Autocar Philippines July 2021

ANNIVERSARY ISSUE FIRST DRIVE: AUDI Q5 SPORTBACK

MORE MOBILITY INFORMATION

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

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THE NEXT BIG THING

HONDA CITY RS CVT C O M PA R I S O N

Mini Electric or Mazda MX-30

F E AT U R E

How Autocar Led A Transport Revolution

INSIGHT

Our Man On The Inside

FIRST NEWS: LAMBORGHINI URUS • MCLAREN ELVA ROADSTER • LEXUS LM350

THIS MONTH July 2021 | Volume 6

OPINIONS 2 4 6 8

Editor’s Note Ira Panganiban

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Unlock any road with the Lamborghini Urus

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Caltex offers fuel discounts for vaccinated motorists PeugeotPH continues their commitment to our environment

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GAC Motor PH to serve as official mobility partner of PhilCycling Road Bike Trials

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Cleanfuel Expands Presence in Commerce Driven Olongapo City

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McLaren to start production of windshield version Elva roadster

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ToyotaPH launches On-Demand Shuttle in partnership with SWAT Mobility HondaPH offers 0% interest installment and credit card payment options for Brio

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Chery AutoPH’s newest brand ambassador is Alex Gonzaga

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GAC Motor repeats dominance at Kalayaan Cup 12-hr Endurance Challenge

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Rep. Martinez, NLEX and DENR lead green initiative at Harbor Link Interchange You can now reload Autosweep and Easytrip Toll RFIDs via PSBank Mobile!

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Experience luxury that only the Lexus LM can offer

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The Volkswagen Lavida: Your ideal life companion

My Week in Cars Steve Cropley Opposite Lock Binky Siddayao Tester’s Notes Matt Prior

NEWS

FIRST DRIVE 24

HONDA CITY RS CVT 28 ❝ THE Q5 SPORTBACK OFFERS AUDI’S REAR BENCH SEAT PLUS OPTION, WHICH ALLOWS THE REAR SEATBACKS TO RECLINE IN ONE OF TWO SETTINGS AND THE SEAT TO SLIDE FORWARDS AND BACKWARDS, THUS PROVIDING A VARIATION IN BOOT CAPACITY.❞ GREG KABLE

INTERIOR DESIGN 46

MX-30 VS MINI 42

Audi Q5 Sportback

COVER STORY 28

The Next Big Thing: onda City RS CVT

38

How It All Started

42

There’s Not Much In It

46

Our Man On The Inside

50

Stellantis: FCA and PSA

FRENCH REVOLUTION

FEATURE COMPARISON INSIGHT ROUND-UP JULY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 2

BRIGHTEN WITH STARS 50

THIS MONTH

Ira Panganiban Editor-in-Chief

EDITOR’S NOTE

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY AUTOCAR PHILIPPINES

e are 5-years old, here at Autocar Magazine Philippines. Well technically, Autocar Magazine Philippines is 7-years old in the country if we count the time the franchise was held by a different company. Of course I was also the chief editor then too so maybe we count it as such.

Anyway, we are glad that we have reached a milestone like this.

Before the pandemic hit in March of 2020, our company Autobrands Media Ventures Inc (AMVI) was beginning to see growth for our titles.

Support was increasing from our readers and subscribers and sponsors and advertisers were beginning to take notice and giving support. We were certainly happy that our efforts were bearing fruit.

But when the pandemic hit, we despaired because all these hard earned effort seemed to go to waste. Our future did not look so bright because “who wanted to buy

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magazines under a lockdown?” It was hard.

Still, we had letters and texts and messages from our subscribers telling us they would appreciate it if we could continue printing our magazine. They would understand if we stopped but urged us to continue.

So, we did continue printing, albeit at a much reduced run.

The printing cost was now very expensive, and really, printing a magazine in a lockdown situation did not seem to be very good business sense. But we had customers to satisfy, so we sucked it up, rolled our sleeves and got back to work.

Almost year and a half later, and here we are. Still printing a limited number of copies which is being collected by our subscribers (according to their messages these copies would become collectors issues when the time comes.)

We have strengthened our digital presence though. It is what

the times call for. All forms of media are now incorporated into the most popular medium today, the internets social media. We are not yet as large as those who started early, but we may get there soon enough.

For all of this, our prime motivator is, and will always be, our readers and viewers. In todays media landscape the proper term should be “audience.” You out there, reading and watching and viewing our content, whether online or in print, encourage us to keep on going.

So to everyone who has kept the faith and stayed with us through this difficult of times, thank you.

Without you, our audience, we would have reason for being. Our gratitude know no bounds and we shall keep on improving ourselves to bring you the best content we can deliver.

Happy 7th Anniversary in the Philippines Autocar Magazine, Happy 5th Year with AMVI too.

Cheers.

❝ Our gratitude know no bounds and we shall keep on improving ourselves to bring you the best content we can deliver. ❞ ✉ irapanganiban@wheelsph.com

4 AUTOCAR.COM.PH JULY 2021

COMMENT

MY WEEK IN CARS

❝

A photo of an ex-Cropley Landie brought back memories

SUNDAY

Not something to boast about, but I sometimes wield the vacuum cleaner in our house – and the experience has been teaching me a car-related thing or two about electric machines. We recently acquired the latest battery-powered Dyson V11 Torque Drive full-house super-sucker – the one that looks like a miniature rocket-pack – and it turns out to be so much more powerful, quick, thorough, easy to use and (whisper this) enjoyable than our outgoing gizmo that I’m quite shocked by the experience.

