Ghem Sanders

Ford Ecosport Splashed Down with an Exclusive Touch of Black Edition

Ford Philippines has consistently been on top of the sales chart since the starting of the year and this feat was solely achieved due to increasing demand of the highly-dominant Ford Everest, Ranger and Ecosport. The love for subcompact SUV or crossovers among the Filipinos is not hidden and Ford is not missing even a single moment to rule the domestic auto market by bringing out more than 1500 units of Ecosport every month. As a result, the sight of roads being flooded with regular similar-looking Ecosport has become very common and monotonous.

Owning a regular Ecosport has become very mainstream and to get rid of this monotony as well as to give something exciting to its customers, Ford has now come up with the primped version of this crowd-pleasing compact SUV.

This American auto giant brand has recently staged its entirely new trim of Ecosport – a new Black Edition Ecosport at the MIAS 2016 and very soon the locals can get hands-on experience of this new Edition at all the showrooms nationwide. Sporting an All-Black theme all around, this new Edition compact SUV was showcased for the world with a bit of masculine cosmetic tweaks like piano black finished grille, rugged roof-rails, and ORVMs. These black-themed components will also complement other body colors like Frozen white, Candy Red, Mars Red, Winning Blue, Ingot Silver and Lunar Sky very well. Its 16-inch alloy wheels are also said to have been splashed with black giving a more stealth-looking persona to the Ecosport appearance.

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Unlike its exterior tweaks, the mechanical side of the Ecosport has not been touched at all as the Black Edition continues to carry the same 1.5-litre TiVCT in-line 4 cylinder petrol mill, which is tuned to pour out the maximum power of 11 PS along with the peak torque of 142 Nm. This new Midnight Edition has also imitated Titanium trim with its six-speed automatic transmission, but this will be the only option available in this new edition compact SUV.

The price of new Black Ford EcoSport Edition has been kept at PhP 998,000 which is quite higher than the regular Ecosport on sale but given its looks and features, the price won’t hamper the enthusiasm of its fans.

Wigo Vs Eon: Dawn of Microcars

Yes we know the the title is trying to do a cheap rip-off of the new Batman Vs Superman movie, but the situation is quite similar in the Philippine market. Although not as exciting as the clash between two of the most iconic superheroes the world has seen, Toyota Wigo and Hyundai Eon although small in size are ready to make some huge waves on the Philippine shores. The small car market in the Philippines although not as big as the sedan one, has recently seen a lot of popularity in the wake of traffic ridden city roads and streets. Hence, the new age Philippine buyers with small families are showing a greater interest in compact vehicles that offer more maneuverability in heavy traffic. Both Eon and Wigo are great cars when talking about at these particular specification. But who will win the final showdown? let’s find out.

Exterior

Despite the small size of this particular segment, exterior styling matters the most as it should be able to grab immediate onlooker attention. Both Wigo and Eon showcase a pretty neat exterior design and will be able to impress the average indonesian buyer. The Wigo however might excel in certain aspects, especially the size as it is 105 mm longer, 70 mm wider and 20mm taller than the Hyundai Eon. As the Eon is the company’s smallest sized vehicle till date, it offers a carefully tailored exterior design that can easily fit into the heaviest of city traffic with ease. This is due to the fact that the vehicle was designed for use in the highly populated and crumbling streets of India. Toyota Wigo on the other hand is manufactured in the neighboring Indonesia and has much larger exteriors that look much smarter than its Korean competitor.

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Engine

It is only natural that the smaller sized Eon is offered with a 0.8-litre engine, while Toyota Wigo underpins a 1.0-litre engine. Although both engines are pretty small sized, Wigo’s 3-cylinder DOHC engine seethes out approx 65 hp @ 6000 rpm. Hyundai’s Epsilon MPI engine on the other hand generates a much lower output of around 55 hp @ 5500 rpm. This might make the Wigo sound more powerful but thanks to the Eon’s smaller size, even the small powertrain feels pretty exciting to drive. Since the Wigo is also supplied with a choice of a 4-speed automatic transmission, the driving comfort is certainly much better in heavily crowded areas.

Fuel Economy

The Engine size is almost proportional to the amount of fuel it consumes and looking at the Eon’s engine it certainly provides a much better fuel economy. But that doesn’t mean that the Wigo is any less in terms of providing good mileage. Hyundai has claimed that the Eon can provide a fuel economy of 18-20 kmpl in variable traffic, despite the fact that it is only supplied with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Wigo on the other hand claims a mileage of 12-13 kmpl in city traffic which improves to around 19-20 kmpl on highways. The auto-transmission variant provides even better specs in city traffic, which is also a highlighting factor in the Wigo.

