Autocar Philippines February 2021

EPIC DRIVE ( WAY ): VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER AT 70

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February 2021 PHP 250.00 Est. 1895 | www.autocar.com.ph

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GEELY OKAVANGO URBAN PLUS MORE WONDERFUL AND DISTINCT FIRST DRIVE

GAC GS4

MOTORSPORTS

Schooling The Youngsters

ISSN 2350-8248

9 772350

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824001

GUIDE

How To Be A Better Driver

FIRST NEWS: LEXUS RX • CHERY AUTO PH APP • CLEANFUEL OPENS NEW STATIONS

THIS MONTH February 2021 | Volume 5

OPINIONS 2 4 6 8 10

Editor’s Note Ira Panganiban

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Lexus Manila reveals their latest RX

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Geely Holding Grp., partners with Foxconn and Baidu

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HyundaiPH “volts-in” with EV Owners Society

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Orix Rental chooses Mitsubishi L300

My Week in Cars Steve Cropley Opposite Lock Binky Siddayao Passing Lane Matt Prior Street Talk Earl Manalansan

NEWS

HOW TO OFF-ROAD 26

Mitsubishi Xpander and Pajero win back-to-back at 2020-2021 AFPCA

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Cleanfuel Opens 5th station in Mabalacat, Pampanga NLEX Connector to reach España this year

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SuzukiPH increases market share in 2020 Chery Auto PH App now on iOS

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Cleanfuel partners with celebrity influencer Dominic Roque Anew

❝ THE GC GS4 235T IS A LOGICAL STEP UP FROM THE SMALLER GS3, WHICH IS IDEAL FOR BIGGER FAMILIES THAT USUALLY GO ON REGULAR WEEKEND TRIPS. GAC DESIGNERS HAVE THE TYPICAL FILIPINO FAMILY IN MIND. THE GS4 GIVES THAT EXTRA ROOM THAT YOU NEED WITHOUT SACRIFICING POWER OR PRACTICALITY. ❞ EARL MANALANSAN

Cleanfuel Opens New Retail Station in Laguna

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AC Motors: launch 6 models, open 6 showrooms in 2021 Caltex opens 11 new stations to start 2021 strong

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iPhone may not be good for drivers with pacemakers Lalamove partners with Bounce Back to help DSWD beneficiaries

FIRST DRIVE 22

GAC GS4: Crossing the crossover spectrum

30

Geely Okavango Urban Plus

COVER STORY

GEEELY OKAVANGO URBAN PLUS 30

FEATURE 26 40 46

How to Off Road

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Schooling the youngsters, Acayan wins 2019 PHRX Championship

How to be a better driver Volkswagen Transporter

MOTORSPORT HYUNDAIPH “VOLTS-IN” 15

CLEANFUEL LAGUNA STATION OPENS 19 FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 1

THIS MONTH

Ira Panganiban Editor-in-Chief

EDITOR’S NOTE

WHY DO WE LOVE HATING RULES? he entry of 2021 was marked by a series of complaints regarding the implementation of the motor vehicle inspection rule. Under the new laws, all non-brand new vehicle must undergo a motor vehicle inspection to ascertain their roadworthiness.

Now this is not usually a problem for new cars since their registration lasts for 3-years. That means the next two years after buying their car is inspection free. But on the fourth year, the MVIS rule will kick in.

So what is this motor vehicle inspection rule?

Well it is the law that says all motor vehicles applying for a renewal of their LTO registration will need to undergo a series of tests to ascertain if their cars are safe enough to travel our roads. This came about after a series of

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deadly crashes in 2017 that caused the death of tens of passengers and commuters.

From this editors’ point of view, this system is a long time coming.

We have been witness to how irresponsible transport companies have continuously disregarded the safety of everyone on the road by fielding dilapidated trucks and buses in furtherance of their bottomline.

So what is wrong with having our vehicles inspected regularly for defect and worn out parts? Is this not something a responsible car owner does for his very safety and convenience? Do we just ride and drive our car even if the lights are busted, the brakes ineffective, the windows dfo not close and the airconditioner nonfunctional?

So what if we have to pay P1,800 to have our

vehicles inspected and certified as road worthy?

Will we not pay a bigger amount if we hurt, maim or even kill somebody because our cars do not function properly?

So what if we spend half a day in the motor vehicle inspection center waiting for our car to be inspected? Is this not better than not having a car because it crashed for lack of brakes, or headlights or worn out tires. Or being paralyzed or even dead because of an unsafe car?

The thing about us Filipinos is that we never find the lack of time to complain about something, anything that comes our way. We say it wastes our time, they do it wrong, it is not needed and all other excuses.

The reality is that it is inconvenient for us and we always want things done for us or delivered to our doorstep or even be exempted. This is

the truth, that we are so lacking in self esteem as a culture that any responsibility required of us as a society we always try to turn into a chance to get special treatment.

We are really not against motor vehicle inspection, or the anti distracted driving law, or the helmet law, or the motorcycle lane, or any other law for that matter. We actually want those laws enforced, but on others, not us as individuals specifically.

Because when we are exempt, it makes us feel special, and we can brag about it. Because we are so, as I said earlier, lacking in self esteem as a society, useless bragging rights like this is such a big thing for us.

So we protest against laws that are meant to keep us safe on the road, not because we don’t appreciate it, we just feel special if they exempt us from it.

❝ The reality is that it is inconvenient for us and we always want things done for us or delivered to our doorstep or even be exempted. ❞ ✉ irapanganiban@wheelsph.com

2 AUTOCAR.COM.PH FEBRUARY 2021

COMMENT

MY WEEK IN CARS

Car guy: new Ford boss Farley, in period dress for the Fiesta’s 40th

MONDAY

So chuffed by the elevation of Jim Farley, a proper car bloke, to Ford’s top job that I half entertained the notion of rushing out and buying a Blue Oval product to celebrate. Farley is a lifelong car enthusiast who spent his early years in the orbit of Phil Hill, America’s Formula 1 champion and a famous car collector. Besides building a stellar career in the big-numbers US industry, Farley has raced his own Lola in the Le Mans Classic and a Ford GT40 at Goodwood.

He also ran Ford’s European operations between 2015 and 2017, becoming a good enough Autocar friend to drop by for lunch: I remember how excited we all got about the STs, RSs, Bullets and Raptors that Farley believes are so vital to Ford’s success. He even took the trouble to meet photographer Stan Papior and me at the 2016 Geneva show when we drove there in a 40-year-old Ford Fiesta to celebrate the little car’s anniversary. Seems to me Ford’s greatest eras have always been when its leaders were charismatic car people. Here begins another.

WEDNESDAY

Every time another outdoor car event gets cancelled, I’m consoled by the growing success of productions designed specifically for lockdown – such as the weekend-long, live-streamed REVS events organised by car designer-turned-vicar Adam Gompertz. His next fixture, the third, will be live streamed via the REVS Limiter Facebook group from Bicester Heritage on 12/13 September. It will feature lots of action from the Bicester track, plus a rich collection of guest interviews. Designer Peter Stevens, for instance, will be there describing the Jaguar XJR-15, one of his greatest creations.

Want to participate? For this charitable event, Gompertz wants as many one-minute

4 AUTOCAR.COM.PH FEBRUARY 2021

❝

I half entertained rushing out and buying a Ford to celebrate

If you don’t know Conor Twomey yet, you should

❞ phone videos as possible from people telling positive lockdown car stories: how cars helped them cope and what they’re doing now Covid is easing. I’ve had a go and it’s fun; the emphasis is definitely not on high production values. Send contributions to revslimiter@gmail.com and then watch for yourself across the weekend.

THURSDAY

Comparisons people keep making between the end of Covid and the end of the last world war make me wonder whether we can expect another tranche of exceptional consumer products as happened back then. Cars like the Mini and Jaguar E-Type were direct results of the optimism that followed the crisis. I keep recalling the immortal comment of Mini suspension pioneer Dr Alex Moulton when I asked him how this

AND ANOTHER THING… Two cars at my place – a Smart Fortwo and a Honda E – have opened my eyes to what a huge but little-celebrated advantage it is to have an ultra-tight turning circle. Fun, too. Both cars can pull a full 360 in my (none too generous) driveway.

miraculous car came to be. “We’d just won the war,” said Moulton. “We could do anything…”

FRIDAY

Do you use Twitter? Don’t miss the unique posts of Conor Twomey (@conorjtwomey), a local car industry man who’s also what I’d term a ‘car revivalist’. The word ‘restorer’ isn’t right for Conor since it implies someone putting years into rebuilding a Morris Minor.

Conor takes on fairly modern (thus complex) cars and posts short, homespun videos as he goes.

His latest is a £500 1991 Lotus Elan Turbo SE. He’s very particular about what he tackles, mind: cars must be interesting, dirt cheap, on their last legs but not rotten. Which leaves a world of 1990s prospects.

Part of the Lotus fun has been Conor’s discovery of successive levels of bodgery and his uniquely Irish way of describing it. The Lotus interior “smelled like a corpse”; cheap tyres were dismissed as “ditch-finders”. The Elan has reached MOT stage and 3000 of us car voyeurs are desperate for a pass. Also to know what Conor will do next. “I need a rest,” he protests, but we know better. He said the same after the two Fiat 500s, the Cinquecento Sporting, the Seicento Sporting, the Peugeot 206, the Hyundai Coupé and the 2005 Mini.

GET IN TOUCH

✉ steve.cropley@haymarket.com

@stvcr

THIS MONTH Technical Editor

Binky P. Siddayao OPPOSITE LOCK

CHANGES. CHANGES. CHANGES. proportionate number of amendments to the FIA Sporting Regulation to the 2021 FIA World Rally Championship and regional events have been made.

Power Stage points in the newly renamed Rally1 (R1) class for manufacturers will be bestowed to the top two drivers of each team who will finish in the top five on the Power Stage for WRC. To complete the championship, this Season One needs at least half of its originally planned rounds in 2021 for it to be classed a fully legal series.

This clarifies the outcome after the 2020 calendar was heavily shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

These cars are based on the 2017 specifications and are fitted with all-wheel-drive active center differential and a six-speed sequential gearbox with wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The1.6litre turbocharged engine offers 380 horsepower and a maximum torque of approximately 450 Nm., making it possible to accelerate to 100 km/h in less than four seconds and

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achieve speeds of over 200 km/h, even with short gearing.

No compelling rule changes this season or the next one, but beginning on 2022, we can expect some form of electrification, most likely a hybrid drivetrain.

Each participating team will now have to register themselves no later than the closing date of the fifth round in the 2021 calendar and to score points in the WRC2 (R2) class. A team will have to enter at least two cars in a maximum of seven rallies including a minimum of one round outside of Europe. Event nomination will determine which they want to score points in.

These are very different from Rally1 cars. While they retain the all-wheel-drive and 1.6-litre turbocharged

engine, they lack the center differential, and the active front and rear diffs are replaced with simpler mechanical ones. They also use a larger number of production components. A 32 mm restrictor is obligatory for power output not exceeding 300 horsepower.

For WRC3 (R3), each driver will need to enter seven rounds through out the season, with the five-prime counting for the championship. Specific requisites may restrict the class to aspiring drivers who are using the series to develop their skills.

The biggest news is the introduction of new group of cars with four-wheel-drive and a price cap of 100,000 EUR. Basically, these will be the R2 rally cars as we

❝

know them from last season -- but with 200 horsepower and four-wheel-drive. These entry-level 4x4s will be a great opportunity for young talents and smaller private teams.

This are open to cars with engine capacities of 927cc to 1620cc with controlled outputs.

The fastest two-wheeldrive cars replace last year’s R2 will now be WRC4 (R4).

The Rally4 cars will be powered by a turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower and fitted with a six-speed sequential gearbox, limited-slip differential, and hydraulic handbrake. The prices of these cars will be under 80,000 EUR. The most “budgetfriendly” group, R5, with front-wheel drive and threecylinder engines, this time without turbocharging. The engine displacement is limited to 1.4 liters, with around 150 horsepower. Even though these are entry-level rally cars, they can be fitted with a sequential gearbox and professional competition shock absorbers.

R3, R4 and R5, considered affordable, are expected to be used for regional and national rally championships worldwide.

R3, R4 and R5, considered affordable, are expected to be used for regional and national rally championships worldwide.

❞ GET IN TOUCH

✉ binkypsiddayao@gmail.com

6 AUTOCAR.COM.PH FEBRUARY 2021

E S TA B L I S H E D 1 8 95

TESTER’S NOTES

Servicing Cosworth DFVs 2 August 1975

Cyclists currently are kings of the urban jungle… o we’re all doing that weird swerving thing while walking near other people. Ideally, we’d all continue to spend more time on foot, sashaying to a safe distance with a cheery hello, and we should keep cycling more, too. It’s still best if we don’t use public transport, either.

That also means driving, though.

We can do that as little as possible, but there are longer journeys we can’t cover on a bike or on foot, at least not with all our shopping or whatever we’re carrying to work – papers or equipment to tide us over a week’s remote-working or cheese sandwiches for when we’re in the office but the cafe is shut.

Obviously, it’s best if there are segregated spaces for all these different modes of transport. So pavements need to be widened, as do the cycle lanes and… well, now here’s the thing. The only places those can expand is into roads, so we’ll have to remove traffic lanes. There are fewer

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…but motor vehicles will regain control 8 AUTOCAR.COM.PH FEBRUARY 2021

❝

Cars don’t belong in cities. But people don’t drive into cities because they want to ❞ cars, after all, so it won’t matter.