It definitely feeds my optimism about electric machines and battery power, and delivers a timely reminder that truly modern products are often much better than those you thought – until today – were perfectly adequate. The secret, of course, is to pick the new stuff that delivers honest-to-God progress rather than merely refreshing old concepts. This Dyson experience also adds to my regret that Sir James’s electric luxury car never made it: I’m convinced it would have been very special.

TUESDAY

How much do driving thrills matter? Not much, I’d say, if today’s experience of the four-wheeldrive 178bhp Hyundai Tucson is anything to go by. Spent the morning near the Ridge Way in Wiltshire, rushing back and forth for Max Edleston’s (socially distanced) camera, then stopping while he worked on detail pictures. How

6 AUTOCAR.COM.PH JULY 2021

It’s a brilliant lockdown idea I wish I’d suggested ❞ bizarre it still seems to stand at a roadside while a photographer shoots pictures through the open window of a car he’s avoiding touching.

Still, I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this car’s awesome competence in every area. It’s responsive but never skittish. Its 1.6-litre four-pot seven-speed dual-clutch powertrain is so refined (helped at the extremities of the torque curve by an integrated starter-generator) that there are simply no weak points. Some people get bored by cars that score a lot of 8.5/10s, but I suspect they’re not the ones who pay. Having said this, when the shutter stopped clicking, I dialled up Sport and bolted the 40 miles home as quickly as law and propriety allowed. It can be fast, the Tucson, and provided you disable the killjoy lane-keeping systems, it’s fun to chuck about a

AND ANOTHER THING… Finally managed a Cotswolds mile or three in crummy conditions in my new (old) Lotus, which I now know well enough to view as a delight.

Various tweaks are needed, and I’m going to enjoy making them.

This one’s a keeper.

bit. Hyundai SUVs have been steadily acquiring character, and this is the best yet.

WEDNESDAY

Is it just me, or are our current societal difficulties making people drive badly? On a short (essential) journey in the Ignis today – yep, it’s still here – I seemed to get tailgated by every ferociously driven van and business saloon going, even though I wasn’t dawdling myself. Of course, a more generous explanation might put this down to the torque characteristics of the diesel engines that predominate in machines like those behind: whereas oil-burners have copious torque to accelerate effortlessly out of corners or hold speed on gradients, the Ignis needs revs and often a gearchange (part of its charm). But if that procedure costs 5-10mph, following drivers currently seem to see red. Or at least pink.

FRIDAY

Looking for an absorbing car-related lockdown pursuit? A wise reader called John Kent, who’s been with us since 1970, has come up with a brilliant idea I wish I’d had the sense to suggest.

Compile a list of every car and motorbike you’ve owned, he suggests, complete with numbers and photos, and stick them in an album or desktop photo file. Don’t forget to record locations, and the identities of the people included. You’ll be amazed how therapeutic it can be, and what memories it’ll bring back. I got so revved by Mr Kent’s idea that I started rummaging about for photos myself and soon found long-lost images of one of our lesser Landies. What has he started?

GET IN TOUCH

✉ steve.cropley@haymarket.com

@stvcr

THIS MONTH Technical Editor

Binky P. Siddayao OPPOSITE LOCK

REVISIT YOUR TIRE ore often or not most people would often choose a direct replacement tire when the car is still relatively new. Particularly at the beginning of the rainy season.

As a vehicle puts on mileage, end users get more inclined to swap to another model based on performance and or price.

If making the switch, be sure to check on extensively on tire ratings if you are going for a model that will give you maximum tread life and an allweather grip.

With all the various brands and models available in the local market choosing the type of tire will make or break your pocket. Depending on what type of vehicle and how you intend to use it for will require you to know what type, size, load and speed index and other specific details.

As a review of the most common types locally, AllSeason tires come in S and T speed ratings. They are known for good all-weather grip, long mileage and they are generally fitted to common cars and SUVs. There too are Performance and Ultra-High Performance all-season tires for a higher speed rating that are also suitable in the rain.

Don’t get confused between AllSeason and Summer Tires. We

only have two seasons here.

Pick-Ups, Crossovers and SUV trucks require either an All-Season (H/T), All-Terrain (A/T) and Mud Terrain (M/T) and are available in various sizes with diverse tread designs meant for hauling or off-the-road touring duties. Or generally OffRoading. An All-terrain tire generally has a more aggressive tread pattern to aid off-road traction and can still be used on the highway with some high road noise and are acceptable too in the rain. Mud Terrain (M/T) is what it is for, MUD. They have bigger and wider tread designs to claw you out.

They too are heavy and noisy when driven on tarmac. And

expensive.

Browse thru your owner’s manual or look for the stickered placard on the driver’s side door jamb to find the recommended tire measurements.

One should normally match the OEM tire’s size measurements, but you have the choice to go higher with the load index and speed rating.

As long as you replace them as a set. Seeking guidance from various recognized tire shops with tons of inventory of various legitimate brands is a good step if you intend to go up-size.

Remember that car tires need to be replaced every 3 to 5 years.

And so are your Spare tires.

The unexpected always happens

❝

when it happens, and your spare tires are there to always save your day. As for spares, the option is either to get a full-size or compact tire. Going fullsize tire simply means having a fifth tire for your car (same size/brand). When a tire fails, replace and dump it in the trunk and you are good to go for the long haul.

