2003. (Was it really that long ago?)

The best thing about the Mk1 Golf is how it looks now. The simple, beautiful lines and proportions and the agility that didn’t need any announcement other than the look of the thing. People rightly pay big money for original Minis these days, but I realise my desire in that line would be a small-engined, bog-standard, threedoor, steel-wheeled Golf – because I’ll bet my mortgage it would still drive really nicely.

FRIDAY

It really is no wonder Alan Gow’s British Touring Car Championship is the world’s most successful saloon racing series. The latest news is that they will stream the 2024 season on TikTok, bringing 30 ultra-close races across 10 weekends to a vast new audience. This is in addition to the eighthour ITV coverage on race days, unique in itself. I talked to Gow about this, but even he doesn’t have much of a notion about just how much this could add to his audience. He only knows that it will be a massive, younger and more diverse crowd. If things go really well, it will also mean the BTCC can attract sponsors whose business will be more international.

We will cover it again this year, and I can’t wait for my traditional trip to super-fast Thruxton, where the racing takes your breath away.

Soper (right) will race this Mustang with Ford CEO Farley

EDITORIAL TEAM

IRA V. PANGANIBAN Editor-in-Chief

EDGAR QUESADA Associate Editor

NEIL PAGULAYAN Executive Editor

BINKY SIDDAYAO Technical Editor

OLSON CAMACHO Off Road Editor

RAPHAEL SORIANO Editor

MATT PRIOR | KRIS LIM | BINKY SIDDAYAO Columnists

JOHN REY SAN DIEGO Staff Writer

WILLIAM HERRERA | LUIS GERONA Contributors

ANJO PEREZ Senior Photographer

BONG BOADO | KEITH MARK DADOR | LOUIE CAMACHO

MARK QUESADA | ALAN RANCH SEVILLA | RANDOLPH DE LEON

ARNOLD RIODEQUE | BOBS JEROME | MEMERT MONTELOYOLA Photographers

RAYMUND RAVANERA Graphic Designer

ADVERTISING AND MARKETING SALES

DANG DORIA Sales And Marketing Manager

CORPORATE TEAM

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President IRA V. PANGANIBAN

Vice President RONALDO TRINIDAD

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Treasurer EDGAR QUESADA

Administrative Head KAITE S. BELGICA

EDITORIAL TEAM

Editor-in-Chief – Anjo Perez

Contributors – Rica Sison, Joseph Bautista, Lara Camacho

William Herrera, Neil Pagulayan

Photographer – Mark Quesada

Staff Writer – John Rey San Diego

Graphic Designer – Raymund Ravanera

Contact us at info@wheelsph.com

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FRESH OUT THE BOX

New Season, New Models

Now that we are at the tail-end of the record-breaking heat (or so we hope), everyone is eager for the rainy season to finally come. Anticipating the new season, the local automotive industry is also ushering new car models for buyers to check out. Here are the some of the latest car mod-els launched in the Philippine market over the past month.

JOHN REY SAN DIEGO

Dongfeng Lineup Additions

Aside from welcoming the seasoned industry executive, Atty.

Albert Arcilla as the new Dongfeng Managing Director, the brand is also beefing up its lineup with a set of diverse additions that will surely excite the market.

First among the brand’s additions is the Dongfeng Nammi, a full electric model that has been tailored for urban commuting. The Nammi boasts a maximum driving range of 430 km. Another new Dongfeng model in the lineup is the Aeolus Mage, a sporty crossover that is powered by a 1.5-liter MachPower Turbocharged engine.

Dongfeng Motors, under the management of Legado Motors, Inc., also introduced the new Rich 7 pickup truck which features a 2.3-liter turbocharged diesel engine. Promising as a capable and versatile off-roader, the Rich 7 packs front and rear

differential locks, Off Road Protection Frame, Off Road Info Displays, and 540-degree cameras. Fit for the ones with intimidating taste is the new Forthing U-Tour MPV which highlights its yacht-like interior. It might shout premium from the inside out but its 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine makes it quite a zippy luxury MPV that seems fun on spirited drives.

One of the highlights during Dongfeng Motor’s new lineup launch is the MHero, a full-electric, military-inspired SUV. The MHero boasts smart off-road architecture, intelligent cockpit design, and a 500 km driving range.

Ford Bronco

Another iconic Ford nameplate has officially arrived on Philippine shores. Ford Philippines recently added the Ford Bronco to its local lineup. The off-road SUV is set to make the blue oval’s 4x4 offering in the Philippines even stronger.

The All-New Bronco is powered by a 2.7L EcoBoost V6 Engine with Auto Start-Stop, delivering 335 PS and 555 Nm of torque, paired with a 10-Speed Automatic Transmission for superior off-roading capability.

It is also equipped with advanced 4x4 with On Demand Engagement which provides power to all wheels for enhanced traction and stability. Its G.O.A.T. Mode (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) adapts to various terrains and weather conditions. It also comes with a High Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension (HOSS) System in the form of position-sensitive BILSTEIN shock absorbers. For better off-roading capability, the Ford Bronco comes with 4.7 final drive ratio with electronic-locking front and rear axles.

Ford Territory Sport

Recognizing the Ford Territory as one of the best-selling models to ever come out of Ford dealerships in the Philippines, Ford has recently updated the Territory lineup with the addition of the Sport variant.

Separating the Territory Sport from the Titanium X variant are its black accents and trimmings. Up front, the Territory Sport comes with satin black grill, high gloss black skid plate, black fog lamp garnish, and black side mirrors. The Territory Sport also comes with high gloss black roof and rails, Ebony Black finished wheels, and lower guard trim strip. Complementing the blacked-out exterior look is its Territory rear badge which comes in black finish.

The black accents do not just end with its exterior bits. Stepping inside, the Territory Sport features Charcoal Black headliner and pillars. It also comes with Domino and Chalk leather perforated seats, door sidings, and instrument panel with high gloss black painted IP strip.

Jeep Wrangler 4-Door Sport

The Wrangler 4-Door Sport has recently been relaunched by Inchcape Philippines, the official distributor of Jeep in the country. Being one of the favorite 4x4 off-road models in the country, it seems like it’s reintroduction in the market is a no-brainer move for Jeep Philippines.

I mean, what’s not to love about the 4-door Wrangler Sport? It has every off-road-worthy features that any enthusiast would want, right out of the box. It comes out of the dealership with a Selec-Trac Full Time 4WD System, the Dana M186 Front Axle, Dana M200 Rear Axle, Conventional Differential Front Axle w/ Disconnect, Conventional Differential Rear Axle, Transmission Skid Plate, Transfer Case Skid Plate Shield, and Fuel Tank Skid Plate.

Powering the Jeep Wrangler 4-Door Sport is a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine, mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission that produces maximum power of 268 hp and 400 nm of torque.

One of the coolest features of a Jeep is its 3-piece hard top that may be removed for that signature open-air offroading experience, and this comes stock along with the new Wrangler 4-Door Sport. More than just off-road and thrilling adventures, it also carries the features of an ideal daily driver with its suite of advanced safety features which comes standard with the Wrangler Unlim-ited Sport.

Mercedes-Benz CLA and GLB

The gateway Mercedes-Benz model recently got an update. The Mercedes-Benz CLA gets an updated fascia which makes it even more appealing to anyone who’s looking for their firstever Benz.

The four-door coupe features a redesigned front apron and LED headlights which now comes with adaptive highbeam assist. The new front fascia design is accompanied by new 18-inch multi-spoke lightweight alloy wheels.

Aside from the CLA, the compact SUV GLB also received some subtle yet appealing facelift which makes the Mercedes-Benz GLB even more desirable for people who’s looking for a luxury SUV that can do it all.

The GLB now comes with a 19-inch AMG design 5-twin-spoke lightweight alloy wheels which gives the compact SUV its tall stance. It also now comes with a new LED high performance headlight. Like the CLA, the GLB comes equipped with MBUX Multimedia System which allows control of the infotainment system via voice command.

Making its contender in the heated pickup truck segment of the market more competitive, Nissan Philippines recently announced that the Nissan Navara has received subtle yet significant updates.

As per Nissan, the new Navara will feature a sleek, modern dashboard and center console design across the variants. Also, top tier variants such as the VL, Calibre-X, and PRO-4X will now come with a 9-inch display touchscreen audio system with built-in navigation. Also, a new shark fin antenna will now be equipped in all Navara variants except the EL.

Nissan Navara Porsche 911 Dakar

Yes, that Porsche 911, the one that you have been drooling over the internet, is now here in the Philippines. The Porsche 911 Dakar has recently been announced to be available in the country. The homage model in celebration of the German marque’s successful ParisDakar Rally outing in 1984, is the first two-door sports car that has been designed with exceptional off-road capabilities.

The 911 Dakar has been developed through extensive offroad testing. It has gone through over 10,000 km off-road during its testing phase to squeeze every possible performance on the 911 on dirt. The Porsche 911 Dakar, with its lightweight construction, powerful engine, and short wheelbase, are expected to deliver an exhilarating driving experience on off-road conditions.

JETOUR AutoPH with Midori Clark Hotel & Casino award vehicles to four grand raffle winners

JETOUR Auto Philippines Inc. (JAPI) and Midori Clark Hotel and Casino culminated a successful partnership by awarding a brand new JETOUR Dashing Crossover to the fourth and final winner of the raffle promo. This is in celebration of last year’s Mid-Autumn Festival. This festival is a cherished tradition that brings people together to celebrate unity, family, and the blessings of the harvest moon.

Under the partnership, JAPI raffled off two JETOUR X70 Journey 7-seater SUVs and two JETOUR Dashing compact crossovers to lucky patrons and guests of Midori Clark Hotel and Casino. The Mid-Autumn Festival promo featured P15 million worth of prizes, with the four JETOUR vehicles serving

as the grand prizes.

The first two winners received their JETOUR X70 Journeys, followed by the handover of the first JETOUR Dashing. The final JETOUR Dashing was awarded as the concluding prize of the promotion.

As a result of this fruitful collaboration, JAPI, the exclusive distributor of JETOUR SUVs, Crossovers, and EVs in the Philippines, is set to renew its partnership with Midori Clark Hotel and Casino. Located in the rapidly developing Clark Freeport Zone, Midori Clark Hotel and Casino is the first luxury hotel in the area, making it an ideal destination for business travelers and discerning tourists.

With the renewal of the partnership, JAPI and BBI announced that even more exciting and grander

raffle promos will soon be held for Midori Clark Hotel and Casino’s valued guests and patrons.

Alvin Wu, President of BB International Leisure and Resort Development Corp, owner and operator of Midori Clark Hotel

and Casino, expressed his enthusiasm for the renewed partnership.

“We continue to share the same vision for our companies, to drive the future for the benefit of our clients.

Like JETOUR, Midori

and BBI are passionate about technology and innovation. We look forward to accelerating our successes together as partners and making our clients even more delighted than before,” he said.

JAPI Managing Director Miguelito Jose highlighted the success of the partnership, “The synergy between our two companies underscored our common heritage and emphasized our shared roles in driving our clients’ future and bringing joy and fulfillment to more Filipinos through our products and services.”

For product news and promotions from JETOUR Auto Philippines and Midori Clark Hotel and Casino, visit their official websites at https:// jetourauto.ph/ and https://www.midorihotel. com/

Honda CR-V, Civic get top honors at the 2024 ASEAN NCAP Grand Prix Awards

Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has won several prestigious safety awards at the ASEAN NCAP (ASEAN New Car Assessment Program) Grand Prix Awards 2024. The international automotive safety assessment organization awarded the Honda CR-V with the Best Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), while the Honda Civic earned the Best Sedan. Additionally, Honda excelled in two other categories, reflecting their dedication to safety and a collisionfree community in the ASEAN region: Consistent 5-Star Ratings Across All Models and Most 5-Star Ratings (2021-2023).

The 6th Generation CR-V achieved the highest score for Best Safety Performance in Adult Occupant Protection (AOP). Its predecessor also garnered significant recognition and has won the Consistent 5-Star in ASEAN NCAP Excellent Award 2018 and Best SUV in Child Occupant Protection (COP) in Crash

Worthiness Performance 2018.