This is all fine until it isn’t. I sense trouble ahead, and I’m not sure that there’s an easy way around it. It’s summer and many businesses are still closed, but when everything is open and it’s November and a van is waiting to turn right at a set of traffic lights but is using the only open lane so nobody behind can pass it, there are going to be a lot of drivers sitting, looking at empty pavements and cycle lanes. They’ll be wishing they were using them like they do at the weekend, but they live 20 miles away, there aren’t any rural buses and they’ve got quite a big bag.

The puritanical answer to this is: so what? Cars pollute towns and cities, don’t belong in them, and so life for them should be made as difficult as possible.

But people don’t drive into builtup areas because they want to. You don’t do it for the craic, do you? It’s a miserable experience. But while we can make walking or cycling as alluring and convenient as possible, if you have too much stuff to carry or the public transport between home and the city is terrible, or your day is in any way sufficiently complicated that the alternatives won’t work, and perhaps you even live there, sometimes you’ll have to suck it up

and get in the car. That doesn’t make you selfish; it’s just how it is.

Habitat, I think, is the problem.

And it’s the same for users of British towns as it for the world’s wildlife: conflict occurs when we all want to occupy the same space. We need more segregation, because cars and bikes and people aren’t compatible, but there’s a limit to how much room there is, because the builders of our towns and cities (excluding places like Milton Keynes) could never have foreseen that spaces between buildings might one day be worth more than the buildings themselves.

So where to get it? Perhaps nowhere. As cars, trucks, buses and taxis user fewer engines, towns and cities will slowly meet their air quality obligations. Maybe that will be enough. We can measure the air; it’s harder to quantify wasted time.

I’m not sure what the answer is.

The short of it is that there probably isn’t one. Although this won’t stop us arguing about it online – perversely, a place where there’s sufficient habitat that everybody could lose themselves in it if they wanted to.

GET IN TOUCH

✉ matt.prior@haymarket.com @matty_prior

THE COSWORTH DFV will almost certainly remain unique in history, having taken 22 championships and 155 wins in Formula 1 during an incredible lifespan of 19 years.

This 3.0-litre V8 was reliable, cheap and, thanks to continual development, competitive. When we visited preparer John Nicholson in 1975, it was claimed to produce around 475bhp at 10,250rpm.

Nicholson told us that McLaren rebuilt its DFVs every 600 miles but that, with a lower rev limit in the late 1960s, they were doing 1000.

Pistons were replaced each race weekend; valves and valve springs every two. Nicholson had seen just two crankshafts break in five years and camshafts lasted all season.

The DFV then cost £10,000 new (£84,500 today), and a Nicholson rebuild was £800 (£6700). The V6 turbo-hybrid devices used in F1 today cost into the millions…

G E T M O R E AU T O C A R



Audi RS6: the estate that can do 0-60mph in 3.3sec

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THIS MONTH

Earl Manalansan Managing Editor

S T R E E T TA L K

THE START OF 2021 WAS THE BANE CAR OWNERS ust when we thought the New Year would bring upon better luck, bureaucracy reared its ugly head and knocked car owners off our feet. And if that wasn’t enough, it kicked us in the head while we were down. And that was just January.

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If you were quarantining under your bed for the last few weeks, chances are you don’t know the influx of new regulations for the car owners. Nothing like a few new rules to brighten up your day Let’s dissect them one by one, shall we?

SAFEGUARD LAW - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will slap provisional safeguard duties on imported cars, mainly because the market showed that increase in imports has hurt the domestic auto manufacturing industry.

DTI said it will impose a provisional duty in the form of a cash bond of PHP70,000 per imported passenger car unit and PHP110,000 per light commercial vehicle unit. This means increase in SRPs of new cars and pickups. As a precaution to protect the locally assembled units, this actually makes less sense as assemblers are pulling out because it’s more expensive to do business here. But the question here is WHY?

emissions test, they now have their vehicle undergo a full roadworthiness and safety check. What was supposed to be a high-tech procedure was a cornucopia of errors and tech blips that it was deemed as moneymaking scheme. It didn’t help that the proponents and their personnel had different answers to queries, further aggravating this fiasco. Social media has also been unkind to the inspection centers, coming up with an assortment of “disaster stories” that has not been helpful. So far, public sentiment is against it.

CHILD CAR SEAT LAW or Republic Act No. 11229, or the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act. – Although this was approved by Congress back in 2019, it took another 2 years to formulate the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). Apparently, 2 years was not enough because it was vague and riddled with loopholes. The target here again is the typical working class car owner. Adding to the chagrin are questions about equipping PUVs and other public transport that were left unanswered. Admittedly, this is a muchneeded regulation, with other countries

enforcing this for decades already. The main complication here is the prohibitive cost of each seat, (about PHP10-15k each) and needing more than one for most families. As of this writing, inferior and cheap car seats are being offered online, which is dangerous because they are not yet certified safe by DTI.

BLINDSIDED

The middle working class is up at arms with these hastily prepared regulations.

They feel that they are unfairly targeted and milked for all their worth. It’s also evident that these were forced fed to the populace without as much as public consultation and research.

While the above-mentioned laws are welcome, it’s the execution and purpose that is highly questionable. The main proponents are not that enthusiastic to explain, but are actually indifferent to the questions raised by the populace. It also doesn’t help that all these are added financial burdens and we are still in the middle of pandemic. We cannot see nor feel compassion from the government agencies. Its all about money, it seems.

I can only wish that they look out from their cozy offices and go out and feel the people’s sentiments. We are still hurting from the economic woes brought upon

by COVID19. We haven’t even started the recovery, and implementing expensive laws, no matter how good it is for the majority, is actually killing us.

PMVIC - Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Center- Somebody pulled a fast one over here. Those vehicles due for registration with plate numbers ending in “1” were surprised that, in lieu of the usual

Have a heart.

❝ The middle working class is up at arms with these hastily prepared regulations. They feel that they are unfairly targeted and milked for all their worth. It’s also evident that these were forced fed to the populace without as much as public consultation and research. ❞ GET IN TOUCH

✉ earlmanalansan@gmail.com 10 AUTOCAR.COM.PH FEBRUARY 2021

EDITORIAL TEAM IRA V. PANGANIBAN Editor-in-Chief EDGAR QUESADA Associate Editor EARL MANALANSAN Managing Editor NEIL PAGULAYAN Managing Editor Online BINKY SIDDAYAO Technical Editor OLSON CAMACHO Off Road Editor MATT PRIOR | KRIS LIM | BINKY SIDDAYAO Columnists JOHN REY SAN DIEGO Staff Writer WILLIAM HERRERA | LUIS GERONA Contributors ANJO PEREZ Senior Photographer BONG BOADO | KEITH MARK DADOR | LOUIE CAMACHO MARK QUESADA | ALAN RANCH SEVILLA ARNOLD RIODEQUE | BOBS JEROME | MEMERT MONTELOYOLA Photographers RAYMUND RAVANERA Graphic Designer

The original car magazine, published since 1895 ‘in the interests of the mechanically propelled road carriage’ International Director Alastair Lewis alastair.lewis@haymarket.com Syndication Enquiries Isla Friend isla.friend@haymarket.com Editor Matt Burt Editorial Director, Automotive Jim Holder Managing Editor Allan Muir Reviews Editor Will Nightingale Chief tester Matt Saunders New Cars Editor Rory White Managing Director David Prasher Chief Operating Officer Brian Freeman Chief Executive Kevin Costello Chairman Rupert Heseltine Autocar magazine and the Autocar logo are trademarks of Haymarket Media Group Limited, United Kingdom and used under license by Autobrands Media Ventures, Inc. Content reproduced from Autocar magazine © Haymarket Media Group Limited 2011 all rights reserved.

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The views and opinions expressed within Autocar PH magazine are not necessarily those of Haymarket Media Group Limited or those of its contributors.

Autocar magazine is published in China, Greece, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Poland, Singapore, Thailand, and United Kingdom. www.haymarket.com

SPECIAL THANKS TO Sojitz G Auto Philippines Corporation Froilan Dytianquin GM Sales and Marketing Ryan Isana Marketing Services Section Manager Jelene Fule Sulit PR & Events Supervisor

Batangas Racing Circuit

EDITORIAL TEAM Editor-in-Chief – Anjo Perez Columnist – Arnel Doria Contributors – Gilbert Chao, Joseph Bautista, Lara Camacho Pocholo Reyes, William Herrera, Neil Pagulayan, Earl Manalansan Photographers – Mark Quesada, Alan Ranch Sevilla Staff Writer – John Rey San Diego

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The views and opinions expressed within Autocar Magazine are not necessarily those of Autobrands Media Ventures, Inc. or those of its contributors. While every care has been taken in the preparation of this magazine, the publishers cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information herein, or any consequences arising from it. In case of all product reviews, judgements have been made in the context of the product based on Philippines prices at the time of review, which are subject to fluctuation and only applicable to the Philippines market.

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FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 11

N E WS G O T A S T O RY ?

Email our managing editor earlmanalansan@gmail.com

Lexus Manila reveals their latest RX T

he very first luxury crossover SUV to proudly wear the Lexus badge is the RX. Its debut in 1998 laid the foundation for what would be a highly successful nameplate. The RX is the most popular model sold

by Lexus Philippines to date. Its quite unsurprising, really, considering how the model has evolved, not just in appearance, but in build quality, technology, and practicality.

Here are the RX’s notable features and how each enhances the ownership experience:

12 AUTOCAR.COM.PH FEBRUARY 2021

SHOW-STOPPING EXTERIOR The RX’s bold appearance has been refined through the years, from a soft-edge and rounded profile, to the sharp and taut kinetic sculpture that it is now.

Its low and wide stance belies the fact that it has the height of an SUV. However, its proportions make it appear as though it is firmly planted on the ground. The sharp shoulder lines and raked pillars create an aura of strength, too. Making a visual statement is one of the

hallmarks of the RX badge.

The stylized ‘L’ taillights, door handle illumination, LED headlights, customizable 20-inch alloys, and aerodynamic profile add to the overall impact. Noteworthy is the panoramic sunroof that adds a sense of openness to the cabin without sacrificing any headroom.

CAPABILITY OVER DIVERSE ROAD CONDITIONS The RX fits right into an active lifestyle with a sophisticated blend of the

comfort of a luxury car and the driving pleasure and added convenience of a high-riding SUV. It asserts its presence on a variety of roads and diverse driving conditions. Under its hood is a 3.5-liter V6 directinjection engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Keeping things in control is Adaptive Variable Suspension which continually adjusts shock absorber damping rates in realtime. Not only does this inspire driver confidence, it also keeps the ride buttery smooth–as expected from a Lexus.

SUPERIOR SAFETY The RX is known for its graceful dignity and intelligence. Active and passive safety features abound, so all passengers can rest easy and travel in confidence. Ten sensorcontrolled SRS airbags line the cabin and provide enhanced protection for all occupants. Vehicle Dynamics Integration Management (an advanced integrated control system that combines active safety functions with optimized stability and control) round off the

safety package. Lastly, occupants get 360-degree protection thanks to a high-strength, collision absorbing body structure that can withstand hard impacts on the front, rear, sides, and roof.

THOUGHTFUL TOUCHES There is a long list of helpful features that make driving and owning the RX more satisfying and user-friendly. Lexus takes pride in ‘omotenashi’–its brand of hospitality that anticipates the needs of its customers. For example, wide-angle LED cornering lamps provide additional illumination when tackling corners, and this in turn adds to pedestrian visibility; a parking-assist monitor superimposes guide lines on the camera feed to help you maneuver tight parking spaces; a drive-mode selector with five-modes (Normal, Eco, Sport S, Sport S+, and

Custom) matches your driving style and your mood; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity can be controlled through a massive touchscreen on the dash; and the rear hatch can be opened by sweeping your foot under the rear bumper. A Stop & Start system shuts of the engine when stationary, and this helps you save fuel. And let’s not forget cruise control. It’s clever features like these that make owning an RX so much more enjoyable.

TURN IT UP TO ‘F’ F Sport is a package that was created so that drivers can enjoy the essence of ‘F’ driving–the epitome of which is the LFA supercar.

Naturally, the RX F Sport shares the same spirit and enhances the sporty driving experience with a few key features. Inside are unique F Sport dials with full-length illuminated

needles that add an element of excitement.

The cabin is decked out in dimpled leather with an exclusive perforated finish on the steering wheel and shift knob. And then there are the aluminum pedals, exclusive to F Sport models.

THE GREEN CHOICE The RX 450h variant features Lexus Hybrid Drive which draws power

from both electric and petrol motors, resulting in instant torque and rapid acceleration. There is also an EV drive mode at slow speeds for a silent and emission-free drive.

ADDED SPACE AND PRACTICALITY The RX is a leader in the ubiquitous SUV arena because it appeals to growing families. There is a seven-seat variant, too: the RX 350 Premier 3-Row for those in need of added space without compromising any of the luxury convenience features, look no further than this variant. Thirdrow seating is a luxury in itself–a practical feature that you never knew was essential until you needed the added space for passengers and cargo. The third-row has an automatic

slide function. This can be easily adjusted to achieve the optimal amount of legroom. Third-row passengers also have their own climate controls.

THE RIGHT VARIANT FOR YOUR NEEDS Four variants of the RX are available: the RX 350 Premier (P4,438,000); the RX 350 Premier 3-Row (P4,918,000), the RX 350 F Sport (P4,998,000); and the RX 450h (P5,238,000); Each was built by Takumi master craftsmen, with an attention to detail and build quality that has yet to be surpassed in this highly competitive segment.