Having a compact tire (sometimes known as Donut Tires) is a temporary fix. It may take up less room and weight in your car than a full-size tire, but it won’t handle high speeds or our below average road conditions. Its job is to get you to the nearest tire shop so you can get a new tire. Period.

Browse thru your owner’s manual or look for the stickered placard on the driver’s side door jamb to find the recommended tire measurements.

❞ GET IN TOUCH

✉ binkypsiddayao@gmail.com

8 AUTOCAR.COM.PH JULY 2021

Photo by Chinmay Jade on Unsplash

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The original car magazine, published since 1895 ‘in the interests of the mechanically propelled road carriage’ 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 ADVERTISING AND MARKETING SALES RUBY M. AGUSTIN | MAVHIC C. NATIVIDAD Account Manager C O R P O R AT E T E A M Chairman of the Board GEORGE APACIBLE President IRA V. PANGANIBAN Vice President RONALDO TRINIDAD Secretary OLSON CAMACHO Treasurer EDGAR QUESADA Executive Assistant MANEL CATINDIG

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.

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 Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. Masahiro Nakamura President Atty. Louie Soriano General Manager for Sales Lyka Dela Cruz-Andres Section Head, Public Relations Arianne Colleen Jalalon, Che Cabotaje Public Relations Dept.

Batangas Racing Circuit

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

All rights reserved. Printed in the Philippines. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of Autobrands Media Ventures, Inc. is prohibited. For booking or inquiries on advertising, please call our advertising department at (02) 815-6519. For interested magazine distributors or magazine subscription please call (02) 815-6519 and look for Manel Catindig.

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.

Published by

Graphic Designer – Jeff Infante

Contact us at info@wheelsph.com Wheels Magazine is published monthly, a registered trademark of Autobrands Media Ventures, Inc. in cooperation with Gulf News. Copyright 2015.

10 AUTOCAR.COM.PH JULY 2021

Autobrands Media Ventures, Inc. Unit #2711, 27th Floor, Cityland Towers Inc., Pasong Tamo 2210 Don Chino Roces Ave., Makati City Telephone No. (02) 815-6519

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

Email our managing editor earlmanalansan@gmail.com

Unlock any road with the Lamborghini Urus F

rom asphalt to sand, ice to mud, dirt to gravel, the Lamborghini Urus can traverse any terrain, making it the absolute all-around Super Sport-Utility Vehicle.

A major factor that allows the Urus this prowess are its six different driving modes. Each

12 AUTOCAR.COM.PH JULY 2021

one of these modes fully customizes the Super SUV’s set-up, adjusting for the required rigidity to ensure a comfortable ride, or switch to an extremely sporty, aggressive setting that addresses a particular driving style or road condition.

A driving mode selector

on the center console lets the driver switch to Strada, Sport, Corsa, Neve (snow), Terra (off-road) and Sabbia (sand) settings. In Strada mode, the vehicle’s height adapts according to speed, enhancing comfort. Sport mode lowers the Urus to make it extremely stable and precise at all speeds.

Corsa mode transforms the vehicle to be even more precise and performanceoriented, and keeps body roll to the absolute minimum.

The three off-thebeaten-track modes—Neve, Terra, Sabbia—give the Urus a higher ground clearance to let it safely

tackle obstacles. The vehicle’s anti-roll bars provide independent asymmetric movement during cornering to ensure the best possible traction, while an electromechanical active roll stabilization system reduces roll angle on bumpy tracks and guarantees responsive

❝

A turbocharged engine—the first in a Lamborghini— makes the Urus more suitable in off-road driving because this forced induction method generates high torque at low revs.

❞

steering. A speciallytuned damping system incorporates new damper valves, continually adjusting to different driving conditions—harder when cornering and softer in a straight line.

Plus, adaptive dampers automatically adjust to the different driving modes. It can even be fully customized by the driver.

Complementing the Urus’s wide range of driving modes is a high power output. The Urus is equipped with a 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8 engine producing 650 hp at 6,000 rpm, and 850 Nm between 2,250 rpm and 4,500 rpm.

This allows the vehicle to accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, and on to 200 km/h in 12.8

seconds. Top speed is 305 km/h.

A turbocharged engine—the first in a Lamborghini—makes the Urus more suitable in offroad driving because this forced induction method generates high torque at low revs.

Further helping in this regard is an eight-speed automatic gearbox that has very short low gear ratios, longer high gear ratios, a slip-controlled converter lock-up clutch, and a specially developed torque converter. The combination results in rapid responses and brisk acceleration. It also lets the Urus achieve high speeds at low engine revs, lessening fuel consumption and emissions.

Matching the Urus’s engine and gearbox is a four-wheel drive system and a Torsen central selflocking differential that provide maximum control and agility in all driving conditions, particularly offroad. With this differential, as much as 70% of torque can be sent to the front axle, and as much as 87% to the rear axle. This ensures traction to the axle which has better grip. An active torque vectoring system can also distribute power to each individual wheel.

Recently, the Urus’s ability to take on any road was demonstrated in a 6,500-kilometer drive across Japan. Comprised of

17 stages, the month-long expedition participated in by journalists started from Fukuoka, then traversed Hiroshima, Kobe, Osaka, Nagoya, Kanazawa, Yamagata, Akita, Hokkaido, Sendai and Yokohama, before ending in Tokyo.