Interior and Driving Comfort

Regardless of their small size, both cars offer surprisingly spacious interiors that are apt for a small family. Both vehicles can comfortably accommodate 5 passengers, but since the Wigo possesses a larger body, the headroom and leg space is much better than the Eon. Both vehicles are pretty evenly matched when it comes to interior styling and accessories and one cannot expect them to have all knick knacks that luxury vehicles offer. However, Wigo will appeal to the buyers more due to better interior comfort. Since the Wigo is also supplied with a choice of a 4-speed automatic transmission, the driving comfort is certainly much better in heavily crowded areas.

Final Verdict:

Although both vehicles seem evenly matched, Toyota Wigo might excel in sales as it carries the Toyota brand-name. With much larger exteriors, interiors, powertrain than the Eon, the Wigo surely seems like the obvious choice for the Filipino buyer.

Manila International Auto Show 2016: 7 Days To go

It will certainly be a magical time for the Filipino autogeeks as the dates for the 2016 Manila International Auto Show draw close. Beginning next week on the 7th of April, this year’s MIAS will be the 11th consecutive run for the flagship automotive exhibition in the Philippines. The event will take place in Metro Manila at the World Trade Center (thankfully it’s not the American one, but let’s hope there won’t be any aeroplanes on the prowl).

With more than 100,000 visitors in the last event, it is quite certain that the number will only increase this year. Thus in anticipation, the organisers have booked a large area of 3000 sq meters at the venue with both indoor and outdoor locations. The expected number of attendants this year is also speculated to be over 110,000 looking at the growth trends in the past events. This year’s event is also said to become even bigger than last year, with over 420 cars that include the latest variants for some of the most loved car models in the Philippines. Highly awaited names such as the Honda BR-V, 2016 Chevrolet Cruze, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Honda Civic 2016 and Toyota Fortuner TRD Sportivo will all make their debut presence in the Philippines along with several other never seen before models.

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The event will also witness the showcase of 52 motorcycles, which is also a major market in the Philippines. With the 2008 event already making its name as the largest motoring event in the country, this year’s event is expected to break a lot of records and provide a much needed boost to the Philippine automotive industry. MIAS 2016 will also be a host to several smaller competitions and pageantry events such as Car of the Year, Driver of the Year and the Classic Car Competition.

The exhibition will take place between the 7th and the 10th of April and the gates will be open for public between 10.00 am and 10.00 pm all three days. The entrance fee too has been kept at a nominal PhP 100 and PhP 80 for senior citizens to ensure maximum participation. Although we have tried our best to cover all the necessary details, you can also contact their helpline at (632) 656-9239 or visit their San Juan head office.

Chevrolet Suburban 2016 – A Perfect Family Drive Mastered by Tremendous Power

Chevrolet is not a new name in the auto world and has its feet and fleet spread all across the world. The rich experience of more than a century in the auto industry has led this American amalgamation stand among the most reputed brands which can be trusted upon for their technology and aspects.

Talking specifically about the big and bulky Suburban, it has been the first choice of those who prefer family SUV with a capacity to accommodate 7/8 passengers. This Chevy drive holds a house of numerous aspects in power, comfort, convenience and safety segments and can bring sweat on the face of even luxury brands. The new Chevrolet Suburban 2016 is soon arriving in the Philippines auto market and would be seen marking its presence at the upcoming MIAS 2016.

Chevrolet Suburban has been in existence since the year 1935 and already gone through 10 generations 2014 where it received numerous advancements to meet the requirements of the buyers. In 2015, Chevy brought the eleventh generation of Suburban which repeated the history of being successful in all the markets it was launched. Though there are no noticeable changes in the 2015 model and 2016 Chevy Suburban, a few tweaks here and there are given to differentiate the models.

Here we have compiled the features which make it a perfect drive for a family –

Massive Machine

To drive the big body of Chevrolet Suburban 2016, an equally big machine is employed. The new model of Suburban has the same power-unit as the outgoing model with 5.3-litre capacity. This EcoTec3 V8 engine pumps 355 hp of massive power at 5600 rpm along with 516 Nm of impressive torque at 4100 rpm. The sole gasoline engine is mingled with 6-speed automatic gearbox to get easy maneuver on and off the road. Also, do expect chill down your spine while accelerating it on off-road terrain, you will surely enjoy the adventure.

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Sumptuous Cabin

The beautifully crafted dual-tone cabin of the new Chevrolet Suburban 2016 gives an impression of a luxury SUV. Chrome is used in generous quantity to add more grace to the already premium looking cabin area. This versatile interior further has luxurious leather seats where the second and third-row seats can be folded to flat to create more luggage space. Apart from comforting factors like dual-zone automatic air conditioning facility, an advanced infotainment system comprising Chevrolet MyLink with an 8-inch color touchscreen, Blu-Ray, USB, SD, AUX and dual overhead LCD displays is also packed in this cockpit.