Enrich the precious time that you spend on the road by riding in the Lexus RX. Isn’t it about time that you experience an amazing SUV? FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 13

Geely Holding Grp., partners with Foxconn and Baidu Z hejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely Holding) just signed a strategic cooperative agreement with and Foxconn Technology Group (Foxconn) which will establish a joint venture company to provide OEM production and comprehensive customized consulting services for whole vehicles, parts, intelligent drive systems, automotive ecosystem platforms, electric vehicle industry value chain, among others to global automotive enterprises.

The new joint venture will revolutionize the automotive industry and will help automakers accelerate their transition to new innovative and efficient manufacturing processes and business models based on CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared, and Electrified) technologies.

Geely Holding Group and Foxconn will each hold 50% of the venture. The board of directors will consist of five members: 3 from Foxconn and 2 from Geely Holding.

Li Shufu, Chairman of Geely Holding Group, attended and witnessed the digitally held signing

14 AUTOCAR.COM.PH FEBRUARY 2021

ceremony with An Conghui, President of Geely Holding Group and President and CEO of Geely Auto Group, who signed the agreement on behalf of the company.

Foxconn Founder Terry Gou, attended and witnessed the digitally held signing ceremony with Young-way Liu, Chairman of Foxconn who signed the agreement on their firm’s behalf.

“This cooperation between Foxconn and Geely is of great significance to both parties. The current global automotive industry is undergoing profound changes. We must actively embrace change, build alliances, and synergize global resources to create greater value for our end users. Foxconn’s professional capabilities, rich experience, and global layout in the ICT industry offer important insight for the transformation and evolution of the automotive industry. Geely Holding Group will give full play to its advantages in the automotive fields of design, engineering, R&D, intelligent manufacturing, supply chain management, and quality control while joining forces

with Foxconn to develop together and explore new pathways for transforming, improving, and achieving high-quality development of the manufacturing industry.” said Zhejiang Geely Holding Group CEO Daniel Donghui Li.

GEELY HOLDING, BAIDU SEAL PARTNERSHIP TO BUILD NEW ELECTRIC CAR COMPANY Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely Holding), also announced that they wanted to establish a new strategic partnership with Baidu, focusing on the development of connected and intelligent electric vehicles, the country’s pre-eminent search engine, information-centered internet platform, and AI

company.

The strategic partnership will focus primarily on the joint research and development and production of intelligent and connected electric vehicles. The new strategic partnership will make use of Geely Holding’s recently announced pure electric architecture – Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) – which is the world’s first open-sourced electric vehicle architecture. The partners will utilize SEA, unveiled in September 2020, due to its leading integration of hardware, software and wider integrational capabilities in next-generation models, reflecting customer preferences and requirements for intelligent electrified vehicles.

Baidu’s strong lead in intelligent driving capabilities and its eight years of experience in the intelligent transportation field is seen to significantly contribute to the new partnership. This will equip the new entity with Baidu’s full portfolio of technologies, including Apollo autonomous driving, DuerOS for Apollo, and Baidu Maps, to help drive the new company’s growth.

The formation of the partnership comes as Geely Holding – the parent company of brands including Volvo Cars, Lynk & Co and LEVC, and lead shareholder in Geely Auto, Proton and Lotus – continues its transformation from being a traditional manufacturer into a leading transport-technology company focused on electrified mobility. Geely Holding and its brands have continued to invest in cutting edge technologies such as Internet of Vehicles, intelligent driving, mobility services, vehicle processors and low orbit satellites whilst collaborating with global partners on next-generation mobility ecosystems.

NEWS

HyundaiPH “volts-in” with EV Owners Society

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yundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), joined fellow advocates of the newly-formed EV Owners Society to recharge interest in electric mobility in the country. The EV Owners Society, the subgroup of electric vehicle owners formed by the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (eVAP), aims to bring together private EV owners and other industry stakeholders to discuss and advance the future of the local EV market.

Society Adviser and current eVAP President Edmund Araga underscored the group’s important role in promoting sustainable mobility in the country, while Society President and Philippine Parts Maker Association (PPMA) President Ferdi Raquelsantos assured everyone that EVs are exempt from the new DTI safeguard measures on vehicle imports.

“We welcome and support this development,” said HARI President and

CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo.

“It’s been a long time coming. Globally, Hyundai has been leading the charge in commercializing new energy vehicles, while HARI is one of the first local car companies to introduce EVs to the Philippine market.”

HARI debuted the full electric variants of the IONIQ hatchback and the Kona crossover at the 2019 Manila International Auto Show.

In August 2020, Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) launched the IONIQ sub-brand for its line of customer-centric electric vehicles.

The Hyundai IONIQ Electric boasts zero emissions, smart aerodynamics, and sets the standard in electric drive technology. It has an estimated range of over 373 kilometers powered by a high-efficiency, highpower permanent magnettype electric motor which produces 136 PS. It has all the bells and whistles including a multimedia information center, drive mode selector, electronic gear shift, six airbags, and 357-liter luggage capacity.

In 2020, it won top awards, beating other emerging local EV brands, at the first

virtual C! Magazine Awards, adding on to its string of global citations.

The globally-acclaimed KONA Electric, powered by a lithium-ion polymer battery which is lighter and more compact, offers a seamless travel experience. Its top variant can accelerate 0-100 km/ hr in about 7.6 seconds while consuming less energy. Hyundai’s first and multi-awarded electric subcompact SUV was top-listed by the American Council for an EnergyEfficient Economy (ACEEE) as America’s greenest car in 2019 and cited by Car

and Driver USA as 2019’s best subcompact SUV for its electric-only driving range and standout styling.

It brings seamless travel experience with up to 400 kilometers on just one full charge.

“We join the EVap in seriously looking beyond our current situation,” added Ms. Agudo. “The pandemic will pass but environmental concerns are here to stay. Hyundai’s EV lineup is out to help create a better future for all by making these technologies accessible to a greater number of people.”

FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 15

Orix Rental chooses Mitsubishi L300

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itsubishi Motors Philippines’ and their dealer partner Peak Motors Philippines Incorporated (PMPI) conducted its official turnover ceremony for 128 Mitsubishi L300 units to Orix Rental Corporation intended to service their client Japan Tobacco Incorporated (JTI). The turnover ceremony was held in Peak Motors, Manila Bay. Orix Rental Corporation is a company that services multinational companies by providing vehicles for rent that caters various transportation needs. Japan Tobacco Incorporated on the other hand is one of the leading tobacco manufacturing companies in the world.

“We are very happy that the Mitsubishi L300 is chosen to be the vehicle partner of Orix Rental Corporation for their client JTI. It is an honor to

service a company that is recognized and trusted by multinational brands.

We are confident that our Mitsubishi L300 would serve as a very reliable vehicle partner for their daily transportation needs” – said by Mr. Don Comia, Branch Head of PMPI. The Mitsubishi L300 is the most iconic nameplate in the utility van segment.

With over 200,000 units sold, the L300 is known for its longevity, durability and low cost of ownership.

The Mitsubishi L300 is equipped with an improved Euro4 diesel engine that delivers 40% more power and 10% better fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor.

To know more about the Mitsubishi L300, visitwww. mitsubishi-motors.com. phmpc.phor contact your preferred Mitsubishi Motors dealership.

L-R: Mr. Jack Ramirez, AVP for Sales and Marketing, MMPC, Mr. John Mabasa, VP-COO, PMPI, Mr. Rocky Alcantara, Field Force Dev. Manager,JTI Phils., Mr. Lito Ondevilla, FVP Marketing and Operations, ORIX Rental Corp., Mr. AlbertDichupa, Sales Operations Manager, JTI Phils., Ms. Mary Grace Villareal, Budget Manager, JTI Phils., Mr. Constancio Tan, President, Orix Rental Corp., Mr. Sonny Dee Jr., President PMPI, Ms. Helen Aguilar, FVP (Executive Group), Orix Rental Corp., Mr. Yosuke Anzai, AVP, Orix Rental Corp., Ms. Jodie Dalangin, Marketing Head, Orix Rental Corp., Mr. Cecil Capacete, FVP Sales and Marketing, MMPC, Mr. Don Comia, Branch Head, PMPI, Ms. Kristin Mancilla, Field Sales Manager, MMPC, Mr. Safety Lucion, Sales Manager, PMPI

Mitsubishi Xpander and Pajero win back-to-back at 2020-2021 AFPCA

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wners of the highly popular Mitsubishi Xpander have another reason to celebrate as the 2020-2021 Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards recognizes the highly popular 7-seater MPV as its Van/MPV of the Year.

This is the second year in a row that the esteemed Philippine automotive award-giving body has accorded the Mitsubishi Xpander this award which it has earned consistently since its introduction in the Philippine market in 2018. This latest recognition also follows the 2019-2020 selection of Mitsubishi’s best-selling compact MPV as AFPCA’s Automobile of the Year.

The Mitsubishi Pajero has also been recognized as the Best Value for Money Large SUV/ Crossover by the Auto Focus Media’s Choice Awards this year. The two

16 AUTOCAR.COM.PH FEBRUARY 2021

awards reaffirm Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation’s commitment to providing the best vehicles to the motoring public in terms of quality, functionality and overall value.

With 43,026 examples sold since its Philippine debut in 2018, the Mitsubishi Xpander’s modern and dynamic design, along with its 3-row and 7-seat versatility, are the main reasons for its

consistent popularity in the market. Its 205-mm (225mm for the Xpander Cross) ground clearance combined with its 1,630-liter cargo carrying capacity give it a distinct edge in the compact crossover and MPV space.

Together with its standard comfort and safety features such as the 7-inch Touchscreen Navigation head unit, second row aircon vents, cruise control, Hill Start

Assist, Active Stability Control, keyless entry, and its fuel-efficient 1.5-liter DOHC 16-Valve Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) engine, the Mitsubishi Xpander offers unrivaled value, convenience, comfort and performance for the Filipino family.

The Mitsubishi Pajero has been the quintessential Sport Utility Vehicle since its inception 39 years ago.

Its legendary reputation as

a stylish and tough true off-roader has earned for it the continued respect of car buyers and car enthusiasts who put a premium on all-around performance and reliability. Its powerful 3.2-liter DOHC intercooled turbocharged DI-D engine provides a consistent, smooth and relaxing drive. Along with its commanding presence on the road, the Mitsubishi Pajero provides the essentials of a large and proper SUV that is much sought after in the Philippine setting.

Sunshine Television Ventures has been organizing and conducting the AFPCA since 2005. The annual public poll aims to determine the country’s most popular automobile brands and models in order to help car buyers make the right choice for their vehicle purchase.

Cleanfuel Opens 5th station in Mabalacat, Pampanga

NLEX Connector to reach C España this year

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LEX Corporation and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) are accelerating the construction of the first five-kilometer section of NLEX Connector from Caloocan Interchange, C3 to España, Manila as they aim to complete the project by yearend.

DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar led the project inspection along 4th Avenue in Caloocan City together with NLEX Corporation President and General Manager J. Luigi L. Bautista.

DPWH and NLEX officials also witnessed another milestone for the project, the launching of Super T girders — these are innovative, pre-stressed box girders that are widely used for bridges in Australia and New Zealand but relatively new in the Philippine construction industry.

The newly installed Super T beams span 30 meters and weigh 53 tons.

Compared to other types of girders, Super T beams are more flexible, structurally efficient, and aesthetically appealing. They have open flanges that provide a complete working surface and reduce the need for formworks thus help fast-

track the construction of the elevated expressway.

Over 1,400 girders will be used for the entire Connector project. The structural format of a Super T provides an optimal solution to particular challenges posed by the Connector project, which passes through urbanized areas where the roads are already congested, and the right-of-way is constrained laterally.

Last year, DPWH, NLEX, and Meralco facilitated the clearing of electric facilities in Sta. Cruz, Manila. More than 300 Meralco linemen simultaneously worked to clear a portion of the rightof-way. The said activity involved the installation and retirement of around 160 electric poles.

Spanning a total of eight kilometers, the full NLEX Connector will be an all vehicle class elevated expressway that will

traverse the C3 Road in Caloocan City pass through Abad Santos, Blumentritt, Dimasalang, España, Magsaysay Boulevard and eventually connect with the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta. Mesa in Manila.

The P23-billion NLEX Connector will feature four toll plazas and interchanges in C3 and España. It is seen to provide better access to Manila Ports (North Harbor) and airports (NAIA and Clark), and expected to reduce travel time between NLEX and South Luzon Expressway from two hours to just 20 minutes.

The project will also provide trucks with 24/7 alternative route, enabling unhampered delivery of goods and stimulating economic development in Manila, Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and surrounding areas.

onsistent with its objective of providing quality fuel for less for every motorist, independent oil company Cleanfuel has recently opened its 5th gasoline station located in Mabalacat Pampanga.

Perfectly-situated along the busy stretch of McArthur Highway, Barangay Mabiga, Mabalacat, Pampanga, the new station was opened last December 19, a few days before Christmas.

With a lot area of 3,000 square meters, the latest Mabalacat station is ready to cater to the motorists and residents in the area, as well as other motorists plying the national road providing access to Cleanfuel’s product portfolio such as Clean91, Premium 95 and Euro-4 diesel.

The commerce-driven city in Pampanga houses several tourism hubs that are within the known culinary capital of the Philippines.

With the area being one of the gateways to Central luzon and the National Capital Region. Cleanfuel is confident with their key selling point of “Quality Fuel for Less”—the company’s battlecry—as their biggest thrust over its competitors.