The journey captured the beauty, dynamism and other charms of Japan while demonstrating the absolute versatility of the Urus.

Another occasion during which the Urus demonstrated its mastery of any terrain was the Red Bull X-Alps. In this recent event, the Super SUV and two-time world paragliding champion Aaron Durogati took on a unique challenge

together as they competed by “hike and fly” to cover the 1,238-km Alpine course in the fastest time possible.

The race’s route passed through checkpoints across Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France and Italy, then back to Austria. The Urus served as Durogati’s personal support vehicle during the competition, allowing his support team to follow him throughout the race.

By offering a high load capacity, maximum comfort during long journeys, and thrilling super sports dynamics on any surface, the Urus can easily unlock any road.

For more information, contact 09175553771.

JULY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 13

Caltex offers fuel discounts for vaccinated motorists

PeugeotPH continues their commitment to our environment

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altex, marketed by Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), fuels the Philippines’ fight against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) by offering fuel discounts to all motorists who have already been inoculated from the virus with its “Biyaheng Bakunado” promo.

“To battle swirling myths, fake news, and apprehension about vaccines’ efficacy, Caltex wants to encourage more Filipinos to get inoculated to protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19 by offering fuel discounts. The more people can get vaccinated, the faster the country move toward normalcy and economic recovery,” said CPI Country Chairman Billy Liu. With the promo, vaccinated motorists can enjoy a P3 discount per liter for Platinum and Silver, and P2 per liter for Diesel at all participating Caltex stations nationwide.

To get the discount, Caltex customers simply need to present a vaccination card and valid ID, and log in their details on the discount record sheet of the participating Caltex site.

Customers need to be vaccinated on or before the promo duration and customers who currently have one dose may also qualify for the discount.

“Safety has always been a value of Caltex and this initiative is one way of fleshing out what is important to the Caltex brand and its customers,” added Liu. The promo, which runs from June 28 to July 18, aims to help boost Filipinos’ vaccine confidence, while helping motorists save up every time they fill their tanks with Caltex quality fuels.

To also make Filipino motorists’ drives safer and smoother, Caltex stations across the country remain open during the pandemic to serve them with quality fuel. In addition, Caltex continues to provide contactless payment options for customers, regularly sanitizes its stations, frequently conducts temperature checks for its staff, and implements social distancing measures.

For a list of participating stations, visit www.caltex.com/ph/BiyahengBakunado.

eugeot Philippines reiterates its commitment to the environment with the planting of 300 more trees via the Protectors of the Environment (POE) Program. Launched late last year, the Protectors of the Environment Program is a salute to the global initiative of the French carmaker, which has been spearheading the drive for automotive companies to reduce their collective carbon footprint. For every new vehicle sold, Peugeot Philippines will be planting three (3) trees in a protected area near Angat Dam in Norzagaray. Each new Peugeot car owner will get to name their children as owners of these trees – making the effort holistic, responsible and forward looking.

Last September, Peugeot Philippines, together with its partners in the project the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Briquettor Philippines, planted its first 210 trees in commemoration of Peugeot’s 210th anniversary. “In celebration of our 210th anniversary as a company, we planted our first 210 trees late last year. It was our way of kicking off our environment program. This year, despite all the difficulties presented by the pandemic, we made sure to follow through on that commitment by continuing to plant more trees. We did promise during the project launch that for as long as people are purchasing Peugeot vehicles, we will be planting trees.

Our customers expect us to deliver products worthy of their trust. We, in turn, commit to living up to that trust by going the extra mile and helping them, as individuals, reduce their carbon footprint as members of the growing Peugeot family,” said Dong Magsajo, Peugeot Philippines Business Development Director and POE Project Head.

The Protectors of the Environment program is one of many confidence building initiatives of Peugeot Philippines. For more information about Peugeot’s services and initiatives, customers may visit www. peugeot.ph or facebook.com/PeugeotPhilippines.

GEELYPH INAUGURATES DEALERSHIPS

GAC MOTOR PH MOBILITY PARTNER

Sojitz G Auto Philippines (SGAP), the official distributor of the Geely brand in the country, held a simultaneous soft launch of two more dealerships: Geely Aseana in Paranaque City and Geely Angeles in Pampanga.

GAC Motor Philippines inked a partnership with the Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines to become the official mobility partner of the 2021 PhilCycling National Trials for Road on July 10 to 11 at Clark in Pampanga.

14 AUTOCAR.COM.PH JULY 2021

NEWS

GAC Motor PH to serve as official mobility partner of PhilCycling Road Bike Trials

G

AC Motor Philippines recently inked a partnership with the Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines to become the official mobility partner of the 2021 PhilCycling National Trials for Road on July 10 to 11 at Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone in Pampanga.

As the event’s official mobility partner, GAC Motor Philippines will be providing its fleet of vehicle line-up — the GA4 1.3 AT sedan, GA8 2.0 GL executive sedan, GS3 1.3 AT sub-compact SUV, GS4 1.5 AT compact SUV, GS4 4×2 Premiere SUV, and the GS8 4×2 Sport SUV — to service the event marshals and executives of PhilCycling.

Known for its quality, comfort, and performance, the vehicle line-up of GAC Motor provides a premium experience to its

occupants. The aggressive yet classy stance reflects the commanding presence of the vehicle line-up. In addition, the interior boasts of its elegance, space partnered with features that exude a luxurious feel.

