C! Magazine May-June 2023

Issue 243

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2023

THE DRIVES Subaru WRX Wagon Insight, Nissan Kicks e-POWER, Land Rover Discovery P300, KIA EV6 GT-Line and more.

WHEEL2WHEEL Ducati Monster 937+, Royal Enfield Hunter 350, and Suzuki Gixxer 250

THE ULTIMATE MOBILITY AUTHORITY

The Electrified Joie de Vivre ALL NEW 2023 LEXUS RZ450e CROSSOVER An elevation of the Lexus Driving Signature: Comfort, Confidence and Control combined with dynamic character!

features PhP 380 ISSUE 243 MAY-JUN 2023

2023 Isuzu Mu-X LS-E 4x4 & Nissan Terra Sport VL 4x4

We revisit the two top players in the top-spec ladder-frame segment which got their latest updates recently.

Dad’s Dream Rides Under Two Million Pesos

We asked our beloved editorial team what car should dads get to reward themselves for their years of hardwork without breaking the bank.

Issue 243

I

2023

THE DRIVES Subaru WRX Wagon Insight, Nissan Kicks e-POWER, Land Rover Discovery P300, KIA EV6 GT-Line and more.

WHEEL2WHEEL Ducati Monster 937+, Royal Enfield Hunter 350, and Suzuki Gixxer 250

THE ULTIMATE MOBILITY AUTHORITY

The Electrified Joie de Vivre ALL NEW 2023 LEXUS RZ450e CROSSOVER An elevation of the Lexus Driving Signature: Comfort, Confidence and Control combined with dynamic character!

features PhP 380 ISSUE 243 MAY-JUN 2023

2023 Isuzu Mu-X LS-E 4x4 & Nissan Terra Sport VL 4x4

We revisit the two top players in the top-spec ladder-frame segment which got their latest updates recently.

Dad’s Dream Rides Under Two Million Pesos

We asked our beloved editorial team what car should dads get to reward themselves for their years of hardwork without breaking the bank.

Editor’s Note

A Taste of the Future

T

his year sees the return of several international auto shows, including our very own Manila International Auto Show, indicating that the automotive industry is finally returning to a semblance of normalcy after the pandemic. One interesting thing to note is a common theme that was very prevalent in all the shows — the significant increase in electric vehicles, and the shift towards automotive “mobility,” as the industry moves away from the term automotive “motoring.” The conscientious shift is a direct result from wanting to move away from the conventional petrol “motor” (which is ironic considering electric vehicles also use an electric motor, making the term still relevant). Nevertheless, the shift is now more evident than ever, and it’s been reflected here in C! Magazine as well, particularly in this issue.

Don’t worry, we’ve still got our favorite internal combustion engines revving happily along, and I don’t think we’ll be seeing them go anytime soon. But on the cover you’ll find the magnificent Lexus RZ450e, which is an excellent example of how a luxury brand embraces the EV movement and executes it flawlessly. We’ve also got an in-depth review of the Kia EV6 GT-Line, which is Kia’s local entry into electrified motoring. Lastly, our C! Drive review of the Nissan Kicks e-POWER explains how Nissan successfully makes hybrid electrification more accessible to a wider range of consumers.

Of course, what issue of C! would be complete without our rigorous testing and comprehensive comparos? We tackle two of our favorite ladder frame 4x4 SUVs – the new Isuzu Mu-X LS-E, and the Nissan Terra Sport VL to see if the new Isuzu SUV has what it takes to dethrone a C! Award-winning favorite. We also continue our extensive coverage of the rush of new Chinese offerings with a look at the GAC Empow and Maxus D60 Pro.

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Our Tuner and Wheel2Wheel sections continue to provide the latest insights into the world of tuned and customized cars with a special emphasis on the off-road king, the Toyota Land Cruiser, as well as the latest twowheel offerings from Ducati, Royal Enfield, and Suzuki.

But the industry is shifting and so are we. You’ll notice our first true foray into the world of personal mobility with our first ever aircraft review — the Cessna 172 Skyhawk. We didn’t change our tagline from “The Ultimate Automotive Authority” to “The Ultimate Mobility Authority” just for show. It’s a transition we fully intend to commit ourselves to as we extend our coverage to blanket an entire spectrum of human mobility beyond two and four wheels.

This is just a taste of the future, and we’re glad you’re along for the ride.

“The shift is now more evident than ever, and it’s been reflected here in C! Magazine as well, particularly in this issue.”

Chris Van Hoven EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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CONTENTS

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The Electrified Joie De Vivre

2023 Lexus RZ450e Crossover

By Kevin C. Limjoco

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2 4 3

C OV E R STO RY

“We expected the all-new fully electrified Lexus RZ450e to be full of grace and refinement, but what was not expected was the characterful driver engagement”

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I S S U E

CONTENTS

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THE DRIVES

26 Subaru WRX Wagon GT-S

28 Nissan Kicks e-POWER

30 Land Rover Discovery P300

32 KIA EV6 GT-Line

34 GAC Empow 1.5T GB

36 Maxus D60 1.5T Pro

Keeping the Dream Alive

The Stylish All-roader

The Tip of the Spear

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Everything you want in a car… And less

Grace, Form, & Verve

All the Right Stuff

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I S S U E

CONTENTS

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F E AT U R E S

DAD’S DREAM RIDES 48 UNDER P 2M We asked our beloved editorial team what car dads should get to reward themselves for their years of hardwork without breaking the bank.

C! Picks

54 The Mid-Size SUV Head-to-Head

2023 ISUZU MU-X LS-E 4X4 AND 2023 NISSAN TERRA SPORT VL 4X4

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Updated Equals in the Odds & Ends

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CONTENTS

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C!aracters

60 Rashid Delgado

We sat down with Mr. Delgado and asked him how fatherhood plays a key part in his leadership roles in the automotive industry.

By Wowie Go

F E AT U R E S

62 MIAS At a Glance

The Manila International Auto Show returned in fine form, with a strong showing of new car releases, technologies, and updates to manufacturer lineups.

By Chris Van Hoven

66 The Optimized Compact MPV That Holds Its Own Tarmac 2023 Toyota Avanza 1.5G

By Kevin C. Limjoco

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No hand held devices while driving Phones detract from your ability to concentrate on the road and increase your chance of a collision by nearly 400%.

A Safety Reminder From

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I S S U E

CONTENTS

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“Even with the world moving towards electrification, there’s very little doubt that the Cessna 172 Skyhawk will be coming along for the ride.”

EXTRA TIME

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It All Starts Here

Talk to any pilot today and nearly all of them will tell you that they earned their wings with this Cessna.

By Wowie Go

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Tire checks are essential Make your tires last longer by practicing proper care and following maintenance procedures.

A Safety Reminder From

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I S S U E

CONTENTS

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75

The General of Purpose

When it comes to versatility and reliability, no other car commands the same respect as Toyota’s MPV flag bearer, the Innova.

By Wowie Go

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FOCUS ON

“For the better part of 18 years now, the Toyota Innova has held the fort as its proverbial beast of burden, servicing thousands of offices, hotels, and households throughout the Southeast Asian region.”

Just a click away That one clip of the seatbelt can turn a fatal car accident into one you can walk away from. We think that is worth a little tug around the body, don’t you?

A Safety Reminder From

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I S S U E

CONTENTS

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Boosted!

By Francis G. Pallarco

2 4 3

TUNER

86

88

Event

Event

JDMUnderground holds its first ever indoor meet at the SMX Convention Center

The opening round of the 2023 Aisin Super Sprint

JDMU “Yabanagan Noons/Nights” at SMX

Super Sprint Off to a Strong Start

By Jill Elicano-Tan

90

2021 Toyota Land Cruiser

Traditional Four Wheeler Building an even better 79 Series Land Crusier

94

2022 Toyota Land Cruiser (300-Series)

VIP Off Roader

Exploring the great outdoors in a JAOS equipped luxury off roader

98 2012 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado VX 3.0

Sorted Out

Check out Dub Expeditions best of show-winning, yet highly functional do-all, off-road build

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CONTENTS

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W H E E L 2W H E E L

104

The Ride Life

By John O. Mendoza

106

Bike Review

Ducati Monster 937 + Bologna’s Saviour Reincarnated?

110

Bike Review

Royal Enfield Hunter 350

The Sharpest Tool in Royal Enfield’s Rugged Shed.

114

Bike Review

Suzuki Gixxer 250 A Hooligan on a Budget

C-MAGAZINE.COM • MAY-JUNE 2023

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CONTENTS

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Editor’s Note

By Chris Van Hoven

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REGUL ARS

119

Buyer’s Guide

Compact Cars

The happy medium of utility and performance. Turn to these vehicles when you’re looking for functionality with a reasonable footprint.

20

Hot Wire

By Wowie Go

128

C! Countdown

7 Car Gifts Dad Will Love 22

On The Edge

By Georges B. Ramirez

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By Wowie Go

Keep calm on the road There are times when, due to uncontrollable circumstances, our minds tend to stray from the proper mindset when driving. What we must always remember is that driving is more than just a skill — it is a state of mind. Depending on our disposition when we get behind the wheel, we can be calm as cucumbers, or as savage as a raging pitbull. The latter, of course, is never ideal.

A Safety Reminder From

Hot Wire

Building the Perfect Long-Term Problem

T

he Hindustan Ambassador, the Volkswagen Type 1, and the VAZ-2101 are vehicles with some of the longest production runs in the history of automobiles. For all the revered heritage these three vehicles had during their lengthy runs, one thing was for certain, there was a fair amount of innovation done that kept them relevant. If you’ve ever Googled what the last model of the Type 1 Beetle looked like before it was axed, you’d notice that there was a fair amount of new stuff that was in it compared to when it first came out after World War 2. That being said, I wish I could say the same for our beloved Jeepney.

At this point, much has been said about the jeepney phaseout the government is aiming to proceed with. I hate to sound obtuse, but it’s true: jeepneys are indeed unsafe, unreliable, and inefficient. It’s a product of its time, eight decades removed. However, on the flip side of things, I get it. There really is an extremely huge financial gulf that drivers and operators have to cross just for them to be upto-date. As a member of the motoring press, I’ve actually been exceptionally quiet on this issue just because there’s really nothing else for me to say that hasn’t already been said– until now, that is.

The newfangled modern jeepneys are reportedly priced to set drivers and operators back upwards of ₱1.6 to 3 million–a huge chunk of change even for the well-to-do suburbanite. But let’s not think of this like a businessman for a sec and pretend to be Mr. day-to-day-jeepney-driver. What exactly

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does that kind of money afford you? Well, the modern jeepneys come with brand-new cleanburning, reliable power units and are installed with multiple driver aids like a speed limiter, dash cam, GPS tracking, as well as electronic payment collection. When you look at the list of things the next generation of jeepneys will come with, it certainly justifies the price, right? But what I really want to know is how

“Instead of treating jeepney-building like an actual automotive operation, our builders stuck to “tradition” like it’s some treasured adobo recipe.”

Wowie Go MANAGING EDITOR

come they’re only coming out with this now?

For that, I blame our feckless local jeepney builders. Because no one–and I mean no one–has yet pointed the blame for this entire debacle on them who simply sat on their hands for the last 80 years.

Quick, do a search on your phone on what a jeepney looked like back in the 1950s and place it side-by-side with a jeepney today — it’s the same vehicle. Their original appearance was born out of necessity, converting American-built general purpose war vehicles into fully-fledged people carriers.

Today all we have are fabricated stainless steel death machines mounted to old truck frames with surplus engines from Japan or Korea.

Instead of treating jeepney-building like an actual automotive operation, our builders stuck to “tradition” like it’s some treasured adobo recipe.

Now I’m not ragging on the jeepney industry just to be mean — I am actually proud of our ingenuity. But why don’t we just admit that they dropped the ball? Yes, they made something incredibly resourceful 80 years ago, but it stopped at that. We would not be scrambling to modernize hundreds of thousands of units of jeepneys in a single go had they just slowly integrated newer technologies into their builds throughout the years.

And so what if the silhouette ends up being different? Short to medium-distance transport that stops wherever you need it to; that is what the spirit of the jeepney is. It’s not the stainless steel body, not the plume of black smoke, and not the mural of Jesus on the door panel.

Right of way Always yield to pedestrians at a crosswalk.

Safety begins with all of us.

A Safety Reminder From

On The Edge

Goodwood’s Festival of Speed

J

uly 13-16 is just around the corner, those are the dates of one of the most awesome motorsport events, the Goodwood group’s annual Festival of Speed. It was an item on my bucket list that I was finally able to tick off in my late 50s, and I thank the Lord for that.

It is one of the best motor racing events of the year, and I recommend getting accommodations as soon as possible because it can be quite a drive to get to Goodwood.

Having said that, so long as you’re close enough that you are predominantly on the “A” roads, which are the more minor country roads, it can be an enjoyable drive through the beautiful English countryside. I was on a tour bus from London and imagined myself driving a small sports car through these roads. Anyway, for us “petrol heads,” it was paradise.

The closer you get to Goodwood, the more people you will see driving their babies to the festival. The parking area alone may have just been a big field, but it was filled with a better collection of cars than most car shows I have ever been to. As you walk in, you go through

“The closer you get to Goodwood, the more people you will see driving their babies to the festival.”

Georges B. Ramirez SENIOR EDITOR

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the golf course and an airfield that looks like a World War 2 movie set, and the excitement continues to heighten.

Moving into the infield of the hill climb course, you’ll see the latest bikes, supercars, and race cars. Then comes the most elaborate corporate displays, rides, and test drives.

There is so much to see and do that you really need to study the program as it changes daily.

Vintage and historic cars and race cars are everywhere, and when possible, even the champions who drove them. There is also the exquisite Concours de Elegance, motorsport elites, and historical reenactments where these cars don’t just putter around slowly; they drive them fast, reminiscent of their past glory! Which indeed is glorious!! It’s like being in a time machine because it wasn’t just the cars that were “period-correct,” the driver’s gear, track sections, pits, and even fencing were also preserved. Truly amazing!

There isn’t enough real estate in an editorial column to talk about all the wonderful things you can do or see at this amazing festival.

All I can say is plan well and plan early, it’s well worth it.

It sounds wrong because it is wrong.

Let’s not turn our public roads into racetracks.

A Safety Reminder From

MASTHEAD

ED I TO RI A L

D E SI G N

A DVE RT IS IN G

P UBLIS H ING

Chris Van Hoven

Charie L. Biaden

Mayette L. Asis

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

DESIGN DIRECTOR

VICE PRESIDENT

C! Publishing and Media Group, Inc.

Wowie Go

Mark David A. See

Mary Jane O. Salazar

MANAGING EDITOR

SENIOR DESIGNER

ADVERTISING TRAFFIC MANAGER

Georges B. Ramirez

Malyn L. Bautista Hiroshi D. Paderagao

SENIOR EDITOR

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Francis G. Pallarco

PUBLISHER

Michael L. Lhuillier CHAIRMAN

Paolo M. Puyat-Martel MANAGING DIRECTOR

Carl S. Cunanan Kevin C. Limjoco Michael L. Lhuillier Paolo M. Puyat-Martel

TUNER EDITOR

Monica N. Legarda SENIOR COPY EDITOR

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Angel S. Rivero Miguel C. Bichara Isabel N. Delos Reyes

Mayette L. Asis VICE PRESIDENT

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Merline B. Urdas

Michael L. Lhuillier

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

EDITOR-AT-LARGE

Mary Ann M. Benito

John O. Mendoza

CREDIT AND COLLECTION OFFICER

WHEEL2WHEEL ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Paredes Garcia and Golez

Kevin C. Limjoco

LEGAL COUNSEL

FOUNDING EDITOR / PRESIDENT / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

DI GI TA L

All-New 2023 Lexus RZ450e Crossover May-June 2023

Richard Tan DEPUTY ONLINE EDITOR

Steven Edward Yu

Contributing Writers

ONLINE AND SUPPLEMENT EDITOR

EZ Ligaya / David Hardman / Peter Lyon / Mike Potenciano / Lindy Pellicer / Brando Rosales / Edrich Santos /

Denise Santos

Liam Talbot / Martin Revita / Dominique O. Cerqueda / Manny De Los Reyes / Johnny Revilla / Maki J. Aganon / Nicolas A. Calanoc

C! Publishing and Media Group, Inc.

DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER

Stephanie Corpuz

Contributing Photographers

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www.c-magazine.com Enjoy all of our best stories, instrumented test reviews, and so much more, from our pages to your screen!

THE

DRIVES

Subaru WRX Wagon GT-S Keeping the Dream Alive Words: Chris Van Hoven Photos: Isabel N. Delos Reyes

HERE’S A HOT TAKE: no car enthusiast

6 seconds and enjoy carving up the twisties

really wants a crossover for their family. We

while still able to carry coolers, strollers,

only buy them because they’re the most

luggage, and groceries when you’re doing it.

practical choice in the automotive market

Subaru’s WRX Wagon makes a statement

right now. They’re large, can fit a lot of cargo,

that yes, you can have all the benefits of the

can be found below PhP 2 million, and have

above without sacrificing some driving joy,

decent enough ride height to go soft roading.

providing you’re willing to pay the premium,

Safe, practical, but ultimately… boring. Familial

that is. Admittedly, PhP 2,658,000 is a hard pill

responsibilities will always be present, but

to swallow, but the Subaru WRX Wagon GT-S

there is an automotive offering out there

has 271 horses and 258 lb-ft of torque eager to

that allows you to go from 0 to 100 km/h in

wash it down for you. The iconic boxer engine isn’t the only reason why the WRX Wagon remains the dream car of dads everywhere, however. Its sleek, muscular exterior complements rather understated styling cues, with only its large hood scoop teasing what the WRX Wagon is capable of. If you need space (of course you do), you’ve got a generous 492 liters with the rear seats up, with a maximum of 1,430 liters with all the seats folded. As a point of reference, that’s one duffel bag away from the Toyota RAV4’s claimed 542-liter cargo capacity. And how much does Toyota’s RAV4 LTD Hybrid cost? PhP 2,607,000. The RAV4 Hybrid does 0-100 km/h in 8.4 seconds and doesn't offer all-wheel drive.

The Subaru WRX Wagon GT-S, of course, does offer Subaru’s world-renowned symmetrical all-wheel drive with active torque vectoring and their Multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control System, as well as Subaru’s

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fuel consumption all available at a glance.

Thankfully, tactile knobs and buttons are still present for volume and temperature adjustments for those still resisting the digital revolution. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity comes standard as well. The seats are well-bolstered and exceedingly comfortable, with 10-way power adjustments and seat memory available to the driver. The second row is a comfortable place to be for passengers, with their own air vents, two USB outlets, a central armrest with cupholders, and the ability to recline their seats.

On the road, the Subaru WRX Wagon is incredibly refined. 4-wheel independent suspension works beautifully to absorb most road irregularities, and NVH levels are as good as any executive sedan’s, leaving the cabin quiet and isolated from outside noises. The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is paired with Subaru’s Sport Lineartronic CVT with sport shifting and paddle shifters that offer imperceptible shifting points and a highly-responsive throttle feel, even at low speed. The steering feel is great too, with a perfectly weighted feel that gives you complete confidence at high speed. There’s really very little to complain about in terms of driving performance and comfort, and that’s something we’ve come to expect from the WRX by now.

I feel that the WRX Wagon GT-S trim is already packaged nicely, but those looking for more kit will find it in the higher-spec’d tS variant, which offers a sunroof, power tailgate with comfort access, more drive modes, adjustable suspension dampers, STI exhaust, and different wheel designs for PhP 150,000 more.

In a world where crossovers have dominated the family-car landscape, it’s nice that products like the WRX Wagon are still around updated EyeSight Driver Assist tech that

for those that don’t want to compromise

includes Autonomous Emergency Steering,

driving fun in a family-oriented car. Dads can

EyeSight Assist Monitor, Reverse Automatic

still dream, after all.

Braking, Rear Vehicle Detection, adaptive cruise control, lane keep, and more.

Plus: Linear power

Inside, you’re greeted by a gigantic 11.6-

response, comfortable, good NVH levels, excellent handling characteristics.

inch vertical touchscreen that’s in charge of handling most of the car’s secondary features.

Air-conditioning and standard communication

Rating 9.5/10

Minus: Pricey, sound system can be

features are controlled here, with data on

improved.

acceleration, angle, outside temperature, and

Specifications — 2020 Subaru WRX Wagon GT-S EyeSight Engine: Flat-4, 2387 cc, dohc 16V, Direct Injection, Twin-scroll Intercooled Turbo, Dual-AVCS, CVT • Max power: 271 bhp @ 5600 rpm • Max torque: 258 lb-ft @ 2000-5200 rpm 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 6.1 seconds • Top Speed: 215 km/h (134 mph) • Fuel Mileage: 7.2 km/L City / 12 km/L Highway • Price as tested: PhP 2,658,000.00

C-MAGAZINE.COM • MAY-JUNE 2023

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THE

DRIVES

Nissan Kicks e-POWER

take a hot minute to realize how incredibly caught-up the vehicle is compared to some of the other cars in its segment.

Much like all of its Nissan stablemates, the Kicks features the company’s signature

Everything you want in a car…

And less.