It is also a welcome addition to the growing number of Clean fuel stations in Pampanga. Now numbering five, it joins the two San Fernando stations (J. Abad Santos Ave. and in McAthur Highway), Angeles (Fil-am Friendship Highway Barangay Sto. Domingo) and Lubao station (J. Abad Santos Avenue, Barangay San Isidro).

Aside from fuel products that are not hard on the budget, Cleanfuel boasts first-class facilities such as clean and spacious air-conditioned restrooms, credit card facility, air and water services.

Further, Cleanfuel is urging motorists to sign up and get their VIP reward cards for free to gain access to its customer rewards program filled with numerous, giveaways and discounts with its partner establishments.

FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 17

SuzukiPH increases market share in 2020

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uzuki Philippines Inc. (SPH) has proven that their vehicles champion the Suzuki Way of Life!, and despite the pandemic, hitting a milestone like a 6.3% market share in the automotive industry keeps SuzukiPH optimistic for the coming year. Year end performance was gained with the Ertiga, Carry, and All-New S-Presso making it to Filipino homes as their dependable partner on the road, these top-selling Suzuki models are sure to make more waves this 2021 along with Suzuki’s upcoming new offers set to impress the Philippine market.

ERTIGA, CARRY, AND ALLNEW S-PRESSO RECORDED AS 2020’S TOP SALE DRIVERS

The Ertiga, Carry, and All-New S-presso come in as the customers’ favorites making them Suzuki’s top selling vehicles. The three models make up 50 percent of Suzuki’s total

sales for the said year.

Making you proud to drive around the city with its perfect fusion of style and comfort, the Ertiga rakes in 24% of sales, still making it the top choice when it comes to MPV’s.

Designed and engineered to make every moment count as you cruise along the road with family, your partner, or yourself during your me time, the Ertiga encourages you to experience more.

The Suzuki Carry, the partner of choice when work gets tough and hard, garnered 14% of sales for Suzuki last 2020. This utility vehicle backed by more than 40 years of Suzuki compact truck experience surely has helped many business owners conquer the harshest environments and hard to pass-by roads.

Completing the list is the All-New S-Presso which was launched the same year. Claiming 13% of sales besting its predecessors in the

Suzuki line-up, this boldly designed compact car with its robust stance make every drive a kick start in daily excitement.

Ideal for both city driving and adventure seeking days, the All-New Suzuki S-Presso definitely captured the hearts of many who seek the bang for their buck.

With 15,515 units sold last year, Suzuki Philippines ended

2020 with its highest recorded market share in SPH history. Last year’s occurrences were unforeseen by different businesses and industries.

However, brands such as Suzuki Philippines has proven that so long as there is a will to move forward and strive for the good of the community by offering quality products and service, hope and bouncing back is nothing

Chery Auto PH App now on iOS N ot long after the launch of the innovative Chery Auto PH App’s availability for download on the Google Play Store for Android smartphones, Chery Auto PH is now on iOS for customers with iPhones.

The Chery Auto PH app will function as a digital showroom where customers can check out Chery’s vehicle models and their specs, see the list of all Chery dealerships nationwide, request and schedule a test drive, book an appointment for car maintenance and repair, order spare parts, inquire about specific Chery models, and request for a quotation for the Chery model they are interested in.

The Chery Auto PH

18 AUTOCAR.COM.PH FEBRUARY 2021

App also has a rewards program where users earn points for using the app to purchase a vehicle, refer a friend and schedule a service.

The app is useful for Chery and non-Chery owners alike and is a very useful tool for a satisfying Chery ownership experience.

Chery Auto Philippines currently markets four crossover models: the subcompact Tiggo 2 and Tiggo 5X, the compact Tiggo 7, and the midsize 7-seater Tiggo 8. All have 1.5-liter DOHC 16-valve EFI VVT Euro 5-compliant engines (turbocharged for the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8) and have automatic transmissions on all models (MT available on the Tiggo 2 and Tiggo 5X).

Prices range from P695,000 for the Tiggo 2 to P1,280,000 for the

Tiggo 8, with zero down payment and low monthly promos available as a limited time offer (subject to bank approval).

All Chery models come with an industry-leading 10-year/1 million-km engine warranty, a 5-year

general warranty, a 3-year roadside assistance, and a free full preventive maintenance service (PMS) for 3 years.

Follow Chery Auto Philippines on social media: Chery Auto Philippines (Facebook) and

short of an achievable feat.

Last year, SPH took to its digital resources to ensure that they are available and within reach to their customers. Launching services such as online auto loan features in their website, online test drive bookings, and virtual showrooms, comfort and efficiency have been the center of Suzuki’s customer service. It is also during last year when Suzuki has taken its muchanticipated annual Virtual Autofest digitally, making sure that Suzuki fans are still able to experience the excitement of the celebration within the confines of their home. The introduction of the All-New S-Presso and All-New XL7 in the local market was one of Suzuki’s highlights last year, two models with different personalities and offerings on their own. This is yet another testament to Suzuki Philippines’ commitment to continue championing the Suzuki Way of Life!

@cheryautophilippines (Instagram) for more updates. You may also call the 24/7 Chery Auto Philippines hotline at (0917) 552 4379 or email chery@uaagi.com for more inquiries.

NEWS

Cleanfuel partners with celebrity influencer Dominic Roque Anew

C Cleanfuel Opens New Retail Station in Laguna

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eading Independent Fuel Company Cleanfuel has recently opened its latest station in Calamba, Laguna to further expand its growing network in the Southern portion of Metro Manila.

Strategically located at National Highway of Barangay Bucal in Calamba, Laguna, the newly-opened station provides access to private motorists and commercial business in major thoroughfares of Calamba province, connecting national roads like Daang Maharlika Highway, Calamba-Santa Cruz-Famy road, among others.

Cleanfuel Calamba is designed to cater to the growing local economy for trade and local tourism, which offers top-notch fuel and lubricants including Clean91 (Unleaded), Premium 95 gasoline and Euro-4 diesel.

The city of Calamba, which is considered in the heart of Calabarzon, houses premier industrial parks and outsourcing firms and call centers.

As the city relies on agriculture and tourism, the company sees that the opening of Cleanfuel

Calamba will further strengthen and boost economic confidence.

Just like every Cleanfuel station, Cleanfuel Calamba is bringing its known brand of service such as highly-trained service crew, clean and airconditioned comfort rooms and Quality Fuel for Less.

Cleanfuel president Bong Suntay said that establishing the newest station is to provide support to the thriving city.

“Cleanfuel is back here in Laguna to provide further support as the whole country bounces back. We hope to be of service of more with our quality fuels and offers to the community, its tourists and numerous businesses that have been helping the city and the country as a whole,” Suntay said.

Moreover, Cleanfuel plans to open more stations throughout the North and South of Luzon in the next few months. Even in the midst of the COVID 19 pandemic, Cleanfuel plans to reach more customers who want to experience quality fuel for less. All Cleanfuel stations offer 24/7 services and VIP Loyalty Rewards Programs.

Today, Cleanfuel provides a place both PUV drivers and private vehicle owners can feel at ease and at home.

Aside from expansion, the company has extended its support by providing fuel subsidy for the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr’s) Free Bus Ride for Health Workers Program and drive relief donations to northern provinces, which include Pangasinan (Villasis, Binalonan, Pozorrubio) and San Fernando (La Union) and other cities in Metro Manila.

The brand’s fourth station to be established in Laguna, Cleanfuel also has stations in Sta. Rosa, San Pablo and Binan, making sure that you get “Quality Fuel for Less” as you traverse through the province.

leanfuel renewed its partnership with longtime celebrity influencer Dominic Roque as Cleanfuel’s brand Ambassador.

An avid motorsports enthusiast, Roque has received Cleanfuel’s full support in his past racing endeavors.

Present during the contract signing at the Cleanfuel head office was Roque himself, Cleanfuel Director Marco Atienza, Cleanfuel Vice President Ralph Atienza, and Cleanfuel President Atty. Bong Suntay.

After the signing, Roque expressed gratitude for the continued partnership between him and the country’s leading supplier of Quality fuel for Less.

“Cleanfuel has been with me for four years now, and all this time, have used their products in my own vehicles. I am happy and content to report that Cleanfuel products have helped ensure that my cars— both on trail and on the road—are always running in tiptop condition,” Roque added.

Aside from being a racing aficionado, Roque is also an actor, model and influencer. He has had acting stints in ABS-CBN shows like Probinsyano, Pangako Sayo, Aryana, May Isang Pangarap, and La Luna Sangre. He has also done movies for the popular network. Roque also participated at the Vios Cup race.

However, Roque has focused less on racing and more on appearance on social media as of late.

For his part, Cleanfuel president Suntay expressed confidence in Roque’s his ability to promote and expand the fuel brand.

Cleanfuel is the country’s leading independent fuel company with topnotch fuel and lubricants including Clean91 unleaded gasoline, Premium 95 gasoline, Euro-4 diesel, and Auto LPG. As the country’s fastest growing fuel brand, Cleanfuel has multiple locations in Luzon, with a number of new stations set to open this year.

FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 19

AC Motors: launch 6 Caltex opens models, open 6 showrooms 11 new stations in 2021 to start 2021

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he AC Motors Automotive Group of Ayala’s wholly owned industrial technologies group AC Industrials held four consecutive online appreciation nights for members of the media from January 12 to 15.

Themed according to the best-trending activities home-bound Filipinos found themselves engaged in to cope with the “quarantine year of 2020,” the online parties were grouped into the “Fitness Night,” “Movie Night,” “Plantita/Plantito Night,” and “Retro Night,” with each theme carrying with it the corresponding activities, costumes and backgrounds for participants.

The events were meant to express AC Motors’ appreciation for the media for helping the organization weather a difficult 2020 bookended by the twin disasters of the Taal Volcano eruption and the ongoing Covid-19 global pandemic.

The appreciation nights also served to kick off AC Motors’ 30th year by providing the participants glimpses of its plans not just for 2021 but for the next four years.

In his welcome remarks, AC Motors automotive group President Antonio “Toti” Zara III revealed, “As a show of our confidence and commitment to the

20 AUTOCAR.COM.PH FEBRUARY 2021

industry, our distributor brands are working on at launching at least six models (in 2021). We are also planning to open six company-owned showrooms across our five auto brands in addition to franchised appointments.”

Furthermore, Zara stressed that AC Motors would “work towards achieving at least a 10% share in the automotive market by 2025” despite the setback of the 2020 pandemic.

“We acknowledge that the local market still needs to recover from the devastating effects of an ongoing pandemic.

But history has shown the resilience of our automotive market, time and again, through all manner of crises – and we are confident that this time will be no different,” Zara said.

Last year, during the strictest of the series of community quarantines enforced by the government in order to stem the spread of Covid-19, AC Motors’ companies applied fundamental changes and innovations in order to adapt to the new normal of business and service operations. Such changes and innovations included the thorough digitalization of its practices, and the launch of its “one-stopshop” AC Motors website www.acmotors.com.ph.

AC Motors began as Ayala Automotive Holdings Corporation, through which Ayala helped bring in the Honda brand and launched the Philippines’ first Honda dealership in 1991. It did the same in 1996 with the Isuzu brand. Afterwards, in a span of less than 6 years, from 2013 to 2019, AC Motors acquired exclusive distributorships for three more world-renowned brands, starting with the German Volkswagen brand in 2013, the Korean Kia brand in January 2019, and finally, the British Maxus brand of LCVs in June 2019.

AC Motors now finds itself in that unique industry position to evolve rapidly from a distributor and dealership business into an enterprise that serves the diverse mobility needs of a fast-growing Philippine market.

Zara attests that, ultimately, it is the Filipino motorist for which AC Motors exists.

“Through all these times, whether facing challenges or opportunities, we at AC Motors have always placed our customers—the Filipino motorists—at the front and center of our plans. Our unwavering commitment to serve our customers and provide them the products best suited for their needs have kept us moving, adapting, growing, and innovating.”

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altex recently opened new service stations in Pampanga, Pangasinan, Bataan, Batangas, Cebu, and Bukidnon in support of the reopening of the economy. This brings the total number of newlyopened Caltex stations in 2020 to 30.

Caltex presently has a growing retail structure composed of nearly 650 retail stations across the archipelago, a figure that is expected to climb as Caltex opens more stations this year. This is a testament to the success of its retailer-owned retailer-operated business model.

CPI recently opened a Caltex service station in the municipality of Guagua, Pampanga. Situated along the Jose Abad Santos Avenue, Barangay San Antonio, this 12-pump fueling station is now ready to supply fuel for motorists traveling in the area.

Another Caltex service station stands in the highly urbanized Olongapo City. Located along the busy stretch of Rizal Avenue, this service station now serves the fuel needs of residents in Barangay West BajacBajac and its neighboring districts.

The newly-established service station in Barangay Culis, Hermosa, Bataan also serves as a vital pit stop for private and commercial vehicles traversing the Roman Highway, which is a national arterial road that straddles 10 Bataan towns.

A new 18-pump Caltex fueling site also opened in Inosluban, Lipa City, Batangas and is now ready to cater to its residents and tourists.

In Visayas, another Caltex station rose in San Fernando, a coastal municipality of Cebu. The fuel station’s presence in the area provides a reliable source of power for the engines of shipping and logistics vehicles operating around Metro Cebu.

Down south, two Caltex stations opened along the National Highway in Bukidnon.The stations are located in the landlocked areas of Barangay Aglayan, Malaybalay City and Barangay Kisolon, Sumilao.

All Caltex stations carry the premium Euro 4 compliant fuel Caltex with Techron, which guarantees maximized vehicle performance, enhanced engine protection, and lower emissions. Aside from providing clean and quality fuels, Caltex also maintains strict safety protocols and offer contactless payment methods for safer travels.