Furthermore, the GAC Motor vehicle line-up is built on a high-strength steel-safe chassis that does a great job in reducing vehicle vibration and protects its participants from an intense collision impact. For better stability at high speeds, the fleet is equipped with Bosch’s latest ESP 9.3 that corrects oversteering at sudden cornering and sudden lane change. The fleet is also equipped with an L-type Mcpherson front suspension that suppresses high-frequency vibration, resulting in better handling, a more stable ride, and better driving comfort.

“We thank PhilCycling for choosing us as the

event’s official mobility partner for the 2021 PhilCycling National Trials for Road. We ensure that the executives and marshals of the organization will have a positive experience in our portfolio,” said Wilbert A. Lim, President and CEO of GAC Motor Philippines.

Races will be in Men

and Women Individual Time Trial and Criterium on July 10 and Road on July 11. The race will start and end at the Clark Parade Grounds, while the ITT races are set at 24.6 kms for the men and 18 kms for the women, the criterium will be over a 2.3-km circuit at the Clark Parade Grounds while the road races will be on a 24.6-

SUZUKIPH BREAKS GROUND IN BULACAN

TOYOTA GAZOO RACING VIOS CUP ONLINE

Suzuki Philippines Inc. (SPH), the country’s pioneer compact car distributor, together with the ANC+ Group of Companies, sheds light on another soon-to-open dealership in the province of Bulacan.

Toyota Motor Philippines’ premier motorsports program is making a huge comeback! Viewers can join in the fun and watch from anywhere through the Facebook pages of Toyota Motor Philippines and Toyota Gazoo Racing PH starting on July 10.

km loop (six laps for the men and four laps for the women).

Apart from fleet service, spectators and guests will also have a chance to see and check out the vehicle display of GAC Motor Pampanga and GAC Motor Tarlac, which will be placed also at Clark Parade Grounds.

JULY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 15

Cleanfuel Expands Presence in Commerce Driven Olongapo City A s the Philippine economy is steadily making its rebound, Cleanfuel—the leading independent oil player in the country—makes sure that it is covering key locations to further help Filipinos with their fuel needs.

Recently, the company— known to provide “Quality Fuel for Less”— inaugurated its newest station in one of the fastest growing cities in Central Luzon: Olongapo City.

According to Cleanfuel President Atty. Jesus “Bong” Suntay, the opening of Cleanfuel Olongapo is designed to cater to motorists within the Subic economic growth area and which is also the gateway to the sandy beaches of Zambales.

“Getting access to affordable products is one way to stimulate growth anywhere in the country and we at Cleanfuel strongly believe in this,” Suntay said. “Rest assured that aside from providing ‘Quality Fuel for Less’, we will continue to be every city’s constant partner and advocate for progress.”

16 AUTOCAR.COM.PH JULY 2021

Situated along the National Highway in Barangay Barretto, Olongapo City, Zambales, Cleanfuel Olongapo is strategically-placed along the busiest stretch that interlinks Olongapo and Zambales province. The newest establishment will be beneficial to the transport and logistics arm of various manufacturers and other businesses thriving within the area.

Moreover, tourism is also seen to be enjoyed by many, as Cleanfuel Olongapo—just like every Cleanfuel station—offers quality fuels at very affordable price, which essentially means more

miles at a fraction of the cost. As such, customers can expect top-notch fuel products such as Clean 91, Premium 95, and high grade diesel.

Besides fuel, the company prides itself with its world class amenities offered to customers such as clean and spacious air-conditioned restrooms, huge parking space, air-and-water services, leasable commercial spaces, and cashless payment options.

Suntay also invited motorists to sign up to the Cleanfuel VIP rewards program and further take advantage of their products. The

membership-based program, which provides numerous giveaways and discounts at partner establishments, is given FREE to motorists.

Furthermore, customers can expect a safe and risk-free environment in Cleanfuel Olongapo as its workforce continuously espouses safety health precautions such as wearing of face masks and face shields, thermal scanning of personnel, social distancing, and sanitation of workstations.

“Aside from providing quality fuel for less and top notch services, the safety of customers has been

and will always be our top priority. We want to assure customers that we are complying with safety and health protocols mandated by the government,” explained Suntay.

“We are not only implementing these safety measures at Cleanfuel Olongapo, but with the rest of our stations as well.

As we expand our retail network in the coming weeks—from Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, Batangas, and northern provinces—we will continue to serve and deliver to all our patrons the best fuel products, unique loyalty program, and top notch service,” Suntay concluded.

NEWS

McLaren to start production of windshield version Elva roadster M cLaren officially announced that a windshield version of the McLaren Elva roadster will enter production. Unveiled in 2019, the Elva is an open-cockpit supercar that features Active Air Management System (AAMS), an innovative design engineering by McLaren which redirects air up and around the cabin via a flap that activates during high speeds. The system aims to provide the ultimate open-cockpit experience on a road legal car.

“Super-lightweight and extremely powerful, the Elva delivers the ultimate connection between a driver, the road and the elements. Created to celebrate the pure joy of driving, it’s one of the most distinctive – and exclusive – cars we have made,” said McLaren CEO Mike Flewitt. “Roofless and without windows, whether you opt for the screenless model with its sophisticated AAMS technology that provides an invisible barrier of air, or the windscreen version with an additional level of enclosure, this is a roadster that rewards owners with the most exhilarating of open-air driving experiences, delivered as only a McLaren can.”