V-motion grille. Pointy and aggressive, this

Words and photos: Wowie Go

the vehicle’s sporty appearance is the two-

perfectly counterpoints the roundedness of the overall shape of the car. Further enhancing toned roof, which greatly emphasizes the car's

“I THINK WE JUST MISSED OUR EXIT,”

swept-back silhouette, and the 17" alloy wheels

I exclaimed to our editor-in-chief as we zoomed

fitted with 205/55 R17 Dunlop tires, while low

past the meet-up point for our long drive to

profile, remain very much functional. From the

Misibis Bay on a dark and humid night back

looks of it, the Kicks e-POWER isn’t mucking

in August of 2022. We were inside a vehicle

about with what it wants to be: It’s not

they were yet to unveil, and save for the hours

pretending to be a capable off-roader like most

leading up to the trip, this was the very first

crossovers in the market; rather, it’s inviting

time we ever laid our eyes on it. Granted, we

you to take it on the open road and let it loose

were on the road at 3AM and neither of us had

for some spirited driving.

gotten much sleep, but it wasn’t actually the

And “spirited” might just be the best way

fatigue that made us overshoot our destination.

of putting it. Fitted with an engine that seems

Instead, we were having way too much fun

puny on paper — a 1.2-liter inline 3-cylinder

driving the Nissan Kicks e-POWER on the

gas engine — the Kicks actually gets up on the

highway that night that we just lost track of the

power as if it was fitted with a V6 under the

point of our being there.

hood. Sounds strange, doesn’t it? With a power

Nissan’s premiere hybrid electric

unit that sounds like it should’ve been put in

subcompact crossover, the Kicks e-POWER,

a LEAF, it might sound like a mystery that the

is as well-rounded a vehicle as you’d expect

car has a robust pulling power of 134 BHP and

from the company that brought us such

207 lb-ft. of torque. But in fact that is precisely

classics as the Sentra and the GT-R. Built on

what makes the Kicks e-POWER really special.

the seven-year-old P15 Kicks platform, the

The secret to the car's strength is with the

vehicle introduces revolutionary features in the

way the car operates as a whole. I still get a

market that would have you think twice about

kick (no pun intended) out of explaining to

admonishing Nissan for releasing a model that

people that the Kicks’ internal combustion

some might consider dated. In fact, it doesn’t

engine isn’t what’s actually moving the vehicle

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THE

DRIVES

touchscreen display — which is reminiscent of a Nintendo Wii U — might look humdrum installed to a car this technologically advanced, it’s actually a quite sensible piece of kit. With tactile buttons and a bright display, its design makes it easy to operate while driving. And as most modern vehicles should at this point, it’s equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for even easier navigation. The car is installed with an abundance of USB ports, two at the back, and a wireless charging pad in the center console, which by the way, is trimmed with glossy, piano-black plastic. This leads me to the only thing I take umbrage with regarding the Kicks e-POWER: it’s interior.

While the incredible amount of technology and amenities make the Kicks an overall excellent vehicle, the car falls a bit short in the way Nissan dressed up its cabin. Apart from the aforementioned shiny plastic console in the middle which you can be certain will be scuffed up in a year or two, the door cards are molded plastic without any sort of additional adornment.

There’s also a noticeable lack of automation with regards to seat adjustment, which is a bit of a thinker for a vehicle at its price point. All that being said, is it really that big of a dealbreaker? Of course not. It’s a fair enough trade for everything else that you’re getting.

— in fact it’s not connected to the wheels at

engages this regenerative braking feature,

all. What it really does is charge the 2.13 kWh

which may take a while to get used to due to

automotive journalist, I’ve actually found myself

Truth be told, in the time I’ve been an

battery of the vehicle long enough to power

it constantly feeling like you’re getting pulled

recommending the Nissan Kicks e-POWER more

its 349 volt AC Synchronous electric motor.

back the moment you lift off the gas. But once

than any other vehicle today, and the reason

That’s it! It wouldn’t even be wrong to say

you do get acclimated to it, you can practically

for that is simple: The Kicks is a fun car that’s

that the Kicks e-POWER is an electric car. The

drive the vehicle without ever having to step on

not a burden to live with. It’s practical both in

only difference is that it has a gas-powered

the brake pedal.

terms of space and economy. It's blisteringly

generator bolted up front so you never have

The e-Pedal Step is just one of the nifty

fast when you need it to be, and whisper quiet

to plug into a charging station — and that’s not

features cleverly bundled in what they call the

when you don’t. Simply put, the Nissan Kicks

even its only ace up its sleeve.

Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) suite, fitted

e-POWER delivers all the goodness of a modern

standard in the car’s VL variant. Other helpful

EV without the range anxiety.

Being that it’s only using the ICE to charge its energy reserves, the vehicle is already

add-ons in the system include Intelligent

insanely efficient in fuel consumption. During

Forward Collision Warning (IFCW) which

our 500 km drive back in August, reached an

measures the distance between the vehicle and

astounding 22 km/L — just three shy of their

the obstacle in front of it, Intelligent Emergency

projected 25 km/L claim. While that number

Braking (IEB) that engages the brake for you

might already sound impressive on its own,

when you get too close, and the Around View

count on Nissan to take that even a step

Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection

further. The Kicks e-POWER also features

which is essentially a 360-degree camera that

what the company calls the e-Pedal Step,

helps you in tight situations.

which essentially uses the car's kinetic energy

Likewise, Nissan also equipped the Kicks

to charge the battery even more. When placed

e-POWER with several features with passenger

in Eco or Sport mode, the vehicle automatically

comfort in mind. While its 8" advanced

Plus: Incredible value

Rating 9.5/10

for all its standard tech features, exceptional fuel economy, well-equipped for passenger comfort.

Minus: Plain interior, e-Pedal Step and

gear lever layout takes a while to get used to.

Specifications — 2023 Nissan Kicks e-POWER VL Engine: Inline-3, 1198 cc, DOHC 16V, Multipoint Injection gasoline engine and Water-cooled 349V 3-phase AC Synchronous Motor with 2.13 kWh lithium-ion battery Max power: 134 bhp @ 5000 rpm • Max torque: 207 lb-ft @ 2400-4000 rpm • 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 8.4 seconds Top Speed: 170 km/h (106 mph) Governed • Fuel Mileage: 4.5 L/100km Overall • Price as tested: PhP 1,539,000.00 (EL variant: PhP1,239,000, VE variant: PhP 1,339,000.00)

C-MAGAZINE.COM • MAY-JUNE 2023

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THE 5TH GENERATION Land Rover Discovery uses a unibody chassis with an aluminum architecture for more strength, durability, and weight savings. It is at its largest proportions and deepest abilities thus far however, despite its recently updated appearance and uprated infotainment systems, it is running on its 6th year in its model production. Until the all-new Defender was released, the Discovery model did its best to fill the gap and continued the tradition of the extra glass surfaces behind the C-pillar.

With this new current version, it loses that feature, and in this particular test unit,

Land Rover Discovery P300 The Stylish All-roader Words: Kevin C. Limjoco Photos: Isabel N. Delos Reyes

it lost the two rear seats in the back too so the Discovery P300 unit seen here is a pure 5-seater which consequently sets itself up for an even tougher challenge of distinguishing itself from the direct premium competition.

It is still an incredibly accomplished allterrain premium luxury mover, but our market environment has changed a lot too.

The optional 22-inch alloys look nice but also cost a heck of a lot of money which could be better applied to better interior appointments and a better audio system like the optional 400-watt 11-speaker Meridian surround system in place of the standard 8-speaker unit that is alright but not great.

It is a solid compromise if you really wanted a Range Rover but it does also look a touch quirky at the rear. The Discovery's driving priorities are evident with its Terrain Response system of drive modes, which features a lone setting for road use and five for different types of off-road terrain. Without the panoramic moonroof, the dark interior looks a bit dour despite the quality trim and materials. I do like the combination of analog instrumentation combined with the crisp central TFT display.

The stepped roof looks cool but in this configuration the bonus it yields is a more capacious rear trunk with a powered gate.

The Discovery’s dashboard design is certainly elegant and consistently tasteful. The sharp 11.4-inch Pivi Pro control touchscreen

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MAY-JUNE 2023 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

THE

DRIVES

Specifications — 2023 Land Rover Discovery P300 Engine: Inline-4 Location: Front, Longitudinal Displacement: 1997 cc Cylinder block: Cast Aluminum Cylinder head: Cast Aluminum, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, VVT, electrohydraulic valvetrain Fuel Injection: Direct Injection Intercooled Twin-scroll Turbo with Auto Start-Stop Technology Max power: 296 bhp @ 5500 rpm Max torque: 295 lb-ft @ 1500-4500 rpm Transmission: 8-Speed ZF Automatic with steering wheel paddleshifts, AWD. Front suspension: Independent SLA suspension, adaptive electric air shock absorbers.

Rear suspension: Independent multi-link adaptive electric air shock absorbers.

Fuel Capacity: 90 liters (24 gallons) Load Capacity: 2,061 liters (behind 1st row) / 986 liters (behind 2nd row) Ground Clearance: 207 mm Wading Depth: 900 mm

looks great but it controls way too many

off-road capability, then it would shine even

Approach Angle: 26 degrees (Off-Road: 34 degrees)

functions that could be separated for simple

brighter with more modest-sized wheels

Departure Angle: 24.8 degrees (Off-Road: 30 degrees)

physical controls. There are quite a few

to improve its on-road comfort as well as

Ramp-over angle: 21.2 degrees (Off-Road: 27.5

novel extra storage spaces and a wireless

extend its off-road ability even further. It is

degrees)

smartphone charger too. And of course, it has

definitely very stylish and it does attract a lot

L x W x H: 4956 mm x 2220 mm x 1888 mm

abundant charging points as well as Apple

of attention. It can handle better than expected

CarPlay and AndroidAuto connectivity.

on the road but with a lot of pitch and roll

Brakes: Front 13.8-inch (350 mm) ventilated discs with 4-piston calipers / Rear 13.8-inch (350 mm) vented discs

As a luxury SUV it has formidable direct

despite the adaptive electric suspension. It is

competition that bests it dynamically on the

fairly quick for its size but it lacks the charisma

road. However, if you want to have more

of its larger inline-6 powered brethren.

Wheelbase: 2923 mm

with single piston calipers Integrated Electric Parking Brake, ABS, DSC, ETC, RSC, CBC, HLA, LKA, HDC, Wade sensing & Electronic Brake Force Distribution.

Wheels: 22”x 9.5J Multi-spoke Style 5011, Glossy Black Aluminum Alloys.

Tires: P265/40R22 106Y Pirelli P-Zero XL Weight (kerb): 2223 kg. (4890 lbs.)

0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 7.1 seconds Top Speed (mph): 200 km/h (125 mph) Governed Fuel Mileage: 19 mpg City / 22 mpg Highway Accessory Pack: PhP 300,000.00 • Black Wheel Nuts • Dynamic Front Grille • Dynamic Front Bumper Inserts Additional Optional Equipment: PhP 448,000.00 (Tires not included) • 22” 5 Split-Spoke Style 5011 Gloss Black Alloys

Plus If you can afford it, you simply cannot go wrong with any Land

Rover, the Discovery P300 has pep and more ability that you will ever use in our country, elegant, has the presence to awe, a genuine modern interpretation of Land Rover's legacy.

Custom Wrap: PhP 72,000.00

Rating 9/10

Minus PRICE. Choppy and wallowy ride. Not a 7-seater, does not have the optional

400-watt 11-speaker Meridian Sound System. No panoramic moonroof.

• Gloss Black Roof Wrap • Gloss Black Door Mirrors Price as tested: PhP 7,010,000.00 (Includes Accessory Pack, Custom Wrap, and Additional equipment, model range starts at PhP 6,190,000.00)

C-MAGAZINE.COM • MAY-JUNE 2023

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THE

DRIVES Much of the interior materials applied in the modern and tasteful interior are repurposed/ recycled. The seats, for example, are very supportive, feel great to touch, and are very comfortable, and they are described by Kia as thus: combination artificial black suede with vegan white leather with white stitching.

The front driver seat even has an extra toggle to engage the "premium relaxation mode," which automatically sets it up for maximum recline so you can actually take a nap while charging the car. The front seats also have heat and are ventilated with toggle switches at the end of a floating center console that also has additional compartments as well as the wireless smartphone charger. At the back, amenities include a fold-down center armrest with cupholders, climate control air vents

KIA EV6 GT-Line Grace, Form, & Verve

mounted in the B-pillars, USB chargers on the designated for the new family range that

rear sides of the front seats, airline-style map

bookends with the spectacular newly launched

pockets, and a vehicle to load (V2L) 3.6kW

EV9 three-row luxury crossover.

outlet underneath the middle seat to transform

With well over 6,000 road test kilometers accomplished on our Philippine roads, I

the EV6 into a power source for up to 1900 watts using a conventional wall socket.

received the current lone media unit in its

The two ultra-slick and crisp 12.3-inch

attractive matte silver exterior color aptly

curved displays, with the central touchscreen

called Moonscape. Despite its fairly high test

utilizing a new Kia Connect infotainment

mileage in a fairly short period of time since its

system, is nicely driver-centric. The system

domestic release, the global award-winning

even manages how you would want the EV6

THE ALL-NEW Kia EV6 GT-Line is a real

Kia EV6, in its extra range GT-Line packaging,

to sound and how to behave with even a

gem of a spacious, dynamic, and refined

performed flawlessly as if it was delivered

mode selection for not just ambient lighting

crossover wagon that just so happens to be

directly from its shipping crate. That alone

but even ambient interior-themed sounds

fully electrified. It is the first Kia EV with a

states a lot about the fit and finish of the EV6

called “Sounds of Nature” that pumps in the

dedicated Electric Global Modular Platform

that rides on 20-inch alloys managed by sport-

authentic acoustics of a lively forest or calm

(E-GMP) shared with the slightly longer

tuned suspension damping.

sea waves crashing at a beach to even the

Words: Kevin C. Limjoco Photos: Isabel N. Delos Reyes

wheelbase but ironically smaller Hyundai Ioniq 5, that is named under the new nomenclature

Every detail on the brilliant EV6 is noteworthy and thoroughly comprehensive.

sounds of an open-air café, when you are not immersing yourself with your favorite tunes on the brilliant 14-speaker Meridian surround system. Other highlights include the semipanoramic moonroof, 3 drive modes, intelligent full-LED lighting, Blind View Monitor, unique GT-Line aesthetic packaging, Surround View Monitor, comprehensive active and passive safety suites, and smart cruise control.

Getting past the sensual and sleek exterior, the experience behind the swanky new twospoke steering wheel is ultimately what it is all about. It may not have AWD, nor either the 320 hp or the eye-watering 576 hp of the full GT model, but with the 400-pound weight savings, 225 hp and 258 lb-ft rear propulsion from rest, the EV6 GT-Line is an accomplished handler that can easily generate the driver entertainment that we all love from our youth with behavior similar to a Mk7 Volkswagen Golf GTI but without the drama and the exhaust emissions while having considerably more interior capacity, luxury, and comfort. The paddles behind the steering wheel manage the

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MAY-JUNE 2023 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

THE

DRIVES

and Aurora Black Pearl. The Kia EV6 is definitely a compelling and desirable mobility solution that ticks most required boxes. Its only compromise is essentially its acquisition cost despite the eventual savings to charge it and one’s sensitivity toward our environment.

It can seat 5 adults with a plenty of storage. It is an authentic driver’s car while also being a practical everyday car with realistic long range of over 500 kilometers on a full charge as well.

It soaks up road imperfections better than many conventional cars while even dynamically staying ahead of the rest effortlessly.

multi-step regenerative braking system to suit

a 50kW charge point should give a 10-80%

your driver needs.

charge in 1 hour 13 minutes, and if you can find

The EV6 can utilize 400V fast charging

a 350kW charger, a 10-80% charge can be

and 800V ultra-rapid charging. The EV6

achieved in just 18 minutes. Extra range of 100

can charge from 10-100% in 7 hours and 20

kilometers can be provided in just four and a

minutes using the supplied portable 11kW

half minutes.

home cable trickle charger plugged into a 230-

Available exterior colors are Moonscape,

240V socket. If you’re using public charging,

Snow White Pearl, Runway Red, Yacht Blue,

Plus Exceeds all

Rating expectations, fully 10/10 loaded with all the best comfort and practical bits, engaging real-wheel driven entertainment, excellent range, huge personality and good looks, 14-speaker Meridian smart surround audio system, 8-year (160,000 kilometer) factory warranty on the battery / 5-year (160,000-kilometer) overall factory warranty.

Minus PRICE, if packaged at the same

price but as the full 576 hp GT model EV6 with adaptive suspension, it would have absolutely no equal in our market.

Specifications — 2023 KIA EV6 GT-Line Motors: Permanent Magnet Synchronous • Location: Rear • EV System: 77.4 kWh Lithium-Ion, 111.2 Ah, 697 V, Charger Output 11 kWh. Maximum Power Output: 225 hp @ 4600-9200 rpm / 258 lb-ft of torque @ 0-4400 rpm • Transmission: 1-Speed Direct Drive Front suspension: Independent MacPherson Struts with anti-roll bar. • Rear suspension: Independent Multilink with coil springs, and anti-roll bar.

Load Capacity: 52 liters in front trunk, 691 liters with rear seat up, 1421 liters with rear seat folded. • Drag Coefficient: .28cd • Ground Clearance: 160 mm L x W x H: 4695 mm x 1890 mm x 1550 mm • Wheelbase: 2900 mm • Brakes: Front 12.8-inch (325 mm) ventilated discs with 1-piston calipers / Rear 12.8-inch (325 mm) solid discs with 1-piston calipers, Integrated Electric Parking Brake, ABS, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), ASCC, Regenerative, Brake Assist, HAC, TCS, EBD, ESC, & Kia Drive Wise-Driver Assist Technology. • Wheels: 20”x 8J Two-tone 5-spoke Aluminum Alloys. • Tires: 255/45R20 105H XL Continental PremiumContact 6 • Weight (kerb): 1910 kg. (4202 lbs.)

0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 7 seconds • Top Speed (mph): 189 km/h (118 mph) Governed • Fuel Mileage MPGe: 134 City / 101 Highway (172 Wh/km) Maximum Range: 510-kilometers (319 miles) • Price as tested: PhP 3,788,000.00

C-MAGAZINE.COM • MAY-JUNE 2023

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THE

DRIVES a large front grille, sleek LED headlamps, and an aggressively angular hood. Large 17inch wheels on rather wide 225/50/R17 Giti Comfort F22 tires add to its sporty demeanor.

The rear is tamer in appearance, but not any less striking, with taillights that wrap around from the sides. While the Empow does have two exhausts, they sit below the faux exhaust ports that serve no other purpose other than aesthetics. It’s a small letdown considering how excellently styled the Empow is, overall.

The trunk opens up to a rather generous amount of luggage space, though there’s no button you can press to open it from the rear.

The trunk is opened old-school style — via a lever accessed below the steering column, or through the key FOB. The Empow’s interior is highly impressive, punching way above its asking price of PhP 1,305,000. Its floating center console gives the driver easy reach to the shifter, pushstart button, and volume control knob, while allowing more space for small items, as well as a pair of USB sockets below. The interior sports a red and black combination that screams sporty (perhaps a little too loudly for some), with perforated leather seats that are extremely comfortable. The driver-side seat gets 6-way power adjustments, while both driver and passenger seats are well-bolstered, providing excellent support for the thighs and torso. The two-tone treatment extends to the rear seats which provide a generous amount of leg room. Rear passengers get their own air vent, as well as an extra USB socket. Up front are impressively large full-color LCD panels, 7 inches for the multi-information display, and 10.25 inches for the touch screen infotainment display which is Apple CarPlay

GAC Empow 1.5T GB The Tip of the Spear Words and photos: Chris Van Hoven

SPORTY COMPACT SEDANS under PhP

compatible connected to 6 speakers. Switch to play a little too safe. Honda has perfected

to SPORT+ mode and the larger screen relays

this formula with the Civic Turbo and has

an incredible amount of information, down to

remained relatively uncontested except for

oil pressure, turbo pressure, oil temperature,

one or two brief contenders (The Kia Forte

water temperature, and air temperature.

GT comes to mind), though we’ve seen a

As impressive as the interior is, the Empow

resurgence in the segment with offerings from

truly shines when it comes to performance.

Chinese brands — MG with their GT Sport,

Powered by a 1.5-liter turbo engine that

and GAC with the Empow. Here we take a look

produces 174 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque mated

at GAC’s mid-range Empow variant, the GB,

to a smooth-shifting 7-speed wet dual clutch

to see just how it disrupts the segment in the

transmission, the Empow shows its eagerness

best way possible.

to get off the line even with light pedal

2 million belong to a niche segment, but

The Empow plays an important role in the

it’s a segment that plays a big part in the

GAC stable. With offerings that focus more

the Civic (174 hp vs 176 hp), but it does have

automotive market. Quick off the line and fun

on crossovers and practical family cars, the

a fair bit more torque (199 lb-ft vs 177 lb-ft),

to drive, they offer a dose of sportscar-like

entry of the Empow into the market is GAC

which helps the Empow feel more energetic

thrill while maintaining a price range that

saying “hey, we like to have a little fun, too”.

at lower RPM. It’s this added torque that helps

remains largely accessible — something

The Empow’s exterior styling certainly offers

propel the Empow from 0-100 km/h in 6.9

desperately needed in an industry that tends

a glimpse of it, with an almost fastback profile,

seconds, which is quicker than the 7.5 seconds

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MAY-JUNE 2023 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

prodding. It’s got slightly less horsepower than

THE

DRIVES

we tested with the Civic (though just a hair bit slower than the 201 hp Kia Forte GT’s 6.7 seconds). Braking is easily handled by disc brakes on all four corners. At highway speed, the Empow has no problems overtaking, with plenty of power to propel despite a tiny bit of lag. Equipped with McPherson independent suspension up front and a multi-link beam independent suspension at the rear, the Empow finds a great balance between body roll and ride comfort, managing to absorb most road imperfections well while remaining poised during fast cornering. Fuel economy figures are impressive as well, achieving 10 km/l on combined city and highway driving.

NVH levels are also excellent, with much of the outside noise filtered out for a quiet drive.

The GAC Empow impresses on the safety side as well, with a full suite of advanced driving aids such as adaptive cruise control, high beam assist, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and traffic jam assist. It also has 6 airbags in conjunction with stability control, hill-start hold control, auto-hold, rear parking sensors, and a highresolution rearview camera. Perhaps the one head scratcher that comes with this mid-tier GB variant is in trying to understand why it exists at all. The top-of-the-line GE variant comes with larger 18-inch wheels, power folding side mirrors, dual-zone climate control, paddle shifters (which this variant sorely needs), heated seats, a second-row armrest, ambient lighting, and front parking sensors — all for just PhP 43,000 more.

In the end, the GAC Empow — in any variant — provides incredible value for money, and a combination of driving thrill, advanced safety features, and a premium-level interior that was once unheard of in this price range.