The 11th Generation Civic continues to excel, being selected as the Excellence Award Best Sedan of the year based on its comprehensive safety performance score. Various sedans were evaluated in categories including Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), Child Occupant Protection (COP), Safety Assist (SA), and Motorcyclist Safety (MS), with the Honda Civic emerging as the top performer among its peers.

In addition to the accolades for the CR-V and Civic, Honda received two more Excellence Awards for their other models. These included “Consistent 5-Star Ratings Across All Models (2021-2023)” and “Most 5-Star Ratings (20212023),” awarded to key models available in the Philippines: BR-V, Civic, CR-V, and HR-V. These awards underscore Honda’s commitment to producing the safest vehicles and achieving

their goal of zero traffic fatalities involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles worldwide by 2050. Honda remains steadfast in their dedication to enhancing the safety and comfort of their vehicles.

NissanPH welcomes Yasuhisa Masuda as new President

Nissan formally appoints Yasuhisa Masuda as the President of Nissan Philippines, Inc. (NPI) at a handover ceremony held at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City. The event was attended by Jose Roman, Nissan Senior Vice President and Global Sales and head of INFINITI, and Toshihiro Fujiki, new Nissan ASEAN and Thailand President. Also present were various partners from the government and industry, Nissan dealer network principals, and members of the media.

As Masuda takes leadership of Nissan Philippines, he succeeds outgoing President Juan Manuel Hoyos, who now takes the role of President of the Mexico-based Nissan Importers Business Unit (NIBU) in the Americas.

Under Hoyos’ leadership, Nissan Philippines was able to launch multiple products across different segments, contributing to the local expansion of Nissan’s footprint. By the end of the 2023 fiscal year, Nissan grew 31%, achieving strong sales across its product lineup.

Masuda has had over 12 years of experience with Nissan, joining the brand in 2011. He has held various leadership positions in Market Intelligence, Brand and Media Strategy. Before his appointment at Nissan Philippines, he held the position of Nissan’s Chief Marketing Officer for Japan Marketing Division. He has also worked in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Industry prior to joining Nissan.

As he takes on the role of President, Masuda is tasked to continue

the growth set by his predecessor. Under his leadership, he plans to strengthen Nissan’s push for electrification and exciting image, digitization initiatives, and building a strong dealer network – fulfilling the brand’s promise of bringing innovation that excites its customers.

“I truly believe that Nissan Philippines will be in good hands under the leadership of Masuda. The

years of experience he has gained from working with Nissan are sure to aid the brand in sustaining the growth that we have established in the last few years. I am looking forward to seeing what the future has in store for Nissan Philippines under this new chapter,” says former Nissan President Juan Manuel Hoyos.

“I am looking forward to seeing where we can take the Nissan brand in

the coming years. The Philippines has always been a promising market for the brand, and we will continue to work to sustain, if not surpass the growth that has been achieved in the country.” says newly-appointed Nissan Philippines President Yasuhisa Masuda.

For More information about Nissan Philippines, visit their official website https://www.nissan.ph/.

HyundaiPH honors Phil-Kor diplomatic milestone with “Partnership Beyond Borders” campaign

Hyundai Motor Philippines, Inc.

(HMPH) celebrates 75 years of enduring diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea with its “Partnership Beyond Borders” campaign. Commemorating this milestone is a series of cultural fusion events, starting with the Hyundai Mobility Experience (HME) tour featuring special stops for Filipinos.

The “Partnership Beyond Borders” campaign merges the rich cultures and futures of both nations in art, fashion, and music. The campaign was inaugurated at the SM Megamall where HMPH partnered with four up-and-coming local artists to present a collection of upcycled

pieces, spotlighted by the Hyundai IONIQ 5, symbolizing our commitment to progress and innovation.

The event kicked off with a mesmerizing kulintang drum performance by the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) and Pilipino Etniko Ritmo Kanta sa Sayaw (PERKS), blending Korean and Filipino rhythms. HMPH executives, including President Mr. Dongwook Lee and Managing Director Mr. Cecil Capacete, along with esteemed guests, graced the occasion.

Featured designs include “Synthesia” by Glyn Alley Magtibay, creatively merging Filipino baro’t saya and Korean Hanbok using discarded X-rays. Amor Albano’s “East Meets

Amore” draws inspiration from Filipino pastillas wrappers, embodying a fusion of Filipino and Korean elements. Glady Rose Pantua’s “Strange Beauty” highlights Filipino-Korean features through tassels and handwoven Yakan Clothing. Leeroy New’s

“Bioniq 1.0” presents an eco-friendly upside-down vehicle sculpture made from renewable materials.

The next installment of the “Partnership Beyond Borders” campaign will be at the Artist Village at Camp Mariana in Jalajala, Rizal. Visitors can also explore Hyundai

vehicles and enjoy exclusive discounts and perks.

For more details, visit https://www.hyundai. com/ph/en/hyundaistory/hyundai-mobilityexperience and follow @ HyundaiMotorPhilippines on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

IsuzuPH partners with R.O.X for a thrilling Car Camping 101 Outdoor Guide

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC), a leader in automotive innovation and outdoor vehicle solutions, proudly announces its successful collaboration with R.O.X Philippines in their latest Outdoor Guide event themed “Car Camping 101”. The event, held on May 4, 2024, featured expert speakers from various fields and attracted outdoor enthusiasts nationwide, eager to learn about the trending lifestyle of car camping or overlanding.

R.O.X, the premier recreational sports store in the Philippines, regularly hosts its Outdoor Guide series, educating customers on a variety of outdoor activities, including survival techniques and mountain climbing. This edition, however, focused specifically on car camping, meeting the growing interest in selfreliant outdoor travel and accommodation.

The event featured an array of speakers, each an expert in their respective field. Lawrence Dy from Car Camping PH spoke on Camping Etiquette, enlightening attendees on how to be considerate and well-liked campers. Peter Gaw, also known as “Uncle Peter,” a popular figure in the camping community and a veteran camper, shared his extensive knowledge on campsite cooking, catering to all skill levels from beginners to advanced camp chefs.

Coach Manny of UP Mountaineers covered vital wilderness first aid tips and demonstrated how to prepare an effective homemade first aid kit—superior to commercial versions. He also instructed participants on essential knot-tying techniques for constructing shelters in the wild.

Winston “Mr. Campwell” Chua introduced the basics of setting up a camp kitchen

using the versatile Snow Peak IGT system and discussed the importance of lighting and aesthetic arrangement in enhancing the campsite atmosphere. From the vehicle customization perspective, Jay Lim of Overland Kings explored the nuances of equipping a vehicle for overlanding. His talk emphasized storage solutions, shelter options, and the essential integration of water and power systems to create a functional yet dreamworthy mobile camping setup.

Highlighting the session, Isuzu Philippines represented by its Asst. Division Head for Sales, Robert Carlos, showcased its commitment to providing durable and reliable vehicles for outdoor adventures.

IPC featured its Isuzu D-MAX and mu-X models, emphasizing their robustness and suitability for various terrains and outdoor activities. The

presentation also included insights from their recent Camp Out event in Tanay, Rizal, giving participants a closer look at practical vehicle setups and what to expect in different camping environments.

“Nowadays, any vehicle can be driven to camp depending on the road and camp terrain. But if you have the choice, you have to choose well – trust only durable and reliable vehicles to get you the best camping destinations in the country, this way you can have more confidence, driving your vehicle with no limits in far flung areas and enjoy it for a longer

period of time,” said Robert Carlos.

This collaborative event was co-presented by Snow Peak, a leading Japanese manufacturer of outdoor equipment, known for its functional yet aesthetically pleasing gear that is sure to appeal to campers across the country.

For those interested in exploring the great outdoors with a dependable and wellequipped vehicle, more information on Isuzu’s range of models suitable for outdoor activities can be found by visiting Isuzu Philippines Corporation’s website.

Toyota Financial Services Philippines wins top honors in global kaizen event

Toyota Financial Services Philippines (TFSPH) has once again solidified its position as a leader in innovation and efficiency by clinching the top spot in the Annual Global Kaizen Event of Toyota Sales Finance Companies around the world. TFSPH emerged victorious in both the Regional TWoW! Competition for the Asia Pacific Region and the prestigious People’s Choice Award.

The journey to this remarkable achievement began last January when TFSPH’s groundbreaking project, “Click & Send,” was selected as the official entry for the

FY2024 Regional TWoW! Competition. The project, themed “Reaching Customers Fast and Easy,” revolutionized customer communication by leveraging existing digital platforms, eliminating manual processes, and accelerating information delivery to clients.

Amidst stiff competition from across the Asia Pacific Region, TFSPH’s “Click & Send” project stood out, showcasing its ability to enhance customer satisfaction, streamline operations, reduce costs, and promote sustainable practices by going paperless.

Following its victory in the regional competition, TFSPH represented the Asia Pacific Region in the 21st Annual Global Kaizen Event (GKE), held last April. This event, which marked 21 years of celebrating Kaizen efforts worldwide, provided a platform for TFSPH to showcase its innovative project on the global stage.

During the Virtual GKE, TFSPH presented its project alongside other regional winners, garnering attention and accolades from a global audience. Among the highlights of the event was the People’s Choice

Award, determined by votes from employees of Toyota Sales Finance Companies worldwide. TFSPH emerged as the winner, clinching the People’s Choice Award.

Winning the People’s Choice Award for the third time underscores TFSPH’s dedication to continuous improvement and customer-centric practices. TFSPH remains at the forefront of driving positive change within the automotive finance industry, setting a standard of excellence for others to follow.

This remarkable feat adds to TFSPH’s illustrious track record in

Kaizen excellence. With previous wins in both regional competitions and global events, TFSPH has consistently demonstrated its commitment to delivering value to customers through innovative solutions.

As TFSPH celebrates this monumental achievement, it reaffirms its commitment to pushing boundaries, driving innovation, and delivering unparalleled service to its valued customers.

Toyota Financial Services Philippines Corporation is supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

ACMobility and Ayala Center Cebu launch EV Charging Stations

ACMobility, the mobility arm of the Ayala Group, launched two electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Ayala Center Cebu on April 29, 2024. Located on Basement 1 of the Ayala Center Cebu parking lot, the two charging stations are rated 22KW AC and are available for use by all EV owners whose vehicles carry a CCS2 and GB/T charging standard.

The charging stations are a first for ACMobility in the province of Cebu and complement the recent launch of BYD Cebu, which aims to provide Cebuanos with access to quality, accessible electric vehicles. As of the end of April, ACMobility has 48 charging stations in 23 locations nationwide.

Ayala Center Cebu charging stations will remain free throughout May. Operating hours follow Ayala Center Cebu mall hours of 10 A.M. to 9 P.M. on Sundays through Thursdays and 10 A.M. to 10 P.M. on Fridays and Saturdays, unless otherwise advised.

SMC Infrastructure urges motorists to maintain RFID balance to prevent delays

SMC Infrastructure is calling on motorists using the Skyway and NAIA Expressway to ensure their Autosweep RFID accounts are sufficiently funded to avoid traffic delays.

From May 1-7, inadequate or zero balance in RFID accounts contributed significantly to congestion, affecting 31,712 transactions or 15% of the total during that period.

The company emphasized the importance of keeping RFID accounts adequately funded to significantly reduce queue times at toll plazas. “We apologize for any inconvenience and are committed to improving traffic conditions. Maintaining sufficient funds in RFID accounts is crucial for smooth operations at toll plazas,” SMC Infrastructure said.

To further enhance traffic management, the company is advocating for stronger enforcement measures to deter habitual non-compliance from repeat offenders.

Currently, the Toll Regulatory Board’s (TRB) standing order is to defer penalties for motorists with insufficient funds or those who have not transitioned to the electronic toll collection system and continue to pay in cash.

Despite a high adoption rate of 97% for electronic toll collection, cash payments still slow down the processing times at toll plazas.