Style Stating Exterior

Though 2016 Chevy Suburban has a boxy design at its exterior, the curves and crisp strikes at the big structure create a perfect look for it. Likewise the interior, the exterior also has loads of chrome, especially at the front fascia. The stylish headlamps merge well with this wide and broad grille giving it a robust SUV appearance. This exterior is further accentuated by the pronounced fenders holding 20-inch wheels with 285/50 R20 tires beneath them. The new model of Suburban counts to 5690 mm x 2045 mm x 1890 mm (L X W X H) along with wheelbase measuring 3302 mm which is good enough for 7/8 passengers.

Safety Sound Good

Chevrolet Suburban 2016 is a host of comprehensive safety and packs various features to ensure a safe drive every time you take a seat whether on the driver seat or on any of the passenger seats. The SUV has front airbags for both of the front seats occupants, curtain and side airbags for all the passengers to protect them against any impact. The structure itself is constructed from a high-tensile rigid material which is capable of absorbing the impact energy. The ABS, Stability Control, Traction Control and Brake Assist make sure to keep the drive in absolute control.

Conclusion

If you are someone who wants to own a big family drive mastered by a power packed engine, this is the right pick. The best part is that the manufacturer has not compromised on the comfort and convenience front while keeping the style statement of the young generation in mind so that they many not hesitate in driving a big car like Chevrolet Suburban 2016.

Honda Civic 2016’s Dazzling Display at the BMS 2016

MANILA: The premium sedan from the Honda’s stable has taken the floor at the 37th Bangkok International Motor Show flaunting its groovy looks and noteworthy stance. The 10th generation Civic has already made its presence count in Thailand auto market and now it’s time for the Filipinos to witness the magnificence of the same.

However in Philippines, the brand has already revealed the official pricing of the all-new Honda Civic 2016 earlier this month ahead of its launch at the Manila International Auto Show, which is scheduled to take place in April, 2016.

The new Civic is available with two different engine choices, one is the naturally aspirated power mill while the other is a turbocharged engine. The former is a 1.8-litre capable of churning out a max power of 141 hp and a peak torque of 174 Nm whereas the turbocharged 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine is good enough for 173 hp at 5500 rpm and a peak torque of 220 Nm between 1700 and 5500 rpm.

The brand has bestowed the premium sedan with modern looks giving it an altogether a new avatar. The car appears aggressive and stylish with thick chrome slat and sharp LED headlamps at the front. The rear end gets unique LED tail lights that gives the sedan a pleasant ending. The transformation isn’t just limited to its exterior as it flows inside the cabin too, which accounts for the plush, comfortable and luxurious seats and a variety of comforting features. The entertainment quotient has been taken care of by the brand as the sedan comes with a 7-inch touchscreen with USB and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

Keeping the safety aspect in mind, Honda has granted the new Honda Civic with features like Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Blind-spot monitoring system and airbags (front, side and curtain). There aren’t many days for the MIAS 2016 where you can explore the new Civic. Till then, all we can do is wait.

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Manila International Auto Show – Logbook now at Display

Manila International Auto Show is the biggest auto show of the Philippines. The show runs on the lines of Bangkok International Motor Show, Indonesia International Motor Show, Tokyo Motor Show and the likes.

So, as expected, you can see automakers from all around the world displaying their latest creation here. From high-end luxury to mass-market centric brands you can find all under the MIAS roof. In addition to getting the chance to see the latest, updated and one with future arriving dates, you also get the chance to get yourself a good deal on the cars present in the market.

MIAS – A Look at its Past

Manila International Auto Show was held for the first time in 2005, but back then, it was just an experiment. Seeing the response of which the sponsors and officials decided to continue it further. And the decision proved right as the footfall continued to progress year after year.

Next turning point in MIAS history came in the year 2008 when the show became the biggest in the country by covering over 20,000 square meters of exhibition area. The Same year MIAS saw the largest ever footfall of 76,800 since its inception. The following years only added to MIAS’ glory as it kept on attracting more and more onlookers and displayers.

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Talking of which, the 2015 version of MIAS took the Philippines-born motor show to an altogether different level. With more than 100 participants (25 automakers) and 110,000+ visitors gathering every day at the 30,000 sqm MIAS venue.

The show became the staging area of some of the major launches of 2015, to the list are included cars like Subaru Legacy, Ford Everest, Mazda 2, 5-Door Mini Cooper, and Subaru Outback.

2016 MIAS – Details & what to expect

The 2016 Manila International Auto Show will be the 11th motor show under the MIAS banner. For the present year, the said auto show will run on the Smart Mobility theme, displaying some of the best advancements of the auto world. So don’t get shocked, if you see a driverless car finding its way safely to the parking lot. This year the auto show arena will be segregated into four sections, namely, Main Hall of the World Trade Center, Trade Training Center, Customized Area and Outdoor activity area.

Itinerary of 2016 MIAS –

Date – 7th April to 10th April 2016
Time – 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Venue – World Trade Centre, Metro Manila, Philippines