Despite having a dedicated engineering program to optimize aerodynamics and

performance, the windshield version Elva still shares all of its design with the original version Elva – both versions do not have roof, door windows, or even rear windscreen.

The upcoming windshield version is also powered by the same twinturbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine rated to output 815 horsepower.

The windshieldless Elva is McLaren’s lightest road car and the windscreen version is projected to add only 20kg, even with the inclusion of electronically synchronized rain-sensing wipers, washer jets and sun visors, as well of course as the heated glass windscreen within a carbon fiber surround. The Active Air Management System

(AAMS) is deleted as it has no role to play in the windscreen car.

The acceleration of both versions is comparable with that of a McLaren Senna, the opencockpit model reaching 100km/h from standstill in 2.8 seconds and covering 0 – 200km/h in 6.8 seconds.

Dynamic performance and vehicle stiffness also remain unchanged from the first version, as does the incredible. All these prove that the addition of a windshield does not, in any way, reduce the levels of driving exhilaration the McLaren Elva has to offer.

The Elva links McLaren’s heritage to its present and future with a name and style that recalls the McLaren-Elva race cars of the 1960’s. These were amongst the first

sports cars designed and raced by Bruce McLaren and the company that he founded, and today’s Elva was created to evoke the spirit of driving enjoyment symbolized by these cars.

Pictured here is a prototype of the windshield version Elva created

by McLaren Special Operations (MSO). This heritage livery pays tribute

to Bruce McLaren’s legendary race cars.

Set to be one of the rarest McLaren models ever, no more than 149 examples of the Elva will be specified and built to customer order.

The first examples of the windshield version Elva will be delivered to customers towards the end of this year.

JULY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 17

ToyotaPH launches On-Demand Shuttle in partnership with SWAT Mobility

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n an effort to address the demand for safe and reliable mobility of the workforce, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP ) collaborated with SWAT Mobility to introduce the On-Demand Shuttle (ODS) system last May 2020. The system aims to provide safe, comfortable and reliable shuttle services to companies for their employees’ daily commute to and from work. Through a mobile booking application called SWATBiz, the system automates route preparation and streamlines the employees’ seat booking process, eliminating manual arrangement of shuttle destination points. Moreover, the app helps operators

monitor the shuttle vehicles through its real-time tracking system which optimizes asset management at the same time.

Tailor fit to the operations and meet the specific needs of employees, the ODS system features 2 routing types: dynamic and fixed.

Dynamic routing applies more on arrangements where work schedule constantly changes, ridership count in the vehicles varies, and where close-to-door pickup and drop-off points are preferred. Fixed routing, on the other hand, suits fixed work schedules, pre-defined routes, and shared dropoff points.

With ODS system,

your on-demand mobility gets taken care of as the simplified shuttle service management

provided by the system improves work efficiency and ultimately optimizes operating costs.

To learn more, please contact OnDemand.

Helpdesk@toyota.com. ph.

while on the other hand, for other bank credit cards, a straight credit card payment transaction is also available at other Honda dealerships nationwide.

Additionally, an exclusive offer for RCBC Bankard holders who will finance their down payment through 0% installment plan are about to get two (2) free

Honda Access – Modulo facemask worth PHP 520.

“We at Honda always aim to put our customers ahead. With the available installment plan and flexible payment option for Brio, we hope to be able to contribute in easing the burden of our dear customers during these trying times.” said HCPI president Masahiko

Nakamura.

To know more about the latest HCPI news, visit the nearest Honda Cars dealership, or access Honda Cars Philippines, Inc.’s virtual showroom through HCPI’s official website at www.hondaphil.com.

For details, visit or call any of our select participating dealers today!

HondaPH offers 0% interest installment and credit card payment options for Brio

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aking it more convenient to drive home Honda’s small hatchback, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) launched a special 0% interest installment plan as well as credit card payment options for the all-in down payment of the Honda Brio.

This special promo is available until August 31,

18 AUTOCAR.COM.PH JULY 2021

2021.

Aiming to further extend a helping hand, HCPI is offering flexible payment options for Brio customers who will be availing up to 30% down payment. Under an exclusive partnership with BPI Credit Cards and RCBC Bankard, a 0% installment plan transaction is available for three (3) months,

NEWS

Chery AutoPH’s newest brand ambassador is Alex Gonzaga

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fter days of teasing on social media, CHERY Auto Philippines finally reveals the face of its mostawaited brand ambassador for 2021. Welcoming the generations’ most influential multimedia icon, Alex Gonzaga.

A 60-second premier video on CHERY Auto Philippines’ Facebook and YouTube channels shows Alex Gonzaga skilfully driving the Tiggo 7 PRO in both scenic nature and city views. As Alex puts her hands on the crossover, the plethora of never-beforeseen tech and function features are uncovered and connected to her daily posh lifestyle.

“Honestly, I used to think that driving wasn’t meant for me until I was introduced to CHERY Auto PH. I was acquainted with the CHERY Tiggo line-up and these vehicles left me amazed with the comfort, tech features, and colors!

I love the style and most of all, its value-for-money.”

To date, Alex GonzagaMorada, popularly known as Alex G, belongs to the Top 10 most influential YouTubers in the Philippines. She has garnered over 10.7 million

subscribers and is also one of the most-followed Instagram icons with over 11 million counts on her base as of this writing.