Plus High quality

interior, impressive safety features, quick acceleration, great NVH levels.

Rating 9/10

Minus More features are available in

the top-of-the-line GE variant for not much more cash.

Specifications — 2023 GAC Empow GB Engine: Inline-4, 1497 cc, dohc 16V, Direct Injection, Intercooled Single-scroll Turbo, 7-speed DCT • Max power: 174 bhp @ 5500 rpm • Max torque: 199 lb-ft @ 1500-4000 rpm 0-100 km/h (0-62mph): 6.9 sec. • Top Speed: 180 km/h (111 mph) • Fuel Mileage: 10 km/L Overall • Price as tested: PhP 1,305,000.00

C-MAGAZINE.COM • MAY-JUNE 2023

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THE

DRIVES

The fact that it’s managed to balance itself

Maxus D60 1.5T Pro All the Right Stuff Words and photos: Wowie Go

Japanese, European, and American design and

as the quintessential sensible choice isn’t

made it all their own. And with the D60, not only

what’s fascinating about the vehicle, however.

did Maxus do a superb job of applying these

It’s the fact that the Maxus D60’s silhouette

design principles, but they also managed to

is actually already about four years old now —

make the vehicle equal parts sporty and classy.

five if you want to count its days as a concept

One thing that is worth pointing out that

vehicle at the 2018 Beijing Motor Show. Many

illustrates this is Maxus’ excellent application

makes and models have since cropped up, all

of several materials that, when done wrong,

wanting to wow the consumers, all showcasing

would’ve made the vehicle an absolute

something fresh and unique. Somehow, amidst

abomination. Textures like brushed steel,

all of this, the Maxus D60 has managed to

chrome, bare and painted plastic can be

keep itself relevant in the market, and perhaps

found throughout the vehicle but were used

maybe for the foreseeable future.

sparingly as if to just provide a touch or an

From the outside, it’s hard to deny the Maxus

accent. Over the years, many carmakers have

D60’s design influences. Despite the brand

fallen into the trap of overdoing the application

actually having its origins in Great Britain from

of these accent pieces which either leaves

as far back as the late 1800s, believe it or not,

the car looking ridiculously garish or mind-

much like its SAIC stablemate MG Motors, it's

numbingly dull — but not Maxus. With the D60,

now fully based in China. So from the giant

they actually managed to hit the sweet spot

front grille to its overtly futuristic contours and

that makes the car very pleasing to look at.

lines — its design is unmistakably Chinese.

On the inside, the combination of textures

I’M SURE EVERYONE IS FAMILIAR with

However, that doesn't take away from how the

is just as diverse. The dashboard, center

the tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

automakers from our northern neighbor have

console, and door cards are lined with supple

Just in case you missed storytime back in

done a bang-up job combining elements from

padded leather (with genuine red stitching),

kindergarten and dove straight into nap time, the story is about a little girl that wandered into a home owned by a family of bears. For some strange reason, two liked things on different ends of the extremes, and one of the bears — I’m assuming the only sane one in the household — had theirs just right. If those three bears owned vehicles, I’d dare say that the “just right” bear probably drove a Maxus D60 Pro. Because from its looks, performance, down to the choice of trim and features, the vehicle manages to keep the scale from tipping to either side.

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MAY-JUNE 2023 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

THE

DRIVES

engine, the car is just raring to accelerate.

Mated to a 7-speed Dual Clutch Automatic, the vehicle may have a tendency to judder a bit while at crawling speeds, but once you do put your foot down, the vehicle gets on the power with great finesse. All told, the Maxus D60 generates 167 BHP at 184 lbs-ft. of torque which is plenty of power for those long drives out in the country. And ride-wise, the Macpherson and multi-link suspension combo and the 215/65 R17 tires give the vehicle a pleasantly surprising gentle driving experience in and around our city streets.

Admittedly the car does lack the kind of driver aids you might find in more recent accentuated by both chrome and shiny piano

useless. The sound quality though powerful,

models, but that doesn’t mean its cupboards

black plastic. The leather-wrapped steering

is, for lack of a better term, front-facing,

are totally empty either. No, it does not have

wheel has somewhat of a different, more-

meaning most of the sound is coming from

pre-emptive doodads like forward collision

plasticky feel to it, but feels remarkably

the forward speakers despite adjusting the

warning or lane departure assist. It does come

sturdy and durable. On our test model, the

balance and fader of the vehicle multiple times.

equipped with cruise control (it’s not adaptive

vehicle was fitted with fabric seats that were

The radio controls are also reliant on haptic

though, sorry), the aforementioned backup

comfortable and provided ample leg and

touch making it hard to press without taking

camera and sensor, electronic parking brake

lumbar support. Same goes for the seats at the

your eye off the road. Though the car does

with auto hold, and a tire pressure monitor to

rear where passengers are treated to their own

come with radio control on the steering wheel,

keep your tires in check. Is it basic? Maybe.

air vents, reclining armrest with cupholders,

it only features basic controls. Lastly, the

But is it barebones? I think not. There are still

and speakers. While in the rear, the car has

vehicle sorely lacks Apple CarPlay and Android

some Japanese automakers that have none of

an abundance of space that can readily

Auto, something that has started to become

these features at the same price point.

accommodate a couple of sets of golf clubs on

standard since the car was first introduced

One might be remiss to consider the age of

the weekends.

pre-pandemic. With all that said, one could

the Maxus D60 when it comes to purchasing

easily forgive the D60’s shortcomings as a

a vehicle. But as you can clearly see, the car

jukebox once they get it on the road.

manages to make a compelling argument for

But perhaps where the D60 Pro does hit a bit of a snag is with its entertainment system. The 8” infotainment screen, although

From a driver’s perspective, the D60 is

adjustable, was somewhat dim during daytime

pure joy on the open road. Powered by a

itself as to why it’s still a great car to own, least of all why it should even stay a little while

driving rendering the backup camera rather

1.5-liter, turbocharged, inline-4, gasoline

longer in its stable. That’s because for every shortcoming it does have, the D60 manages to still make up for it in different aspects — and it does so in spades, too. Simply put, the Maxus D60 Pro truly is the right car for right now.

Plus Great acceleration,

Rating 8/10

excellent use of materials and textures, and great all-around visibility for a car its size.

Minus Poor entertainment system,

juddering transmission on low speeds, lack of a push start, panels squeak when the vehicle is subjected to lateral forces.

Specifications — 2023 Maxus D60 1.5T Pro Engine: Inline-4, 2487cc, DOHC 16V, Multiport injection, Gasoline Turbo, 7-Speed DCT • Max power: 167 bhp @ 5500 rpm • Max torque: 184 lb-ft @ 1700-4300 rpm 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 9.8 seconds • Top Speed: 200 km/h (125 mph) • Fuel Mileage: 14.3 Km/L Price as tested: PhP 1,240,000.00 (1.5T Elite variant: PhP 1,338,000.00)

C-MAGAZINE.COM • MAY-JUNE 2023

37

The Electrified Joie de Vivre 2023 Lexus RZ450e Crossover

Words: Kevin C. Limjoco Photos: Author, James H. Deakin, Jeroen Peeters, and Jonathan Godin

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MAY-JUNE 2023 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

cover story

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I have been testing Lexus vehicles since the very first LS400 back in 1989. Yet I only realized during this profound recent experience with the all-new RZ450e crossover in the South of France that it was my first official media trip with the brand since I founded C! Magazine in 2001.

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MAY-JUNE 2023 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

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umorously, my Philippine media companion on this incredible Lexus trip, James Deakin, had the honor and privilege of having the most experience with the brand, including his mind-blowing Goodwood drive in the iconic LFA supercar as our very first employee of C! until he went solo back in 2012. So please cut me some slack as I gush about my very first Omotenashi Lexus experience.

I’ve been properly aware of the extreme levels of detail and thoughtfulness that Toyota Motor Philippines and Lexus Philippines performs at for over two decades, but to actually experience it firsthand has been almost ethereal. I am very grateful as the intimate deep dive also allowed me to appreciate their collective efforts at a much more elevated level.

The world launch of the all-new Lexus RZ450e EV crossover marks the first inperson media effort for the brand since the beginning of the global pandemic.

As a quick reminder, Omotenashi is a Japanese expression that essentially describes particular concepts of heightened hospitality as well as mindfulness, and Lexus has not only celebrated the countenance but continually redefines it.

Reviewing the all-new fully electrified Lexus RZ450e with my buddy James made the experience even more enjoyable!

The Lexus RZ450e crossover Philippine media trip covered a week-long experience of luxury and refinement. The consistency of luxury and comfort was deliberate to fully appreciate the exacting efforts of the Lexus engineers and designers, resulting in their ultra-sophisticated second dedicated, fully electrified vehicle. Technically the very first full-EV model produced by Lexus was a special UX model called the 300e that used a 54.3 kWh lithium-ion battery when launched that was front-wheel driven with a maximum range of 315 kilometers, but has since been upgraded to a 72.8 kWh battery

with 400-kilometer range but sold in select markets only and actually does not use a dedicated EV platform hence why it is not as optimized, refined and sophisticated like the new larger RZ450e.

In keeping with the Lexus theme of sustainable luxury, even the corporate loot bag giveaways used very tasteful biodegradable materials and the RZ450e test units were charged using standalone Hydrogen Fuel Cell generators. The Lexus RZ450e is already a mobility revolution, but the support efforts surrounding the new crossover made us all appreciate even the

The standard conventional steering wheel is not as visceral as the Yoked steer-by-wire system, which isn't a bad thing at all, the familiar engagement is helpful.

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41

smallest details and nuances all the more.

The driving experience of the all-new Lexus RZ450e was already a multi-sensory celebration still the standard-setting Omotenashi Lexus Experience made it the most enjoyable media event I have ever had the honor and gratitude of participating in the past 22 years in the industry.

The RZ450e’s deep dynamic capabilities and unique characteristics raises the definitive qualities of the Lexus Driving Signature: Comfort, Confidence and Control. What truly distinguishes the Lexus RZ450e from its direct and indirect competition is its uniquely balanced approach of mobility through engineering and craftsmanship that genuinely creates a rewarding driving and passenger experience. It is precisely the sum of all those little thoughtful nuances that makes most of the common concerns evaporate. For example, the maximum range, whether you package the crossover with longer-distance (by approximately 40-kilometers) and slightly better road imperfection absorbing mixed 18-inch

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MAY-JUNE 2023 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

“ The Lexus RZ450e is already a mobility revolution, but the support efforts surrounding the new crossover made us all appreciate even the smallest details and nuances all the more. ”

alloys (wrapped with bespoke 235/60R18 front and 255/55R18 rear tires) or the shorter range but more tactile mixed 20inch alloys, is above average and realistic at approximately 440-kilometers but not exceptional. It may not be the quickest (even if 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds is plenty quick) and definitely not the fastest as it is electronically speed governed at exactly 160 km/h. But in real-world terms, really, those figures are more than enough for almost every public road in the world besides the German Autobahn.

The sharp-looking 5-seater Lexus RZ450e shares its BEV e-TNGA platform with the significantly more modest Toyota

bZ4X and the more off-road oriented Subaru Solterra. The proportional footprint of the RZ sits between the RX and the NX crossover models but with a more saloon-like orientation. The RZ measures 4805 mm long, with a 2850 mm wheelbase and short overhangs – 995 mm front, 960 mm rear. Overall height is 1635 mm and the width is 1895 mm (excluding door mirrors). The independent motors divided by the battery platform produces 150 kW in the front and 80 kW in the rear, unified delivering the equivalent of 308 horsepower and approximately 320 lb-ft of torque. With multiple safety redundancies in all dynamic control parameters, the Lexus exclusive Direct4 intelligent system constantly and seamlessly balances the drive torque between the front and rear e-Axles. The RZ has four drive modes: Sport being the most tactile and entertaining, while the polar opposite Range mode maximizes precisely that by curbing enthusiasm and climate control.

The torque bias of the Direct4 all-wheeldrive system is adjusted in milliseconds – swifter than any mechanical system.

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Using the onboard 11kW charger on a completely depleted battery, the RZ can charge fully in 6 hours and 30 minutes using a 3-phase AC charger, 10 hours in a 1-phase AC charger, and 30 minutes in a high-speed DC charger. With the second row in its upright position, the trunk will hold 522 liters; when folded the maximum volume increases to 1451 liters.

There is an additional 58 liters of storage underneath the floorboard which also stores the BEV charging cable. There are two bespoke infotainment audio systems

offered to support the crisp 14-inch display, a 10-speaker system with a 296-watt amplifier and a rocking 13-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround system with 1800-watts, both of which feature tasteful Acceleration Sound Control to reflect the RZ’s state and behavior which can be switched off if you want the eerie silence.

Of course, the RZ has all the new updated charging points, an excellent stable wireless smartphone charger, and the standard Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto connectivity on top of

an abundance of desirable standard equipment from the very customizable instrument displays, unique progressive ambient lighting, and trick panoramic roof that is electronically controlled with a dimming function that renders it opaque at the touch of a switch without the need of a cover, to the sharp information-rich HUD system, rich materials, to the thoughtful physical switchgear.

Like in most EV’s that have paddleshifts on the steering wheel, they are not there to manage gears as there are none but instead to manage the desired level of regenerative braking when lifting off the accelerator.

Since the Lexus RZ450e was teased to the media and consumers almost a year ago, the big question is how does the One Motion Grip steer-by-wire yoke-steering system perform? Before I tell you, please keep in mind that it may take as long as three years from now to be able to package the surreal system with the RZ450e for end-users.

Having said that, it would be worth the wait if you can hold out that long. The system can be daunting for the first few minutes while your mind gets used to the idea that there is no physical steering column and that the system is actually slightly heavier than the traditional steering wheel system

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“What truly distinguishes the Lexus RZ450e from both its direct and indirect competition is its uniquely balanced approach of mobility through both engineering and craftsmanship that genuinely creates a rewarding driving and passenger experience. It is precisely the sum of all those little thoughtful nuances that makes most of the common concerns evaporate. ”

S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

2023 Lexus RZ450e Motors: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Direct4 Dual Independent All-Wheel-Drive Location: Front / Rear, e-Axles, 0-17000 rpm Rotation Peak EV System: 71.4 kWh Lithium-Ion, 96-cells, 355.2 Volts, Charger Output 11 kWh. Maximum Total Combined Power Output: 308 hp / 320 lb-ft of torque Front Moto: Max power: 201 hp Max torque: 196 lb-ft Rear Motor: Max power: 107 hp Max torque: 124 lb-ft Transmission: Intelligent 1-Speed Direct Drive Front suspension: Independent MacPherson Struts with frequency-sensitive pistoned damper and tower-bar.

Rear suspension: Independent Multilink with coil springs, and frequency-sensitive pistoned dampers.

Load Capacity: 522 liters with rear seat up, 1451 liters with rear seat folded.

Drag Coefficient: .26cd Ground Clearance: 201 mm Wading Depth: 500 mm L x W x H: 4805 mm x 1895 mm x 1635 mm Wheelbase: 2850 mm Brakes: Front 12.9-inch (328 mm) ventilated discs with 2-piston calipers / Rear 12.5-inch (317 mm) vented discs with 1-piston calipers, Integrated Electric Parking Brake, ABS with Active Hydraulic Booster, Dynamic Stability & Traction Controls, Regenerative, Brake Assist, Hill Descent Control, Hill Hold Control & Enhanced Lexus Safety System Plus 3.0.

Wheels: 20”x 8J Front and 20” x 9.5J Rear 10-Spoke Premium Complex black and machined finished Mixed Aluminum Alloys.

Tires: P235/50R20 104W Front and 255/45R20 105W XL Rear Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 060 Weight (gross): 2640 kg. (5808 lbs.)

0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 5.2 seconds Top Speed (mph): 160 km/h (100 mph) Governed Fuel Mileage MPGe: 115 City / 98 Highway (16.83 Wh/100 km. on 18-inch alloys and 18.71 Wh/100 km. on 20-inch alloys) Maximum Range: 440 kilometers (275 miles) on 18-inch alloys or 407 kilometers (254 miles) on 20-inch alloys Price as tested: PhP 4,828,000.00

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RATING

10/10 PLUS:

Core Lexus mantra, exceptional visceral driver-vehicle behavior and interaction, feature-rich, fabulous 1800-watt 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, sharp 10-inch HUD system, acoustic front and rear windows, trick panoramic moonroof and ambient interior lighting with shadow illumination, brilliant intelligent AWD system, Ultrasuede® and ventilated NuLuxe® trimmed seats, Radiant front knee heater and heated rear outboard seats, 14-inch infotainment touchscreen, very balanced and neutral ride, attractive inside and out, very plush and comfortable, genuine character in robotic mobility.

MINUS:

Range, perhaps too conservative speed limiting, long wait for the yoke-steering system.

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cover story

due to the required safety redundancies with the servos and control units.

So, what are the advantages? The profound driver engagement is the most immediate experience. The precision and control of the vehicle is tangibly heightened.

Without a top portion of a traditional steering wheel, the system does not require full turns to manage direction, in fact, the yoke turns just a little past 90 degrees in each direction, and when it touches the

limits on either direction, the feedback can be extremely responsive. It definitely takes getting used to but the learning curve is surprisingly swift. The biggest adjustment is when you make U-turns and K-turns without having to over rotate anymore.

The yoke steering completes the trifecta of electrified driver control; the steering, braking, and throttle are now all digital! You feel like you are driving a flying car! Wait. before you all panic, may I remind you all

“The all-new Lexus RZ450e crossover offers so much more in every way, it promises to elevate both EV and luxury standards while increasing driving immersion and the joy of clean mobility. ”

that since the 1980s, commercial airline travel has been using fly-by-wire systems for optimal efficiency, control, and safety.

And if you still prefer the conventional steering system, that works, too, with normal engagement.

With brake discs matching the units on a 2023 Toyota Sienna Limited minivan, the Lexus RZ450e with its new brake technology functions flawlessly with excellent driver feedback, so much so that you will forget that every control is digital with computers adapting and adjusting at lightning speed.

The all-new Lexus RZ450e crossover offers so much more in every way, it promises to elevate both EV and luxury standards while increasing driving immersion and the joy of clean mobility.

The attention to expected fine details and the wonder of the unexpected only makes the revolutionary crossover even more desirable. The extremely attractive Lexus RX, with its very cool rear winglets and real-world usability, doesn’t just promise a bright new future to be enjoyed one day soon but with a conscience and environmental responsibility today. When the time comes that the all-new Lexus RZ450e is available in our domestic market, discerning buyers will be beyond satisfied with its performance and packaging.

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DAD’S DREAM RIDES C! Picks Nothing quite says "I've made it" better than bringing home a brand new car. So we asked our beloved editorial team what car DADS SHOULD GET to reward themselves for their years of hardwork without breaking the bank.

UNDER 48

MAY-JUNE 2023 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

Feature

PICKUP

ISUZU D-MAX LS-E 4X4 Price — PhP 1,905,000.00

I fondly remember playing with toy pickup trucks in

C H R I S VA N H OV E N — E D I TO R - I N - C H I E F

the dirt as a kid,

central 10.1-inch touchscreen

and now I get to do that as an

infotainment system. There

adult! And while there are many

are a lot of obvious practical

great options for pickup trucks

benefits to having a pickup truck

in our market, my choice is the

in your garage. But besides the

C! Award-winning Isuzu D-Max

ability to carry large and heavy

LS E, with its ample 4JJ3-TCX

loads, many forget the fun you

3.0-liter turbodiesel engine,

can have when forging paths

capable 4-wheel drive system,

off-road, as well as the peace of

Advanced Driver Assist safety

mind you have when faced with

features, and feature-packed

uncertain road conditions and unpredictable weather. Throw in Isuzu’s bulletproof reliability, and you’ve got a winning combination right there.

C-MAGAZINE.COM • MAY-JUNE 2023

49

Feature

C OM PACT CAR

HONDA CIVIC RS TURBO CVT HONDA SENSING

WOW I E G O — M A N AG I N G E D I TO R

Price — PhP 1,775,000.00

50

Growing up in the

Turbo, you'll forget your hairline

90s, I know for a

ever receded.

fact that anybody

Equipped with Honda's

that now has to

renowned SENSING safety suite,

take Lipitor at

sporty exterior trim, 18” matte

one point in their life wanted to

black alloy wheels, and elegantly

have a Honda Civic parked in their

sporty black and red upholstery

garage. The good thing is that

and stitching, it's the next best

Honda has done a masterful job of

thing for the frugal dad to the

maintaining the allure of owning

more ostentatious and more

one even after all these years —

expensive Civic Type R. And with

what’s more, we’re now spoiled

176 BHP and a 0 to 100 time of 7.5

for choices when it comes to

seconds, it totally doesn't feel like

trim too. And with their Civic RS

you're settling either.

MAY-JUNE 2023 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

Feature

S U BC OM PACT SUV

SUZUKI JIMNY GLX 2-TONE 4AT F R A N C I S G . PA L L A R C O — T U N E R E D I TO R

Price — PhP 1,330,000.00

Just like any dad,

is a highly capable off-roader.

my dream ride

Armed with Suzuki’s four wheel

would be a road-

drive prowess and serious

hugging sports

departure and approach angles, it

coupe. But that

is highly maneuverable. Power-

would be out of the question given

wise, the Jimny’s 1.5-liter engine

the specified budget. So, my dream

generates 100 horses and 101 Nm

ride under 2 million would be a

of torque.

compact four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Couple that with Suzuki’s

For that reason, I’m choosing the

heritage retro-styling, compact

Suzuki Jimny GLX, 2-Tone in that

dimensions, a rigid ladder-frame,

cool Metallic Chiffon Ivory color

three-link suspension with

(test unit is in Kinetic yellow) and

seemingly indestructible solid

embark on an off-road adventure.

differentials, altogether make the

Don’t let its compact dimensions fool you as the Jimny

Jimny a true compact four-wheeler that brings back the fun in driving.