Motorists can find the nearest Caltex station in their area at www.caltex.com/ph/find-a-caltex-station.

NEWS

iPhone may not be good for drivers with pacemakers Y ou might want to check with your specialist if it is safe for you and your pacemaker to be driving around with an iPhone 12 in your backpocket or anywhere near you.

An advisory just released by Apple says :”if you are using an iPhone 12 or magsafe charging device, be sure to keepit a safe distance away from your mnedical device.”

Although Apple has always been transparent that it’s iPhone 12 line up and magsafe devices may interfere with medical devices, such as pacemakers and defribillators, this is the first time such an additional advisory was released.

In a report by Gizmodo, it says that Apple has explained that the iPhone 12 contains magnets as well as components and radios that emit

electromagnetic fields The company also stated that all its MagSafe accessories contain magnets as well, and that its MagSafe Charger and MagSafe Duo Charger contain radios. These magnets and electromagnetic fields may interfere with medical devices, Apple said.

“Medical devices such as implanted pacemakers and

defibrillators might contain sensors that respond to magnets and radios when in close contact,” Apple wrote.

“To avoid any potential interactions with these devices, keep your iPhone and MagSafe accessories a safe distance away from your device (more than 6 inches / 15 cm apart or more than 12 inches / 30 cm apart if wirelessly charging).

But consult with your physician and your device manufacturer for specific guidelines.”

Defibrillators are devices that restore a person’s normal heartbeat by sending an electric pulse or shock to the heart. They can even help the heart start beating again if it suddenly stops.

Pacemakers, meanwhile,

use electrical pulses to help hearts beat at a normal rate and rhythm and also help heart chambers beat in sync so that the heart can pump blood more efficiently.

Apple states that users should consult with their physicians and medical device manufacturers for information on their particular devices. Users should ask whether they need to maintain a safe distance of separation between their medical devices and their iPhone or MagSafe accessories. Apple repeated this advice in the safety information section of its iPhone User Guide.

Appl continues to say “If you suspect iPhone or any MagSafe accessories are interfering with your medical device, stop using your iPhone or MagSafe accessories.”

So will you give up that new iPhone 12?

Lalamove partners with Bounce Back to help DSWD beneficiaries L alamove, in partnership with Bounce Back PH, is kickstarting the year with a new #DeliverCare CSR initiative that aims to help MSMEs jumpstart their businesses in 2021. Both organizations will start to raise funds on January 18 to help beneficiaries of the DSWD community. Lalamove has pledged to donate Php 10 for every delivery completed while the Bounce Back PH community will rally their members and set aside a portion of their sales and add to the fund.

A lot of businesses underwent digital transformation to cope with the new normal. And while some small businesses were able to adapt, many still require assistance to keep their businesses alive. Under the Deliver Care CSR initiative, Lalamove leapt at the chance to collaborate with Bounce Back PH and work together with the

entrepreneurial group to start the year with hope through delivery.

The goal of Lalamove to empower MSMEs resonates closely with the mission of Bounce Back PH. Entrepreneur Jason Dela Rosa founded the community as a social media movement that aims to support businesses from all industries, especially small and medium entrepreneurs. Currently there are 40,000+ merchants in the Bounce Back PH community and companies of different scales collaborate to help each other grow.

The newly forged partnership between Lalamove and Bounce Back PH will continue to explore more ways to mutually support MSMEs and the business community. The delivery app has championed growth through technology and on-demand delivery and with the same spirit, they hope to continuously deliver care.

FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 21

F I R ST D R I V E S N E W C A R S T E ST E D A N D R AT E D

GAC GS4

Crossing the crossover spectrum 22 AUTOCAR.COM.PH FEBRUARY 2021

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ot a crossover, not yet an SUV When we tested the GAC GS3 late 2019, it was a revelation. Sized and priced just right, it was an ideal entry-level crossover. Comfortably seating 4 persons, (5 if you are average sized) it was right from the get go.

Assuming you want to step up, the next logical model was a small SUV. Or so we thought.

When the opportunity arose to test the GAC GS4, it was kind of perplexing. I mean who makes a crossover variant just one step up -within an inch of each other? Would anyone know the difference? These

questions hounded the author, wondering if the new variant will satisfy our curiosity. We have to see this for ourselves.

Right of the bat, you could see the bigger dimensions. The exterior of the GS4 is similar to the GS3, most notably the wide chrome grille – a trademark of the GAC brand.

Styling queues like the roof racks to the “floating D pillar”, makes the GS4 more elegant. There are no unwanted chrome trims or plastic cladding; just simple lines that accentuate the length of the body.

Although the grille dominates the fascia, the multi-angled shape of

the projector headlights adds sharp edges to an otherwise curvy front.

The combination of the vertical DRLs and driving lights complete the sporty look.

The rear is equally sporty, with bigger LED taillights that extend to the sides. The lower portion of the bumper features reflectors, and the valance panel has faux skid plate and bezels that simulate dual exhausts. The overall look works.

INSIDE

It’s the interior that makes the difference. GAC intended the GS4 to be more generous than its

smaller sibling. The front seats are comfortable, especially with the leg area. Giving the right amount of support. The rear seats are equally comfy with a more relaxed back angle. The rear seat of the GS4 can fit 3 passengers comfortably. The finish of the upholstery and door sidings is a combination of black and brown, not too flashy but pleasant to the eye.

GAC has a fascination with hexagon shaped openings. And it shows with the grille, center AC/ entertainment trim, as well as the climate control buttons. The dash

FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 23

width is flowing, with the center angled towards the driver for easy readability and reach.

The shifter console is also drivercentric. The shifter and handbrake buttons are within arms reach.

Aluminum trim and leatherette give the shifter a sophisticated flair.

Under the AC controls are a pair of charger ports – a much needed option nowadays, although the location is a bit awkward, too deep inside the console.

The cargo hold is also generous, with space for bigger cargo or luggage. With the seat folded down, you could even fit a full-sized bicycle.

Oh, did we mention the power sunroof?

THE POWERTRAIN

The GAC GS4 has the 235T-1.5liter, turbocharged gas engine (Euro5) with a rating of 150hp and a torque rating of 235Nm.1450-4250rpm-quite impressive for its size. It’s equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission and transfers the power to the front wheels. Rolling stock are 215/55R18 mounted on 10-spoke alloys.

THE DRIVE

While the creature comforts speak for themselves, it’s the performance that blew us away. The powertrain and kerb weight are perfect for each other, resulting in a very spirited performance. The GS4 is very responsive, either on acceleration

or highway speeds. Although there is turbo lag, (which is acceptable in traffic), beyond 2500 rpm is just fun. The sweep to 4500rpm is very impressive for an engine that diminutive. The best part is the fuel economy. Even at 100kph/1900rpm, it still registered a frugal 14km. liter. The best so far we recorded was 16km/L at a slower but steady 80kph. City driving drops to a still respectable 11km/L.

VERDICT

The GC GS4 235T is a logical step up from the smaller GS3, which is ideal for bigger families that usually go on regular weekend trips. GAC designers have the typical Filipino family in mind. The GS4 gives that extra room that you need without sacrificing power or practicality.

And it also has the oomph you need when you need it.

Among other crossovers in its class, it has the smallest turning diameter, quite amazing for a FrontWheel Drive. Those pesky U-turns are now easier to do now.

As mentioned before, there is noticeable turbo lag, especially when accelerating hard. But this can be useful during slower speeds. Also noticeable is the hard disengaging of the electric park brake.

Some features come as a surprise, like the lower door illumination, that casts the “G” logo unto the pavement when you open the front doors. Unfortunately, the side mirrors are not power optioned, so you fold them manually.

EARL MANALANSAN Price as tested: Php 1,189,000

SAFETY

Dual front and Curtain airbags ABS with EBD Electronic Stability Program 24 AUTOCAR.COM.PH FEBRUARY 2021

Hydraulic Brake Assist System Hill Hold Control ISOFIX

FEATURES

Speed-sensing door locks Cruise control Parking Sensors Reverse camera Tire pressure monitoring system Electronic parking brake Brake Hold Function Touchscreen infotainment system/ Camera Monitor with Bluetooth, Auxiliary, and iPod connectivity Legado Motors Inc. is the exclusive distributor of GAC Motor . GAC Motor Company, Address: 1800 Ortigas Ave, Pasig, 1604 Metro Manila

Trumpchi (read as “chuanqi”) is an automotive marque owned by the Chinese automaker GAC Group. Trumpchi models have been available in China for since 2010 , and actually means “legend” in Chinese. No relation to the former president, in any case, GAC Group is ready to change the brand as soon as it enters the North American market.

FIRST DRIVES

FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 25

HOW TO OFF-ROAD Your 4x4 may have been designed for the rough stuff, but taking it there for the first time isn’t something you should do unprepared.

Matt Prior is your countryside guide

xcellent news: you’ve bought an off-roader.

A new world awaits: a world without asphalt, road rage, roadside rubbish, middle-lane hogs or tailgaters. Or public toilets or recovery services, but let’s not dwell.

Using a 4x4 as it was intended for the first time can be somewhat daunting, though. This, then, is a rough, step-by-step guide to off-roading. It’s by no means a comprehensive instruction for every situation you could possibly find yourself in, but it contains lots of good advice – and, crucially, we hope, no bad advice.

E

26 AUTOCAR.COM.PH FEBRUARY 2021

S T E P 1 K N O W YO U R V E H I C L E You might be using a full-on 4x4, but even many modest crossovers have a surprising degree of ability.

Four-wheel drive is crucial in poor conditions, but all-terrain tyres are even more essential. Tyre quality is typically what stands between a vehicle making it somewhere and back and not doing so.

The handbook will list off-roading angles: approach, breakover (ramp), departure and perhaps the angle at which it will tip over sideways. But unless you carry a protractor, these aren’t essential to memorise.

Better to know what’s vulnerable on the underside of the vehicle: if

there are skidplates or if the sump, exhaust and more are exposed.

Also from where, if you’re among company (we’d recommend you are), the vehicle can tow. 4x4s have hooks designed for this. Know how to get to the spare wheel, too. It’s worth noting the wet wade depth and where the engine air intake is – although if you’re challenging these on your first time out, you’ve been quite ambitious.

Finally, get to know what, if any, off-road-specific technology the car comes with; most modern 4x4s have hill descent control and perhaps stability control that can be tuned for different underwheel terrains.

OFF-ROADING GUIDE S T E P 2 K N O W W H E R E YO U ’ R E G O I N G In short, you only want to drive where it’s legal to do so. If you’ve heard of people talking about green lanes, they mean byways that are open to all traffic, or unclassified roads.

Both appear on Ordnance Survey (OS) maps, but that doesn’t always mean you can drive on them. Access is restricted in winter on some and some are width-restricted or subject to other local by-laws.

It’s worth joining the Green Lane Association (glass-uk.org), which can provide advice and has an online database of accessible routes. The start and end points of many green

lanes are visible on Google Street View, so you can look to see if there are any signs listing restrictions.

OS has a great smartphone app, but it’s worth carrying a paper map as well, so you can, if challenged, be more confident in showing you’re legally entitled to drive on that lane. It’s worth planning the route in advance and, if going alone, telling someone where you will be and when you should be back.

Alternatively, like doing a track day, you can sign up to some time on privately owned 4x4 facilities (search online or see sites like

protraxoverlandadventures.co.uk).

These are cheap, they’re quite often in disused quarries, you get intensive time with drivers of all experiences and you can build up during the day to more challenging terrain.

Take note of signs and always obey them

Plan your route before leaving and don’t forget your map

S T E P 3 PAC K W E L L

Off-roading capability varies greatly, even among off-roaders

Make sure you take all the kit you will or might need. This includes: ● Enough fuel to get there and back. ● A first-aid kit. ● A torch. ● Suitable clothing and footwear. ● A mobile phone and charger. ● Food and drink. ● A full-size spare wheel. ● A good vehicle jack.

Consider also taking a shovel, a tow rope and loppers (obstructive branches, common on green lanes in summer, may be cut back, although any wood must be left behind).

An extra water canister is handy for cleaning numberplates, lights and windows. And if you’re going with friends, a walkie-talkie set is a nice idea. Make sure it’s all strapped in.

STEP 4 TECHNIQUE

So once you’re kitted up, that means you can crack on, yes?

Well, yeah, basically. But there are some techniques that are worth understanding and remembering.

In public spaces – or if you’re depending on your 4x4 to get you home again – drive as slowly as possible but as fast as necessary.

The recommended speed limit on unmade roads is 12mph.

You can generally keep a relaxed grip on the steering wheel. In older

cars particularly, it’s advised that you don’t hook your thumbs inside the rim in case they get whacked by the spokes should the wheel be jarred. This is less of an issue with modern, heavily assisted steering systems but still not bad advice.

Use smooth steering, braking and throttle inputs wherever you can. Most modern 4x4s have an automatic gearbox but, in a manual, avoid gearchanges while involved in any tricky manoeuvres.

FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 27

STEP 5 TYPES OF TERRAIN MUD

Mud is the most common type of challenging underwheel terrain in the UK, unsurprisingly. Driving through it wants steady momentum, so avoid stopping just before an incline or, worse, on one. Ruts are common; if you can straddle deep ones, that makes life easier and lessens the environmental impact. But if the legal track is narrow, it’s better to stay in them. Try to avoid wheelspin: it just makes ruts deeper and loses momentum. Keep a distance from

other vehicles and make a mental note of where the ground is firmer, ahead and behind, so you know you can get going again after stopping.