“While we continue to encourage our users to ensure they have sufficient balance or register their vehicles to Autosweep, many still do not fully utilize the system. Unfortunately,

this has a significant impact on other motorists, especially when combined with other factors such as the limited carrying capacity of expressways and higher vehicle volumes during peak hours,” the company added.

SMC Infrastructure also said the read rate for its RFID system is 99% when stickers are properly functioning. However, this efficiency

can be compromised by defective stickers due to wear, tear, or dirt.

Motorists are advised to regularly inspect their RFID stickers and utilize the free replacement service available at any Autosweep RFID office or major toll plazas to ensure optimal functionality. The company also advises against tailgating and recommends maintaining a safe distance between

vehicles to avoid RFID malfunctions and ensure smooth toll transactions.

During periods of extreme congestion, SMC Infrastructure raises toll barriers when queues exceed 500 meters, allowing free flow of traffic while continuing to record transactions for subsequent billing.

Looking ahead, SMC Infrastructure plans to widen roads and add more toll gates to accommodate increasing traffic volumes and enhance overall traffic management. The company is also conducting a dry run for an automatic license plate recognition system to operate alongside the existing Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system. This integration aims to streamline toll processing and further reduce congestion.

Inchcape Philippines recognized as Great Place To Work®

Inchcape Plc (“Inchcape”) proudly announces that they are now Certified™ by Great Place To Work®. As a leading global automotive distributor, they have proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention and increased innovation. This recognition is based entirely on what employees report about their workplace experience–specifically, how consistently they experience a high-trust workplace.

Inchcape Philippines’ Certification™ as a Great Place To Work® reflects its commitment to uphold the One Inchcape culture that is rooted in its core values and behaviors summed up as: “We deliver great experiences through fresh thinking and working better together.” As it pursues its ambition of powering better mobility across the country, Inchcape Philippines continues to foster a positive and fulfilling workplace, ensuring that colleagues work better together and are enabled to create great experiences for its people, partners, and customers.

Inchcape Philippines also prioritizes people development and championing inclusion and diversity in the workplace where colleagues feel physically and mentally safe, celebrated, and able to share honest feedback.

“We are honored to be Certified™ as a Great Place To Work® in the Philippines,” said Alex Hammett, Managing

Director, Inchcape South Asia & Pacific.

“This recognition speaks volumes of our winning Inchcape culture and recognizes our People who exemplify it and drive it forward daily. As we celebrate this shared success with all our colleagues, we remain steadfast in creating a great workplace for us all, so that our talents can thrive and be at their best.”

Within the first year of formalization, Inchcape Philippines brings global market knowledge and processes, leadership in digital and data, and electric vehicle (EV) expertise to the fast growing and dynamic Philippine market. It has been appointed by Changan Auto to be its distributor in the country and launched the first Daimler Trucks joint multi-brand dealership in partnership with Sojitz Fuso Philippines Corporation, providing more smart mobility options to Filipinos. Also poised to be completed this year is the state-

of-the-art C5 Complex at Pasig with enhanced distribution, service, and aftersales facilities. The property will also house an elevated Mazda dealership showroom, flagship Changan dealership, Parts Distribution Center, Training Academy, and a cutting-edge Body & Paint workshop. Each milestone is a testament to the effective teamwork, fresh thinking, and dedication to delivering great experiences to customers and partners by the People of Inchcape Philippines.

Inchcape is the leading global automotive distributor

operating in more than 40 markets. They have partnered with over 40 of the most prestigious automotive brands to power better mobility. Through the expertise of their staff, their suite of cutting-edge technology products, and their approach to advanced data analytics, they provide the platform for the world’s leading mobility companies to accelerate their ambitions in markets where their partners want to succeed. The Group is headquartered in London and employs over 20,000 people globally.

Inchcape’s modern presence in AsiaPacific started in 1967 with the acquisition of Borneo Motors, a company founded in 1925 to distribute vehicles in Singapore. Inchcape APAC has since expanded significantly across the region and today distributes new vehicles and parts in Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Guam, Macau, New Zealand, Philippines,

Saipan, Singapore and Thailand for a large portfolio of OEM brands. Inchcape Asia-Pacific is headquartered in Singapore and employs over 4,000 people across the region.

Inchcape Philippines is a joint venture by Inchcape and CATS Group of Companies. Formalised in August 2023, Inchcape Philippines combines in-market expertise with unique technology, advanced data analytics, and customer-centered innovation to drive excellent customer experiences and power better mobility in the country. Inchcape Philippines drives distribution excellence with brand partners Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram, Jaguar and Land Rover, and Changan Auto, and operates dealerships for Mazda and Harley Davidson Motorcycles. The company has 450 employees across its distribution and retail operations.

Learn more about Inchcape through www. inchcape.com

Protect and swerve

When even a five-star safety rating won’t do, BMW has something to offer. High-value asset Greg Kable samples the armoured yet agile i7 and 760i xDrive limousines

The Dragunov SVU OTs-03 isn’t just a firearm; it’s an instrument of lethal precision. With a range of up to 1200 metres, its ammunition can penetrate a regular steel car body with ease –which is bad news for those inside. But there is a way to keep safe from a Dragunov and still travel in some luxury: the BMW 7 Series.

But not just a regular 7 Series: what we’re talking about here is the electric i7 xDrive60 Protection, or, if you prefer combustion power, the petrol-engined 760i xDrive Protection. Whichever propulsion method you plump for, the real novelty is in the body: the pair are among a select few armoured limousines to offer certified defence against one of the world’s most feared handheld weapons.

They meet the highest of ballistic standards within the automotive industry and have been designed to repel repeated rounds from the 7.62x54mm-calibre Russianproduced sniper rifle, as well as many varied explosive devices, including grenade-carrying drones, bombs consisting of up to 15kg of TNT and much more besides.

Their secret? The so-called Protective Core, a unique selfsupporting structure made from the latest generation of armoured steel and other exotic materials. Encapsulating the luxuriously equipped cabin, it supplements the modified body shell of the 7 Series. Together with heavy armour for the underbody, roof and pillars, along with strengthened front and rear windscreens and doors featuring specially developed multi-layer glass, it provides the latest in a long line of BMW Protection models that carry the coveted VPAM VR10 rating. That’s basically like a fivestar Euro NCAP rating, only for protection against assassins.

The VR10 is the highest certified grade for ballistics and blast

protection granted to armoured vehicles by the VPAM rating authority. It’s a grade shared with only a handful of other limousines available directly from the factory of an established car maker. Most models in this field are retrofitted by third-party companies. And the i7 is the first electric car to gain the coveted rating.

To achieve this standard, each individual door weighs up to 200kg. They’re so heavily fortified that they require specially developed hinges and sturdy electrohydraulic mechanisms to open and close. There are even pyrotechnic elements to blast them free of the body in the aftermath of an accident or overpowering attack.

The new four-door limousines also feature special door sealing, as well as armoured firewalls front and rear designed to protect occupants from poisonous gas attacks. When triggered, a tank in the boot supplies the interior with enough oxygen to create an over-pressure environment for more than five minutes, creating what BMW describes as its survival cell. There are also two fire extinguishers with both automatic and manual discharge.

“It has been developed predominantly for urban use cases, offering outstanding refinement and ride quality,” says Axel Stanner, BMW Protection’s

product manager. “But it’s not compromised in any way. It provides all the protection and performance of the [regular] 760i xDrive.”

The i7 Protection was integrated into the i7 development process from the very beginning. It isn’t simply an adaptation of the standard model but part of a complete range, albeit with an added 1750kg in kerb weight and, as a consequence, a claimed range that, at 236 miles, is 152 miles less than that of the regular i7 xDrive60.

In lesser-rated armoured vehicles, bullets fired from a Dragunov will penetrate the cabin before exiting the other side. Not so with the i7 and 760i xDrive Protection. Tests at the Munich Ballistics Agency in Germany revealed that they provide standard-setting passive defence from repeated and deliberately positioned firing at shut lines, windows and other exterior areas.

The protection measures don’t stop at the body structure and doors. The 536bhp dual-motor i7 xDrive60 receives added underbody protection reinforcement for its 101.7kWh battery, while the 523bhp 4.4-litre turbocharged V8-powered 760i xDrive Protection gets a fuel tank that can mend damage and prevent leaks if it’s penetrated, thanks to a chemical reaction that takes place within its outer lining. 

The i7’s extra mass blunts responses and it needs a firm hand on the wheel

BMW’s Stanner (right) gives Kable a ballistics lesson

THE i 7 PROTECTION’S ARMOURED RIVALS

MERCEDES-BENZ S680 GUARD

If BMW has found a market niche, you can bet rival Mercedes-Benz will also fill it. Stuttgart’s offering is the S680 Guard, a reworked S-Class saloon that also meets VR10 protection standards. As a bonus, MercedesBenz’s Guard service includes access to trained flying doctors worldwide.

The idea with the armouring of the new i7 and 760i Protection is to make them as similar as possible to the standard models. There are some tell-tale visual differences required to satisfy European regulations, including subtle wheel arch cladding, but they mirror closely their siblings.

Even so, weapon protection measures alone aren’t the only focus; performance and dynamic qualities are also high among the development aims.

“Protection is nothing without agility,” says Stanner. “They go hand in hand. When you’re under attack, the primary concern is to exit the danger zone as fast and as safely as possible. Every second counts.”

We’re at a former Soviet airfield in Templin, Germany to test BMW’s most heavily armoured models under the tutelage of its driver training team. The day starts with some simple swerving at not much more than walking speed, progresses through reverse driving exercises and ends well into the dark of night with lane-change manoeuvres at up to 80mph –without the aid of headlights.

It’s a programme that many customers of BMW Protection models put their drivers and bodyguards through in a bid to prepare them for every possible eventuality and outcome. At one point, petrol bombs are detonated and flames lick over the i7 xDrive60 Protection we’re in as part of a surprise attack simulation.

It might look a lot like the standard model on the outside, but with added ride height and doors that open and close like those of a bank vault, this clearly isn’t your ordinary BMW. There is familiarity inside, though, with the same plush interior as the standard i7 xDrive60.

It achieves solid acceleration off the line, thanks to the strong torque of its two electric motors. There’s also quite a bit of pitch at the front end as you deploy the reserves.

THE BEAST

Sure, you have to be the US President to have access to this hulking Cadillac, but there’s surely no safer way to travel. The result of a GM development programme believed to be worth around £15m, the 9100kg Beast (officially the Presidential State Car) has run-flat tyres, night vision and 007-like protective measures including smoke screens and oil slicks.

VOLVO XC90 ARMOURED

Sweden’s family-favourite large SUV is also available with two levels of armoured protection, depending on how worried you are about your personal safety. The top-spec XC90 Armoured Heavy is VR8-rated, with built-in armour and protection glass, but it still offers a considerable degree of Scandi cool.

however, you become aware of the substantial weight added by the various protection measures. It gathers speed majestically rather than urgently, using lots of electric energy in the process.

The i7 xDrive60 Protection is arguably at its best at motorway cruising speeds. Here, the cabin is eerily quiet, with the extra insulation of the Protection Core and thick glass blocking out most of the wind and road noise.

The added weight is always perceptible, though – particularly during directional changes. It takes both hands and a deliberate action at the steering wheel to get the best out of it dynamically. There’s an added physical element to the driving and some major physics at play with the handling.

Even so, the precise front steering and BMW’s Active Rear Steering system endow it with outstanding agility for something so heavy. They

Unlike with BMW’s regular production models, many of the more technical aspects of the new BMW Protection models remain secret.

“It’s important we keep certain elements out of the public eye. We don’t want to give terrorists a head

start,” is the official word from BMW when asked to provide a spec sheet.

What BMW is willing to reveal, though, is that the electric i7 xDrive60 weighs – brace yourself – 4375kg. By way of comparison, the regular i7 tipped our scales at 2758kg when

we road tested it last year. That extra mass results in a 0-62mph time of 8.1sec (down from 4.7sec), with a limited top speed of 99mph.