C-MAGAZINE.COM • MAY-JUNE 2023

51

Feature

J O H N O. M E N D O Z A — W H E E L 2 W H E E L A S S O C I AT E E D I TO R

STANDAR D MOTO RCYCLE

52

BMW R NINET 100 YEARS Price — PhP 1,795,000.00

Fathers the

Celebrating 100 years since the

world over would

inception of the R32 and the BMW

surely appreciate

Motorrad, a limited run of special

anything out

R NineT 100 Years units equipped

of the usual

with high quality Option 719

run of any product. A rare item

Shadow and Shadow II billet parts,

makes a gift extra meaningful

a distinctive classic chrome paint

and memorable. For motorcyclist

job, 100 Years badging, and other

dads, any 2-wheeled machine

key features that make this model

would be cherished, but you can

a timeless and coveted piece of

make it magical if you decide to

German engineering any father

give him a collectible piece of

would dream of owning.

motorcycle history that can be

The BMW R NineT 100 Years is

passed down and enjoyed by

truly a gift any gear head dad would

future generations.

love, cherish, and be proud of.

MAY-JUNE 2023 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

Feature

S U BC OM PACT CRO SSOVE R SUV

NISSAN KICKS E-POWER VL Price — PhP 1,539,000.00

This may be a

inside. It’s also a great first taste

controversially

of the EV life, but with none of

safe choice,

the range anxiety even the most

but I am still

efficient fully electric vehicles are

impressed by

unable to stave off.

R I C H A R D TA N — D E P U T Y O N L I N E E D I TO R

how the Nissan Kicks e-POWER

This car is also a lot of bang for

VL ticks off several personal

buck, as it comes with Intelligent

key vehicle ownership boxes,

Mobility technologies such as

especially regarding economy

Intelligent View Around Monitor

and practicality. Perhaps because

with Moving Object Detection,

the most resonant value instilled

Intelligent Forward Collision

in me by my father growing up

Warning, Intelligent Emergency

was to be intelligent with how I

Braking, and Driver Attention

managed and used my resources

Alerts, on top of comfort and

— something that resonates with

entertainment features like an 8”

many dads out there. The Nissan

advanced touchscreen display

Kicks e-POWER VL is a great tool

with Apple CarPlay and Android

in that regard.

Auto, and genuine leather seats.

The Nissan Kicks e-POWER VL

The car even comes with Nissan’s

is small enough to crawl through

5-year warranty, adding to its

tight streets, yet big enough to fill

desirability from an economic

with groceries or even fit a bike

standpoint.

C-MAGAZINE.COM • MAY-JUNE 2023

53

Feature

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MAY-JUNE 2023 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

Updated Equals in the Odds & Ends 2023 ISUZU MU-X LS-E 4X4 AND 2023 NISSAN TERRA SPORT VL 4X4 Words:

Kevin C. Limjoco Photos:

Isabel N. Delos Reyes

T

he deluge of so many new attainable and fullfeatured multi-passenger monocoque crossovers now available in our Philippine market is incredible, and there are many more new models and full new brands still on their way too! However, even with all the new public and highway roadwork being done all over the archipelago, the majority of thoroughfares off the new arteries are still filled with surfaces that resemble the moon. And if you travel primarily on these kinds of roads, which the vast majority of our countrymen do every day throughout our country, you will still need the heavy-duty ladder-framed 7-seater mid-size SUV’s. If you require the robustness for the road, what more off it? So, we revisit the two top players in the top-spec ladder-frame segment which got their latest updates recently; the 2023 Isuzu Mu-X LS-E 4x4 and the Nissan Terra Sport VL 4x4, both at the top of their games.

The new, very popular 3rd-generation Ford Everest is certainly also a top contender and is marginally more spacious on paper than the Isuzu and Nissan with genuinely even deeper off-road ability. However, its

current 2.0 Bi-Turbo 10-speed Titanium+ 4x4 retails at P2,525,000.00, the second highest in the segment yet, and the only one with a panoramic moonroof, but it focuses too much on its 12-inch portrait infotainment screen while regressing on the audio quality to back it up combined with less on-road passenger comfort compared to the Nissan and Isuzu. If packaged with the 247 bhp / 442 lb-ft 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel, combined with the upgraded interior fitments with quilted seats and the 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio, then it would fully retake the crown in the segment.

The most underrated and least appreciated vehicle in the segment is the SsangYong Rexton 2.2T 4x4 (P2,260,000.00), which may have the least powerful powerplant, but it makes up for it with the most flamboyant interior and excellent on-road ride. The Mitsubishi 2.4T GT 4WD is the only model that uses a trick 8-speed automatic gearbox, is also still very popular, and now has a new 8-inch digital instrument panel that is fully configurable with desirable themes (P2,370,000.00) that sets the standard for the segment, with an updated front fascia with dual-layer headlight configuration, new smaller rear lights, a new powered smart rear trunk and smartphone app to manage multiple functions and services. The most seasoned of them all, with the most prolonged use of the basic chassis since its 1st generation release in 2004, the Toyota Fortuner has the shortest wheelbase in its top-end GR-S variation.

It is the most expensive in the segment at P2,595,000.00 though it does have almost everything from a potent engine to a 9-speaker JBL audio system. Still, it desperately needs an entirely new model after nearly two decades and a more extended factory warranty.

Between the updated Isuzu Mu-X LS-E and the Nissan Terra Sport VL, the Nissan gets more pronounced aesthetic upgrades and an important increased functional rating to create a whole new variant. The Nissan Terra Sport VL 4x4 now has a factory-confirmed 800 mm wading depth rating to go with its two new

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55

Feature exterior colors, Fiery Red and our test unit’s awesome Stealth Pearl Grey to complement the new exterior trim and the new blackleather themed interior. Oddly though, the one downside change is that it uses a smaller 8-inch infotainment screen instead of the standard 9-inch unit found in the regular Terra VL and I was hoping that the new Nissan logos fitted in the Patrol would be applied.

So aside from the two new colors and new interior dashboard, center armrest and door panel trim black color, the seats get different white stitching instead of red as well. The overall interior of the Terra Sport looks more elegant while the exterior, with its heavily dechromed bits, now in black polish from the door handle, roof rails, fender garnish, mirrors, front grille, front underguard, tailgate garnish, rear underguard, shark fin antenna, rear spoiler, new front bumper fog lamp décor with matching rear bumper treatment, make the SUV look considerably more purposeful and appropriately more aggressive to suit the variant name. To complete the look, Nissan also switched out the angular two-tone polished 18-inch alloys for a more serious military-looking gloss black design.

Everything else is carried over for the Nissan Terra Sport. The tweaked suspension, independent double wishbone with coil springs and anti-roll bar and rear multi-link (5-Link) with coil springs and anti-roll bar, the 2.5-liter turbodiesel and 7-speed automatic transmission have been mechanically carried over, the powerplant tangibly feels even more together with the already recalibrated transmission management. The updated comprehensive Nissan Intelligent Mobility Suite is complete with even quicker response.

The climate control is still the very best in the segment with the second row benefitting from both overhead and frontal vents combined with power outlets.

Unfortunately, the steering wheel still does not have telescopic adjustment which is a pity because it has the best feel and look in the segment. The best brakes in the segment were also carried over; the front are twin-piston calipers squeezing 13.7-inch (348 mm) vented discs while the rears are 13-inch (330 mm) solid discs with single sliders to work with the electronic parking brake. The quad-beam LED headlights, LED front fog lamps, and rear LED signature lighting are also carried over along with the proper electronic differential lock, the same 255/60R18 108H Bridgestone Dueler H/T 684II tires, the best sounding 8-speaker

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MAY-JUNE 2023 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

BOSE® system in the segment with Wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto / Bluetooth (Handsfree Calling and Audio Streaming) / USB (Type A and Type C), wireless phone charger, automatic rain-sensing wipers, 4 front and 4 rear parking sonars. Ground clearance is still 225 mm. And the dimensions are carried over, 2850 mm wheelbase, 4900 mm length x 1865 mm width x 1865 mm height.

The approach angle is 32.3 degrees while the departure angle is 26.6 degrees.

For the updated Isuzu Mu-X LS-E, the changes are significantly more subtle yet still very welcome. The new color is the very tasteful Norwegian Blue seen here in our test unit. The front grille is a new design using

crossflow magnetite and black. The old 20-inch alloy floating turbo blade design was really nice though perhaps too playful for the Mu-X, so thankfully the new design 20-inch alloys is just as good but now more serious. The only other update is the new powered smart rear trunk.

There was no price adjustment either, so that is a bonus.

The very robust body-on frame Isuzu Dynamic Drive Platform performs optimally, dutifully and splendidly in our archipelago.

The engine, drivetrain, and transmission are principally shared with the award-winning D-Max, but in the Mu-X application, the same systems run appropriately quieter and smoother. The optimized 6-speed Aisin

2023 ISUZU MU-X LS-E 4X4

Feature automatic transmission may be down on gears compared to its direct competition but the synergy it has with the 188 bhp / 332 lb-ft 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine is exemplary, producing genuine standard-setting fuel efficiency and drivability with overall behavior that bests some of the more complex systems in the segment. Despite the size of the 20 x 7.5J alloys wrapped with 265/50R20 107S Bridgestone Dueler H/T 684II tires, the handling and ride comfort of the Mu-X is the plushest in the segment.

The Bi-LED headlights with signature DRL and auto-levelling function look great and cast an excellent field of illumination further supported with LED front fog lamps.

The rear light assembly has its own signature LED as well. The prominent central 10.1inch touchscreen infotainment system has navigation, a clinometer, rear guided camera, intuitive smartphone connectivity with Android Auto™ and wireless Apple CarPlay™, all through a very good 8-speaker surround sound system bested only by the Bose® system on the Nissan Terra Sport VL. The nice analog instruments have a 4.2-inch color LCD Multi Information Display that inform the driver with all the data needed while still enjoying traditional straightforward instrumentation.

The fully adjustable steering wheel is appropriately weighted and communicative.

The electric parking brake also features

2023 NISSAN TERRA SPORT VL 4X4

Auto Brake Hold for convenience while driving in heavy city traffic. The third-row accommodates rear passengers with a touch more capacity and comfort compared to the competition but lacks additional charging points and ISOFIX mounting points.

The Advanced Driver Assist System features adaptive cruise control with stop/go, pedestrian detection, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition. Other safety features like blind spot monitoring and rear crosstraffic alert use the 4-eye sonar. Additional active, passive, and peripheral safety measures include standard 7 SRS airbags, automatic door locks, and rain-sensing wipers with built-in washer nozzles. The front and rear disc brakes manage the healthy powertrain with 12.6-inch (320 mm) ventilated discs with 2-piston calipers up front and 12.5-inch (318 mm) ventilated rear discs with 1-piston calipers with ABS, TCS, EBD, ESC, EBA, AEB, HAS, HDC, Misacceleration Mitigation and Turn-Assist. All of these efforts culminate to a verified 5-Star ASEAN NCAP rating for the Isuzu Mu-X. The Isuzu Mu-X LS-E 4×4 models have a proper electronic differential lock for the more challenging off-road traversing. Water fording depth is also rated at 800 mm. Ground clearance is 235 mm. For off-road use, the approach angle is 29.2 degrees; ramp-over angle is 23.1 degrees, while the departure angle is 26.4 degrees. The front suspension uses independent double wishbones, dampers, and anti-roll bar while the rear setup uses a five-link rigid axle with coils springs, dampers, and anti-roll bar. The wheelbase is 2855 mm, length is 4850 mm, width is 1870 mm, and height is 1825 mm with a gross weight of 2800 kg. The new Ford Everest has larger proportions on a longer wheelbase, yet the Isuzu Mu-X feels just as spacious inside with better designed seats.

The 2023 Isuzu Mu-X LS-E soldiers on with a lofty retail price and is a truly desirable heavily loaded mid-size SUV that will reward its owner and passengers with a lifetime of adventure, utility, and versatility. The final result of the variant-specific updates to the 2023 Nissan Terra Sport VL 4x4 makes it a genuinely balanced, thought-out, and thorough multi-purpose, multi-terrain people mover solution that Philippine buyers would really appreciate. And at the moment it is the overall segment leader.

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Feature

S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

2023 Isuzu Mu-X LS-E 4x4

2023 Nissan Terra Sport VL 4x4

Engine: Inline-4, 2999 cc, dohc 16V, Direct Injection Intercooled VGS Turbodiesel, VSS, 6-Speed AT

Engine: Inline-4, 2488 cc, dohc 16V, Direct Injection Intercooled VGT Turbodiesel, 7-Speed AT

Max power: 188 bhp @ 3600 rpm

Max power: 188 bhp @ 3600 rpm

Max torque: 332 lb-ft @ 1600-2600 rpm

Max torque: 332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm

0-100 km/h (0-62mph): 9.8 sec.

0-100 km/h (0-62mph): 9.6 sec.

Top Speed: 200 km/h (125 mph)

Top Speed: 205 km/h (128 mph)

Fuel Mileage: 20.94 Km/L overall as tested

Fuel Mileage: 16.1 Km/L overall as tested

Price as tested: PhP 2,505,000.00

Price as tested: PhP 2,459,000.00

Plus:

Plus:

The very best Isuzu ever produced, solid reputation of reliability and durability, good-looking, best-crafted interior design in its class, comprehensive safety measures, strong brakes and solid handling, very strong packaging, deep real-world abilities.

The Best-in-Class again, best lights in the segment, very comfortable, best audio quality in the segment, very full-featured, and athletic.

Minus: No wireless smartphone charger. No third-row charging points, 3-year factory warranty, price, and manual rearview mirror.

RATING

9.5/10 58

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Minus: Third-row best for young children that don’t require a child-seat, 2nd-row bench should have middle passenger headrest, nonpowered rear trunk, and no telescopic steering adjustment.

RATING

10/10

Know when to stop. Drink responsibly.

Sure having a few drinks can be fun, and it’s easy to get carried away. But remember that when you drink, you’re compromising your cognitive ability and responsiveness, which increases your risk for an accident. Don’t drink and drive. It’s simply not worth the risk to yourself and others.

A Safety Reminder From

Feature

C!aracters

Rashid Delgado President, EVOxTerra

M

aking their first foray into the highly-lucrative Philippine luxury automotive segment this year is Hongqi, brought only to us by China's second-largest car manufacturer, FAW Group Corp. Ltd., through its official distributor EVOxTerra. Also responsible for introducing Weltmeister to the Philippine market last year, at the helm of this exciting new development is EVOxTerra’s president, Rashid Delgado. We sat down with Mr. Delgado and asked him how fatherhood plays a key part in his leadership roles in the automotive industry.

How do you balance your responsibilities as an industry executive and as a father?

Rashid Delgado: Maintaining harmony between my responsibilities as an industry executive and as a father is the key. As it's not always possible to "balance" our time and responsibilities evenly, it is important that my priorities are clear, whether it's a work commitment or a family (father) one.

How has being a father influenced your leadership style in the corporate world?

RD: Being a father has made me even more aware of how important leadership, mentorship, and learning at all stages in life, work and family are.

What are some of the biggest challenges you faced in juggling your career and fatherhood, and how did you overcome them?

RD: Time management is the biggest challenge. Having an understanding family, especially my wife and kids, always helps.

But for me, planning well ahead of time and, more importantly, setting time for different priorities. And then make every effort to live by those commitments.

How have you instilled important values in your children while also pursuing a successful career?

RD: My kids are still very young, only 1-yearold (girl) and 2.5 years (boy). But already, I would like to instill values of being always curious, learning, and not being afraid to try new things.

What advice would you give to other fathers in leadership positions who are struggling to balance their family and professional lives?

RD: There is only so much time in a day.

We need to set goals and priorities between family and professional lives. We can't do everything, but it is important to choose what really matters and will make a difference and an impact in our family's lives as well as in the business.

How do you involve your children in your work or vice versa?

RD: My kids are still young, but I would like them to be part of my work life whenever possible in the future. Expose them to business from a young age and share my own experiences with them.

How has your experience as a father helped you become a better decision-maker in your role as an executive?

RD: As a father, I need to consider longterm consequences and look at things from different perspectives.

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“We can't do everything, but it is important to choose what really matters and will make a difference and an impact in our family's lives as well as in the business.”

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MANILA INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW AT A GLANCE The Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) returned in fine form last April, with a strong showing of new car releases, technologies, and updates to manufacturer lineups. And while the whole show had much to offer, these caught our eye in particular.

Words: Chris Van Hoven Photos: Richard Tan, Wowie Go, and Press

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Ford Territory Ford has been teasing their all-new Territory for some time now, and it was finally revealed to the public in MIAS. No longer a rebadged Yusheng S330, the all-new Territory now features distinct styling that is more in line with Ford’s design language. Also known as the Equator Sport in the Chinese market and built by the JMC-Ford joint venture in China, the Ford Territory has grown significantly in size, and is now positioned as a mid-size crossover. The Territory continues its tech focus on its interior from the previous model, featuring a large 12inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, connected to a 6 or 8-speaker audio setup.

The new Ford Territory also features a power tailgate, wireless charging, and a panoramic moonroof. Complementing its larger dimensions is a more powerful 1.5-liter turbo engine, now outputting 158 hp at 5400 to 5700 rpm with 183 lb-ft of torque between 1500 to 3500 rpm mated

to a 7-speed dual clutch wet transmission system. The top-of-the-line Titanium X trim will feature a complete suite of advanced driving aids. The Ford Territory 1.5 Titanium trim is priced at PhP 1.335 million, while the Territory 1.5 Titanium X trim is priced at PhP 1.599 million.

Subaru Evoltis Subaru’s largest SUV also made an appearance at MIAS, showcasing some interesting updates. The new Subaru Evoltis features a redesigned exterior, with a new front fascia and new alloy wheels.

This 7-seater comes standard with a Harmann Kardon sound system, panoramic moonroof, and a carried-over 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine with 260hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Naturally, the Evoltis will come with Subaru’s world-renowned symmetrical all-wheel drive system with X-mode, but the one noteworthy upgrade comes in the form of a more robust safety system. Subaru’s EyeSight active safety suite gets upgraded to better recognize pedestrians, cyclists, and other obstacles, with the addition of automatic emergency steering as part of its 2023 update.

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Ford Ranger Raptor While all eyes were on the all-new Ford Territory, Ford had the new Ranger Raptor subtly hanging out at the rear of their booth. Its almost-shyly hidden placement is probably because there aren’t enough details to share just yet. Close inspection revealed a single exhaust pipe, which could be an indication that the next-generation Ford Ranger Raptor could come with the tried and tested 2.0-liter bi-turbo EcoBlue engine that pushes out 210 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. We’re still crossing our fingers that Ford brings in their new 3.0-liter twinturbo V6 variant though.

Hyundai Stargazer Premium 6-Seater

Peugeot E-2008 EV Visitor to the show also got a look at Peugeot’s plans for an electric future with a preview of the Peugeot E-2008 EV. Its exterior and interior styling remains nearly identical to its internal combustion sibling, save for a few minor details, which is absolutely not a bad thing. No specs were revealed for the local market, but international markets offer the E-2008 EV with a 50kWh battery pack that powers a 100 kw electric motor for a total output of 134 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque, with a maximum range of 380 kilometers. If priced properly, (and backed with government support), this could be one to keep an eye on.

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With the Hyundai Stargazer positioned as a value-oriented family car, we certainly weren’t expecting a premium 6-seater to be introduced, especially since it’s only been on the market for six months. It’s a much-welcome addition to the lineup, however, as a preview of the 6-seater Stargazer showed us some cushy captain chairs in the second row, adding a premium upmarket feel for passengers at the rear. Hyundai doesn’t have a name for this new variant, but we won’t have to wait long since Hyundai claims it will be launched before the end of the year, with reservations currently ongoing.

Geely GX3 Pro Geely has been enjoying tremendous success with their current lineup since their introduction to the Philippine market, but they still have some segment holes to fill. One of those holes is a subcompact crossover offering that slots below the much-loved Coolray. With the introduction of the Geely GX3 Pro, Geely finally has an offering that caters to those looking for an entry model vehicle that still returns great value-for-money.

Aimed at taking on the likes of the Toyota Raize and Kia Stonic, the small crossover features a 2480mm wheelbase, 16-inch alloy wheels, and disc brakes all around.

Safety features include dual SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors. Available with either a 5-speed manual transmission or CVT, the Geely GX3 Pro is powered by a 1.5-liter

4-cylinder engine that produces 102 hp and 105 lb-ft of torque. It’s not much power-wise, but considering its light weight (around 1,215 kg), the powertrain should be enough to handle both city and highway needs. No word yet on a local launch as of this writing, but we wager it won’t be very long until we see it on local roads.

Hyundai IONIQ 6 After the reveal of the Hyundai IONIQ 5 last year, many wondered if Hyundai would also bring the awardwinning IONIQ 6 to the market. We no longer need to wonder, as Hyundai previewed the IONIQ 6 EV at MIAS, aiming for a mid-2023 launch with a price of around PhP 4 million. The IONIQ 6’s sleek silhouette is an absolute head-turner, but being an EV, it’s what lies underneath that’s worth noting. Internationally, the IONIQ 6 comes in standard and long-range variants.

The standard variant is equipped with a 53-kWh battery powering a motor with a total output of 148 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque powering its rear wheels. If we were to wager which variant would come to the Philippines, this would be it.

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2023 Toyota Avanza 1.5G

The Optimized Compact MPV That Holds Its Own Tarmac Words:

Kevin C. Limjoco

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Photos:

Isabel N. Delos Reyes

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he 3rd generation Toyota Avanza soldiers on principally unchanged for model year 2023. We had two 2nd generation Toyota Avanza units in our C! Fastfleet when it was still categorized as a rear-wheel driven subcompact MPV that could carry, albeit tightly, seven adult passengers. It was a versatile and nippy little MPV that handled quite well in the twisties though its weakest point, the brakes, would quickly get overwhelmed and fade on long journeys. The front brakes were 233 mm nonvented solid discs paired with smallish rear drums with ABS and dual SRS airbags but no other safety driver aid.