There’s a wheel under all of that, honest

HILLS

Before climbing, have a look at the top of the hill on foot to see what’s on the other side and where you can stop at the summit. This will also give you an idea of how much speed you may need to carry onto the slope and whether the car will nose into it if you approach it too quickly.

Try to stay straight, not traversed, because of the rollover risk. Don’t try to turn across the slope. And if you don’t make it up the first time, it doesn’t matter. Have a plan to reverse and try again or use a different route.

When descending in an old-school manual off-roader, the advice used to be engage a low gear (often second) and take your feet off all the pedals; that way, the wheels keep turning

and you retain steering control under a speed controlled by engine braking.

This doesn’t work so well with automatic cars (unless you can tell the ’box to hold a gear). But as we’ve already mentioned, modern off-roaders tend to have hill descent control, which does a similar job. If you do have to brake yourself, do it very gently. And either way, don’t descend with the clutch depressed.

If a car does start to slide, pressing the throttle to increase wheel speed until it matches ground speed will let you regain steering control, counterintuitive though that may seem.

And, as with ascending, don’t traverse the downward slope.

SAND

Sand is rarer in the UK – and it can feel like it wants to swallow the car whole. If you’re stopping, do it on a downward slope. 4x4 guides may tell you that ‘steady momentum’ is the key to sand; if you’re in a desert, that means getting the car moving and keeping it that way. Beach sand is often firm enough to take a 4x4 (between the high-tide mark and four metres from the sea), but the internet is awash with videos of people finding otherwise.

WAT E R

Generally, it pays not to cross water unless you have to or really want to.

Here is where it pays to know your vehicle’s specification. Use a stick to find the depth, unless you can watch someone ford it first. And even then, wait until the water has settled again.

Start off very slowly, gradually build up momentum and ease off before you reach the opposite side, else a bow wave may rebound from the bank and flood your car. Low speed is good, because it will probably be impossible to see what’s underwheel. Recovering a stranded 4x4 from several feet of water is unamusing.

If you know you’ll be entering water, consider repositioning or removing the front numberplate.

Searching for a lost plate in a pool is also not fun. And never try to cross deep or fast-flowing water.

28 AUTOCAR.COM.PH FEBRUARY 2021

Consider reducing your tyre pressures, assuming you’re able to pump them back up. And check local by-laws and signs; coastal areas are often particularly environmentally precious.

G R AV E L

Gravel suits low speeds, because grip is low, especially in corners.

Also, pinged-up stones aren’t good for your paintwork, while dust clouds hinder visibility. A high gear will limit wheelspin.

SNOW AND ICE

Here in Britain, snow and ice will be combined with another surface to make it yet more slippery. More than on any other surface, tyres are key.

So is picking the right speed: you will need momentum and wheels rolling to keep going but then have trouble stopping, which calls for progressive braking, gentle acceleration and very keen thought for cornering speeds.

Snow and ice are very tricky to drive on

OFF-ROADING GUIDE

❝ Use smooth steering, braking and throttle inputs wherever you can ❞

S T E P 6 V E H I C L E T E C H N O L O GY Most modern 4x4s have a raft of offroad-specific features and settings, so it’s worth knowing what they do.

You’ll pretty quickly get a feel for when to engage four-wheel drive if your 4x4 has a part-time system, as most pick-ups do (and that point will come soon), and, if there is one, a lowratio transfer (less often necessary).

As with gearchanges, it’s best to predict and err on the side of caution.

Locking differentials are common, sometimes just on the rear. Rockcrawling or on moguls is when they’re most useful; they prevent an unloaded wheel hopelessly spinning away by ensuring the opposite wheel gets torque too.

The likes of Land Rover’s Terrain Response system alter the throttle response and stability control depending on what you tell the car is beneath it. Sand mode, for example, gives big throttle response to small inputs

and eases the traction and stability controls so you can carry more speed in high gears. Rock Crawl does the opposite, allowing precise low-speed throttle control and little wheel slip.

Hill descent control is common now and does what it says on the tin.

Check the manual for how to engage, disengage and alter the set speed, if that’s possible. It’s well worth using.

Cameras, wheel angle sensors and vehicle angle sensors: check the manual to see what your car is equipped with. Every extra helps.

You really – really – don’t want a rollover

Today’s off-roaders benefit from myriad advanced technology

S T E P 7 R E T U R N I N G T O T H E R OA D At the end of the day, you’ll arrive back on the road. But first, it pays to check over the car for damage or lodged debris and that its lights, windows and numberplates are clear.

If you reduced the tyre pressures, reinflate them (there’s no set rule on this: lowering the pressure increases surface area and can smoothen the ROCKS

Low ratio (if there is one), first gear and differentials locked is best for rock-crawling. This is also most likely to damage your car, so if you have a companion, getting them to guide from outside is best.

Ditches, logs and other obstacles may be best approached

diagonally, because there’s then less chance of you beaching atop something or nosing into a bank.

Take care on large obstacles, though. Traversing a slope is perhaps the most perilous thing you can do off road, because of the danger of a rollover.

off-road ride and decrease the risk of punctures, but it also reduces ground clearance and can be a faff).

Then set off slowly – to let the tyres clear themselves of terra firma – and make sure that the car steers and stops normally. Then enjoy the warm glow of knowing that your 4x4 has done what a 4x4 is designed to do.

Don’t just drive straight back onto a public road after mud-plugging

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEITH MARK DADOR

GEELY OKAVANGO URBAN PLUS IT JUST GOT BETTER

30 AUTOCAR.COM.PH FEBRUARY 2021

Not long after the launch of the 7-seat Okavango Crossover, Geely Philippines wasted no time and brought in the Okavango Urban Plus, a higher end variant of the Okavango.

FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 31

T

he Geely Okavango promised to be a game changer in the industry, combining the best qualities of a multipurpose vehicle and an SUV, resulted in an exciting 7-seat mid-size crossover. In the words of SGAP President & CEO Mikihisa Takayama, “The Okavango crossover promises a ‘Wonderfully Distinct’ ride.”

“The Okavango is aptly named after the Okavango River Delta in Africa, a vast and pulsating wetland which converges and 32 AUTOCAR.COM.PH FEBRUARY 2021

diverges with a unique ecosystem and a myriad of species. Our Okavango embodies this energetic spirit with technology, to bring you a cross-over with extended space”, said Geely’s Shanghai Design Center General Manager Guy Burgoyne.

Many observed that the first Okavango, compared to the Azkarra and even it’s Coolray sibling, lacked certain appointments. But seating 7, more than made up for that.

Priced competitively, elegant and sophisticated.

WHAT’S NEW?

Not that it was lacking, the new Okavango Urban Plus now has ADB Matrix LED headlights; this high tech illumination system follows the direction of steering wheel. This means it lights up the road ahead even as you negotiate turns.

Another new feature is the 12.3” full digital gauge cluster. It has a dynamic look, with colors that depend on your choice of three drive modes. Blue for Eco, Yellow for Normal and Red for Sport.

Your road trips will never be the same with the new Panoramic Sunroof. Take your pick on how to enjoy the open roof with the automatic control, which lets you decide how wide you want it open. It has the dust deflector to assure you debris wont enter the cabin. Feel the wind without opening your windows, and it gets better, with added illumination for night trips.

There’s also some room for a compartment to stow your sunglasses.

GEELY OKAVANGO URBAN PLUS

See everything around you with tactically placed wide and high-definition 360 degrees panoramic cameras.

All your driving info in a bright and readable panel 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Panel

Electronic Gear Shifter

Enjoy driving with an elegant dashboard. All the controls you need are easily accessible to make driving comfortable and hassle-free.

FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 33

❝ Its ride is composed on our uneven city roads, bumps and ruts are smoothed out and it’s even better on highways.

In the urban setting, we recommend the ECO drive mode.

This mode subdues acceleration, and upshifts earlier in an attempt to keep rpms down.

❞

34 AUTOCAR.COM.PH FEBRUARY 2021

GEELY OKAVANGO URBAN PLUS

THE RUNDOWN

The Geely Okavango boasts an interior comparable to more expensive brands. Space, Technology and safety were the primary design considerations here. Comfortable seating for 7 adults was a serious matter, especially for the third row occupants, the Okavango aced this. Long trips are made easier and more relaxed – with a 19 different seat configurations, 42 storage nooks and a double layer console, tucking gadgets and cellphones out of the way.

Charging ports for all rows is

an added bonus.

Comfort and safety is assured by a triple-zone CN95 filtered air-conditioning system.

Allowing the front and rear passengers to select their preferred temperature.

HYBRID IS IT.

Powered by the joint Geely Volvo developed engine, the 1.5L Turbocharged engine is mated to a 7-speed wet-type dual clutch transmission and assisted by their 48V Electric Motor Synergy (EMS) technology. It’s classified as a Mild Hybrid. The combined

output of the 1.5l gas engine and the 48V EMS, put the power at 190 hp with 300Nm of torque.

You may wonder, why three models have the same 1.5l engine? Taking into consideration the purpose of the Coolray, Azkarra and Okavango, meticulous engineering sets them apart from each other. While they share the same powerplant, they are geared different, each with their own set of ratios, taking advantage of the horsepower and torque with different driving purpose.

Dedicated rear A/C control system

FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 35

1.5L Turbocharged Direct Injection Engine

With the Volvo pedigree, safety is utmost for all Geely vehicles and the Okavango is no different. With 6 SRS Airbags, 360-degree panoramic camera with a best-in-class guidance system and dynamic auxiliary lines, speed warning, electronic stability control, hill start assist, central locking with speedsensing auto lock, and hill

36 AUTOCAR.COM.PH FEBRUARY 2021

descent control will give you peace of mind.

THE TEST DRIVE.

The Okavango we reviewed was in a new color option, black, not Geely’s usual bright, youthful hues. It looked imposing, serious yet elegant.

The 10.25-inch HD Infotainment display is clear,

which is helpful when using the 360º camera. Obstacles are clearly displayed. Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is not available but has Bluetooth and USB connectivity is adequate. Sound quality is pretty good too.

Its ride is composed on our uneven city roads, bumps and ruts are smoothed out and it’s even better on highways. In the urban setting, we recommend the ECO drive mode. This mode subdues acceleration, and upshifts earlier in an attempt to keep rpms down. The electric motor assumes most duties up to 30kph conserving gas, as more is consumed moving from a stop. Energy is recovered when you lift off the accelerator and also while braking, recharging the batteries.

The Normal drive mode gives you just the right amount

GEELY OKAVANGO URBAN PLUS

FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 37

of power and torque to get around. Overtaking is where you feel the electric motor assist the engine, when you step on the gas, the system detects the need for power and applies additional torque from the motor, acceleration is almost instantaneous giving the economical 1.5L engine extra boost without the extra fuel consumption.

With traction control turned on, the extra torque afforded by the electric motors can still produce some tire squeal on some occasions. We estimate under normal highway driving, fuel consumption to be around 20km/L (5L/100kms).

The seats are comfortable with leg and back support.

The rear seats also offer more adjustment options. The leg room is also generous. The third row seats provide ample space for average sized adult pinoys. The second and third row seats fold flat, allowing more cargo. We fit a full sized mountain bike inside (with the front wheel detached) with space to spare.

The Okavango Urban Plus is priced at PHP1,208,000 for the Comfort variant and PHP1,328,000 for the Urban variant.

AUTOCAR PH TEAM

2021 GEELY OKAVANGO URBAN PLUS HYBRID Vehicle Type Engine Power Torque Transmission Fuel Wheelbase Length Width Height Fuel Capacity Max Cargo Tires Colors

Mid Size Crossover 1.5 Liter Turbocharged Direct Injection Engine with 48V Electric Motor 190 hp at 5500rpm 300Nm at 4000rpm 7-speed wet-type dual clutch transmission Gasoline 2,815 mm 4,835 mm 1,900 mm 1,780 mm 50-liters 2,050L 225/55/R18 Storm Gray, Porcelain White Luna Silver, Marble Black

Contact Info Sojitz G Auto Philippines Corporation, official dealer of Geely Philippines Hotline: +632 82920538 E-mail: customer.service@geelyph.com www.geelyph.com

38 AUTOCAR.COM.PH FEBRUARY 2021

GEELY OKAVANGO URBAN PLUS

❝

The Geely Okavango boasts an interior comparable to more expensive brands. Space, Technology and safety were the primary design considerations here.

❞

FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 39

40 AUTOCAR.COM.PH FEBRUARY 2021

BE A BETTER DRIVER GUIDE

HOW TO BE A BETTER DRIVER We’re all desperate to get back on the open road, but it will be even more enjoyable if you prepare yourself and your car and plan ahead. Andrew Frankel elaborates ne day, sooner rather than later, all this is going to end. The coronavirus will be, if not entirely eradicated, then at least well under control, and in our brave new world we’ll once again be free to savour all of the luxuries that, prior to the outbreak, we took for granted.

We’re not there yet, of course, but one of the old pleasures that we can indulge in again is going for a drive in the car, just for the sake of it.

And when we do, it’s best that we be prepared, because we won’t be alone; the whole country, a pressure cooker of unrequited desire and ambition for the open road, will be joining us.

How, exactly, should we be preparing ourselves for this glorious moment? You could, of course, just head out and hope. Or you could, with just a little thought, have a drive you’ll remember for the rest of your days. All you need to do is

O

make sure that not only your car is ready but you too.

So I guess the first, most urgent question is: do you have the right car? Because unless you can muster something of the calibre of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, there’s really no point even reaching for the keys – or so some people would have you believe. In fact, the list of wrong cars is far shorter than that of right ones, and if you’re reading this, the chances of you being on the wrong list are smaller still.