The combustion 760i xDrive weighs 3890kg, with a 0-62mph time of 6.8sec and a top speed of 131mph.

also make placing the big saloon on narrow roads surprisingly easy. This was displayed on repeated obstacle manoeuvres that form part of the BMW Protection driver training programme.

With an upgraded brake system and specially calibrated driving assistance systems, it also pulls up remarkably well. But as with that noticeable pitch under acceleration, there’s substantial dive when you get hard on the stoppers.

The i7 xDrive60 Protection comes as standard on 255-740 R510 Michelin Primacy PAX run-flat tyres. They incorporate special elements mounted inside of the wheels aimed at ensuring the BMW is capable of retaining some sort of mobility during or after an attack.

Production of the new electric armoured limousine takes place alongside the 760i xDrive at BMW’s Dingolfing plant in Germany, with

❝

We ensure our cars don’t fall into the hands of terrorists ❞

As you might expect, all that protection and weight is bad news for economy: BMW is obliged to publish energy and fuel consumption figures, and the i7 Protection has an efficiency of 2.07mpkWh, while the 760i Protection averages just 19.3mpg.

much of the manufacturing process taking place by hand.

Governments, businesses and private individuals the world over come to BMW Protection for personal protection needs. Each customer is put through a rigorous screening process before a purchase is confirmed.

“We don’t just sell to anybody,” says Stanner. “There is a commercial side to our business operations, but we have controls to ensure our cars don’t fall into the hands of terrorists.”

The majority of armoured models, including the VR6-rated X5 SUV, which we also got to drive over some tricky off-road obstacles, are often leased from and returned to the Munich-based manufacturer.

Plenty of cars pride themselves on safety, but the i7 Protection takes that to the next level. Useful if you ever find the world’s most feared firearm pointed in your direction.

From top left: blue light aids escape; run-flat tyres; multi-layer glass; added integrity

PHOTOS BY ANJO PEREZ, NEIL PAGULAYAN AND RANDOLPH DE LEON WORDS BY NEIL PAGULAYAN

HONDA Cars Philippines Inc. just updated their City Hatchback, this refreshed, New City Hatchback now gets Honda SENSING and aesthetic upgrades, immensely improving on an already good product.

The New City Hatchback’s design is still based on the “Energetic hatchback” concept, and continues to have exactly what you expect from a Honda, premium comfort and quality in a compact, sporty package.

EXTERIOR

The New City Hatchback RS is the sole variant and now gets the new Sonic Gray Pearl color, and as you see in this feature, adds sportier character with black trim. Up front is the new design RS grille and bumper, the garnish of the LED fog lights have also been updated and there’s a more aggressive design on the lower air dam with carbon fiber look. Its still equipped with full LED headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights. The power adjustable/folding side mirrors are gloss black and have integrated turn signals. The 185/55 16” wheels are now full high gloss Berlina Black Aluminum Alloy. There’s also now a side sill garnish that’s adds a sporty accent. Around the rear is a new RS Design Rear Bumper with a more sportier styled diffuser also with a carbon fiber finish.

INTERIOR

Getting in and driving away is easy with the Smart Entry Keyless Entry System and the One Push Start System. It’s as spacious as you would expect from Honda and appointed with high quality materials. One of the first things you’ll notice is the new 4.2” TFT color screen between the gauge cluster which now displays the driver assist info. Seats are leather and the interior is still black with red trim but different from the 2021 model.

The tilt/telescopic adjustable steering wheel is leather wrapped with red stitching. There are glossy black accents around the cabin. Both driver side and front passenger sun visors have covered vanity mirrors. It’s equipped with sports pedals. Air conditioning has rotary knobs, digital display and illumination. Its 4-speaker, 4 tweeter infotainment system has an 8” touchscreen and now has wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and WebLink. Cargo space is 289 liters and with the second row seats folded this goes up to 841 liters.

POWERPLANT

The New City Hatchback still has the EURO 5 compliant PGMFi 1.5-Liter 4 Cylinder DOHC i-VTEC gasoline engine, which puts out 121ps at 6,600 rpm with 145 Nm of torque at 4,300 rpm. This is mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and can use 10% ethanol blended fuels. Paddle shifters are standard in the RS along with Honda’s Eco Assist System, consisting of the ECON mode and Eco-Coaching Ambient Lights flanking the gauge clusters. Between the instrument clister, the color TFT displays – Fuel Consumption, Trip Meter, Range Computer, illumination control and temperature.

New Rear Bumper Design

Rear Aircon Power Outlets

CONVENIENCE

Steering is electric power assist and the controls on the steering wheel are audio and hands free telephony (HFT), multi-information display (MID), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keep Assist controls. There are two USB ports up front, the rear occupants get center air conditioning vents and they also get two12v/180watt sockets. The rear center arm rests have cup holders. There are map lights for the front occupants, a dome light for the cabin, and a cargo light for the rear hatch area.

The New City Hatchback retains Honda’s signature Ultra Seats (ULTR) which allows you to configure the interior to different passenger and cargo needs. Utility Mode – rear seats fold flat expanding the rear cargo area to be able to accommodate larger cargo, Long Mode – fully reclining the front passenger seat and folding flat the rear seat behind it allows you to fit long cargo items, Tall Mode – the rear seats fold upward, opening up more space on the floor and allowing taller items that need to remain upright to be transported, and Refresh Mode – moving both front seats fully forward, removing the headrests and tilting them all the way back level with the rear seats makes for a comfortable area for two occupants to relax comfortably.

New RS Leather Seat Design

2nd Row Armrest

SAFETY

The New City Hatchback has Honda’s G-Force Control (G-CON) body structure which protects occupants from impacts coming from any direction. It’s equipped with 6 airbags – dual front airbags, driver and front passenger side airbags and side curtain airbags. It’s also equipped with AntiLock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Agile Handling Assist (AHA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and the Multiview Rear Camera with dynamic guidelines.

HONDA SENSING

The New City now has Honda’s safety suite which includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Auto Highbeam and Lead Car Departure Notification.

PRICING AND COLORS AVAILABLE

The All-New City Hatchback is priced at PHP 1,189,000 and comes in five (5) colors: the new Sonic Gray Pearl, Ignite Red Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic.

Vehicle Type: Subcompact Hatchback

Engine: 1.5L In-line 4 Cylinder DOHC i-VTEC

Power: 89 kW (121 ps) @ 6,600 rpm

Torque: 145 Nm (14.8kg-m) @ 4,300 rpm

Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with Paddle Shifters

Front Suspension: Independent MacPherson Strut

Rear Suspension: Torsion Beam

Front Brakes: Ventilated Disk

Rear Brakes: Drum

Steering: Electronic Power Steering (EPS)

Length: 4,369 mm

Width: 1,748 mm

Height: 1,488 mm

Wheelbase: 2,600 mm

Curb Weight: 1,141 kg

Cargo Capacity (Rear Seat Up): 289L

Cargo Capacity (Rear Seat Folded): 841L

Turning Radius: 5.0 m at wheel center

Fuel Tank Capacity: 40 liters

HONDA CITY HATCHBACK 1.5 RS CVT

16” Berlina Black Alloy Wheels

One-hit wonder

GTs may be surplus to requirements these days, but they still get under your skin like little else, says Richard Lane

Car journalism: it can’t resist a good cliché. Among the top offenders is the notional ability of an assertive, long-snouted grand tourer to fire you to the Côte d’Azur ‘in one hit’. One hit, you say? Blimey. It’s up there with ‘riflebolt’ shifts, ‘alacrity’ and the cursed ‘dab of oppo’.

Cliché or not, the point here is that the talent your flash GT has for shrinking the geography between Blighty and the Mediterranean Sea is, objectively speaking, less relevant now than ever before. A TGV train can hit 357mph; flights cost pennies. Cars themselves have also evolved.

In 1930, the contrast in appetite for big miles between a Bentley Blower and a Ford Model T was gaping; by 1965, standards had improved but horsepower and leather still counted. The attritional hit of six hours in an Aston Martin DB6, with its streamlined body, Selectaride dampers and 325bhp straight six, was massively less than in a Hillman Imp. The DB6, we said at the time, was for those needing “to travel far and fast”.

Today it’s a different story. Even a 15-yearold Volkswagen Golf TDI is considerably more relaxing than an oil-perfumed old Aston (which lacked even headrests). Up the ante to a new

BMW 3 Series and you have a car so amply endowed with power and so serene at speed that it’s a prodigious GT in its own right.

It makes you wonder: in 2024, do the machines made and marketed on the undeniable allure of golden-age continental escapades still offer something unique when asked to fulfil the role? Or have they gone the same way as the horse: a nice plaything but essentially redundant?

The answer involves some opportunism on my part. For the facelifted Mercedes-Benz V-Class launch in Cannes, most UK journalists are getting there via Heathrow, but not me. My tool is a Bentley Continental GT in new-ish GT S guise – so it has the 542bhp 4.0-litre crossplane V8 and air springs of the regular car but a spicier diff, active anti-roll bars and sports exhaust.

I’m needed at the Hotel Belle Plage, some 820 miles away, by 7.30pm. It’s a serious stint, but if the 5am presence of a frost-encrusted, Alpine Green Conti lurking in the pale glow of a streetlight doesn’t stir your inner Woolf Barnato, nothing will – certainly no Golf, 3 Series or even S-Class. Black wheels, tan hide and knurled metal makes P40 BML suitably Brideshead Revisited. Grogginess quickly evaporates.

WO Bentley was no stranger to hardcore road trips. After the death of this brother Arthur from a throat infection in 1912, he drove a DFP Type 12/15 for 31 hours from London to the Scottish Highlands to scatter the ashes, eventually rolling into Cromarty “dead tired and stiff and cramped, but feeling, I think, we had done the right thing”. Considering the length of that journey and the sort of car the DFP was, today’s equivalent would be driving a Caterham Seven, sans roof, from Leatherhead to Latvia, mid-winter. Hardcore. The experience surely informed the sort of cars WO would concoct under the Bentley Motors name from 1919: monolithic and reliable, with barrel-chested engines of bottomless torque.

Merely setting off in a car like the GT is always special – borderline spiritual, even, for the true tragics among us. Slide aboard, foot on brake, a silent apology… Then bombs away. Had Bentley’s decision to delay its evolution into an all-electric brand and instead PHEV-ify the Conti GT come a little earlier, I might have slunk out of London like a walnut-trimmed nuclear sub. As it is, on a cold start, I wake the dead. This Audi-built motor can’t be traced back to the old L-Series, but it has been tuned to deliver a fatty warble that makes an RS6 or Porsche Cayenne Turbo sound coy. At idle, it sets the car’s Panamerashared platform humming to delicious effect. The next sensation is not one of pulling away but of unmooring. The buzzword here is ‘heft’.

The Bentley inhales the run to Folkestone like it’s an amuse-bouche, which I suppose it is. Not trusting myself with the 21in wheels, I plump for the wide-boy Eurotunnel carriages, with the vans and trucks. Ettore Bugatti would have loved that. Half an hour later, France. Deserted, undulating, impossibly wrinkle-free France.

On the autoroute, it isn’t the job of a machine like the Conti GT to exhibit opioid-grade isolation and a flawless waft. Achieving the desired effect is actually a lot trickier than that. Blue-blooded GTs need to provide a heady dose of iso-waft, absolutely, but they must also impart a sense of speed and action – of smashing through the air and of rubber surging over asphalt. Too much

refinement and that dies; too little and a day’s drive isn’t effortless enough. It’s not an easy balance to strike, but get it right and what the driver receives is a heady blend of restorative comfort and energising involvement. It’s like listening to Dark Side of the Moon on a £20k hi-fi. Not everyone perfects this, or even attempts to. Front-engined Ferraris are too… competizione. Modern Astons get closer to the sweet spot, but their aluminium construction makes them a tad boomy. A Rolls-Royce Wraith is sublime. But like a £280k Faraday cage, it suppresses the sense of travel altogether. All are dream-level continentcrushers, of course, but for the blast down to Cannes, foot planted between the Armco, none deliver quite like the Bentley. Even the steadystate behaviour of the GT’s driveline is dreamy. At 80mph, the car wants to creep faster still, but not in an irritating way. Inclines don’t register. Diesel autoroute driftwood eats the Conti’s wash. A familiar set of goofy headlights appears on the horizon, closing in at pace. It’s a Spur, Brit plates, homeward bound, correctly going full Barnato.