“Having Alex G. as the newest member of the CHERY family is very timely. Earlier this year, we shifted our campaign focusing on how “FunTo-Drive” a CHERY is.

The overall messaging is bright, colorful, vibrant, and sensational, and frankly, I can’t think of any other influencer that fits this car personality other than Alex G.,” said CHERY Auto Philippines President Rommel Sytin.

The 33-year old actress, vlogger, and entrepreneur remarked that CHERY is her first automotive brand endorsement. “I’m also an owner of a Tiggo 7 PRO and during my first time driving it, admittedly, it made me feel like I’ve been a PRO driver for years,” Alex G proudly said.

She shares an extra-long list when asked about her top picks on her crossover.

“After a long day at work, the luxurious leather seats comfort me. The dualzone function of its air conditioning is also perfect not just for the driver but also for the passengers—it’s

cool and just right for my hot morning call times. I can also put all my wardrobe sets, make-up, and other big equipment in its spacious trunk, and I never had a hard time opening it because of its automatic tailgate lifting function.”

Alex G. added, “Another fave is the 360-around view monitor shown on its infotainment system.

The surroundings of the car automatically pop out on the screen, and it feels like I have an eye on every corner and inch of my Tiggo 7 PRO.” “The ambient lighting which smoothly jams with the beat of my music is lit.

I’m down for loud drives, and the flashing lights intensify my fun driving mode especially at night. It’s like holding a club party on my wheels,” Alex G. added.

“Of course, I need to update

my netizens now and then, and the wireless mobile charger of my car ensures that my phone battery is always at 100%. I love it!” she exclaimed.

“The huge panoramic sunroof is also the best whenever I shoot my vlogs.

The natural lighting makes my skin glow, it helps me build my self-esteem and confidence. It’s a beauty secret unleashed.” she laughs.

“Aside from my tapings, I also head the marketing division of our family’s beverage business. On top of that, I am also a dedicated housewife,” she jokingly adds. “That’s why the Tiggo 7 PRO is a big help in fulfilling my daily duties

because of the driving comfort it provides,” noted Alex G. “CHERY will surely go a long way, and I’m very excited and grateful to be part of this sweet journey.

The stylish crossovers, plus the jam-packed freebies and services? That’s what my netizens and the rest of the Filipinos need,” she said.

CHERY’s new Fun To Drive campaign envisions the Tiggo crossover line-up as the go-to rides for the youth, for families, and for every lifestyle that requires dynamic, exciting, and fully functional mobility.

“Just like Alex G, we want our customers to feel that driving is no longer a responsibility. It’s now a fun experience that you can look forward to whatever your daily routine is. It gives you the time to enjoy the roads, to relax, and to bring out the PRO in you,” Sytin added.

To know more about CHERY Auto Philippines, follow the official social media pages @ cheryautophilippines or visit www.cheryauto.ph.

JULY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 19

GAC Motor repeats dominance at Kalayaan Cup 12-hr Endurance Challenge

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AC Motor Racing Team once again proved the GA4’s durability and outstanding performance following a dominant showing at the recently concluded 2021 Petron Kalayaan Cup 12hour Endurance Challenge.

Bannered by drivers Andre Tan, Milo Rivera, Kody Ng, Patrick Mendoza, and Brennan Lim, the GAC Motor Racing Team bagged the 2021 Kagitingan Cup 6-hour race Championship and the 2021 Kalayaan Cup 4-hour race Championship both in Open B Category, aside from earning runner-up honors in the premier 12-hour race.

Driving a GAC GA4 1.5 MT, the GAC team, with the four drivers alternately taking turns at the wheel, performed flawlessly and managed to climb up from 11th place to 2nd place in the 12-hour race.

With over two hours left on the clock, Rivera kept the GAC team’s 4-lap lead over

20 AUTOCAR.COM.PH JULY 2021

Mike Potenciano of Mark Young Racing Cars all the way to the finish.

“We knew they had a faster car, and had a faster pace. They were really pushing to catch up to us since they were a few laps behind. When Mike was approaching, the plan was to try to delay his charge as much as possible, and buy us more time especially with the race on its closing stages. He used his power and the car’s power to take advantage of it, but the objective was attained, that was to buy us some time, and give, I guess, people something to enjoy for quite a while,” said Milo Rivera.

Apart from earning the 2nd spot at the 12-hour race, GAC Motor Racing Team also bagged the 2021 Kagitingan Cup 6-hour race Championship and the 2021

Kalayaan Cup 4-hour race Championship Title both in Open B Category.

“This year’s race has a lot of safety risks and challenges due to the pandemic. It’s a new car that we’ve raced in a 12-hour endurance challenge, so basically, it is a whole new experience for us. Through hard work and dedication, we were able to overcome these challenges and managed to win 1st in our class, and 2nd overall champion,” said Brennan Lim, branch head of GAC Motor Metrowalk, Pasig.

GA4’s durability, fuel efficiency: keys to GAC Motor Racing Team’s success For a 12-hour endurance race, it was a criss-cross of race positions and a battle of strategy, but it was the reliability of the GA4 that

ultimately made GAC Motor Racing Team dominate in the 2021 Kalayaan Cup Endurance Challenge. The GA4 1.5 MT made it through the checkered flag without any mechanical issues and pitted only for refueling, tire and driver changes.