All you need is a car that’s good to drive. If that sounds obvious, it’s not, because what almost everyone infers from such a sentence is that it must be good to drive fast. A sports car, in other words, or an overtly sporting car at the very least.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Cars that are good to drive just need to be well engineered, and they come in most shapes and sizes and at all price points. à

FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 41

❝ You’ll have less fun, not more, if you try to white-knuckle it on a public road ❞

Allow me to provide a personal example. Two years ago, we had a need for a family hack, a car to keep for 10 years and run into the ground.

I didn’t want to pay huge money for it and there was no requirement whatsoever for it to be fast or sporting, but it was important to me that it was good to drive nevertheless.

A mid-spec, 1.5-litre Volkswagen Golf did and continues to do the job to perfection. It has lovely steering, a slick gearbox, decent damping and commendable balance for an everyday car. You can tell within five minutes it was made by people who love to drive. A cheap-as-buttons, decade-old Ford Focus has much the same going for it.

But you’re not done yet, not by a distance. If you came to carve the Sunday roast and discovered your knife was blunt, you would probably not buy yourself a new knife but sharpen the one you already had. It’s the same with your car. Check the fluids, of course, but for goodness’ sake check the tyres and their

42 AUTOCAR.COM.PH FEBRUARY 2021

Why you should go pressures too. As the only for a pleasure drive interface between car and in the wee hours… road, their condition is critical.

You don’t need to have brand new, premium-brand boots at every corner; there are some excellent mid-market tyres made by companies that aren’t household names. But they need to be in good nick and correctly inflated.

Then clear out the interior, not so much as a weight reduction that which connects the primary exercise but to keep you on the move controls of the pedals, gearlever and and your mind clear of distractions. steering wheel. I’m talking about How many times have you been you. Clearly you shouldn’t be tired, on a decent road but found your pleasure compromised by something hung over or anything other than clear-headed and well when you rolling around in a rear footwell? embark upon your drive. But you You have to stop, lose your rhythm, can also improve the quality of any find the offending object and a way drive just by thinking about it in of securing it, resume and then advance and putting yourself in re-overtake all those cars that you overtook five minutes ago, the drivers the right frame of mind.

And that is to be relaxed. If, after of which might prove less willing to this extended lay-off, you head let you past for a second time. out intending to have the drive of Next, you must attend to the most your life, it will almost certainly important component of any drive:

be a miserable experience, because it will never live up to the unrealistic hope you have for it. Accept that the weather might not be ideal and that you might find traffic on your most-anticipated road.

If so, don’t get frustrated and go for a sketchy overtake.

If you get unlucky on what is usually a quiet road, find a decent straight giving good vision behind your car, pull over and give yourself some space.

Unless you’re driving like an idiot, let the car ahead go for even a few minutes and you will probably never catch it again and therefore have the road to yourself. But remember, too, that you have no destination.

If your current route isn’t working, just find another. That’s the greatest luxury of just going for a drive.

Importantly, don’t drive stupidly fast. Always leave a margin not just for yourself but also to account for any other road user behaving in an unexpected way. And besides being

BE A BETTER DRIVER GUIDE FROM THE A5 TO PIKES PEAK M AT T S A U N D E R S

Tyres are a vital element, so don’t scrimp on them you’re driving and how that can affect your car’s composure. Jackie Stewart always used to advise people to imagine they had an egg strapped to the bottom of their right foot and not to press either the accelerator or brake hard enough to break it. Even when you’re not on the limit, you can still maximise the grip of your tyres by dishing out the workload between them as evenly as possible. Stamping on the pedals and wrenching the wheel do the exact opposite.

Instead, see how you can affect the car’s attitude to a corner, just by gently varying pedal pressure. A bit less and the nose should tuck in; a bit more and it should peel away. And, to repeat, you don’t need to be on the limit to adjust its attitude like this.

To me, managing the car’s mass in this way is what driving is all about – even more so if you happen to be on a track, a happy place we will be reaching in a moment or two. For now, though, you’re ready and your car is ready, so let’s head out onto the road. Do you know where you’re going and how long you’ll be gone for? The problem is that most people don’t live at the foot of a mountain pass. There might be decent roads nearby, but they’ll be choked with traffic at all sensible times of day.

So set an alarm and go at a less sensible How much throttle you’ll time of day. à

What’s the most important component of a great drive: the road, the car, your mood, the time of day or whether you’re alone?

The road. There’s room for at least a little compromise on every other factor listed there except that one.

It must be challenging enough to keep you engaged, in a location sufficiently pretty for it to feel special and lightly trafficked enough for you to very occasionally GLF. And that’s mostly because I refuse to accept that we’re living in a world in which every inch of asphalt in under constant surveillance and so you have to drive as if you’re being watched 24/7/365 (although you probably should).

What’s the greatest drive you’ve ever had?

It was a Sunday evening in midautumn, and I was returning to my digs at Bangor University on the A5.

I was probably 19. It was an extended

dusk; they always seem longer when you’re heading west. It was patchily wet, there was very little freight around (which almost never happens on that road) and I was in a heavily loaded Triumph Acclaim (which is how I know the car doesn’t really matter with these things). Crossing the border into Wales and continuing all the way to the Menai Straits, I think I could have counted the cars I saw on my fingers. I vividly remember the clouds being the colour of slate.

Dropping down from Tryfan was like descending into Mordor, and my eyes were already out on stalks.

If you could only drive one more car on one more occasion, what and where would it be?

Ken Block’s Hoonicorn Ford Mustang at the Pikes Peak hillclimb. It would be a less talented, more understeery remake of Climbkhana, I suppose. I reckon that would be quite a giggle.

Saunders driving his Triumph Acclaim to Bangor. Oh, wait…

25%

typically use in a supercar

on a good road. In a bloody dangerous, Mazda MX-5, you can driving flat out isn’t frequently use 90% the best way to enjoy or more. a standard road car on a standard road.

Of course, all modern cars are designed to behave themselves on the limit, but few are at their best right on the edge of their abilities.

Body control might suffer, brakes might fade, tyres might start to go off… you just don’t want to go there.

But also – and this is something that I’ve always tried to impress upon young road testers who have come to me for a bit of tuition – you will have less fun, not more, if you try to white-knuckle it on a public road.

This is because your brain will be focused solely on trying to keep you on the not-so-straight and narrow. It will therefore either mute or filter out entirely all those sensations that are not strictly germane to that pursuit.

So you won’t be savouring and For having fun, the considering the responses of your car doesn’t matter car; you’ll just be hanging on. as much as the road Try instead to think about how

FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 43

G O O D C O M M U N I C AT I O N A N D B E AU T I F U L S U R R O U N D I N G S M AT T P R I O R

What’s the most important component of a great drive: the road, the car, your mood, the time of day or whether you’re alone?

What I like most is a car that tells me precisely what it’s doing, even if those things are less competent than other

cars of its type. So I like a talkative steering rack, a firm steering wheel rim and nicely fitting seats. I’ve often thought that what makes the Porsche 911 more special than other cars is how it telegraphs what it’s going to do as much as what it’s actually doing.

Forget the millions: Prior would drive this 250 around the world

What’s the greatest drive you’ve ever had?

Nearly 20 years ago, my folks were on a big tour around Britain in their motorhome. I had a week off and said I would join them near the Isle of Skye.

I had a Peugeot 106 GTi, put some camping gear and a mountain bike in the back and set off desperately early one morning to get there in one hit. By mid-afternoon, I was driving the best roads I had then ever known, enjoying what remain some of the best views I have ever seen. It’s still my favourite destination.

If you could only drive one more car on one more occasion, what and where would it be?

I’d drive the ex-Rob Walker Racing Team Ferrari 250 SWB chassis 2119GT, in which Stirling Moss won three races and which Ross Brawn later bought.

It’s my favourite example of my favourite car of all time. And I would drive it around the world, because no trip can really take longer than that.

❝ The way a car behaves on a track is usually a magnified version of how it behaves on the road ❞

Track driving will teach you about balancing forces 44 AUTOCAR.COM.PH FEBRUARY 2021

I do this all the time. In fact, when I have something quick that’s in need of a proper evaluation, I’ll often be up and out by 4am and have had two hours on deserted roads before most people’s alarms have gone off. And in that time, anyone can get to and enjoy great roads.

For longer journeys, the most important decision is whether to go alone or in company and, selfish sod that I am, I would almost always prefer to be by myself. There’s no better way to have your style cramped or fun compromised by having to be considerate of others on a long journey. I like to get up extremely early, listen to either nothing or offensively loud music and not stop unless I absolutely have to. If I did that in company, I would end up with an ASBO. At last year’s Geneva motor show, I was understandably quite excited about driving my long-term McLaren 720S back home – at least until I was asked by a friend and colleague if I would mind giving him a lift back to the UK. I thought how happy and grateful he would be and the undoubtedly good company he would provide. Then I thought about having

BE A BETTER DRIVER GUIDE G I V E M E A Q UAT T R O O R A 570 S STEVE CROPLEY

You must always keep tabs on tyre wear and pressure

to moderate my behaviour and how to field the wellintended offer I knew would be next down the line if I said yes: “Shall we split the driving?” I drove back alone.

Now let us imagine for a moment that Covid-19 is conquered and you decide to take out all the built-up frustration in an orgy of high-octane, full-throttle drama at the first trackday onto which you can book yourself.

The need to check your car over and make sure its tyres are properly inflated and in good condition is even more important here than on the road. But how should you drive?

It depends on what you want to achieve, but if you’re not a regular, it’s as good an opportunity as is likely to come your way to find out how your car behaves in extremis.

Whether it has front, rear or fourwheel drive or has its engine in the front, rear or middle, almost any car can be persuaded both to oversteer and to understeer, and there’s simply not the space here to go into the nuances of how to induce, recover, mitigate and cancel each condition for each configuration.

However, what you will find in most cases is the way a car behaves on a track is a magnified version of how it behaves on the road. It might react more quickly or to a greater extreme, but it’s unlikely to do anything The average speed dramatically across the whole of different. And England’s road network in however your car a typical year. The sheer is configured and quantity of motorway behaves, the key to traffic is why it’s as a fast but safe lap is high as it is. the same: make all four tyres earn their keep.

To do this, I need to introduce you to something called the circle of adhesion. There’s very little maths required. Just imagine a circle with a line drawn through it from top to bottom. This line represents the work a tyre can do in a longitudinal direction, so under acceleration and braking. Which means that the tyre

What’s the most important component of a great drive: the road, the car, your mood, the time of day or whether you’re alone?

For me, it absolutely has to be the greatness of the car that matters most. If the car is wonderful, it can glorify even the most godawful of roads, lift my mood and make me not care a damn about the time of day. I do prefer to be alone when going for it, though, and that means both alone in the car and not part of a group on the road. If accompanied in the car, I’m too concerned about whether the other person is having a good time or thinking unwelcome thoughts about my driving. And in a group, I find my choice of a natural speed is inhibited.

What’s the greatest drive you’ve ever had?

My greatest drive ever? Cripes. It’s hard to say. Probably a blast in an original Audi Quattro from home in the Cotswolds, around the top of the Bristol Channel, down towards the Black Mountains region and then further west to stay out there at the end of a long day. That car’s all-round capability – not just traction but also good ground clearance, excellent steering, great gear ratios and good wheel control and travel – made it relentlessly fast in conditions where surfaces vary a lot, ruts and sharp rises come at you without warning and roads are hardly engineered.

In fact, I suspect a fit Quattro might still be passable today. I remember well the yowl of the five-cylinder engine and the mid-range turbo torque that made the paltry power output of 220bhp seem irrelevant.

What made it so special was knowing that whatever the car encountered at speed, it would deal with.

If you could only drive one more car on one more occasion, what and where would it be?

One car? I think it would probably have to be a McLaren. Not one of the Ultimate Series cars but something like a 570S, because that’s my level.

Or maybe a 12C (with updates), because that’s a car I admire enormously in retrospect. My choice would have to be pretty modern in character; I admire old cars but lose patience with them.

Which road? Rather than some fullon driving challenge, I think I would drive for the last time on some road that I’ve always associated with good times, such as the A272 that snakes so beautifully across the country. I would need to be accompanied by Herself, because she would enjoy it too. When we got to Midhurst, we would turn south through Cocking, continue to Goodwood and pitch up in the Aero Club Café, where we would enjoy looking over the green of the airfield and remembering what lucky lives we had lived.

Cross-country run in a Quattro stands out for Cropley

60mph

would be at the top of the line under maximum acceleration and at the bottom under maximum braking.

Now draw another line from left to right through the middle of the circle, which is the same but with cornering to the left and right at its poles.

Then just remember this: the tyre can never leave the circle. So under a maximum longitudinal force, it can’t accept any additional work in a lateral direction or vice versa. Try to force it further than it cares to go and it will spin, slide or lock, which

at best is slow and at worst will make you busier than you want to be. If you always have the circle in mind and use weight transference to ensure the tyre stays within the circle, you will be fast and it will be fun. When testers talk about ‘balancing’ the car, this is what they mean.

Now that we can all get out there and start enjoying our cars again without too many unusual restrictions, don’t just get in and drive: think about it, plan it and have a truly great drive instead. L

FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 45

Type 2’s roots go back to the VW Plattenwagen

Hotel California James Attwood never did find out if the new VW camper is worthy of five stars. But, for lockdown lodgings, it sure beats the average travel tavern PHOTOGRAPHY OLGUN KORDAL here’s a variant of Autocar feature we call the ‘epic drive’, where we make a fuss of a particular vehicle by taking it on an extended outing to a significant location. This was supposed to be one of those features.