Unsurprisingly it’s quiet in the double-glazed cabin, but not eerily so. The ergonomics capture that arse-over-axle pedigree but stop short of any claustrophobic pillbox charade. The rotating display, which gives you roundels, a touchscreen or nothing, is hideously expensive, but it’d be the first box I ticked. Banishing pixels is cathartic.

A refuel near Dijon. Pumping in 90 litres stings, but that’s me done until Cannes. Lyon flies by, then there’s a storm outside Aix – but only after a golden sunset that makes the musculature in the wing-mirror glow like a priceless Turner. The GT’s wipers reach hyperdrive, but otherwise the autoroute may as well be bone-dry. Here you have Terminator performance with Don Draper polish. I dock outside Belle Plage at 7.07pm, fresh enough for me to discuss posh vans with an R&D bod over dinner. The vital statistics: 11hrs 54min, 27.3mpg, 68mph average.

Are ‘one hit’ GTs redundant? They have been for years, on paper. Merc’s 45mpg S400d or even a lukewarm Skoda would’ve done the job. But with the Conti’s swagger or emotion? Not a chance.

Sign says ‘stop’; GT’s 90-litre tank says otherwise

NISSAN UNBOUND, AN EXCITING DRIVE PINAS OFF-ROAD EXPERIENCE IN ZAMBALES

Nissan Philippines (NPI) recently invited us to a 2-day expedition to Zambales. The agenda was to showcase the capabilities of the Terra SUV and Navara pickup via Drive Pinas, its project in collaboration with the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Autocar Philippines was one of the media outfits present in the said activity. The thing is, being visually handicapped, I’m physically unable to drive. However, thanks to my perfectly sighted buddy and Autocar Philippines teammate Neil Pagulayan, we still made it. This is a shotgun rider’s point of view of the Nissan “Drive Pinas” Unbound Drive with the Terra & Navara.

For this activity, NPI fielded 5 units of the Terra and 5 units of the Navara. Best part is we were with the Overland Kings, a group of off-road and camping

aficionados. This is why our rides were all rigged with twin car tents. I was unable to get the exact weight of the camping rig, but I would guesstimate it to be in the ballpark of about 70 to 100 kilos, considering the frame and the tents stacked up neatly on the roof/truck beds to balance the total weight of the entire vehicle.

Our journey started off early in the morning of March 13 at Nissan North EDSA. There, Neil and I were assigned to be with the Terra VL 4X4, a unit which from here on I’ll call “Nex” as reference to its license plate. Our Nex comes in a sleek Forged Metallic Copper paintwork.

Now, I generally like how the Terra looks on the outside – robust, brawny, and all. But what made Nex special was the color. To me, the Forged Metallic Copper is the best color option of the current generation Terra.

Although in the dark, even I couldn’t fully admire the elegance of the paint.

Good thing we were already moving when the sun came out as we headed for our first stop, a restroom break at PTT SCTEX, about 1 hour and 30 minutes drive from Nissan North EDSA. As I have observed, the paintwork made Nex look dapper.

Inside, particularly the front passenger seat, the space is roomy if your frame is on the average. But for someone on the plus size like me, I found it a little on the tight side, my legs in their normal seating position are up against the center console, dash, and the door card. Yeah, I did pull the seat back and reclined it a little. Doing so made things comfortable, so no big issue there, just a sign for me to go on a diet! The rest of the interior was loaded with all sorts of things

like camping essentials, tools, and a cooler, making full use of the Nex’s tried and true carrying capacity.

This is where the Drive Pinas aspect of the trip comes in. Our convoy was led to a place called Mangatarem in Pangasinan for breakfast. There, we were treated to a showcase of Daang Kalikasan views, giving us a chance to admire its scenic nature and landscape, something DOT recommends tourists should consider heading to this summer.

And there’s more. With Daang Kalikasan’s construction still ongoing, participants eventually reached the point where the pavement ended and Nissan’s 4X4 systems were put to the test. I’M happy Nex pulled it through, of course with Neil’s seasoned driving skills. Yes the ride was bumpy, we were shaken, but because of Nissan’s 4X4 and

WORDS BY RANDOLPH DE LEON

Intelligent Mobility systems, we were out of the dust all in good shape. And yes, we were advised by our off-roading team leaders to air down our tires to 20 psi to gain some extra traction.

According to Neil, he had a chance to pilot the exact Terra unit we were in. He said the Terra, “handled pretty well on the open country highway and the power on tap didn’t leave us wanting”. I agree because out on the open highways, Nex felt stable and responsive to Neil’s every driving input. And when we were out tackling the rough terrains, Nex was just as responsive.

And we finally made it to our destination, a place called Crystal Beach Resort in San Narciso, Zambales. There, a camping setup was prepared for us to settle down for the night. The setup was designed with Nissan’s push for more sustainable tourism practices in mind, with tents set up over the vehicles. Nissan says this move is part of the Drive Pinas initiative for better eco-friendly tourism.

The next day, we were out with our rides on the beach front. NPI prepared a couple of offroad activities for us to tackle at the beach front and at the lahar-covered Santo Tomas River Mouth to further explore the vehicles’ driving capabilities.

Similar to the previous day’s journey, Nex was able to provide Neil with the response he needed the most. But differently from

the previous day’s journey, the challenge we had in Day 2 was nothing short of tough. Faced with the hurdle of very loose sand and lahar, we almost got stuck a number of times.

Of course, I have to mention Nex’s 2.5L DOHC turbo diesel engine and 7-speed auto gearbox with manual mode. With 190 ps and 450 Nm distributed to all four wheels, and the option to lock the differential for uneven terrain, Nex showed off why it’s an off-road capable machine. Power and torque delivery was prompt, although we had some instances in the off-road challenges wherein it seemed to me like we suddenly hit the rev limiter. But due to the advanced drivetrain, we were able to power and torque out of the ordeal, thus saving the engine.

The activities gave Neil a good arm and upper body workout as he frantically turned the wheel, navigating through pylons. But again, Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility and 4X4 systems shined through, arming Nex with the power and capability to stride forward and get as much grip as it could. As for me? Boy was I feeling all the rush with my phone on hand shooting almost point blank at whatever was happening around me. Good thing the seatbelt did its job well enough to restrain my movements.

Finally, it’s the long journey back to Nissan North EDSA. Neil and I took a shorter route which saved us some time and gave us a

chance to experience more of Nex out on smoother paved roads.

Aside from what I’ve noticed about the riding comfort and notably pleasant NHV levels, the entertainment system onboard Nex was quite a gem. Neil blasted many of his favorite tunes, mostly from the ‘80s and ‘90s pop and dance genre, and some choice rock and heavy metal music to keep his senses awake. I must say I love the 8-speaker Bose sound system. It delivered crisp

and clear-sounding music, which to a person like me who relies more on my hearing, is quite an audible experience I’d definitely want to try again. And yes, Nissan’s decades-long borderline “mythical” air conditioning system was always at the ready to provide us a cool and comfy journey against the blistering sun. All in all, the Nissan Philippines Drive Pinas Unbound was one for the books on my experience. Nex, our Terra VL 4×4 didn’t disappoint, and it left me with a whole new appreciation for the amount of research and development Nissan has put in to come up with vehicles that is as capable on the road, as well as off it. Thank you Nissan Philippines, DOT, and Overland Kings.

For more information about Nissan Philippines, visit the official website at https://www. nissan.ph/

MOTORSPORTS

News, insight and opinion from the world of motor racing

ZACH DAVID MAKES PODIUM AT 2024 FRECA ROUND 2 IN SPAFRANCORCHAMPS

Zachary ‘Zach’ David has delivered one of his most stellar performances so far when the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA) visited the Circuit de SpaFrancorchamps over the weekend. The Malta-licensed Filipino driver challenged for the lead on Saturday to ultimately secure a hard-earned 3rd place on one of the most challenging circuits on the 2024 calendar.

Round 2, however, didn’t begin as smoothly as David had hoped for. Setup woes on Friday hindered his progress and left him mid-pack at best during both Testing sessions. But the R-ace GP driver managed to quickly turn things around by Saturday

morning and shined through Qualifying held in the wet. He was able to set the 3rd fastest time amongst the Group B runners in the tricky conditions, which later earned him P5 on the grid for Race 1.

David immediately went on attack mode as soon as the lights went off and challenged for the lead as the 31-car grid funneled through Eau Rouge and up towards Raidillon. It then became a 4-car drag race down the Kemmel Straight with David coming out of Les Combes in P2. He then chased after Polish driver Roman Bilinski to take the lead at the end of lap 2. However, it was short-lived and was relegated back to P2 a few corners later.

After maintaining the gap to Bilinski, David

came under attack on lap 5 and dropped down to P4. Although he would make an attempt to regain a place in the closing stages of the race, it proved to be unsuccessful and crossed the finish line 4th on the road. But his valiant efforts eventually paid off. A post-race penalty promoted David to a podium position – his very first in FRECA and was officially classified in 3rd.

The following day was not as productive for the 16-year-old.

Qualifying back in P14, David had a lot of work to do if he wanted to secure a point-scoring position. But he simply couldn’t replicate his performance from Saturday as he struggled for pace. While he successfully made up

a position to P13, the opportunity to make another pass was far and few in between. This left David with no choice, but to settle for 12th place when the chequered flag dropped.

Zach David’s heroic drive at SpaFrancorchamps also earned him his first points in the 2024 FRECA season, which puts him 11th in the Drivers’ Championship after 2 events. Focusing on the positives, he now looks forward to further improving his race results in Round 3 at Circuit Zandvoort in 2 week’s time.

Zach David: “A few ups and downs this weekend at SpaFrancorchamps. After struggling a bit in testing, I’m so happy to turn it around on Saturday qualifying

5th overall. A decent start in Race 1 allowed me to take the lead, but ultimately finished 3rd. Sunday’s race was more difficult with 12th, but I’ll take the positives to Zandvoort for the next round in 2 weeks.”

Zach David is sponsored by Ceramic Pro, Stilo Helmets, Attard Baldacchino, Puma, Green Amenities, JG Summit Olefins Corporation, AutoPlus Sports, Automobile Association Philippines, Time Attack Manila, ISR, and Malta Motorsports Federation.

For more info and the latest updates, follow ZachdavidRacing on Facebook, @ zachdavidracing on Instagram, @zachdavid. racing on TikTok, and @zachdavidracing on YouTube.

AUDI READIES FOR ENTRY INTO FORMULA 1 AND SIGNIFICANTLY EXPANDS COMMITMENT

nder the leadership of Audi CEO Gernot Döllner, the brand with the four rings has outlined its future focus with the Audi Agenda. Product and technology as well as the stronger positioning of the Audi brand on the global stage are in focus. Against this backdrop, the Members of the Supervisory Boards of AUDI AG and Volkswagen AG have decided to strengthen their commitment to Formula 1 and accelerate preparations for the

start of the 2026 season. Audi plans to acquire a 100 percent stake in the Sauber Group. Oliver Hoffmann is set to be the person responsible for the Audi Formula 1 program overall as a General Representative. As CEO of the Audi F1 Team, Andreas Seidl will be responsible for the implementation of the F1 project as well as the management of the Audi F1 Team.

Oliver Hoffmann, currently heading the Technical Development division, will be made a General Representative by the Board of Management and will be responsible for implementing AUDI AG’s Formula 1 commitment and entry into the top level of motorsport. The newly created position will unite all three pillars of the Formula 1 program: the stake in the storied Swiss racing team, development of the power unit by the Audi Formula Racing GmbH at the Neuburg site, as well as the strategic steering and activation of the program by AUDI AG. Besides the successful launch of the Formula 1 program, this bundling also aims to strengthen the Audi brand on the

“The entry into Formula 1 is not only the pinnacle of Audi’s very successful history in motorsport, but also as big a sporting challenge as it is a financial commitment.”

global stage and ensure close collaboration between motorsports and series production.