With our last Avanza unit pictured here, we made several improvements to enhance its drivability, from adding OEM speakers in the A-pillars to complete the 6-speaker array to upgrading the headlights to more powerful H4 bulbs and special bespoke ROTA alloys with appropriately meatier than stock Dunlop tires.

The all-new Toyota Avanza substantially improves on every single area of its stock predecessor. The improvements are so profound that it has been elevated to a larger class segment beginning with the completely new, more rigid and scalable full unibody front-wheel-drive-based Daihatsu New Global Architecture chassis. The full unibody chassis is 95 mm (3.7 inches) longer than the previous semi-unibody construction. With a wheelbase of 2750 mm, the new Avanza, shared with the longer bodied Veloz, has the same chassis length of the current 2nd generation Innova and Fortuner albeit draped with smaller bodies. Compared to its predecessor, the new Avanza has a longer body by 205 mm (8.1 inches) to 4395 mm, is wider by 70 mm (2.8 inches) to 1730 mm, and slightly taller by 5 mm (.20 inches) to 1700

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C! Fastfleet: Our 2nd-generation Toyota Avanza 1.5G

mm with a 10 mm taller ground clearance of 190 mm but travels with less weight by as much as 100 pounds (45 kg.) despite the long list of all-new standard equipment.

The weight savings are important since the new Avanza didn’t get a force-fed or electrified new powerplant. Instead, it uses the ubiquitous 1.5-liter 2NR-VE Toyota engine (shared with multiple Toyota models: Yaris, Vios, Rush, and LiteAce) that supposedly was massaged to increase power output by 2 bhp (1.5 kW). Perhaps the increased power was a result of less drivetrain loss from the switch from rear to front drive and from a longitudinal engine configuration to transverse. The more pronounced mechanical drivetrain improvement was dropping the old 4-speed automatic for the optimized dual-mode Continuously Variable Transmission system which transforms the overall drivability, efficiency, and behavior of the more spacious Avanza.

In our testing of this top-spec Toyota Avanza 1.5G variant, presented here in the unique Greenish Gun Metal Mica Metallic exterior color, the split gear system is 12 % more efficient at 60 km/h and a whopping 19 % at 100 km/h at lower engine speeds which results in quieter operation and better fuel economy. When it comes to safety, the topspec model also has 6 SRS airbags, vehicle stability control, hill-start assist control, blind-sport monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, full-LED split-type headlights, full-LED rear combination lights that include LED reverse lights, front halogen fog lamps, and LED side mirror signal lights. The new front brakes use much larger 275 mm vented discs with appropriately larger 228 mm rear drum brakes, so our brake management issues from the last generation have evaporated. In fact, the front brakes are larger than units found in the 1st generation Innova, which is much heavier.

The rolling stock have also been significantly upgraded in both form and function, the stylish multi-spoke two-tone 16-inch alloys are wrapped with 195/60R16 89H Dunlop Enasave EC350+ tires. The suspension uses conventional MacPherson struts up front with a torsion beam rear setup, together with the

“The optimized dual-mode Continuously Variable Transmission system transforms the overall drivability, efficiency, and behavior of the more spacious Avanza.”

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Feature new alloys, the Avanza handles much better than before while being more planted.

To match the new attractive exterior, the new two-tone variable seating and interior cabin equipment/layout are leagues better than before with almost as much room as a first-gen Innova but with modern appointments. The smart key, start/stop ignition, speed-sensing door locks, and crisp analog instrumentation with additional 4.2-inch multi-function driver information display are all very welcome additions to what was once a very spartan interior. Amazingly, the new 8-inch infotainment system with Apple Carplay, Android Auto, and rear parking camera with sonar only uses 4 speakers but it sounds like it has 6 (the tweeter speaker grille designs on the A-pillars are sadly purely aesthetic). The new comfortable seats are designed to fold flat and flush with considerate versatile configurations to maximize space.

The rear blower vents on the ceiling are very peculiar looking, however, and quite noisy, though they do work well to help cool up to the third row.

For an affordable, safe, efficient, and fairly thorough compact MPV, the new Toyota Avanza 1.5G is a genuine real-world solution for the daily grind and more. It is clearly the very best of the current model range and the best overall value despite being the priciest in the Avanza family.

“The new Toyota Avanza 1.5G is a genuine real-world solution for the daily grind and more.”

S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

2023 Toyota Avanza 1.5G Engine: Inline-4, 1496 cc, dohc 16V, Multiport Injection, Dual VVT-i, CVT Max power: 105 bhp @ 6000 rpm Max torque: 102 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm 0-100 km/h (0-62mph): 11.5 sec.

Top Speed: 182 km/h (114 mph) Fuel Mileage: 18.2 Km/L overall as tested Price as tested: PhP 1,059,000.00

Plus: A huge improvement from before, at its finest iteration, real-world functionality, affordability, versatility, fuel efficient.

Minus: No wireless smartphone charger. Drum rear brakes, wish it had electrification or a stronger powerplant, needs more sound insulation, no cruise control, and manual rearview mirror.

RATING

9/10 68

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T H E R E I S M O R E TO L I F E T H A N J U S T C A R S , S O W E ' V E G OT YO U C OV E R E D O N T H E OT H E R T H I N G S T H AT M I G H T I N T E R E S T YO U .

IT ALL STARTS HERE T A L K T O A N Y P I L O T T O D AY A N D N E A R LY A L L O F T H E M W I L L T E L L YO U T H AT T H E Y EARNED THEIR WINGS WITH THIS CESSNA.

Words:

Wowie Go Photos:

AJ Rodriguez and Jav Rubillar

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The Hacienda being refueled during its historic nonstop flight.

The tail-dragging Cessna 170 was the model on which the 172 was based.

1956 Cessna 172

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he Cessna name has been needlessly dragged through the mud in the country as of late, mostly due to ignorant reporting and non-existent factchecking. Because of two recent unrelated incidents involving two completely different Cessna models, the safety of the brand itself has come into question by those that don’t know anything about flying. Speak to an actual aviator however, and they’ll tell you that flying a Cessna is actually one of the most pleasant and enjoyable experiences you could possibly have. They’re highly stable, very reliable, and uncomplicated to both fly and maintain. This is probably why the brand itself has had over a century of success, and in the case of their 172 SkyHawk, it is the mostproduced aircraft of all time.

Now in its sixth decade, the Cessna 172 has been regarded as one of–if not the most– successful airplanes in history. With a record 44,000 units built since it was first sold in 1956, it’s still the aircraft of choice for those who want to learn the basics of flying. Not to

be pigeon-holed into being a trainer aircraft, however, the plane has also been used for commercial purposes like carrying light cargo, aerial surveying, and simply as an all-around business plane. Its modular nature allows its operators a wide range of customization which is perhaps why it has lasted to this day.

The origins of the 172 date back to the late 1940s when the Cessna Aircraft Company introduced the 4-seater Cessna 170. Powered by a Teledyne Continental O-300 aircooled, boxer-6 engine which has a pulling power of 145 horsepower, its predecessor had a cruising speed of 100 knots (185 km/h) and had an endurance of over four and a half hours on a 42 gallon tank. Although successful in its own right (Cessna produced approximately 5,000 units, nearly a third of which are still currently active), the 170 isn’t without its flaws. As with most early aircraft, it had a tailwheel configuration, or what is commonly referred to these days as a “taildragger.” These types of aircraft have a nose-up attitude when stationary, which is actually beneficial for propeller clearance. However, the unfortunate side-effect to this type of configuration is that it suffers from poor visibility since the cockpit

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is tilted upwards instead of level to the ground.

Planes like the 170 are also harder to maneuver on the ground due to its propensity to noseover and damage the propeller when too much brake is applied and to yaw uncontrollably when accelerating due to the pronounced asymmetrical thrust, or P-factor, caused by the tilted attitude.

In 1955, in an effort to address these concerns, Cessna created test variants of some of their most popular single-engine aircraft, most specifically the 170 and its slightly larger stablemate, the Cessna 180 Skywagon.

Initially called the 170C, the prototype Cessna 170 replaced the conventional tailwheel with an upright tricycle type landing gear, and in the process, the engineers also replaced the prototype plane’s vertical stabilizer and rudder with one that was sharper and taller compared to the production model’s rounded version.

The result was this aircraft that was not only easy to operate on ground, it also behaved much more predictably in the air. By this point, enough of the plane had been different enough for the company to determine that it warranted its own production code. At the same time, there were also still enough parts on it that were similar to the Cessna 170 for it not to need an additional type certification. So in as early as November of the same year, with the price tag of $8,995, the newly christened Cessna 172 went up for sale.

The aircraft was an instant hit, with the company manufacturing 1,400 units in its first year alone, and by the end of the 1950s, would already reach the 4,000 unit mark.

This success is partly attributed to the way the aircraft was marketed. Its easier-to-use configuration, which was cleverly marketed as the Land-o-Matic by Cessna’s marketing team at the time, likened the operation of the 172 to driving a car. With a takeoff ground roll of just 725 feet, the 172 could effortlessly land on rough and short landing strips, making it an enticing acquisition for aviators in even the smallest markets. And with a cockpit design not too far removed from its older Cessna 170 brother, it meant that there was a very shallow learning curve to take if you had already been flying for many years. But perhaps what truly solidified the early triumph of the Cessna 172 was it being the aircraft of choice to break the world endurance record for the longest manned, refueled flight in history.

“NOW IN ITS SIXTH DECADE, THE CESSNA 172 HAS BEEN REGARDED AS ONE OF — IF NOT THE MOST — SUCCESSFUL AIRPLANES IN HISTORY.” Attempted just a handful of years after its release in December 1958, pilots Robert Timm and John Cook took off on a specially modified 172 they affectionately called “Hacienda,” after the hotel that was sponsoring them, from Las Vegas’ McCarran Field to wherever it was that they could fly to. At the time of their recordbreaking flight, the airframe already had about 1,500 hours of flight time. In preparation for the attempt, the original engine was replaced with a brand new Continental engine and most of the interior had been stripped. With those changes alone, they would do some of the

most unheard of things to keep the airplane airborne, like performing oil and filter changes mid-flight, hovering low to the ground at nearly stall-speed to be refueled by a truck over 120 times, and hand-cranking the tanks after the fuel-pump failed. When they finally landed nearly 65 days later in February of 1959, they had already flown an equivalent of 6 times around the world, a record which still stands to this day.

The current Cessna 172, however, is very far removed from the airframes at the time of the Hacienda, which by the way now gloriously

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“EVEN WITH THE WORLD MOVING TOWARDS ELECTRIFICATION, THERE’S VERY LITTLE DOUBT THAT THE 172 SKYHAWK WILL BE COMING ALONG FOR THE RIDE.” hangs above the baggage claim area of Las Vegas’ airport (since renamed Harry Reid International Airport) fully restored in its original chrome-winged splendor. Because of its lengthy run, there now have been 18 different versions of the Cessna 172 which you can easily distinguish thanks to their alphabetical production code. Since the late 90s, Cessna has been producing the 172S, which now comes with leather seats, and since 2007, a Garmin G1000 electronic flight instrument system (EFIS) is standard. They have also since changed the plane’s power plant from its original, bare-bones Continental

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O-300 to the more advanced, fuel-injected, 4-cylinder Lycoming IO-360-L2A which churns out 180 horsepower. However with the increased technology also comes an increase in price.

A brand-new Cessna 172 Skyhawk will now set you back upwards of $432,000. That’s an exorbitant amount of money, any way you put it. But the beauty of a model with a lengthy run is that since so many of them were built, you could easily fetch a decent example for a much lower price. In fact, there are hundreds of second-hand Cessna 172s for sale all over the world at any given time. You could get a used

Cessna 172 for even as little as $50,000. And even with all the modern avionics removed, it still doesn’t take away from the flying experience of the aircraft — in fact, most pilots, especially those that fly the automated ones for a living, even prefer it that way.

Having flown smaller aircraft, if we’re going

by Cessna’s analogy of driving a car, I’d liken flying the Cessna 172 to a 90s Ford Expedition or Chevy Suburban. You can’t help but feel its heft while you’re in the air, but at no point does it feel like a struggle. Thanks to the large dihedral wings over its fuselage, the yoke of the 172 is heavy but responsive. The controls are also exceptionally forgiving, meaning it’ll always want to keep itself level even during abrupt maneuvers or rough air. So steady is the aircraft, in fact, that one time during the Hacienda's record-setting flight, both pilots actually fell asleep for a whole hour and woke up with the plane still flying straight-and-level.

Talk about forgiving!

It’s now been over 14 years since Cessna last updated the line, but there’s very little indication that they’ll be killing off the 67-year-old bird any time soon. Even with the world moving towards electrification, there’s very little doubt that the 172 Skyhawk will be coming along for the ride. In fact, over a decade ago in 2010, Cessna already announced plans of making an electric version of the plane. By 2012, a prototype was able to make several test flights using only batteries; however this is where its development ended. It remains to be seen if the company will revisit these plans, but one thing is for certain, so long as there are people out there who want to experience the wonders of flying, the fate of the Cessna 172 Skyhawk will remain securely in its place.

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THE GENERAL OF PURPOSE WHEN IT COMES TO VERSATILIT Y AND R E L I A B I L I T Y, N O O T H E R CAR COMMANDS THE SAME RESPECT AS TOYOTA'S MPV FL AG BEARER, THE INNOVA.

Words:

Wowie Go

W

hen Toyota axed the Revo back in 2005, whatever vehicle they decided to take over undoubtedly had gigantic shoes to fill. The Tamaraw line of multipurpose vehicles were the stalwarts of the small to medium commercial industry. They were no-nonsense, easily repairable workhorses that could be converted to any need at the drop of a hat. Since making the move to the IMV platform, in some respects, you might even say that up until recently, with the diversification of the Hiace line, the triumphant return of the Lite Ace, and the recently confirmed plans to revive the Tamaraw badge, there hasn't really been a direct, one-to-one replacement for the void left behind by the Revo in the Toyota lineup. That being said, while one might call its spiritual successor, the Innova, many disparagingly skin-deep things, inadequate will never be one of them.

For the better part of 18 years now — 5 years in its current incarnation — the Toyota Innova has held the fort as Toyota’s proverbial beast of burden, servicing thousands of offices, hotels, and households not just in the Philippines but throughout the entire Southeast Asian region. Its spacious layout, relatively low

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"FOR THE BETTER PART OF 18 YEARS NOW, THE TOYOTA INNOVA HAS HELD THE FORT AS TOYOTA’S PROVERBIAL BEAST OF BURDEN."

THE BOX OF TRICKS The KF10 was specifically designed for ease of production, operation, and maintenance.

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rear sill height, and responsive engine, make it the ideal blank canvas for those that need a versatile and practical hauler. From delivering packages, ferrying tourists, serving as a training vehicle, to simply running general errands, the vehicle can take the beating of the daily grind like no other vehicle today. But the seeds of what we now know as the Toyota Innova were planted way back over half a century, over at our neighbors to the southeast, the large archipelagic country of Indonesia.

In the late 1960s, free from the colonial rule of the Dutch and then under the authoritarian leadership of the military dictator Suharto, the country was in the midst of undergoing a dramatic 5-year restructuring program they referred to as Rencana Pernibangunan Lina Tahun or Repelita for short. There have since been five different

Repelita plans after the first one was rolled out in 1969, each with a particular developmental target, but the first Repelita plan centered mostly around improving Indonesia’s agriculture, irrigation, and transportation systems. As such, part of the requirements to fulfill the program was to design a vehicle that could safely and reliably transport goods and people in and around the country’s treacherously mountainous islands. Sensing an opportunity, Toyota partnered up with local company Astra Group in the same year and entered the market.

It wasn’t long after setting up shop that Toyota took up the Indonesian government’s call to create what was referred to as a basic utility vehicle (BUV).

Manager of Planning and Administration Osamu Ohta and Chief Engineer Ohyama were tasked with the challenge of creating a multipurpose vehicle that was compact, easy to produce, and even easier to service. Their initial idea was to create a 2-box silhouette mounted to a ladder frame to maximize cargo space. To simplify the manufacturing process of the vehicles, the body panels were created in such a way that it only required a shearing machine, a press break machine, and a welding machine. This had the unintended but welcomed consequence of adding additional rigidity to the body. Finally, to reduce cost, the new vehicle would borrow the Corolla’s 1.2 L OHV 3K engine and 4-speed transmission. They also did away with glass windows, opting for a roll-up transparent plastic cover which saved even more on the overall production spend. After nearly five years of research, planning, and development, the KF10 Toyota Kijang Buaya was finally ready to roll out.

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"THE VEHICLE CAN TAKE THE BEATING OF THE DAILY GRIND LIKE NO OTHER VEHICLE TODAY."

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"IT’S UNDOUBTEDLY COME A LONG WAY FROM ITS SPARTAN NO-DOORS-NO-WINDOWS BEGINNINGS."

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FOCUS ON Launched on June 9, 1977, the vehicle had a very auspicious debut, with President Suharto himself joining the proceedings. At 1.3 million Indonesian Rupiah, the key (and judging by its homely appearance, the only) selling point of the Kijang Buaya was its simplicity. It got the name Buaya — which also shares the same meaning in Filipino — because of how its front fascia resembles an alligator. It was also initially thought that the name Kijang was taken after the endemic deer of the same name, but as it turns out, much like the Repelita plan that spawned the car, its name was also an acronym for something.

Kijang is a shortened version of the phrase Kerjasama Indonesia-Jepang, literally translating to “Indonesia-Japan Cooperation,” an enduring testament to the teamwork of both countries that produced the vehicle.

While the KF10 was popular with Indonesian consumers, selling over 26,000 units in its first three years alone, believe it or not, the vehicle was actually launched elsewhere a full six months before President Suharto even sat behind the wheel of one. The rebadged Toyota Tamaraw was introduced here in the Philippines on December 2, 1976. Launched by the Silverio-owned Delta Motors, the Tamaraw had very little changed from the Kijang — and for good reason. The sharp-edged, 2-box design by Ohta and Ohyama already shared a lot of qualities with a mainstay of Filipino life: the passenger jeepney. As such, the Toyota Tamaraw had absolutely no problem assimilating to the needs of its new land. Also like the Indonesians, Filipinos appreciated the Tamaraw’s ease of maintenance and affordability.

Following the success of the KF10, Toyota would follow up with an improved version in 1981 with the F20 and F30. While not exactly groundbreaking, the second-generation Tamaraw stayed true to its original mandate. It would be another five years until Toyota would unveil the next groundbreaking chapter of the Tamaraw-Kijang story.

Perhaps the most enduring memory of most Filipinos when it comes to the Tamaraw is in the shape of the F40 body, or the Tamaraw FX. First introduced in Indonesia as early as 1986, the third generation of the vehicle placed less emphasis on the pickup aspect and more on its capabilities as a people mover. That isn’t to say that this iteration of the Tamaraw was more toned-down, though — in fact, it’s very far from it. Now under the helm of Toyota Motor Philippines, the first of the F40 series units rolled out of its Parañaque factory in late 1991. The car now came in both a carbureted 1.5-liter gasoline inline-four as well as a 2-liter diesel variant. Also new for the line were

QUICK TO PICK UP Its 2-box design meant the Kijang could easily be converted for use as a jeepney.

creature comforts like a radio cassette player and air conditioning, which now made it the perfect vehicle for metered taxi operators. So lasting is the FX’s legacy, that in the decades that followed, the name would be genericized to mean any sort of air conditioned passenger vehicle service.

In 1998, the F40 Toyota Tamaraw slowly made way to its more streamlined and sophisticated successor, the F80 or as it’s better known as, the Revo. Installed with even more cabin amenities, the fourth generation Tamaraw was a lot more gentrified compared to its previous versions. Now sold in several trim levels, the Revo was able to split its consumer base between budding entrepreneurs and frugal households looking for a sensible family vehicle, something it needed to do considering that most of its competitors have since caught up to its unique selling proposition. By the mid-2000s, the Revo already had stiff competition from the likes of the Mitsubishi Adventure and the Isuzu Highlander Crosswind. Fortunately at the time, Toyota was about to embark on a massive overhaul to their lineup, one that would introduce the world to the Innova we know today.

Ever the efficient manufacturer, since as early as 1990, Toyota had already conceptualized consolidating parts procurement and manufacturing processes in an effort to save on their cost. In their vision, they imagined a lineup of vehicles that instead of being referred to as “made in Indonesia” or “made in Thailand” would simply just be “made by Toyota.” In this system, production of components would be divided: diesel

The Kijang launched in the Philippine market as the Tamaraw half a year before it made its home debut.

The Tamaraw FX became a common sight on Philippine roads in the 1990s all the way to the mid-2000s.

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FOCUS ON

The Tamaraw Revo introduced several trim levels that grew its consumer base from budding entrepreneurs to frugal families.

The IMV-based Toyota Innova integrated modern technology while maintaining its practicality.

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engines produced in Thailand, gasoline engines in Indonesia, manual transmissions in the Philippines and India, and so on. Dubbed, Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicles, or IMV for short, they intended for this multinational logistics operation to spawn three different vehicles: a pickup, an SUV, and a minivan that would share similar components on the same ladder-on-frame construction. So finally in 2004, to much fanfare, Toyota introduced the IMV-based Hilux, the Fortuner, and of course the Innova.

The AN40 Toyota Innova, badged as the Kijang Innova in Indonesia to leverage on its lineage, was a complete departure from its original 2-box silhouette. The car had more rounded proportions that more closely resembled its minivan stablemates the Previa and the Sienna. Originally only fitted with a hefty 2.5-liter inline-4 diesel engine (the gasoline variant would follow several years later), the vehicle still maintained its robust carrying capabilities. While at the same time, it also integrated many modern safety and performance features like dual-side airbags and variable valve timing. And for the first time, upscale trim also featured leather interior, and several limitededition models even featured GPS navigation.

Toyota Motor Philippines sold 140,000 units of the first generation Innova, and in 2015 became the first Philippine automaker to reach 1,000,000

overall unit sales, a feat it could only have crossed with the help of its flagship MPV. In 2016, after a lengthy production run, Toyota replaced the AN40 and introduced the AN140, which is the current generation of the Toyota Innova line. Under the tutelage of Toyota executive chief engineer Hiroki Nakajima, the idea behind the second generation Innova (or sixth generation Kijang, if you’re still keeping score) was to create a vehicle that integrated the styling and performance of a modern SUV but still without compromising the practicality and utility that the Innova is known for. Today, the top-of-the-line V variant comes equipped with seven SRS airbags, smart entry, hillstart assist control, anti-lock brakes, and stability control as standard.