But it’s not, clearly, because this is 2020, the year in which nothing has gone as planned.

We had been plotting an epic drive to celebrate the Volkswagen Transporter. Yes, a van – but one worthy of celebration. The Type 2 entered production in 1950, VW’s cunningly named second vehicle after the Type 1 (the Beetle), in van, minibus and camper form. This was no case of ‘difficult second album’: the T2 was an instant success, playing a key role in VW’s

T

46 AUTOCAR.COM.PH FEBRUARY 2021

growth from producer of a single affordable hatchback into one of the world’s largest car giants. It has also displayed incredible longevity, with around 13 million sold over an unbroken 70-year production run that sets a record for a commercial vehicle. During that time, the Beetle has gone out of production, been revived as a retro homage and gone out of production again.

Not that the Transporter (the Type 2 name was retired for the fourth-generation T4; the first three generations have confusingly been retconned as T1, T2 and T3) hasn’t changed. As well as being offered in countless variants, garnering enough official names and nicknames to fill the word count for this feature (a small sample includes Camper, Bus, Bulli, Microbus, Caravelle,

California, Kombi and Samba), it had been reinvented across six generations. The latest T6.1 models are scarcely comparable to a 1950 T2, but there is a direct continuity.

Worthy of celebration, then. So our plan was to mark seven decades of the VW Transporter with an epic road trip in the latest T6.1 California camper. Having ruled out a ‘summer of love’ road trip in California as being too cliché (Autocar writers are taught to avoid clichés like, erm, oh, you know), we settled on en epic drive to Wolfsburg.

We would detour to the VW factory in Hanover, where various generations of Transporter have been built since 1956. From there, we would head on to VW’s hometown, where production of the Type 2 began in 1950, to line up the California

with an original T2 and the ID Buzz concept that previews its electric successor. Along the way, we would camp, eat and sleep in the California, with all that entailed. Ideas were refined, logistics discussed and arrangements made and then… the closest we could get to an epic drive was a trip to the supermarket. Sigh.

Since lockdown has eased, we still wanted to celebrate the Transporter.

And while our German road trip would now be possible, the logistics, health and safety restrictions, social distancing, differing legislation, quarantine risks and, frankly, a mountain of really long and complex risk assessment forms made it unfeasible in our time frame.

So, how to celebrate the Transporter in the mixed-up world of

TRANSPORTER AT 70 EPIC DRIVE(WAY) S I X G E N E R AT I O N S O F T R A N S P O R T E R

Production of the original Type 2 continued until 1975 in Brazil. The second-gen model was produced in the country from 1976 until 2013, setting a record for the space and it’s really longest production very comfortable. I period of any single may be missing the van. tremendous sense of

2020? Simple, with a very 2020 concept: a staycation. We’ll stay home and spend a week working, living and sleeping in a California, while using it as our daily driver. You see, you don’t need to drive thousands of miles to appreciate the Transporter.

Its greatness is in its functionality, as a holiday home, workplace, minibus or load-lugger. So why go anywhere at all? Call it Autocar’s least-epic drive.

That’s why I’m currently writing sitting on the rear bench of a California on my driveway, laptop comfortably perched on the fold-out table and paperwork strewn across the handy shelf formed by the lids for the built-in sink, gas hobs and fridge.

It’s an ideal office: I’ve got loads of

adventure that most VW camper owners experience, but I’m close enough to use my home wi-fi and I’ve got easy access to a decent shower and toilet. Winner.

The camper variant is key to the Transporter’s cult following.

When the T2 launched in 1951, VW licensed speciality firm Westfalia to produce its official camper variants, although similar conversions have been produced by myriad independent firms. Westfalia’s purchase by Mercedes-Benz in 2001 predictably signalled the end of that partnership, so in 2003 VW launched the California as its own in-house camper. à

The California makes light work of its 3080kg mass FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 47

Compared with some of the ageing camper conversions you will find parked up on the coast of Cornwall in surfing season, the latest T6.1 California I’m sitting in is an ultraposh Hilton hotel – but, again, there’s a clear lineage. The cabin layout is familiar, from the sliding door (now electronically powered) on one side to the unit containing hobs, sink and storage on the other. The rear seats fold flat and, when combined with a bench in the boot, form a handy double bed. And, as Westfalia has offered since the second-generation T2, there’s a pop-up camper roof (also now electronically operated) to house an upstairs double bed, turning the California into a two-storey four-berther.

The California offers Tardislike spatial qualities, thanks to

BUZZ ISN ’T LIGHT Y E A R S AWAY… With a consistent lineage stretching back 70 years, the Transporter’s success has been built on its consistency. But it’s not immune to wider industry trends, and big changes are coming in the future.

For one thing, the California is growing into a full family, with the Crafter-based Grand California launched in 2018 and a Caddy-based compact camper set to follow.

Then, VW’s long-time dream of producing a true successor to the original T2 will be realised by the production version of the electric ID Buzz concept. Built on the MEB electric platform, it will be a key part of the new ID family, with both passenger and commercial versions offering what VW Commercial Vehicles UK boss Cian O’Brien calls “unashamedly retro” styling, while being “fitted with cutting-edge electric tech”.

But the next generation of the T Series itself is arguably making an even more significant change, due to the new global alliance between VW and Ford.

The Transporter will be twinned with the next-generation Transit, with development led

by Ford. It’s a profound change, but O’Brien is adamant that it won’t dent the Transporter’s appeal, promising that “a Volkswagen van will continue to feel like a Volkswagen van”.

48 AUTOCAR.COM.PH FEBRUARY 2021

the proven layout that has endured through generations of camper. Maximising the space offered by the Transporter’s commercial-friendly boxy design, everything inside is well-placed and well thought through. Sure, it’s going to be a little tight if you’re sharing it with three other people, but as a compromise between space and practicality, it’s ideal.

With my office and living room ideally set up, I opt to sleep upstairs. As any camper owner will know, it’s surprisingly spacious up there, with room for two and lots of head room. It’s comfortable, owing to a proper sprung bed-style base below the mattress. The most challenging aspect is getting up and down through the hatch above the

It couldn’t be VW currywurst every night

...

front seats – something that, from experience, contains extra jeopardy in the early hours of the morning when you’re half-asleep and desperate for the toilet. Especially if you’ve accidentally switched the California off camper mode and set the motion sensor alert, prompting

the alarm to go off the moment you dangle a leg into the main cabin. Ahem. Thankfully, the neighbours didn’t notice.

If the clamber into the California’s loft extension seems a touch inelegant, don’t fret: countless third-party ladders are available, among myriad other official and unofficial accessories and merchandise.

It’s a testament to the enduring cult of the camper – something I mull on in the evening, sipping a coffee from my licensed VW camper mug while my official VW-produced Bulli-Nudel pasta is cooking on the gas hob. I would have used the official VW kitchen utensil set and sat in an official VW camper folding chair while wearing an official VW camper T-shirt, but

❝ It doesn’t take an epic drive to understand the enduring appeal of the Transporter ❞

apparently I wasn’t allowed to spend the substantial fuel savings that our reworked feature created entirely on camper merchandise. So I settle for the Bulli pasta, which offers pleasing bite when cooked al dente and, like the van itself, is supremely versatile with a range of sauces.

Of course, even for our least-epic drive, we can’t resist the urge to take to the roads. And while using the California as a daily driver around a Somerset town, with an occasional motorway jaunt thrown in, isn’t really its intended purpose, it handles the task with ease. Of course it does: lower the pop-up roof and fold away the tray-sized table and the California is essentially a hugely versatile midsized van, which means it has to be easy to drive in all situations.

The high-up, van-based driving

TRANSPORTER AT 70 EPIC DRIVE(WAY)

T6.1 doesn’t skimp on the latest tech…

…but, alas, no dishwasher

The T Series has many official names, and even more unofficial ones. In Portugal it’s known as the pão de forma (loaf of bread), in Denmark the rugbrod (rye bread) and in Poland the ogórek (cucumber).

position offers great visibility, the boxy design makes it easy to place and the 196bhp 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine, driven through a seven-speed dualclutch automatic gearbox, makes relatively light work of a machine that weighs 3080kg unladen. Given that weight, the ride is pretty decent, too, and as long as you’ve taken a bit of time to stash everything away properly, you won’t hear too many rattles from the cabin.

So is the drive dynamic?

Thrilling? Well, no, of course not.

It’s a commercial van, with all that entails: it’s perfectly functional and incredibly easy, without offering either thrills or complaint. Certainly, you could drive one for hundreds of miles, say from London to central Germany, in ease and comfort.

But why waste the time doing so when the real joy of the California is to be found not in the journey but in enjoying it once you’ve reached your destination? Especially if that destination is, ooh, 10 feet from your starting point.

It doesn’t take an epic drive to understand the enduring appeal

Pull-out camping chairs are fitted in the boot opening of the Transporter. When Autocar reviews cars, one of our key criteria is ‘fitness for purpose’ – how well it does the job for which it was intended. That’s the most remarkable thing about the Transporter: for seven decades, it has been designed to do a whole range of jobs, and it has succeeded because it excels at all of them.

And so, as the California departs, it’s with genuine sorrow that I return to my current home office.

Which has given me an idea: instead of reopening the Autocar office, perhaps we could all just work out of Californias in the future… L

VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA 2.0 TDI OCEAN Price Engine Power Torque Gearbox Kerb weight 0-62mph Top speed Economy CO2, tax band

£72,235 4 cyls, 1968cc, diesel 196bhp at 3800-4000rpm 332lb ft at 1400-2400rpm 7-spd automatic 3080kg 11.9sec 124mph 33.2mpg 222-247g/km, 37%

Transporters have come and gone a long way over six generations

FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 49

M OTO R S P O RTS W I N N I N G N E WS F R O M T H E R AC I N G I N D U ST RY

SCHOOLING THE YOUNGSTERS, ACAYAN WINS 2019 PHRX CHAMPIONSHIP T

he Philippine Rallycross Series has been advocating the revival of the rally racing scene in the country. Inspired by the heydays of local rally racing back in the 80s to 90s, the people behind PHRX have been organizing dirt time trial racing since 2015. The series have since produced countless champions and one of the recent champions of the series is veteran rally driver and navigator, Steve Acayan.

50 AUTOCAR.COM.PH FEBRUARY 2021

Acayan was hailed champion of the Group 2 Classification of the 2019 season. Another perk of being champion in this category, Acayan also gets the honor of being a Golden Wheel Driver of the Year for Rallycross awardee.

The Golden Wheel is a prestigious award-giving body recognizing the best in the local motorsports scene.

Though the current pandemic postponed Acayan from receiving these awards, the PHRX champion was kind enough to sit down and reminisce his journey towards championship last year.

Steve Acayan (center, checkered polo) together with PHRX directors (L-R) Eggay Quesada, Ronnie Trinidad, and Olson Camacho.

ROAD TO CHAMPIONSHIP Despite his vast experience in racing on dirt, Acayan’s championship did not come easy.

He has been joining since the first season of the series in support of the revival of the sport. With him regularly joining the series, Acayan saw the growth of PHRX not only in terms of numbers but as well as the talent the competitors developed through the years. “The number of competitors in the 2019 season was a record number since PHRX series started in 2015. The competition in all vehicle classes was intense and all drivers showed up every leg well prepared,” said Acayan.

Despite his seniority in the dirt racing, Acayan also iterated that novice drivers are getting better in driving on dirt as the season progressed. “We started the 2019 season with my underpowered Lancer Cedia and we had a difficult time keeping up with the competition in groups 2 and 3. By the third round in Clark, Pampanga, we finally got our 4AGE-powered Corolla E110 running wherein we got our first group 2 win.”

Winning on the first outing in the new car was not just luck.

Acayan shared, “the first time I used the corolla, I really had to make adjustments since it was a quicker car. We constantly had to make improvements in the cars handling to maximize its potential.”

Even with the newfound pace in his new rally car, competition got even tougher midway into the season. “It was still not easy as many drivers in Group 2 also had

the speed. It was clear that the Group 2 championship would only be decided in the last round.”

When asked how he earned the championship, the veteran racer said, “we just tried to keep up with our competitors and luckily we bagged the championship in the end.”

Acayan has been attributing his championship to the team behind his races. “I have to give it to Jun Magno and his mechanics at Debest Autofix for preparing and maintaining the Corolla. The car sports a stock 4AGE “Black Top” engine. What we did is make the car lighter by using fiberglass body parts. The rally-spec suspension definitely helped in improving the handling of the car. Having the whole team of Debest Autofix behind me every race gave me the confidence to drive as quick as possible.”

THEN AND NOW Being a champion is not something new for Steve Acayan.

He has been a national rally champion back in 1995 when he served as the navigator of the STP Toyota Levin AE86 piloted by the late Paeng Nodalo. Despite

being recognized during the glory days of the sport in the country, his recent championship is still something special for Acayan.

“This championship is special as this is my first time to win a national championship as a driver.

Also, with my years of experience in rally events, winning at my age proves that veterans can still be competitive.”

Acayan also shared that he is pleased that many are now interested in rally racing. “I am happy that rallying is back and alive thanks to the people behind PHRX. Their efforts despite the limited resources and sponsors show their love for the sport. The number of competitors competing now shows the potential for rallycross and rally to improve further.”

When asked what his future racing plans is, Acayan responded, “we continue to join these events to show our support for PHRX. I am hoping that the 2021 season finally pushes through. I will be back to defend the Group 2 championship and hopefully try and win the Group 3 championship, too.

WILLIAM HERRERA

FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 51

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