In this context, Audi plans to take over 100 percent of Sauber Holding AG. A corresponding agreement has been reached with the current majority shareholder Islero Investments AG, which fully supports the change. In addition to chairing the shareholder committee of Audi Formula Racing GmbH, Oliver Hoffmann will become Chairman of the Board of Directors of all Sauber companies.

In connection with this, Oliver Hoffmann is stepping down as a Member of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. Audi CEO Gernot Döllner will take charge of the Technical Development division in addition to his existing responsibilities. He will continue the ongoing transformation of Technical Development. Besides shortening development times, the focus is mainly on more efficient structures

and clear areas of responsibility in order to operationalize the prioritization of products and technologies as prescribed by the Audi Agenda.

In preparation for its entry into the FIA Formula 1 World Championship in 2026, Audi is filling another key role. As Audi F1 Team CEO, Andreas Seidl will be in charge of the implementation of the Audi F1 project as well as the Audi F1 Team. He will also be the face of the future Audi Formula 1 Team.

“The entry into Formula 1 is not only the pinnacle of Audi’s very successful history in motorsport, but also as big a sporting challenge as it is a financial commitment. Through the bundling of Oliver Hoffmann’s responsibilities and the complete takeover of the Sauber Group, we are accelerating our preparations for the 2026 season,” said Manfred Döss, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of AUDI AG.

Words by John Rey San Diego

PHRX RETURNS TO CDS OFFROAD PLAYGROUND FOR ROUND 5 OF 2024 SEASON

Following its spectacular season opener in Tarlac, the Philippine Rallycross Series (PHRX) and the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) returned to Cavite for Round 5 of the 2024 season. The action-packed event took place at the CDS Offroad Playground within the scenic Arden Botanical Garden in Trece Martires, Cavite.

A Thrilling Sequel to Kagitingan Rally

Building on the excitement of the Kagitingan Rally of Tarlac, Round 5 of the PHRX showcased intense dirt racing as drivers competed on a newly developed track layout by CDS Offroad Playground. The faster and more challenging track provided a perfect backdrop for a thrilling rallycross weekend, testing the skills and endurance of all participants.

Group 1 Highlights

In Group 1, Caloy Calica in his Honda Jazz emerged victorious, clocking a total time of 4:49.300. JP Polintan, driving a Toyota Vios, claimed second place with a time of 4:55.910, while Mark Desales in his Toyota Corolla E11 secured the third spot with a time of 5:09.590.

Fierce Competition in Group 2

Group 2 witnessed fierce competition, with Peewee Mendiola dominating in his Toyota Corolla E10 rally car. Mendiola posted a total time of 4:46.320, followed by Louie Camacho in a Toyota Corolla E11 with a time of 4:51.210.

Defending class champion Paul Santos settled for third in his Honda Civic EK, recording a time of 4:59.940.

Group 3 and Group 4 Victories

Mendiola continued his winning streak in Group 3, achieving a remarkable run time of 4:42.580, over 10 seconds ahead of Camacho, who posted a time of 4:53.900. Polintan took third place in Group 3 with a time of 4:56.350 in his 1300cc Vios.

In Group 4, Mendiola again clinched the top spot with a time of 4:45.980. Edsel De Dios in his

Honda Civic EK finished second with a time of 4:48.120, while Ricardo Dy-Liacco, one of the youngest drivers, rounded out the podium with a time of 4:50.280 in his Toyota Corolla E11 rally car.

Open Class Showdown

Philippine rally veteran Mike Reyes dominated the Open Class in his Subaru Impreza GC8, recording a time of 4:46.600. Dy-Liacco followed closely with a time of 4:47.110, while defending class champion Paolo Santos finished third with a time of 4:55.510.

RWD and AWD Class Results

Full Throttle Weekend’s EZ Ligaya triumphed in the RWD Class with a time of 4:57.840 in his BMW E46. Devor Andres secured second place in his Toyota Corolla KE70 with a time of 4:58.500, while Jun Magno

took third in his Toyota 3SGEswapped BMW E36 with a time of 5:04.410.

In the AWD Class, Reyes edged out Ralph Ramento in his Toyota RAV4 with times of 4:43.690 and 4:44.020, respectively. Paolo Santos completed the podium with a time of 4:44.200.

Pickup Class Dominance

The Pickup Class saw Camacho in his Isuzu D-Max rally truck dominate with a total time of 4:47.040. Jimuel Panganiban finished second in his Ranger Raptor with a time of 4:55.050, while Boboy Rabe, also in a Ranger Raptor, claimed third place with a time of 4:58.120.

A Weekend to Remember

Round 5 of the PHRX at the CDS Offroad Playground was a resounding success, offering thrilling races and showcasing the talents of the drivers. As the season progresses, the competition promises to become even more intense, with drivers pushing their limits in pursuit of glory. The PHRX continues to be a highlight in the Philippine motorsport calendar, bringing excitement and adrenaline to racing enthusiasts across the country.

Words by Anjo Perez

DRIVE SAFE IN THE RAIN:

ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR MOTORISTS

With the rainy season officially upon us, navigating the roads can become particularly challenging and hazardous. Reduced visibility, slippery surfaces, and extended stopping distances all contribute to the risks of driving in the rain. To help you stay safe, we’ve compiled a list of essential tips for wetweather driving:

Slow Down

Rain diminishes tire traction, making it easier to lose control. Reducing your speed gives you more time to react to sudden stops or obstacles. As a rule of thumb, decrease your speed by at least one-third of the posted speed limit during heavy rain.

Increase Following Distance

Wet roads require longer stopping distances. Maintain a greater distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you to allow for extra stopping time. A four-second gap is generally recommended in wet conditions.

Use Headlights (Not Hazard Lights)

Turn on your headlights to improve visibility for yourself and other

drivers. Avoid high beams, as they can reflect off the rain and impair your vision further. Remember, hazard lights are for parked vehicles posing a potential hazard, not for driving. Using them while moving can confuse and distract other drivers.

Check Your Tires

Ensure your tires are in good condition with sufficient tread depth. Worn tires can severely impact your ability to stop and maneuver on wet roads. Properly inflated tires also help maintain better traction.

Avoid Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning occurs when your tires lose contact with the road and glide on a layer of water, causing a loss of control. To avoid hydroplaning, drive slowly, avoid sudden turns, and refrain from using cruise control in heavy rain. If you begin to hydroplane, ease off the accelerator and steer straight until you regain control.

Brake Gently

Sudden braking can cause skidding. Instead, brake gently and early to provide ample warning to the driver behind you. If your vehicle is equipped with anti-

lock brakes (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brake pedal.

Maintain Windshield Wipers

Ensure your windshield wipers are in good working condition and replace them if they leave streaks or fail to clear the windshield effectively. Using a quality windshield washer fluid can also help maintain visibility.

Use Defrosters

Rain can cause your windshield to fog up. Use your car’s defrosters and air conditioning to keep windows clear and maintain good visibility.

Stay Alert and Minimize Distractions

Pay extra attention to the road and other vehicles. Avoid using your phone or engaging in other distractions. Being alert helps you react more quickly to potential hazards.

Plan Your Route

If possible, plan your route to avoid flood-prone areas. Pay attention to weather forecasts and consider delaying your trip if heavy rain is expected.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

Keep an emergency kit in your car that includes a flashlight, first-aid supplies, a blanket, and basic tools. Ensure your phone is charged in case you need to call for help.

Know When to Pull Over

If the rain becomes too heavy and visibility is severely reduced, find a safe place to pull over and wait for the downpour to pass. It’s better to arrive late than risk an accident.

By following these safety tips, you can navigate wet roads more confidently and reduce the risk of accidents. Remember, cautious and attentive driving is key to staying safe in rainy conditions.

MG PHILIPPINES UNVEILS THE MG3 AND G50 PLUS: NEW BENCHMARKS

Words by Anjo Perez

MG Philippines has officially introduced two highly anticipated models: the MG3, a stylish entrant into the B-Segment hatchback category with a pioneering HEV variant, and the G50 Plus, a formidable new player in the competitive MPV market. These models are designed to offer exceptional value, performance, and

IN HATCHBACKS AND MPVS

advanced features to meet the diverse needs of Filipino drivers.

MG3: Setting New Standards in B-Segment Hatchbacks

The MG3 is making waves in the B-Segment hatchback category, boasting competitive pricing and the first-in-class Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) variant. This model aims to provide Filipinos with an

unmatched blend of efficiency, performance, and style.

Design and Features

The MG3 sports a contemporary look with LED/Halogen headlamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, and power-folding mirrors. Inside, drivers will appreciate the leather-style interior, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 10.25-

inch infotainment screen, which collectively create a refined driving environment.

Safety and Convenience

This model is equipped with push-button ignition, reverse parking sensors, an electric parking brake, four-wheel disc brakes, and a 360-degreeview camera, ensuring both convenience and safety.

Additionally, MG’s Pilot Advance Driver Assist System includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and pre-collision warning.

Performance

Under the hood, the MG3 is powered by a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine producing 120PS and 150Nm of torque, making it suitable for city driving and highway cruising. The HEV variant takes it up a notch by combining electric and petrol powertrains to deliver 190PS and 250Nm of torque, emphasizing efficiency and performance with its advanced hybrid technology and 3-speed hybrid transmission.

Variety and Pricing

The MG3 comes in six vibrant colors: St Moritz Blue, Extreme Speed Red, Morning Yellow, Moon White, Meteorite Black, and Blade Silver. Prices range

from P678,888 for the STD MT variant to P1,088,888 for the Hybrid+ CVT.

MG G50 Plus: Redefining the MPV Segment

The MG G50 Plus is set to make a significant impact in the local MPV market, offering a spacious, versatile, and featurerich vehicle designed for Filipino families and larger groups. It aims to be the “MPV Champion” in its segment, combining luxury with practicality.

Spacious and Luxurious

The G50 Plus boasts threerow seating, accommodating 7-8 passengers, and includes essential safety features like airbags, ABS with EBD, and a rearview camera system. The spacious interior and sophisticated design ensure a comfortable and plush ride, perfect for family trips and daily commutes.

Exterior and Interior Highlights

The G50 Plus showcases a stylish exterior with an elegant front grille, LED/Halogen headlamps, and alloy wheels. The LUX variant features a 7-seater configuration with captain seats, a leatherstyle interior, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Advanced Safety and Convenience

Advanced safety technologies include an anti-lock brake system, hill hold control, electronic stability program, parking sensors, reverse camera, cruise control, EPB with auto brake hold, and pushbutton ignition.

Power and Performance

The G50 Plus is powered by a 1.5L Turbo Engine delivering

181PS and 280Nm of torque, with transmission options of a six-speed automatic or a sevenspeed “wet-type” dual-clutch transmission for optimal power delivery.

Colors and Pricing

Available in five colors—Moon White, Meteorite Black, Blade Silver, Andes Gray, and Water Blue—the G50 Plus is priced from P1,048,888 for the STD MT variant to P1,288,888 for the LUX DCT.

Both the MG3 and G50 Plus underscore MG Philippines’ dedication to offering valuedriven, stylish, and efficient vehicles. Whether you’re looking for an eco-friendly hatchback or a family-oriented MPV, these new models provide advanced features and impressive performance, making them top choices in their respective segments.

“Both the MG3 and G50 Plus underscore MG Philippines’ dedication to offering value-driven, stylish, and efficient vehicles.”

Words by Anjo Perez

CONQUERING THE TERRAIN DRIVING THE 2024 ISUZU D-MAX 4X4 AT ISUZU 4X4 LAND, THAILAND

Driving the new 2024 Isuzu D-Max 4x4 at Isuzu’s 4x4 Land in Ban Chang, Pathum Thani, Thailand was an exhilarating and immersive experience that highlighted the vehicle’s robust capabilities, advanced features, and impressive design enhancements.

From the moment I stepped into the driver’s seat, it was clear that the D-Max is engineered to handle the toughest terrains with ease while embodying a modern and aggressive aesthetic that sets it apart.