As sophisticated as the current edition of the Innova seems to be, believe it or not, the sun has also begun to set on it as well. With the next generation about to be introduced sometime this year, now built on a unibody platform and possibly introducing a hybrid option for the first time, it seems like the Innova is now set to carry a very different assignment moving forward. It’s undoubtedly come a long way from its spartan nodoors-no-windows beginnings. Whatever its next task may be, as its proven time and time again, you can almost be certain that it will likely do a dutiful job at it.

TUNER M A Y - J U N E

2 0 2 3

—

I S S U E

2 4 3

LO U D E R , B A D D E R , FA ST E R !

2012 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado VX 3.0 "In short, it’s a completely built truck that can drive through anything. No long ceremonies of airing down or recovery prep, nor setting up camp. It's all been sorted out the best and fastest way."

— E A R L PA E D

page 98

Boosted!

4x4 Tuning

Making off roading and overlanding more fun

S

traight from the showroom floor, today’s crop of 4x4 pickups and SUV’s are exceptionally capable offroaders. Aside from having four-wheel drive capability, they possess modern suspension systems and insanely powerful engines. As such, it’s not surprising why there are so many of them out there. Add the persistent flash floods and the overall state of our roads and it’s easy to see and understand why such vehicles have become the perfect daily drive and all-around family vehicle.

Since the majority of our motorists and enthusiasts consider the act of personalizing one’s vehicle as second nature and customary.

It has become quite common to see such vehicles outfitted with various off-road and overlanding gear ranging from tires, wheels, suspension lifts, roof racks, awnings, tents and more. The majority of these products are manufactured by legitimate automotive aftermarket companies and have conducted extensive R&D before such parts are even sold. But with so many aftermarket off-road and overlanding products available on the market right now, it’s really difficult to know where to start and distinguish what’s actually needed from an unnecessary add-on.

Modifying a 4x4 vehicle shouldn’t be taken lightly as this involves re-engineering the vehicle for driving conditions. Far from what the manufacturer specifically intended when it rolled off the factory assembly

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“My advice is to find out first and foremost what you want from your build, is it purely for off-road trailing or overlanding? From there, research and modify it accordingly to meet the requirements.”

Francis G. Pallarco TUNER EDITOR

line. Installing large off-road wheels/tires, suspension lifts, steel bumpers, roof rack and more might seem normal. But keep in mind that this significantly alters the vehicle’s power, weight, height and aerodynamics.

In turn, these changes will affect steering response, stability, ride comfort, fuel economy and more. Since changing one thing will often affect other aspects of the vehicle, it’s best to work out exactly what mods are needed beforehand so it can be done as a whole.

There’s more information online today than ever before. So, unless it's a custom build, there are countless reviews and advice on just about any aftermarket mod or part. Not doing any research before adding any aftermarket part might fail to reach expectations. Striking a fine balance between installing parts that are vital and skipping those that are really not necessary should be the main goal. My advice is to find out first and foremost what you want from your build. Is it purely for off-road trailing or overlanding? From there, research and modify it accordingly to meet the requirements. Take it easy, research the pros and cons behind each modification, and then make a decision.

Remember, it's not the amount of money spent or the number of exaggerated accessories it has. Functionality and adhering to its intended purpose should be the main build ethos. After all, what’s the point of having your 4x4 modded if it isn’t done properly?

Always Tread Lightly!

When was the last time you had an oil change?

The engine oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. It keeps the many components of the engine working efficiently, and it helps reduce the accumulation of varnish and carbon from collecting on the engine. As oil collects heat, varnish and carbons during the course of protecting and keeping the engine running smoothly, it eventually turns to sludge, no matter how good the oil is. That’s when you should have your oil changed.

A Safety Reminder From

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EVENT

JDMU “Yabanagan Noons/Nights” at SMX JDMUnderground holds its first ever indoor meet at the SMX Convention Center Words: Francis G. Pallarco Photos: Jordan Aparicio

A

couple of weeks ago, a curated gathering of modified Japanese cars filled Hall 1 of the SMX Convention Center. Eighty showquality cars were on display and with more to see at the basement parking area, it certainly looked and felt like one huge car show. This was the groundbreaking “Yabangan Nights/Noons” of JDMUnderground Philippines (JDMUPh). Normally held several times a year in open space parking areas, they thought of elevating their meets by doing what no other club has done. This was to gather the best of the best builds of their members and showcase them inside the SMX Convention Center. An organization that takes pride in being ‘purveyors of clean Japanese tuning, JDMU really means business when it comes to modding their rides.

JDMU admin Lester Peralta Contreras explains how it all came together, “After our last year’s YN at Ayala Malls Manila Bay, our founder, Joel Zapanta said he wanted to hold a YN there, pointing at the SMX since the logo can be seen from the rooftop of Ayala Malls. We (admins and mods) all said, that’s possible since we always hold our meets in open parking spaces. He laughingly said, not outside, but inside SMX itself. Everyone immediately turned silent since we knew it was impossible, mainly due to time constraints.

However, thru the collective efforts of the JDMU Admin and Mods Team, we made it possible. We gathered close to 80 exhibitors, 75 cars inside (exhibitors) 4 outside (entrance) that were all owned by us Core Members and 1 Founder.”

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As for the meet itself Lester also adds, "It's actually a car meet with a feel of a car show competition. All exhibitors were awarded with plaques of appreciation, as a way of thanking them for participating in this historic event. We also came up with a QR code wherein all JDMU members and non-members may vote for their top 10 builds. We opted not to have judges, but instead we gave all the attendees the chance to vote for their top 10 builds. We opened the poll around 11am and closed it at 5pm. After we tallied the number of votes for each participant, we came up with the top 10 at around 5:20 pm.” The Core members of JDMU are, Pow Anticamara †, Joel Zapanta, Victor Gonzalez, Dens Dela Cruz and Pat Lay. The Admins, Lester Contreras and Eric Benzon. Moderators, Daron Arnuco, Aybanne de Senna, Bodj Escasura, Mark Cunanan, Alden Contreras, Jason Mendoza, Dan Domingo and Arjay Grana. Coordinators, Carl Tado, Tepan Espino, Dhrei Daquila, Rafael Tan Overall, the epic “Yabangan Nights/Noons” at SMX of JDMUnderground Philippines (JDMUPh) was a huge success and one for the record books as they say. A gathering of this magnitude and the quality of the cars represented would be hard if not difficult to emulate. From full-on functional show car to race car themed builds it was a good combination of modified builds where the top Japanese car brands (Honda, Mitsubishi and Toyota) were well represented.

Congratulations on such an epic event and already looking forward to an even bigger JDMUnderground Philippines (JDMUPh) “Yabangan Nights/Noons” at SMX for next year.

The JDMUnderground Philippines “Yabangan Nights/Noons” Top 10 build winners: 01 Ariel Bonus Honda Civic LXi 02 Aaron Cruz Mitsubishi Wagon Legnum 03 Chester Vasquez Mitsubishi Cyborg 04 Mike Bonafe Honda Civic 05 Macoy Luna Toyota Corolla 06 Teejay Diego Honda Civic Hatch 07 Maffy Yu Tan Suzuki Alto Works 08 Jon Cu Honda Civic Hatch 09 Topeng Delgado Toyota Corolla 10 Von Santos Honda Civic

Group pictures by Dhrei Daquila

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EVENT

Super Sprint off to a Strong Start The opening round of the 2023 Aisin Super Sprint Words: Jill Elicano-Tan Photos: Thorens Manguera

A

fter a forced hiatus due to the pandemic, the opening round of the 2023 Aisin Super Sprint Series took place at R33 Drift Track on March 19.

As always, the series' goal is to give racers of all skill levels a secure but enjoyable racing environment. Street, Street Modified, Super Street, and Prepped are the four main categories in the series. The driver will be classified, after which the vehicle is examined to decide the final categories in which the driver may compete.

This year, Aisin Super Sprint will complete at least four (4) events, with succeeding rounds on June 18, August 3, and November 19. At every race, drivers competing are given points, and overall champions will be awarded at the end of the season.

The course design for this event was technical enough to be difficult but has safety precautions in place for

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beginners, and the series organizers put particular emphasis on efficiency and safety. Before the awards are given out, drivers also get free runs at the conclusion of the day.

Topping the leaderboard for the four major categories are Rienn Cherstel Santos for Street Class, Carlos Miguel Briones for Amateur Drivers, Arnold Javier for Intermediate Drivers, and Richard Gallardo for Prepped Drivers and Overall Best Time of the Day with an amazing time of 41.719 seconds.

Super Sprint Would Like to Thank: Aisin, Riken, Advics, ART, Toyota Manila Bay Corporation, Parts Pro, Runstop, Aguila Auto Glass, Autoperformance.ph, Pegasus LED Bulbs, Fixstop Auto Service, Project Vector, Smart Fuels, Clean Shine Master, Walter, Fabrix Eco Air Filter, Rider’s Aide, Brandaide Inc., Edgesport, C! Magazine.

Class

Name

Driver No.

Final Time

Street 2

1

Rein Cherstel Santos

18

62.048

Amateur Street Modified 1

1

Marcialou Elumb

21

89.089

1

Carlos Miguel Briones

828

49.873

Amateur Street Modified 2

Amateur Street Modified 3

Intermediate Street Modified 1 Intermediate Street Modified 2

Intermediate Street Modified 3

Amateur Super Street 1

Amateur Super Street 2

Amateur Super Street 2

Intermediate Super Street 1

Intermediate Super Street 2

Intermediate Super Street 3

Prepped A1

Prepped A3

Prepped B1

Prepped B2

Prepped B3

Prepped C2

Prepped C3

2

Marvin Jason Matira

17

52.119

3

Gee Ordonez

62

52.509

1

Marvin Jason Matira

17

50.406

2

Eugene Louis Urbano

124

50.502

3

Kiefer Magdaluyo

46

53.427

1

Karl Andrew Mallen

1

46.405

2

Earl Tabucol

128

48.815

1

Karl andrew Mallen

1

46.752

1

VJ Bacungan

914

46.355 47.224

2

Adrian Paulo Javier

100

3

Kiefer MAgdaluyo

46

47.579

1

Paolo Mari Macaraig

290

47.806

1

Carlos Miguel Briones

828

47.166

2

Ralph Cadiz

98

47.846

3

Mark Cleo Legaspi

77

49.899

1

Eugene Louis Urbano

124

49.755

2

Louis Natino

24

50.794

3

Joshua Claro

118

52.151

1

Karl Andrew Mallen

1

46.216

2

Paolo Mari Macaraig

290

47.954

3

Earl Tabucol

128

48.579 45.682

1

Karl andrew Mallen

1

2

Mark Cleo Legaspi

77

48.373

3

Alfie Aguilar

310

48.830

1

Arnold Javier

916

45.535

2

Adrian Paulo Javier

100

47.281

3

Mickie Carbonell

88

48.126

1

Ralph Cadiz

98

46.448

1

Adrian Paulo Javier

100

46.311

2

Eugene Louis Urbano

124

48.950

3

Mickie Carbonell

88

49.242

1

Christine Torres

9

47.455

2

Rommel Aguilera

25

47.636 49.485

3

JC Claro

57

1

Richard Gallardo

33

42.793

2

Erney Moreno

32

45.306

3

Angelo Cruz

110

47.651 45.126

1

Arnold Javier

916

2

Allen Escoto

2

47.137

3

Jevoy Moreno

31

47.220 46.004

1

Ringo Gregg Abadicio

74

2

Vergel Roxas

123

47.075

3

Angelo Cruz

110

47.533

1

Arnold Javier

916

44.412

2

Ringo Gregg Abadicio

74

45.662

3

Eugene Louis Urbano

124

48.654

Prepped D1

1

JC Claro

57

66.397

1

Richard Gallardo

33

41.719

Prepped D2

2

Ringo Gregg Abadicio

74

45.433

3

Angelo Cruz

110

49.239

Prepped D3

1

Arnold Javier

916

44.437

2

Ringo Gregg Abadicio

74

45.423

3

Jevoy Moreno

31

47.108

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BUILDING AN EVEN BETTER 79 SERIES LAND CRUSIER

TRADITIONAL FOUR WHEELER Words:

Francis G. Pallarco

Photos:

Martin DV

C-MAGAZINE.COM • MAY-JUNE 2023

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▲ Call it an oldfashioned fourwheel-drive, but this durable workhorse can be found almost anywhere in the world and in spite of its hefty price tag, it remains pretty much in demand to say the least.

O

riginating from the iconic 70 Series Land Cruiser during the eighties, it underwent several iterations through the years just like most Toyota models. Very unlike its other namesake which has morphed into a more comfortable luxury SUV, this series was designed to retain the off-road capabilities and durability associated with the classic 40 Series. Call it an oldfashioned four-wheel-drive, but this durable workhorse can be found almost anywhere in the world, and despite its hefty price tag, it remains pretty much in demand, to say the least. So much, in fact that in January of this year, orders in Australia were indefinitely suspended until Toyota can clear some of the two-year waiting list.

Its renowned durability and reliability is something that Paolo

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Baguisa of Christian Motors in Nueva Ecija is fully aware of, which is why from the get-go he specifically wanted to build a 70 Series as he recalls, “It all started in the first quarter of pandemic, when they put our province under lockdown. I saw this as an opportunity to build and create a vehicle that my family and I would really enjoy, something strong, something that can withstand almost anything that you could throw at it, something you can take anywhere without having to worry if it’s going to break down on you.” Well, the result is this fully equipped, Land Cruiser that’s geared towards off roading and overlanding which he describes, “I guess it’s anything but flimsy! So with the help of my mechanics and employees, we were able to build this rig, from the suspension lift to the paint job and installing all the gear, we mounted

everything. It was truly an amazing experience and the best part was that I really enjoyed the journey of setting it up. It helped make our Covid lockdown really worth the while.”

The upgrades consist of Australian made, Oldman Emu BP-51 Suspension with Bypass Shock absorbers. Unlike conventional shock absorbers, this high performance type of shock absorber allows for independent adjustability of rebound and compression. Quite beneficial in order to custom tune the suspension for varying terrain or when carrying heavy loads or towing. The BP-51 kit is a bolt-on kit that includes X5K coil springs, spring adjuster and a remote reservoir for additional oil volume. With the suspension taken care of, Paolo chose a set of Volk racing TE37XT wheels with a timeless 6-spoke design that looks great on just about anything. Finished in matte dark green, it stands out among the usual bronze that the majority uses. The 16-inch diameter wheel is paired with Toyo Open Country R/T Tires to gain better on and off-road traction.

Being prepared is truly the number one thing when it comes to off-roading.

It’s important to have quality recovery gear just in case the vehicle gets stuck in muddy terrain.

In this case, a Come-Up waterproof winch is securely mounted on an ARB steel bumper. The ARB bumper also incorporates a bull bar as well as brush bars on the sides that serve to protect the vehicle from the elements.

To securely store all that camping gear, Paolo chose a Smartcap Canopy that’s exactly built for Land Cruisers.

Compared to ordinary pickup canopies, this one allows both sides to fully

TUNER

“With the help of my mechanics and employees, we were able to build this rig. It was truly an amazing experience and the best part was that I really enjoyed the journey of setting it up.”

— PA O L O B A G U I S A

open (Gull-wing) for easy cargo access and where custom storage solutions can also be mounted. A roof rack by Aibaworks was also added for more places to carry cargo, and lastly, a Front Runner awning was also installed to keep under the sun while camping or overlanding. You may have noticed by now that every aftermarket item Paolo added is purely functional which is his priority and the overall build theme.

With all the important aspects taken care of, Paolo has achieved a wellrounded off-road/overlanding project.

What’s more, the entire experience itself was truly worth it as Paolo quips,

“We gained a lot of new friends, from accessory suppliers to new friends and clients. Also, did I mention we were able to sell Land Cruisers like these on the side? Now you see many Land Cruisers on the streets of Nueva Ecija!

It feels really good when you meet likeminded people appreciating the time and effort to produce this kind of project. I would like to thank the employees of Christian Motors Nueva Ecija and all our accessory suppliers for the help and big effort that you put into this.” Whether overlanding or going offroad trailing, this particular 79 Series is now even more ready and able.

▼ Every aftermarket item Paolo added is purely functional which is his priority and the overall build theme.

Specifications — 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser VDJ79 Series (Double-Cab Pick Up) / Paolo Baguisa / Christian Motors Suspension Mods: Oldman Emu BP51 Suspension • Wheels & Tires: Volk Racing TE37XT Wheels (16x10), Toyo Open Country R/T Tires (275/75R16) • Recovery Gear: ARB front bumper, ARB Differential breather kit, COME-UP waterproof winch • Overland Gear: RSI SMARTCAP Canopy, Linex Bed Cover, Front Runner Awning, Aibaworks Roof Rack • Other Stuff: ICOM Radio, IPF LED lights, Recaro SR7 Seats

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EXPLORING T H E G R E AT OUTDOORS IN A JAOS EQUIPPED LUXURY OFF ROADER

VIP OFF ROADER Words:

Francis G. Pallarco

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Photos:

Martin DV

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R

ecognized the world over as having the ability to take you just about anywhere and come back in one piece is what makes it so special. Of course, it’s none other than the Toyota Land Crusier.

Not only is it one of Toyota’s most popular and longest running models, but they have also sold more than 10 million units the world over. Now on its eighth generation, the current LC300 series was a long time coming, but the replacement for the still sought after LC200 series Land Cruiser finally arrived on our shores. Good news indeed, as it sparked a lot of eager buyers despite its hefty price tag. But sad to say, the units were only limited to a few with an unbelievably lengthy waiting list. To make matters worse, some local dealers were even milking the buyers for maximum profit.

What’s good about it though is that it had plenty of Japanese aftermarket companies working swiftly to come

up with all kinds of parts to turn the luxury off roader even better. At the forefront is Japanese Off-Road Service or JAOS, recognized as the leading manufacturer of off road accessories.

Founded in 1985, JAOS continues to set the trend in manufacturing all kinds of accessories for off road enthusiasts.

Over 20-plus years of experience in developing suspension components, wheels, exterior enhancements and more has made JAOS a quality brand recognized worldwide. So it didn’t come as a surprise when Roro Cruz of Cabanatuan got hold of the keys to his LC300, he immediately ordered the complete line up of JAOS aftermarket parts direct from Japan.

For starters, JAOS has developed a set of suspension components specifically for the LC300. This is the BattleZ lift kit with Ti-W coil springs. The upgrade increases the LC300’s ground clearance by 40 mm (1.57 inches) bringing it up from 235 mm in stock form to 275 mm (10.82

▲ This particular LC300 is the first in the country to sport the complete JAOS parts.

“All the JAOS components that were added here allow its owner to enjoy the great outdoors in style.”

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inches). Nothing too extreme, but it provides just enough lift to enable it to maneuver around most obstacles that’s normally encountered while trailing off-road. Most importantly, it is still capable of providing excellent on-road driving characteristics. The stock rollers were also swapped for 20-inch, JAOS Tribe Cross wheels. Developed in collaboration with Enkei wheels, if features a minimalist style 10-spoke design that looks proper on the LC300.

These were then wrapped with Toyo Open Country R/T tires to gain more traction whether it’s travelling on or off road.

Not wanting to ruin or drastically alter something that already looks good, JAOS has developed select exterior enhancements for the LC300. This was unveiled during last year’s Tokyo Auto Salon, showcasing several LC300’s sporting the complete line of JAOS parts. What’s great about their parts is that majority of the enhancements are so subtle, it would go unnoticed if it

TUNER

▲ Not wanting to ruin or drastically alter something that already looks good, JAOS has developed select exterior enhancements for the LC300.

weren’t pointed out. These include, the BattleZ muffler cutter, JAOS bumper guard, fender garnish, rear spats, door handle protector and black stickers on the side sills . But not all are purely aesthetic as there are useful ones as well that serve a purpose, it has the requisite JAOS mudguards and the JAOS flat rack for carrying extra load.

Just like the suspension, nothing too fancy here also as all the upgrades serve a purpose without drawing attention to itself.

Another major change that can be found on the LC300 is the 3.3-liter, twin turbo V6 diesel engine that replaces the 4.5-liter, 1VD twin turbo, V8 engine that powered the LC200. It may be 25 per cent smaller in capacity and number of cylinders, but it claims more power and torque.

Compared to the 232 hp and 615 Nm of torque from the V8, the V6 is rated at 306 hp and 700 Nm of torque. Its Toyota’s first new diesel engine that adopts European technology along with a direct-shift 10-speed automatic transmission is used in place of the V8’s sequential-shift six-speed auto. While JAOS hasn’t offered any engine upgrades yet, I’m pretty sure there’s plenty of parts that are already in the works.

This particular LC300 is the first in the country to sport the complete JAOS parts. In fact, the BattleZ coil springs was part of the first batch of production springs and was sent here through air freight. All the JAOS components that were added here greatly contributed to the enhancement of the LC300’s offroad capabilities and allow its owner to enjoy the great outdoors in style.

▼ Its Toyota’s first new V6 diesel engine that adopts European technology along with a direct-shift 10-speed automatic transmission.