EXTERIOR DESIGN

One of the most noticeable improvements in the 2024 D-Max is its completely revamped exterior design,

reflecting the concepts of ‘Strong & Aggressive,’ ‘Sporty,’ and ‘Futuristic & Digital.’ The front end has been significantly enhanced with a power bulge on the engine hood, giving the vehicle a commanding presence. The higher and wider front grille, combined with modern, sporty headlamps featuring daytime running lights (DRL) positioned in the upper part and three character lamps, adds to its striking look. The rear of the vehicle is equally impressive, with a three-level L-shaped motif for the tail lights using LED tube lights, presenting the vehicle’s width like a bird spreading its wings. These design elements are not just for show; they also improve aerodynamic performance, with features like the air curtain on the front bumper and a

larger tailgate spoiler enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.

INTERIOR DESIGN

Inside the D-Max, the concept of “Strong & Supple” and “High-Class & Sophisticated” is evident throughout the cabin. The instrument panel center cluster has been redesigned with a new U-shape that emphasizes a powerful aesthetic, seamlessly integrating with the infotainment display for a cohesive look. The infotainment display itself is now more user-friendly, thanks to the addition of a dial switch. The interior materials, including the instrument panel garnish, door inserts, and seat fabrics, feature a signature miura fold pattern, adding a modern and luxurious

touch to the cabin. The expanded seveninch TFT display within the dashboard gauge, along with the infotainment display, utilizes Isuzu’s unique Graphical User Interface (GUI), enhancing both user-friendliness and visibility. This sophisticated and high-quality feel is immediately apparent and adds to the overall driving experience.

ADVANCED SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Safety is a paramount consideration in the new 2024 D-Max, which is equipped with several new advanced safety features. A next-generation stereo camera has been newly installed, capable of detecting crossing pedestrians and triggering automatic

braking if necessary. This feature is particularly useful at intersections, where the camera can recognize potentially dangerous situations and respond accordingly. Additionally, rear radars detect approaching vehicles when reversing from head-on parking, automatically engaging the brakes if needed. To ensure that the advanced safety equipment functions properly even in low temperatures, a heating element has been added around the camera lens to prevent clouding. The vehicle also offers greater convenience with features like congestion assistance, which helps follow the vehicle in front during traffic jams, and adaptive cruise control for the manual transmission model, enhancing both safety and ease of driving.

IMPROVED 4×4 DRIVING PERFORMANCE

The off-road course at Isuzu 4x4 Land is designed to push vehicles to their limits, and the D-Max tackled each challenge with impressive agility and power. In situations where a wheel loses contact with the ground, the expanded traction control area, combined with the rear differential lock, enables brake intervention and power distribution to the remaining tires. This feature significantly improves the vehicle’s ability to gain traction on rough terrain, ensuring excellent off-road performance. The newly added rough terrain mode optimizes braking and engine control, allowing for precise control of engine output and

brake application. This ensures reliable traction when setting off or accelerating on rough terrain, making the D-Max a formidable contender in challenging environments.

Navigating through the deep water crossings at Isuzu 4x4 Land was one of the highlights of the experience. The D-Max’s elevated ground clearance and water-wading capabilities instilled confidence as the vehicle smoothly traversed through the water without hesitation. The rocky paths and uneven surfaces were no match for the D-Max’s advanced suspension system, which absorbed shocks and provided a smooth ride despite the rugged terrain.

The interior comfort and functionality of the D-Max also stood out during the drive. The supportive seats and intuitive dashboard layout made it easy to focus on the road ahead, while the advanced safety features, including hill descent control and electronic stability control, added an extra layer of assurance. These

features allowed me to tackle challenging sections of the course with peace of mind, knowing that the vehicle was equipped to handle any obstacles that came its way.

Driving the 2024 Isuzu D-Max 4x4 at Isuzu 4x4 Land in Thailand was a thrilling and unforgettable experience. The vehicle’s exceptional off-road performance, combined with its advanced safety features and stylish design, makes it a top choice for both off-road enthusiasts and those in need of a dependable vehicle for tough conditions.

The D-Max’s ability to seamlessly blend rugged capability with modern sophistication sets it apart in the 4x4 segment, proving that it is more than capable of handling whatever challenges come its way. Whether navigating steep inclines, deep water crossings, or rocky paths, the 2024 Isuzu D-Max 4x4 delivers a driving experience that is both exhilarating and reassuring, making it a standout option in its class.

SUSTAINABLE LUXURY: THE ALL-NEW MERCEDES-BENZ EQE SUV

Words By Anjo Perez

C Star Automotive Inc., the official distributor of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the Philippines, has unveiled the highly anticipated allelectric Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV at the Mercedes-Benz BGC Showroom. This vehicle exemplifies the perfect fusion of advanced technology with the classic craftsmanship and design synonymous with Mercedes-Benz, marking a significant stride toward sustainable mobility.

IThe Next Step in Electrification

The all-new Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV is the latest addition to the EQ series, solidifying Mercedes-Benz’s dedication to electrification and innovation. With its sleek silhouette and spacious interior, the EQE SUV offers a harmonious blend of style, comfort, and sustainability. Equipped with cutting-edge battery technology and an electric drivetrain, the EQE SUV boasts impressive range and fast-charging capabilities, making it a practical and eco-friendly choice for today’s discerning drivers.

Mercedes-Benz has positioned the EQE SUV as a flagship model in their push towards an all-electric future. This SUV is designed not just as a means of transportation, but as a statement of the brand’s commitment to environmental responsibility without compromising on luxury and performance. The EQE SUV is part of a broader strategy by Mercedes-Benz to lead the industry in sustainable mobility solutions, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote greener transportation options.

Elegant Exterior Design

The EQE SUV’s aerodynamic lines not only enhance its efficiency but also boost its performance. The 21-inch AMG multi-spoke light alloy wheels immediately capture attention, while the seamless door handles and a black panel grille adorned with threedimensional star patterns epitomize luxury. Advanced lighting technologies, such as Digital Light with ULTRA RANGE high beam and LED tail lights, create a striking visual presence, ensuring the EQE SUV stands out on the road.

Every design element of the EQE SUV is meticulously crafted to reflect the brand’s dedication to aesthetics and function. The aerodynamic shape reduces drag, enhancing the vehicle’s overall efficiency and extending its electric range. The attention to detail is evident in the sleek contours and the

choice of materials, all of which come together to create a vehicle that is both visually stunning and aerodynamically superior.

Luxury and Comfort

Step inside the EQE SUV to discover a realm of luxury and comfort. The interior is spacious, offering ample legroom and headroom for all passengers. Features such as a Burmester 3D surround sound system, Active Ambient Lighting, and a versatile load capacity ranging from 580 liters to 1,675 liters with folded rear seats cater to both convenience and indulgence. The AMG line interior, multi-contour seats with adjustable support, massage functions, and climate control elevate the driving experience. Additionally, the Mercedes-Benz fragrance system allows you to customize the cabin’s scent to suit your preference and mood.

The EQE SUV is designed with the driver and passengers’ comfort in mind. The cabin is a sanctuary of luxury, where high-quality materials and cutting-edge technology converge to create an unparalleled driving environment. The multi-contour seats are not only adjustable but also come with massage functions, ensuring that even the longest journeys are comfortable. The climate control system adapts to the external conditions, maintaining the perfect temperature inside the vehicle. The Active Ambient Lighting system adds to the ambiance, creating a relaxing atmosphere that enhances the overall driving experience.

Revolutionary MBUX Hyperscreen

The EQE SUV showcases the revolutionary MBUX Hyperscreen, a 56-inch expanse of high-tech glass integrating three displays under a curved surface. This system, powered by advanced AI, personalizes the driving experience by learning the driver’s preferences and habits. Its “Zero Layer” feature prioritizes essential information,

minimizing distractions and enhancing connectivity and interactivity. Acting as the car’s central intelligence, the MBUX Hyperscreen networks with all systems to optimize performance and enjoyment, adapting to your preferences and transforming each journey into a personalized adventure.

The MBUX Hyperscreen represents the pinnacle of in-car technology. It is designed to be intuitive and responsive, providing a seamless interface between the driver and the vehicle. The system’s AI capabilities mean that it learns from the driver’s behavior, making suggestions and adjustments that enhance the driving experience. Whether it’s adjusting the temperature, selecting the perfect music, or navigating to your destination, the MBUX Hyperscreen makes every interaction effortless and enjoyable.

Safety and Innovation

Safety is paramount in the EQE SUV, which features a comprehensive suite of advanced safety systems. The Driver Assistance Package, Head-Up Display (HUD), and numerous assistive technologies provide situational support, collision warnings, and intervention when necessary. The EQE SUV’s Cruise Control with SPEEDTRONIC maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, ensuring a stress-free driving experience. Parking is simplified with the Parking Package and its 360-degree camera, offering a bird’seye view of your surroundings, making maneuvering in tight spaces effortless.

Mercedes-Benz has always been a leader in automotive safety, and the EQE SUV continues this tradition with cutting-edge safety features. The Driver Assistance Package includes systems that monitor the surroundings, alerting the driver to potential hazards and even taking corrective action if necessary. The Head-Up Display ensures that critical information is always within the driver’s line of sight, reducing the need to look away from the road.

These features work together to create a driving experience that is not only luxurious but also safe and secure.

Performance and Charging

The all-new EQE SUV offers an electric range of 536 km to 628 km (based on WLTP), allowing for a round trip from Manila to Baguio on a single charge. Performance is equally impressive, delivering 292 horsepower and 565 Nm of torque. The lithium-ion battery, with a capacity of up to 96 kilowatt-hours, can be charged using the onboard DC fast charging system with a power of 170 kilowatts. The all-new EQE SUV is not just a mode of transportation; it’s a statement of innovation, luxury, and uncompromised safety. Whether commuting, embarking on a road trip, or navigating city streets, the all-new EQE SUV is designed to elevate every aspect of your journey.

Charging infrastructure is a critical component of the electric vehicle ecosystem, and Mercedes-Benz has ensured that the EQE SUV is equipped with the latest charging technologies. The fast-charging capability means that drivers can quickly recharge their vehicles, minimizing downtime and maximizing convenience. The impressive range ensures that the EQE SUV is practical for both daily commuting and long-distance travel, offering a versatile solution for modern drivers.

The Future of Sustainable Luxury

The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV represents the future of sustainable luxury. It embodies the brand’s commitment to innovation, performance, and environmental responsibility. By integrating the latest technologies with timeless design and unparalleled craftsmanship, MercedesBenz has created a vehicle that sets new standards in the automotive industry. The EQE SUV is more than just a car; it is a vision of the future, where luxury and sustainability coexist harmoniously.

The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV is priced at P7,190,000, reflecting its premium features and cutting-edge technology. This vehicle is a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s dedication to leading the way in the transition to sustainable mobility, providing drivers with an experience that is both luxurious and environmentally friendly. As the world moves towards a greener future, the EQE SUV stands out as a beacon of what is possible when innovation and tradition come together.

DRIVING INTO THE FUTURE: SERES AUTO AND QSJ MOTORS PH

LAUNCH INTELLIGENT EVS

Words By Anjo Perez

he Philippine automotive scene is on the brink of a revolutionary shift with the introduction of Seres Auto’s intelligent electric vehicles (EVs). This exciting development stems from a strategic partnership with QSJ Motors Phils., Inc., aiming to blend innovation with sustainability and transform the driving experience.

TA Legacy of Innovation

Established in 1986, Seres Auto has consistently been at the forefront of the automotive industry, specializing in new energy vehicles (NEVs). With a robust workforce exceeding 20,000 and recognition as one of China’s top 500 enterprises, Seres has honed cutting-edge e-powertrain technologies. Their advancements span battery systems, electric drives, and electric controls, all underscored by a user-centric philosophy and a readiness to embrace change. These core values shine through in Seres’ vehicle manufacturing and user experience innovations.

Powerhouse Partnership

The collaboration between Seres Auto and QSJ Motors Phils., Inc. brings together Seres’ expertise in EV manufacturing and QSJ Motors’ strong distribution network. This alliance aims to introduce a diverse range of intelligent electric vehicles to the Philippines, promoting sustainable transportation solutions that align with the country’s environmental objectives.

The MF Platform: A GameChanger Leading Seres’ charge into the future is the groundbreaking MF

platform. This platform integrates advanced safety performance, versatile powertrain options, sophisticated chassis, and stateof-the-art software technologies to deliver a superior, customerfocused driving experience. The MF platform boasts the industry’s first comprehensive safety system, covering over 150 scenarios and incorporating more than 200 safety features.

Uniquely, the MF platform offers a variety of power options, making it the only platform compatible with range extenders, pure electric, and hybrid powertrains. This flexibility ensures that Seres can cater to a broad spectrum of consumer needs, providing unparalleled customization and scalability across different vehicle models.

Extended Range Technology

A standout feature in Seres’ electric vehicles is their innovative range extender technology. This system enhances

the driving range by using an additional generator to charge the battery when it runs low. This combination of extended range and electric efficiency makes Seres’ vehicles ideal for both urban commutes and long-distance travel across the Philippines.

Intelligent Manufacturing

Seres’ Intelligent Super Smart Factory, designed to meet Industry 4.0 standards, epitomizes advanced manufacturing. With over 5,000 intelligent machines and complete automation of critical processes, the factory can

produce a new vehicle every 30 seconds. The integration of worldleading 9000-ton die-casting technology further underscores Seres’ manufacturing prowess.

Redefining Luxury and Sustainability

Seres’ vehicle lineup is not just about luxury; it’s about pushing the boundaries of intelligent driving. By bringing eco-friendly vehicles to the Filipino market, Seres is setting the stage for a future where intelligent, sustainable transportation is the standard. As Seres spearheads the automotive energy transformation, the future of driving in the Philippines looks incredibly promising.

The partnership between Seres Auto and QSJ Motors PH is poised to reshape the automotive landscape in the Philippines. With a commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability, Seres is leading the charge towards a greener, smarter driving future.

PH VESPISTI CELEBRATE VESPA DAY 2024

The vibrant spirit of the Italian scooter lifestyle took center stage at The Tent in Las Piñas City as enthusiasts gathered to celebrate the 78th anniversary of Vespa. The 2024 Vespa Days event, organized by the Autohub Group’s MotoItalia, was a colorful and funfilled festival dedicated to the iconic scooter brand.

A Celebration of Legacy and Lifestyle

The event was a lively tribute to Vespa’s storied history and its evolution into a beloved lifestyle. Concessionaires offered a variety of delicious meals and refreshments, while participants enjoyed a range of activities. A highlight of the day was the exhibition of iconic Vespa models from past decades, showcasing the brand’s rich heritage.

Unveiling New Colors for Primavera and Sprint

One of the day’s highlights was the unveiling of new color options for two of Vespa’s most popular models, the Primavera and Sprint. For the Primavera, the fresh hues included

White Innocenza, Green Relax, Orange Tramonto, Grey Materia, and Blue Deep. The fashionable Primavera S introduced new colors like Beige Sabbia, Blue Capri, Yellow Mimosa, and Green Kiwi.

The sporty Vespa Sprint also debuted new colors: Green Tenace, Grey Materia, and Yellow Mimosa. The Sprint S model now features a renewed red and black sticker, complementing its new color options: Black Convinto, Orange Tramonto, White Innocenza, Green Ambizioso, and Blue Ecletitto. Each color is accentuated with bold black details, offering either a matte finish for the steering cover or a polished finish for the wheels.

Model Updates and Enhancements

Both the Primavera and Sprint models received several updates for 2024. New dashboards and handlebars, improved ergonomics with new handle grips, and a back shield featuring a practical knob are now standard. The signature Vespa tire and grid have been redesigned with new air vents, providing a subtle yet refined update.

The Primavera now sports 5-spoke gray rims, while the Sprint S features 6-spoke glossy pastel black rims with a spiral pattern, adding a touch of modern elegance to these classic models.

A Day of Music and Community

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the OPM band Itchyworms performed some of their popular hits, providing lively entertainment for all attendees. The event was not just a celebration of the Vespa brand but also a gathering of a passionate community.

A Message from the President

Willy Q. Tee Ten, president of Vespa Philippines (MotoItalia Philippines

Inc.) and the Autohub Group, expressed his gratitude and excitement for the future. “Join us as we ride into 2024 with the new Vespa products. Every moment is a chance to live life in its most beautiful form. Thank you for being part of our journey together.”

Looking Ahead

The 2024 Vespa Days celebration was a testament to the enduring appeal and cultural significance of the Vespa brand in the Philippines. As Vespa continues to innovate and inspire, Filipino Vespisti can look forward to many more years of style, performance, and community on two wheels.

Words by John Rey San Diego

RESEARCH

THOROUGHLY BEFORE BUYING A BATTERY

ELECTRIC VEHICLE

As battery electric vehicles (BEVs) gain traction in the market, more consumers are considering making the switch from traditional gasoline-powered cars to cleaner, more sustainable options. While the benefits of BEVs are undeniable—ranging from reduced emissions to lower operating costs—conducting thorough research is crucial before making a purchase. Here’s why careful consideration and investigation are essential when entering the world of electric vehicles.

Quality and Reliability Variations

Not all BEVs are created equal. Differences in build quality, reliability, and performance can be significant between manufacturers and even between models from the same brand. Some newer or lesser-known manufacturers, including Vinfast and Omoda (by Chery), have been reported to have models with inconsistent build quality, software glitches, or battery issues. These problems can lead to costly repairs and frustrations down the line. In contrast, established brands like Audi, BMW, BYD, Hyundai, KIA, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, and Porsche offer a track record of reliability and quality assurance.

Financial Stability of Manufacturers

The financial health and stability of a BEV manufacturer can greatly

impact the ownership experience.

Brands with substantial financial backing, such as Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, ensure long-term support for their vehicles. Conversely, some newer entrants have faced financial difficulties and production delays, raising concerns about their ability to support their products and customers effectively. Ensuring that the manufacturer is financially stable can provide peace of mind regarding the future availability of parts, updates, and service.

Charging Infrastructure

One of the key factors to consider when buying a BEV is the availability and convenience of charging infrastructure. In the Philippines, the charging network is still developing, with stations primarily found in some SM malls and a few Shell stations. Researching the availability of charging stations along your daily commute and travel routes is vital to avoid range anxiety and ensure a smooth BEV ownership experience. The convenience of charging can significantly affect the practicality of owning an electric vehicle.

Battery Life and Range

Battery technology is a critical component of any BEV, affecting both range and longevity. Manufacturers provide estimated ranges under ideal conditions, but real-world performance can vary due to factors like driving

Words by Anjo Perez

habits, weather, and terrain.

Understanding the actual range and battery degradation rates from current owners’ experiences and reviews can help set realistic expectations and avoid unpleasant surprises. Investigating the specifics of battery warranties and replacement costs is also essential.

Resale Value

The BEV market is rapidly evolving, and new advancements can quickly render older models outdated, affecting their resale value. Established brands with strong reputations tend to hold their value better compared to lesser-known manufacturers. Consumers should research how different models depreciate over time to make an informed decision that protects their investment. Keeping an eye on the market trends and the introduction of new technologies can help gauge the potential long-term value of the vehicle.

Service and Support

After-sales service and support are crucial for any vehicle, and BEVs are no exception. Established manufacturers typically have extensive service networks, ensuring that maintenance and repairs are convenient and reliable. Newer brands may have limited service centers, potentially leading to longer wait times and difficulty obtaining parts. Understanding the availability and quality of service

centers for your chosen BEV can prevent future inconveniences.

Technological Features

BEVs often come with advanced technological features, including over-the-air updates, autonomous driving capabilities, and sophisticated infotainment systems. The functionality and reliability of these features can vary widely. Prospective buyers should read reviews and user experiences to gauge the effectiveness and reliability of the technology offered by different manufacturers. Evaluating the ease of use and the long-term support for these features can enhance the overall ownership experience.

The Road Ahead

The transition to electric vehicles marks a significant shift in the local automotive industry, promising environmental benefits and potential cost savings. However, this transition also introduces a new set of considerations for consumers. By conducting thorough research— examining manufacturers, evaluating real-world performance, understanding charging infrastructure, and considering resale value—buyers can make informed decisions and enjoy a rewarding BEV ownership experience. In an ever-evolving market, careful investigation is the key to finding the right electric vehicle that meets both current and future needs.

HONDA PHILIPPINES REACHES 10-MILLION MOTORCYCLE SALES

MILESTONE

Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI), the country’s leading motorcycle manufacturer, has reached a monumental milestone by surpassing 10 million motorcycle unit sales. This achievement was celebrated under the leadership of HPI President Ms. Sayaka AraiHattori, alongside the HPI Management Team, supportive dealers, and loyal customers. The historic 10-millionth unit sold was the Click125, a model that has become synonymous with Honda’s success in the Philippines.

To commemorate this milestone, HPI introduced a special edition Click125 adorned with a unique 10M sticker at a celebratory sendoff ceremony. The event underscored the vital role of HPI’s dealer partners and customers in achieving this milestone, highlighting their unwavering loyalty and spirited patronage as pivotal to Honda’s success.

As Honda Philippines celebrates this significant milestone, it reinforces its position as the premier motorcycle manufacturer in the

country. HPI remains committed to providing high-quality products featuring innovative designs, attractive aesthetics, and value for money, ensuring Filipinos continue to experience the joy of mobility.

Journey to Success

HPI’s journey to this remarkable achievement began in 2006 when the company moved to Batangas to meet the growing demand for its motorcycles. The TMX155, a popular business model known for its strength and power, played a crucial role in this success. Its capability to handle tough uphill roads made it ideal for public transportation, including tricycles and other business-related purposes.

Another significant contributor to HPI’s success is the Filipino favorite cub model, the XRM. Known for its tough modern image and durable performance, the XRM captured the hearts of customers, particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, conquering both on and off-road conditions.

The Game Changer

In 2018, Honda introduced the

Click125 as a “Game Changer” with its modern, sporty, and stylish design, fuel efficiency, and advanced features. This model revolutionized the motorcycle industry and became the No. 1 model in the Automatic Transmission (AT) category. To meet the growing demand, Honda expanded local production of the BeAT and Click125, further solidifying HPI’s No. 1 market position.

Resilience and Strategic Growth

Despite challenges in recent years, HPI maintained strong partnerships with dealers and capitalized on opportunities for growth, particularly with the increasing demand for better riding and commuting experiences among Filipinos. This resilience and strategic foresight have cemented Honda’s position as the leading motorcycle manufacturer in the Philippines in terms of market share.

Celebrating Collective Achievement

The 10-million sales milestone underscores Honda’s success, highlighting its strong business

partnerships, dedicated stakeholders, and its valued and loyal Filipino customers. Honda’s commitment to providing the joy of mobility and comfort remains unwavering. This milestone is celebrated as a collective achievement, paying tribute to the hard work and support of HPI associates.

Captured Moments

[From L-R] Mr. Yasunori Miyamoto, Vice President Finance; Mr. Juan Gerry Datario, HPI Assistant Vice PresidentBusiness Administration; Mr. Kohei Yamamoto, HPI Executive Vice President-Manufacturing; Ms. Sayaka Arai-Hattori, HPI President; Mr. Jomel Jerezo, HPI Vice President-Sales and Marketing Division; and Ms. Maria Fe Quijano, HPI Assistant Vice President-Finance.

Honda Philippines’ achievement of reaching 10 million motorcycle sales is a testament to its dedication to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. As HPI continues to lead the market, the future looks promising for the iconic motorcycle brand in the Philippines.

A MAGAZINE ON BIKES, VANS, TRUCKS AND SUVS

PH VESPISTI CELEBRATE VESPA DAY 2024

CONQUERING THE TERRAIN

DRIVING THE 2024 ISUZU D-MAX 4X4 AT ISUZU 4X4 LAND, THAILAND