Specifications — 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser (300-Series) / Roro Cruz Engine:3.3-Liter, V6 Direct Injection, 24-Valve DOHC, Twin Turbo • Transmission: 10-speed automatic transmission Horsepower and Torque: 306 horsepower and 700 Nm of Torque • Suspension Mods: BattleZ Lift Up Spring Ti-W ZX • Brakes: Ventilated Discs (Front & Rear) Wheels & Tires: JAOS Tribe Cross Wheels in Matte Gun Metallic (20×9.0J+55 6H139.7), Toyo Open Country R/T Tires (LT305/55R20) Exterior Mods: JAOS Door Handle Protector Carbon-like type-A, JAOS Mudguard Car Type Mounting Kit for ZX, JAOS Flat Rack (1250×1400) , JAOS Rear Spats Painted Matte Black, JAOS Fender Garnish type-X , JAOS Front Bumper Guard, BattleZ Muffler Cutter MC Black type-A

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SORTED OUT CHECK OUT DUB EXPEDITIONS BEST OF SHOWWINNING, Y E T H I G H LY FUNCTIONAL DO-ALL, OFF-ROAD BUILD

Words:

Francis G. Pallarco

I

Photos:

Jun Vinluan

t may look like a shiny SUV that has never set foot on a rugged terrain or embarked on a camping trail, but it’s actually a highly capable off-road rig. It has a set of components that have been carefully curated and tested on so many occasions. These include not only the suspension upgrades, but also every custom feature on this rig. He’s no stranger when it comes to executing functional off-road builds, Earl Paed of Dub Expeditions has put in a lot of time and effort on his Land Cruiser Prado as he explains, “The overall concept is a completely equipped do-it-all truck. It started when my wife and I would go camping, I couldn’t resist the off-road rush and also wanted to go places where most can’t. I then realized that what I wanted was not simple. I want it to crawl over large rocks, flex more than the average suspension setup, run fast on small dunes and gravel while riding

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TUNER comfortably on overland expeditions, and self-sustain with power, water and shelter. In short, it’s a completely built truck that can drive through anything.

No long ceremonies of airing down or recovery prep, nor setting up camp. It's all been sorted out the best and fastest way. But here’s the most painful part.

After perfecting every single desired feature, everything had to be taken apart, everything had to be thoroughly cleaned and stripped of paint. All to make this 10-year-old vehicle look better than brand new in preparation for the Manila Auto Salon & Sport Truck Show.” This explains its highly pristine appearance, showcasing it in their booth and ultimately winning the coveted Best of Show Award in the SUV class and 3rd place in the Overland Class. I must say, this build has impressively executed all the elements that a quality show car must possess.

The build list is quite lengthy, so we’ll just go over the crucial and unique aspects of this awesome rig.

The suspension is at the core of any off-road build and it features TJM’s highThe attention to end Paceand monotube absorbers detail the level shock of workmanship on this Aftermarket with remote canisters.

Corolla is top notch front upper control arms and Tig welded spindle gussets can be found up front, while thick chromoly rear trailing arms with adjustable heim joints plus airbags allow safer load carrying and keep it level when towing stuff.

Fully tested and functional, Earl sums up his suspension setup, “I chose a suspension that can handle every terrain, tuned the shims to my liking, arms that can flex to the limit of my shocks, and something to carry a trailer in case touring is the activity.

The suspension took a lot of R&D and test runs to have it to my liking. Not to mention the KDSS system which can be a pain to perfect with the suspension.”

He added a Dr. KDSS control switch to make the sway bar to be less active, thereby allowing for more suspension articulation.

The tires and wheels are nothing over the top and oversized, but rather optimized 70 series Nitto Ridge Grapplers with matching 17-inch Dirty Life Enigma Wheels in polished finish.

It also features a true bead lock ring to allow varying air pressures to tackle

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▲ I must say, this build has impressively executed all the elements that a quality show car must possess.

“It has a set of components that have been carefully curated and tested on so many occasions.” difficult terrain. What’s more, it has a 4wd Evolution Australia Automatic tire inflation system with a quick release coupler on each corner. Just plug in the air hose and instantly inflate or deflate each tire. There’s a dual compressor setup housed in a custom trunk enclosure. Those and more well-thought-out details that went into this build exemplify the level of workmanship that makes it great.

⊲ There’s even a gullwing access on the rear quarter glass that houses a circuit breaker, electrical ports and of course, lots of USB ports as well.

Recovery equipment includes a TJM torque winch with compatible TJM steel bumper that not only serves as a rigid winch mounting point, but also frontal protection against the elements.

Another important aspect deals with vehicle protection. TJM is at the forefront with rock sliders, brush bars and under vehicle protection plates to protect the vehicle against damage. As for the camping gear, it was selected

by Earl based on how well it served its purpose. This explains the plethora of items from different brands. It has everything, from the Front Runner slimline roof rack to the 270-degree awning with LED lighting and the roof tent by Body Armor. There’s even a gullwing access on the rear quarter glass that houses a circuit breaker, electrical ports and of course, lots of USB ports as well. Water supply is not an issue as it has a pair of Waterport water tanks as well.

For those keen on building a rig of this caliber, Earl has this to say, “My recommendation is to take your time.

The most enjoyable part is building it.

It's never the destination but always the journey. Don't teleport to the destination or just hand 5 million pesos to the store who said they can do it and just take it back when it's done, enjoy the process of discussing your build with your builder. I honestly enjoy building cars and it would be my pleasure to help off-roaders and overlanders achieve such goals for their builds. Function is the goal; form is a bonus.” Sounds and looks easy, but I’m sure anyone would be hard-pressed to emulate a detailed and meticulous build such as this.

Specifications — 2012 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado VX 3.0 / Earl Paed / Dub Expeditions Engine & Drivetrain Mods: ECU Shop Piggyback Commonrail tuning (+50hp), Ring and Pinion Regear - Yukon 4.56 Final Drive Ratio, TJM Pro Locker Air Locker for Rear Axle, KAON Australia piggyback w/custom cnc brackets, Varta Silver Dynamic Main Battery, Varta Silver AGM Aux Battery 100ah • Suspension Mods: TJM Pace Monotube with Canister 8-stage Rebound and Compression, Preloaded front coils, Reconfigured shims, nitrogen@140 psi, SPC Front Upper Control Arm Adjustable caster/camber Metal Cloak chromoly adjustable trailing arms & Panhard Bar w/ flex heim joints, bushings, Dr. KDSS control switch, Total Chaos Fabrication spindle gussets, Airbagman for towing/leveling Wheels, Tires and Brakes: Dirty Life Enigma Wheels featuring True Bead Lock with Polished Face (17x12), Nitto Ridge Grappler Tires (305/70R17), D1 Spec 355mm 6pot front calipers, D1 Spec 344mm 4pot rear calipers, slotted rotors custom painted to yellow, steel braided brake lines, dot5 fluid, electronic computerized bleeding Rallytech polyurethane mud flaps, BMC - rounded body mount chop, 4wd Evolution Australia Tire Inflation System, quick release coupler on each wheel • Interior Mods: Carbon Fiber LC200 steering wheel and wirings (panelboard) to fit Prado 2011, Custom Forged Carbon Fiber dashboard trims, TJM Project Dual Battery Volt Meter, TJM Waterproof Seat Covers, Hippo 3d Mattings, Cargo net compartment, Icom 25 watt base radio + Baofeng uhf/vhf handheld • Trunk Mods: TJM Dual HD Compressor, TJM 5L Air Tank, Custom Platform and Box , Custom CNC Stainless drop-down tray on Rear Door Card, KAON Australia rear upper cargo tray • In Car Entertainment: Kenwood DDX919ws, Focal Elite Kevlar 3-way Speakers, Helix 4 Channel Amplfier, JL Audio Subwoofer, STP Aero on door panels and flooring, Precision 24 reverse camera custom mounted on door spare tire Protection & Recovery Mods: TJM Outback T13 Winch Compatible Bumper, TJM 63mm Side Step / Rock Sliders, TJM (63mm) Side Rail / Brush Bars, TJM 3mm 4pc under protection plates, TJM Airtec Snorkel KAON Au Rear Lower Shock Guards, TJM Torque Winch (12000lbs) Synthetic Rope, Breaker, Kill Switch, Wireless activation, Total Hitch with Waterport Hitch Mount • Lighting: XRAY Vision 600 24" 120 watt led bar with daytime running mode, Roof Lights LED -50" KC Hilites Gravity Pro6 8 light 160watt, Switch - 6 bank relay / fuse box with 6 channel switch panel • Overland Equipment: Front Runner Slimline 2 Roof Rack, Body Armor Mojave Roof Tent, Body Armor 270degree free standing Awning with integrated truss lights, Velox Offroad Custom Gullwing with 200A Breaker, Automatic Tire Inflate Deflate, 12V lighter plug, 12v USB plug, Airbag suspension control, Airbag suspension digital gauge, Front Runner Pro Table under roof rack, Waterport Weekender 15gal, Waterport Daytank 8gal custom mounted, Rotopax Tool Box with Pax mount custom mounted on rear quarter glass panel • Body & Paint: Updated look from 2011 to 2018 (hood, fenders, headlights, grill, tail lights, bumper, sensors), Converted rear door from VX flat to Australian KAKADU version with spare tire on rear door, Relocated spare tire from underchassis to rear door and removed all oem spare tire brackets, Complete frame-off refinish, Zinc treated all underchassis bolts, Painted DOUBLE FINISH all body panels including steel bumper, side step, side rails, Vector traced all vehicle decals and reprinted with proper info color trim and tire size • Kudos To: I am Dub Expeditions and I built this truck with my own hands alongside with Dubshop Elite, TJM 4x4 Philippines, Body Armor 4x4 Philippines, Silverwind Alloy Castings Inc, Dubshop 4x4 Performance, Area One Garage for paint, body and restoration works and Cleaners Depot for overall show preparation for the Manila Auto Salon and Sport Truck Show.

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An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of repairs Every new car has a periodic maintenance schedule that lessens the need for repairs in the future.

So it pays to follow the schedule.

A Safety Reminder From

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2 0 2 3

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I S S U E

2 4 3

E V E RY T H I N G A N D A N Y T H I N G T WO W H E E L S

Suzuki Gixxer 250 Sometimes, affordable doesn’t mean bland and boring. Find out how much crazy fun you can have with the Suzuki Gixxer 250. page 114

The Ride Life

Wanting More But Using Less

L

ike most gearheads, motorcyclists tend to lust after the biggest, most powerful, and the most advanced. We tend to want things that are way beyond our capacity to handle.

I see this all the time. Riders who swear that they are better off riding their multi-million peso, state-of-the-art motorcycles but then easily get passed by someone on a smaller and simpler bike.

The truth is that sometimes, the simpler bikes are easier to handle than fire-breathing race replicas. As Uncle Ben said, “With great power comes great responsibility.” It takes a lot of skill to wield the kind of power modern superbikes put out. Not everybody can use it to its full potential. Sometimes, a simpler and less powerful tool does the job better.

Sure, electronic rider aids help tame these beasts but then what's the point of paying a premium for something you won't be able to use? My job allows me to ride all the latest and greatest stuff, and let me tell you, I most often than not enjoy the less powerful bikes on the streets.

200-plus BHP motorcycles are spectacular on paper but more often will scare the bejesus out of most riders and are practically unrideable sans the electronic systems that tame their excessive power.

There are very few riders that can truly take full advantage of those kinds of bikes. Most can only hope to hold on for dear life.

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“Having a higher level of riding ability than the bike's outright performance is always the better formula.

Being able to bend the bike to your will and wielding its power at your command makes you a safer, faster, and more efficient rider.”

John O. Mendoza WHEEL2WHEEL ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Mid-sized motorcycles may not be the most powerful, but are lighter, more controllable, and are usually more enjoyable for us mere mortal riders.

I find myself being more comfortable on these bikes taking on and passing riders with more powerful machines simply because I'm not overwhelmed by excessive power.

Having total control is what I like when motorcycling. Me dominating the bike and not the other way around.

On the track where you have the safety of a controlled environment, sure, a beast of a bike with immense power and tech gives you the upper hand, but on public roads, you won't even be able to use half the power. This is the reason for a lot of accidents involving riders on overly fast and powerful machines without the skills to match.

Having a higher level of riding ability than the bike's outright performance is always the better formula. Being able to bend the bike to your will and wielding its power at your command makes you a safer, faster, and more efficient rider.

Once achieved, you'll find yourself enjoying rides a whole lot more than ever before. Having a bike that lends itself to you as a precision tool rather than a sledge hammer will transform your riding life. It also doesn’t hurt that a less powerful and unassuming bike doesn’t intimidate other riders. If they pass you, it's ok because your bike is supposedly inferior to theirs, but if you pass them on their bigger bikes, you're a hero with mad riding skills.

Share the road. Ride safe. Stay alive.

Check your mirror for motorcyclist.

A Safety Reminder From

WHEEL2WHEEL

Bike Review

Ducati Monster 937 + Bologna's Saviour Reincarnated?

Words:

John O. Mendoza

T

he Ducati Monster M900, first released in 1993 single handedly saved Ducati's business amounting to 42% of the brand's total sales from '93 to 2000.

It was a marriage between the Ducati 851/ 888 trellis frame and the Ducati 900SS air-cooled engine, which produced a lightweight sporty naked motorcycle with a very usable engine for the street.

Fast forward 30 years and several iterations later, the latest Ducati Monster is a controversial amalgamation of non-traditional monster technologies that have raised the eyebrows of Ducatisti the world over.

Gone are the trellis frame and aircooled engines of old. Some would argue that the Monster 937 is no longer a Monster.

I say that the formula is still true to the original concept. The new chassis

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Photos:

Billy Pulido

or the lack of one for that matter is a subframe bolted on the engine's heads and the swing-arm on the crankcases.

This is very similar to the Panigale's aluminum monocoque unit, using the engine as a stressed member.

The engine is a newly developed over-square Testastretta Desmodromic 4-valve liquid cooled L-twin that delivers the beans where you want it most in the rev range. That 111 HP @ 9250 RPM and 69 LBS-FT of torque at 6500 RPM is perfect for ripping up twisty mountain roads and lighting up the tollways.

A superbike-derived chassis mated to a very usable street engine. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Just as the 851/888 chassis was mated to the 900SS engine, the Monster 937's ideology is, by all intents and purposes, the same as the formula of the original Monster M900.

Sure, the original had an air/ oil cooled engine, but then some of the

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WHEEL2WHEEL best original Monster derived models have been watercooled like the S4RS. From the original M900 to the 937, there is only a 3 KG weight difference between the two despite the latter's water cooling, electronic aids, and emissions compliance appliances. All thanks of course to the Panigale-derived frame. I mean, nobody batted an eyelash when the superbike abandoned the traditional trellis, so why should it matter if the Monster drops the old

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chassis for superior equipment that is still remarkably Ducati?

In terms of power, the original air cooled M900 only produced 73 HP while the 937 puts out 111 thanks to mostly traditional Ducati features like the desmodromic valve actuation and liquid cooling.

The Monster 937 + is most at home on twisty mountain roads. I would go as far to say that this bike might be the better choice for roads like

▼ It's so easy to coax the bike to change direction. It just flicks from side to side so willingly.

Marilaque over full-on repli-racers.

It's comfortable, svelte, lightweight and quick. The suspension, though un-adjustable save for the rear preload, is set up just right. It soaks up bumps perfectly while being firm enough for much spirited side-to-side action.

You'd be pushing this bike far enough on public roads for you to feel the limits of its dampening ability. I would recommend replacing the rear shock with a fully adjustable aftermarket unit from the likes of Ohlins for serious track riding, but overall, the suspension does a spectacular job for what it is. The front end gives really good feedback even when diving fast into corners. The wide bars give you much leverage to manhandle the bike into turns and to pick it up from full lean to turn it over to its other ear.

As with any modern Ducati, the brakes are absolutely phenomenal on the Monster 937 +! I don't know how Ducati does it, but even with the same equipment as other brands, Ducati just gets the setup so perfectly dialed in.

These Brembo M4.32 calipers gripping 320 MM semi floaters and actuated by a radially mounted Brembo master cylinder delivers the goods with a strong initial bite, great progressive power and amazing feedback. The rear brake is a two-piston brembo caliper mated to a 245mm rotor. Both ends are equipped with switchable cornering ABS. Three riding modes are selectable on the fly with the left hand switch gear provided that the throttle is shut off. High power mode is Sport which fettles the torque curve in first gear only and unleashes all the power in the remaining gears. Touring mode controls the power in first and second gears and allows full power on the remaining gears. Urban mode limits the power to 75 HP in all gears and adds additional control over the first two gears.

All parameters are customizable.

The cornering ABS has three levels and includes a front-only mode for you hooligans who want to back the rear tire into corners. Even the DTC (Ducati Traction Control) and DWC (Ducati Wheelie Control) have several selectable stages to cater to your preferences. The Ducati Power Launch

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controls the torque delivery when launching the bike from a standing start giving you the luxury of just dumping the clutch at take-off.

All necessary information and more are very easily readable at a glance from the 4.3" full TFT color dash which displays all your current settings once the bike is switched on. The display is very intuitive and easy to navigate.

I just love how it displays the tach letting you know when you're at the

▲ The Monster 937 + happily holds your chosen line once on its ear with room to comfortably tighten or widen it upon your discretion.

redline by turning red and flashing, reminding me to shift up. The up and down quick shifter operates flawlessly with buttery smooth and light operation.

The Monster is very easy to flick from side to side and holds its line very well deep into corners. On a straight line, the Monster feels perfectly stable even when wringing its neck, making it explode with power. The spread of torque on the rev range is perfect for the twisty mountain roads as it can fire the

“The Monster is very easy to flick from side to side and holds its line very well deep into corners.”

bike out of corners even from lower revs and carries the power all the way to the limiter. Grip from the 120/70-ZR17 front and 180/55-ZR17 rear Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tires complement the bike's handling and performance very well, providing good traction and feedback.

Traditional Monsters always had low seat heights. The Monster 937+ with its 820 MM standard seat height is not particularly low but is not tall by any means. My 5'6 frame and 31-inch inseam didn't have any difficulties in mounting the bike. For shorter riders, there is an accessory low seat and low suspension kit available.

Riding the Monster 937 + in traffic is a breeze. With its very slim body and middleweight profile, the bike feels at home filtering through Metro Manila traffic. The engine doesn't seem to mind being stuck in heavy traffic despite the summer heat. The Desmodromic service interval in the Monster 937 + is an amazing 30,000 KMS or 18,000 Miles so no need to worry about frequent servicing.

Overall, the Ducati Monster 937 + is a well-put-together package that services practicality and excitement. It stands within the boundaries of easy and fun, and extends to the far reaches of wild and aggressive riding.

Sure, it doesn't have the performance of the V4s, but then it has more ability than you can use on a twisty mountain road or even on track for most.

In my book, the Monster 937 + is a true descendant of the original M900.

Light, fast, agile, smart, and easy, with DNA from Ducati's latest crop of superbikes, this new generation of Monsters may easily be the best there has ever been.

Plus Great balance

Specification — Ducati Monster 937 + Engine: Testastretta 11° liquid cooled 90 degree V Twin • Displacement: 937cc Cylinder Head: 4 valves per cylinder, desmodromic valve train • Fuel Injector: EFI • Max Power: 111 bhp @ 9250 rpm Max Torque: 69 ft-lbs @ 6500 rpm • Transmission: 6 speed with up and down quick shifter/ auto blipper Top Speed: 240 kph (149 mph) • 0-100 km/h (0-62mph): 3.5 secs. • Fuel Mileage: 20 kpl Price as tested: PhP 1,065,000.00

Rating

of power and 10/10 handling for spirited road riding.

Superb electronics package and phenomenal brakes.

Minus Rear suspension can be improved but that's me splitting hairs.

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WHEEL2WHEEL Bike Review

Royal Enfield Hunter 350 The Sharpest Tool in Royal Enfield’s Rugged Shed.

Words:

John O. Mendoza Photos:

Author, Ronald Viernes, Junnar Reyno, Earl Samala, and JR Villanueva

J

ust a few years ago, Royal Enfield introduced its J-Series platform through the Meteor 350.

The J series engine, no, not the ones that were fitted onto the N-1 Starfighters of the Naboo Royal Space Fighter Corps for all you Star Wars fans out there. It is the engine platform that replaced Royal Enfield's tried and true UCE (Unit Construction Engine) platform.

While the pushrod, overhead valve with hydraulic lifters architecture of the UCE proved to be a reliable motor for Royal Enfield, it was not without its shortcomings. To bring Royal Enfield into the present, they developed the J-Platform engine with its 349cc single, SOHC, OHV system that eliminated excessive vibration and breathed more power at higher revs.

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As with many manufacturers, Royal Enfield made the J platform flexible for it to be utilized in several applications.

First introduced with the cruiser Meteor 350, then the classic standard Classic 350 and now the roadster Hunter 350. There are also plans of sticking it on the upcoming revival of the Bullet 350.

Though the Hunter 350 shares the platform with its siblings, Royal Enfield did a pretty good job in making each model with the J-Platform feel very different from each other.

The Hunter 350 is the very first Royal Enfield to be equipped with tubeless tires and mag wheels. These are also a set of conventional 17-inchers as opposed to Royal Enfield’s regular 18s.

The 100/80-17 front and 120/8017 rear tire sizing along with the 18 kilograms lighter weight difference over

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the Classic 350 seem to be the magic ingredient in the Hunter 350's bag of tricks, making it handle much nimbler than any in Royal Enfield’s lineup.

The smaller wheels make the Hunter 350's wheelbase slightly shorter by 20mm than the Classic 350's too.

Power from the fuel injected, air and oil cooled, 2 valve SOHC J-series platform engine remains identical to its siblings at a claimed 20 BHP @ 6100 RPM and 20 LBS-FT of torque @ 4000 RPM. The engine pulls like a tractor

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▲ Though typically Spartan as Royal Enfields go, the Hunter 350 feels very different from any Royal Enfield before it. It feels light and very nimble, mostly due to its 17 inch wheels.

motor with power mostly in the middle rev range. The 5 speed gearbox brings the Hunter 350 to a top speed of about 120 kilometers per hour.

I know what you're thinking, it's pretty slow for a 350cc bike. Royal Enfields aren't really about outright performance. These bikes are all about the experience. All about taking in the scenery and enjoying good company.

It's what motorcycling was back in the day. Pure motorcycling is what they call it. There's none of those

electronic nannies and rider aids (with the exception of ABS as compliance), it's just you in full control of the motorcycle with nothing to interfere with your every input. The engine layout also allows the Hunter 350 to be as economical as any 350cc has the right to be. A staggering 35 KPL gives it a 455-kilometer range out of the 13-liter tank.

The Hunter 350 handles very well through the turns. In fact, I was well within knee dragging angles up in Marilaque. I was wearing riding jeans though so no drags on this ride as my leather suit just wouldn't fit the vibe.

My riding group went ahead of me from Shell Boso-Boso as they thought I took off earlier because I was on a "slow bike" but I was still gassing up and was left behind. As a testament to the Hunter 350's handling prowess, I was still able to catch up and even pass most of them on the way up. Sure, it was drizzling a bit and they weren't really on our usual pace but hey, I rode the Hunter 350 in the same conditions too.

Going down the mountain, I was leading the pack of liter sport nakeds with the tiny 350. The roads were still damp and I had the least amount of rider aids compared to my group's round up of electronically assisted bikes.

Here is where the chink in the Hunter 350's armor reared it's ugly head. Its tires are not up to snuff.

This set of nylon bias plys can move around quite a bit. I had a couple of instances where the tires went squiggly on me. Sure made my behind pucker up. I would recommend replacing the tires with better ones. Given the tire sizes, the choices are vast and readily available. The brakes, though handled

by Bybre calipers front and rear mated to a 300 mm rotor up front and a 270 mm rotor at the rear, leaves room to be desired. It just doesn't have that initial bite, power and progressive feel that I prefer.

That didn't stop me from having a real fun time with the Hunter 350.

In heavy traffic, the bike feels like an underbone to handle. It feels light, agile, and small. A perfect tool for filtering through cars and other vehicles.

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The Hunter 350 is really a perfect learner bike for those who are gunning to step up to big displacement motorcycles. It has the size and weight of a bigger bike on paper but feels totally light and easy to handle in person.

The 790 millimeter seat height makes everything feel easy as even vertically challenged riders would be able to have their feet flat on the tarmac.

Royal Enfield did an awesome job in styling the Hunter 350. The color ways

are simple yet very appealing, the hand controls look very early 80s/ late 70s cool. The overall look is modern retro.

The bulbous tank makes it look macho and its blacked-out parts make it look sinister, yet paired with tank colorway looks friendly and cool. The LCD dash is very simple, similar to the one on the Scram 411, displays the very basic things. On a bike like the Hunter 350, you don't need that much information anyway. You'll be busy having so much

▲ The Hunter 350 makes up for its lack of power with easy handling, usability, and fuel economy.

Specification — Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Engine: Air and Oil Cooled Single • Displacement: 349 cc • Cylinder Head: 2 valves, SOHC • Fuel Injector: EFI Max Power: 20 bhp @ 6100 rpm • Max Torque: 20 ft-lbs @ 4000 rpm • Transmission: 5 speed 0-100 km/h (0-62mph): 10 sec. • Top Speed: 120 kph (75 mph) • Fuel Mileage: 35 kpl Price as tested: PhP 231,000.00 - PhP 233,000.00 depending on colorway

fun on this thing.

With a base price of only PHP 231,000, the Hunter 350 is well within the price range of a premium 150cc to 200cc scooter. I say it is a better proposition as the Hunter 350 is a proper motorcycle that will help you hone your riding skills in preparation for a bigger bike. It can also be your daily run around as it also fits the bill while doing it in much more style and with a better vibe.

Plus Nimble and

Rating

7/10 agile, new rider friendly.

Minus Slippery tires, not so good brakes.

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Bike Review

Suzuki Gixxer 250 A Hooligan on a Budget

Words:

John O. Mendoza

B

ack in 1985, the Suzuki GSX-R750 was introduced to the world market. It was the first high performance road legal repli-racer, the one that started the race bike with lights kind of thing.

Over the years, the GSX-R moniker was used from a 50cc mini-bike to the big 1100cc flagship of old.

The GSX-R was a bit of a tongue twister to pronounce fast so most riders just endearingly referred to it as the Gixxer.

Gixxers have been widely regarded as the weapon of choice for hooligan riders. Terrorizing city streets and backroads with their stunting antics, these bikes were thrashed to bits by their fun-loving daredevil owners hence giving birth to the Streetfighter class.

Smashed fairings were expensive to replace, so riders just turned their racebikes with lights to naked sportbikes with standard bars. You get

Photos:

Kaez Ballesteros

the performance without the pains of having to contend with clip-on bars.

The formula remains true with the Suzuki Gixxer 250.

The Gixxer 250 is powered by an oil-cooled and fuel-injected 249cc, single piston, 4-valve SOHC engine that puts out 26 BHP @ 9,300 RPM and 16 LBS-FT of torque @ 7,300 RPM, which for something that weighs only 156 KGs wet, feels very lively. The spread of power tends to be a bit peaky but serves the character of the bike well as it brings out its sporty nature. Vibration from this thumper is a non-issue, Suzuki did a good job dampening it as I nearly forgot it was a big-ish single.

This fiery lump is mated to a rigid diamond style frame and swingarm with sporty geometry that makes the Gixxer 250 handle well through turns.

The suspension may be a little too soft for my taste but makes the bike very comfortable hustling through the concrete jungle.

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WHEEL2WHEEL I would replace the fork oil with a thicker viscosity right away to suit my riding preference, specially for some mountain carving action.

A set of tubeless tires, 110/70-R17 front and 150/60-R17 rear helps the bike grip the asphalt as these wide tire sizes provide more than enough contact patch relative to the bike's power.

Ample stopping is provided by a set of Bybre (By Brembo) calipers front and rear with a 300mm rotor up front and a 220mm rotor at the rear. The Dual channel ABS can be a bit intrusive when doing crazy heroics. I would just take out the ABS fuse to make the bike more fun but then that would compromise safety for most riders.

Riding two-up on the Gixxer 250 may not be as comfortable as on other bikes without step-up split seating but then, that's the price you pay for having the tail end look so sexy.

Seen here in matte black with matte gold decals, the Gixxer 250 looks stunning. With its smooth flowing lines, and aggressive stance, it has the same silhouette as the first generation

“Riding the Gixxer 250 brought out my inner hooligan as it is very easy to manhandle. I couldn't contain myself from randomly popping out wheelies.”

GSX-S1000 which is pretty much a naked GSX-R. The reverse lighted LCD instrument panel provides you a multitude of information including a gear position indicator, fuel gauge, and all the other necessary stuff. The dash may be a little hard to read at a glance with harsh sunlight.

Riding the Gixxer 250 brought out my inner hooligan as it is very easy to manhandle. I couldn't contain myself from randomly popping out wheelies.

The bike was egging me on to do stoppies and rear slides too but the ABS system simply wouldn't allow it. Those

▼ The matte paint paired with a smooth yet agressive styling, makes the Gixxer 250 look sinister yet sexy.

electronic nannies sure do kill some of the fun out of this bike. Burnouts were still in play though, so I shaved a few centimeters off the back tire just to check how willing the engine was.

Through city streets, the Gixxer 250 handled very well, going around and filtering through cars, buses, jeepneys and trucks, this bike will swap paints with the best of them underbones and scooters.

On high speed corners, I found that the pegs do touch the ground prematurely and that the suspension begins to wallow. Just change the fork oil with a thicker viscosity and add a little more preload on the rear and it should be a quick fix. Straight line stability is a good compromise between agility and sure footedness, making the Gixxer 250 a good all rounder.

The 800mm seat height shouldn't be intimidating to shorter riders as my 5-foot 6-inch frame and 31-inch inseam had no qualms about it.

The riding position is a bit aggressive for a standard bike, hunching you forward, it makes your body position ready for attacking corners.

The LED headlight illuminates the road at night well and the LED tail and brake lights ensure visibility from other road users.

The Suzuki Gixxer 250 can be as wild as any 250cc four stroke street motorcycle can be and yet is refined, well mannered, and practical to use on a daily basis.

It is a perfect starter package for someone who aspires to own big displacement bikes in the future or for someone who wants a bike to practice stunts on without breaking the bank or damaging their more expensive motorcycles. With a suggested retail price of PhP 179,900, the Suzuki Gixxer 250 packs a wallop of a case for a step into the doorway of bigger displacement motorcycles.

Plus Great overall Specification — Suzuki Gixxer 250 Engine: Oil Cooled Single • Displacement: 249 cc • Cylinder Head: 4 valves, SOHC • Fuel Injector: EFI Max Power: 923 hp @ 9300 rpm • Max Torque: 16 ft-lbs @ 7300 rpm • Transmission: 6 speed 0-100 km/h (0-62mph): 7 sec. • Top Speed: 151 kph (94 mph) • Fuel Mileage: 36 kpl • Price as tested: PhP 179,900.00

Rating

8/10 package for the price!

Minus Intrusive ABS and soft-ish suspension.

C-MAGAZINE.COM • MAY-JUNE 2023

117

It looks even more stupid on your car.

According to Presidential Decree No. 96, the use of sirens is reserved for select government and emergency vehicles. If your car isn’t one of them, you’ll not only look silly, you’ll also be breaking the law.

A Safety Reminder From

BUYER'S GUIDE

Compact Cars

THE HAPPY MEDIUM OF UTILITY AND PERFORMANCE. TURN TO THESE VEHICLES WHEN YOU'RE LOOKING FOR FUNCTIONALITY WITH A REASONABLE FOOTPRINT.

BUYER’S GUIDE

GAC Empow Engine/Drive Front/Front

GAC Empow

Body/Seats 5 dr Sedan / 5

L/W/H 4700mm/1850mm/1432mm

POWERTRAIN

PERFORMANCE Torque (lb-ft)

Wheelbase (mm) 2736 SAFET Y

Top Speed (km/h)

City km/L

Highway km/L

Curb Weight (kg) 1345-1400

INTERIOR

PRICE

Fuel

Displacement (L)

Config.

Power (bhp)

TM

0-100 km/h

ABS

Airbags

Stability

USB/ AUX/BT

Leather

Sun Roof

PhP (MT)

PhP (AT)

GS

G

1.5T

I4

172

199

7DCT

7.0

—

9.3

18.5

S

2

S

S

N

N

—

1,135,000

GB

G

1.5T

I4

172

199

7DCT

7.0

—

9.3

18.5

S

6

S

S

S

S

—

1,215,000

GE

G

1.5T

I4

172

199

7DCT

7.0

—

9.3

18.5

S

6

S

S

S

S

—

1,283,000

Honda Civic Engine/Drive Front/Front

Honda Civic

Body/Seats 5 dr Sedan / 5

L/W/H 4678mm/1802mm/1415mm

POWERTRAIN

120

PERFORMANCE

SAFET Y

Top Speed (km/h)

City km/L

Highway km/L

Curb Weight (kg) 1337

INTERIOR

PRICE

Fuel

Displacement (L)

Config.

Power (bhp)

TM

0-100 km/h

ABS

Airbags

Stability

USB/ AUX/BT

Leather

Sun Roof

V Turbo CVT Honda SENSING

G

1.5

I4

176

177

CVT

7.5

211

13.1

16.1

S

6

S

S

S

N

1,583,000

RS Turbo CVT Honda SENSING

G

1.5

I4

176

177

CVT

7.5

211

13.1

16.1

S

6

S

S

S

N

1,775,000

MAY-JUNE 2023 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

Torque (lb-ft)

Wheelbase (mm) 2735

PhP (MT)

PhP (AT)

BUYER’S GUIDE

Kia Forte Engine/Drive Front/Front

Kia Forte

Body/Seats 5 dr Sedan / 5

L/W/H 4640mm/1800mm/1450mm

POWERTRAIN

PERFORMANCE Torque (lb-ft)

114

Wheelbase (mm) 2700 SAFET Y

TM

0-100 km/h

Top Speed (km/h)

City km/L

Highway km/L

ABS

Airbags

6A

7.9

193

12.7

16.9

S

2

Curb Weight (kg) 1452-1593

INTERIOR

Stability

USB/ AUX/BT

N

S

PRICE

Fuel

Displacement (L)

Config.

Power (bhp)

Leather

Sun Roof

LX

G

1.6

I4

126

PhP (MT)

PhP (AT)

N

N

—

1,095,000

EX

G

1.6

I4

126

114

6A

7.9

193

12.7

16.9

S

2

S

S

N

N

—

1,195,000

Turbo GT

G

1.6T

I4

201

195

7DCT

6.7

228

11.5

14.9

S

6

S

S

S

N

—

1,650,000

Mazda3 Engine/Drive Front/Front

Mazda3

Body/Seats 5 dr Sedan / 5

L/W/H 4660mm/1795mm/1445mm

POWERTRAIN Fuel

Displacement (L)

G

2.0

2.0 Fastback Sport

G

2.0

2.0L Sedan M Hybrid

G/EV

2.0

2.0L Fastback M Hybrid

G/EV

2.0

2.0 Sedan Sport

PERFORMANCE

Config.

Power (bhp)

Torque (lb-ft)

I4

153

148

I4

153

148

6A

I4

162

157

6A

I4

153

148

6A

8.4

Wheelbase (mm) 2725 SAFET Y

TM

0-100 km/h

Top Speed (km/h)

City km/L

Highway km/L

ABS

Airbags

6A

8.4

215

—

—

S

7

8.4

215

—

—

S

8.9

216

—

—

S

215

—

—

S

Curb Weight (kg) 1354-1373

INTERIOR

Stability

USB/ AUX/BT

S

S

7

S

7

S

7

S

PRICE

Leather

Sun Roof

PhP (MT)

PhP (AT)

S

N

—

1,495,000

S

S

N

—

1,495,000

S

S

N

—

1,695,000

S

S

N

—

1,695,000

C-MAGAZINE.COM • MAY-JUNE 2023

121

BUYER’S GUIDE

MG 6 Engine/Drive Front/Front

MG 6

Body/Seats 5 dr Sedan / 5

L/W/H 4695mm/1848mm/1320mm

POWERTRAIN

PERFORMANCE Torque (lb-ft)

Wheelbase (mm) 2750 SAFET Y

Top Speed (km/h)

City km/L

Highway km/L

Curb Weight (kg) 1320

INTERIOR

PRICE

Fuel

Displacement (L)

Config.

Power (bhp)

TM

0-100 km/h

ABS

Airbags

Stability

USB/ AUX/BT

Leather

Sun Roof

PhP (MT)

PhP (AT)

Alpha TST

G

1.5T

I4

164

184

7DCT

7

210

—

—

S

6

S

S

S

S

—

1,068,888

Trophy TST

G

1.5T

I4

164

184

7DCT

7

210

—

—

S

6

S

S

S

S

—

1,188,888

Toyota Corolla Altis Engine/Drive Front/Front

Toyota Corolla Altis

Body/Seats 5 dr Sedan / 5

L/W/H 4630mm/1780mm/1435mm

POWERTRAIN

122

PERFORMANCE

SAFET Y

Top Speed (km/h)

City km/L

Highway km/L

Curb Weight (kg) 1260

INTERIOR

PRICE

Fuel

Displacement (L)

Config.

Power (bhp)

TM

0-100 km/h

ABS

Airbags

Stability

USB/ AUX/BT

Leather

Sun Roof

PhP (MT)

PhP (AT)

1.6 E CVT

G

1.6

I4

119

113

CVT

11.4

200

—

—

S

7

S

S

N

N

—

1,054,000

1.6 G CVT

G

1.6

I4

119

113

CVT

11.4

200

—

—

S

7

S

S

N

N

—

1,130,000

1.6 V GR-S CVT

G

1.6

I4

119

113

CVT

11.4

200

—

—

S

7

S

S

S

N

—

1,317,000

1.8 GR-S HEV

G/EV

1.8

I4

119

105

CVT

10.3

184

—

—

S

7

S

S

S

N

—

1,665,000

MAY-JUNE 2023 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

Torque (lb-ft)

Wheelbase (mm) 2700

BUYER’S GUIDE

Volkswagen Lavida Engine/Drive Front/Front

Volkswagen Lavida

Body/Seats 5 dr Sedan / 5

L/W/H 4605mm/1765mm/1460mm

POWERTRAIN

230 TSI DSG SE

Fuel

Displacement (L)

G

1.4

PERFORMANCE

Config.

Power (bhp)

Torque (lb-ft)

I4

128

166

Wheelbase (mm) 2610 SAFET Y

TM

0-100 km/h

Top Speed (km/h)

City km/L

Highway km/L

ABS

Airbags

7A

10.9

200

—

—

S

6

Curb Weight (kg) 1245

INTERIOR

Stability

USB/ AUX/BT

S

S

PRICE

Leather

Sun Roof

PhP (MT)

PhP (AT)

S

N

—

1,251,000

C-MAGAZINE.COM • MAY-JUNE 2023

123

BUYER’S GUIDE

Audi A3 Engine/Drive Front/Front

Audi A3

Body/Seats 5 dr Sedan / 5

L/W/H 4237mm/1778mm/1420mm

POWERTRAIN

Sedan

Fuel

Displacement (L)

G

1.8

PERFORMANCE

Config.

Power (bhp)

Torque (lb-ft)

I4

176

184

Wheelbase (mm) 2601 SAFET Y

TM

0-100 km/h

Top Speed (km/h)

City km/L

Highway km/L

ABS

Airbags

7DCT

—

—

—

—

S

6

Curb Weight (kg) 1320

INTERIOR

Stability

USB/ AUX/BT

S

S

PRICE

Leather

Sun Roof

PhP (MT)

PhP (AT)

S

N

—

2,350,000

Audi RS3 Engine/Drive Front/Four

Audi RS3

Body/Seats 5 dr Hatch / 5

L/W/H 4389mm/1851mm/1436mm

POWERTRAIN

Sportback

124

Fuel

Displacement (L)

G

2.5

MAY-JUNE 2023 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

PERFORMANCE

Config.

Power (bhp)

Torque (lb-ft)

I5

395

369

Wheelbase (mm) 2631 SAFET Y

TM

0-100 km/h

Top Speed (km/h)

City km/L

Highway km/L

ABS

Airbags

7DCT

3.8

290

—

—

S

8

Curb Weight (kg) 1515

INTERIOR

Stability

USB/ AUX/BT

S

S

PRICE

Leather

Sun Roof

PhP (MT)

PhP (AT)

S

N

—

3,560,000

BUYER’S GUIDE

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Engine/Drive Front/Front

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Body/Seats 5 dr Hatch / 5

L/W/H 4419mm/1796mm/1427mm

POWERTRAIN

PERFORMANCE Torque (lb-ft)

Wheelbase (mm) 2729 SAFET Y

Top Speed (km/h)

City km/L

Highway km/L

Curb Weight (kg) 1445

INTERIOR

PRICE

Fuel

Displacement (L)

Config.

Power (bhp)

TM

0-100 km/h

ABS

Airbags

Stability

USB/ AUX/BT

Leather

Sun Roof

PhP (MT)

PhP (AT)

A180 AMG Line Hatchback

G

1.3T

I4

134

148

7DCT

8.9

216

—

—

S

7

S

S

S

N

—

3,190,000

A180 AMG Sedan

G

1.3T

I4

134

148

7DCT

8.9

216

—

—

S

7

S

S

S

N

—

3,190,000

Mini Clubman Engine/Drive Front/Front

Mini Clubman

Body/Seats 5 dr Hatch / 5

L/W/H 4266mm/1800mm/1441mm

POWERTRAIN

PERFORMANCE Torque (lb-ft)

Wheelbase (mm) 2670 SAFET Y

Top Speed (km/h)

City km/L

Highway km/L

Curb Weight (kg) 1475

INTERIOR

PRICE

Fuel

Displacement (L)

Config.

Power (bhp)

TM

0-100 km/h

ABS

Airbags

Stability

USB/ AUX/BT

Leather

Sun Roof

PhP (MT)

PhP (AT)

Cooper S

G

2.0

I4

189

207

7DCT

7.2

228

—

—

S

6

S

S

S

S

—

3,600,000

John Cooper Works

G

2.0

I4

302

332

7DCT

4.9

250

—

—

S

6

S

S

S

S

—

4,750,000

C-MAGAZINE.COM • MAY-JUNE 2023

125

C! Countdown

June has once again rolled into the calendar. calendar, and this means that for most of the world, Father’s Day is just around the corner. That said, now is just as good a time as any to list down ideal presents that will warm the cockles of your gearhead old man.

seven Car Gifts Dad Will Love

Words:

Wowie Go 01 — Garage Boy car trunk storage box If you have a hands-on dad, he’ll likely have tools scattered about the trunk of his vehicle in case an unexpected hiccup happens along the way. Why not give him a stylish storage box to ensure his spanners are right where he needs them to be at all times?

02 — Elevo silver car cover

06 —Fityle rechargeable travel tumbler

gearhead more than

04 —Sunnies Studios Tate charcoal sunglasses

seeing their precious

Keep your dad looking

dads, a fresh cup

car covered in dust,

cool with a pair of

of brew might be

bird droppings, or

sunglasses on standby

somewhat of a luxury

leaves. If you have a dad that constantly takes

in his glove box. Not only will he look stylish,

in the morning. Well, with a portable tumbler

his beloved “baby” to the car wash or takes the

it’ll keep him from being blinded by the glare

that displays the temperature of the contents

time to wash it himself, he’ll surely appreciate

during those sunny late afternoon drives

inside, he can be sure he’s getting a nice

a car cover to protect it from the elements.

around town.

coffee fix every time.

03 — Tolsen 38pcs bit & ratchet socket set

05 —Neo turbo keychain

07 —Detailing Brush Set

Dad still got that need

If your dad is more

A car guy's toolbox is

for speed? Give him a

detail-oriented and

like a chef's roll bag

chuckle with this pint-

spends his weekends

of knives. They hold

sized turbocharger

making sure his car

on to it, take care of it,

keychain. It won’t give

is immaculate, then

and rarely lend their contents to others. If your

his car any added horsepower but he gets

a nice set of detailing brushes is something

dad's been using the shared tool kit at home

added pogi points.

he would likely appreciate. These special

Nothing works up a

For those on-the-go

to fix his car, why not give him his very own

brushes are designed to get in and around

ratchet set for Father's Day? Who knows, he

tight nooks and crannies to ensure every

might end up changing your car's oil for free?

surface is spotless.

128

MAY-JUNE 2023 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

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