“Going into the race, we knew we had a car that has much less power compared to everybody else on the field, probably, a car that has the least power at that,” lead driver Milo Rivera shares.

“The car made us maximize our stints, not just by how fuel efficient it was, but by how reliable it was. It is sturdy, it was still even in tiptop condition even though we’re down at the late stages of the race. It felt like it was an hour one,” Rivera added.

GAC Motor Racing Team will return to Batangas Racing Circuit for the 2021 Bonifacio Cup 8-hour Endurance Race this November.

The GAC Motor Race Team is slowly turning endurance races into its own playground. Two years ago, the team bagged four championships in the 2019 Kalayaan Cup 4-hour Endurance Championship (Manufacturer’s Class), the 2019 Kalayaan Cup 12-hour Endurance Championship (Manufacturer’s Class), the 2019 Bonifacio Cup 4-hour Endurance Championship (Manufacturer’s Class) and the 2019 Bonifacio Cup 4-hour Endurance Championship (Open Category).

NEWS

You can now reload Autosweep and Easytrip Toll RFIDs via PSBank Mobile!

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SBank made the instant and hasslefree reloading of Autosweep and Easytrip Toll RFIDs available via the PSBank Mobile App. With the PSBank Mobile Toll RFID reload facility, PSBank customers will now be able to save time and breeze through tolls as with just a few taps, their Autosweep or Easytrip account will be reloaded immediately.

A fee of PhP10 will be deducted from the customer’s PSBank account when they make an Autosweep reload.

For Easytrip reloads, the fee will be deducted from their Easytrip account.

PSBank made the instant

and hassle-free reloading of Autosweep and Easytrip Toll RFIDs available via the PSBank Mobile App. With the PSBank Mobile Toll RFID reload facility, PSBank customers will now be able to save time and breeze through tolls as with just a few taps, their Autosweep or Easytrip account will be reloaded immediately.

A fee of PhP10 will be deducted from the customer’s PSBank account when they make an Autosweep reload. For Easytrip reloads, the fee will be deducted from their Easytrip account.

For more information on Toll RFIDs Reload via PSBank Mobile, visit www. psbank.com.ph

Rep. Martinez, NLEX and DENR lead green initiative at Harbor Link Interchange

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eputy Speaker and Valenzuela City 2nd District Representative Eric M. Martinez, and officials of NLEX Corporation led by President and General Manager J. Luigi L. Bautista and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) led by Regional Executive Director Jacqueline A. Caancan have spearheaded the planting of 3,181 saplings at the Harbor Link Interchange aimed at contributing to cleaner air and healthier ecology along the expressway.

Also present during the event were the barangay officials from Paso de Blas and Gen. T. De Leon headed

by Chairman Lucy Nolasco and Chairman Alfren Caiña, respectively.

Saplings of Bougainvillea, Igem Dagat, and Palawan Cherry are among those planted within the cloverleaves of the said interchange to help reduce carbon emissions from vehicles plying the NLEX. “I envision NLEX to be the greenest highway, not only in the country but in the whole world—the greenest highway with zero carbon footprint,” Martinez said.

The Congressman regarded global warming as the biggest threat to mankind. He noted that “we [people] are preoccupied with so many things but we have to look back and see for ourselves that nature needs

care, nature needs us. We don’t need to go against it but we have to live together.”

More than just improving the aesthetics of the expressway, the greening initiative intends to strengthen the parties’ commitment in reversing the effects of climate change not just in the country, but in the world.

DENR-NCR Regional Executive Director Caancan said the planting event is timely as it coincides with the celebration of the Philippine Environment Month and the Philippine Arbor Day. “More than the aesthetic value of the project, what we are excited about is the greater value of these trees that would be planted. Let us join hands in keeping, protecting and nourishing our environment,” Caancan added.

For his part, Bautista stated, “This project will not only beautify the NLEX

Harbor Link Interchange, but most importantly, it will help strengthen our efforts in building the road to a greener future.”

He appreciated Rep. Martinez for proposing the noteworthy venture and DENR for planning the project.

“We believe that our duty is not only to make travel easier and more convenient for economic growth but also to do it in an environmentally sustainable manner,” Bautista said.

The “#GreeNLEX: Greening the NLEX,” which has been ongoing since 2006 to mitigate the effects of global warming and environmental imbalance, is a vital part of the tollway company’s corporate social responsibility program.

NLEX Corporation is a subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp.

(MPTC), the tollways unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC).

JULY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 21

Experience luxury that only the Lexus LM can offer W hen it comes to the art of luxury vehicles, Lexus does not hold back – and that’s evident in the Lexus LM350.

Known worldwide for their meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship, the LM350 will impress even the most discerning of car aficionados. Comfortable and highly exclusive, this is the luxury vehicle you will look forward to riding in and never want to get out of.

The LM, which stands for Luxury Mover, is the first luxury minivan of Lexus.

And rightly so. Showcasing the best of what the Takumi craftsmen of Lexus have to offer, the intricate interior of the LM is designed with care intro every surface that is seen and felt, exemplifying the Japanese art of exceptional experiences and hospitality, known as Omotenashi.

22 AUTOCAR.COM.PH JULY 2021

Space and comfort take center stage in the fourseater and seven-seater models, which both have reclining captain seats with a choice of seven different massage settings with five levels of pressure.

There’s ample leg room too, expected from a vehicle driven by the tagline ‘A New Space for Luxury’. The rear passenger seats are made with AdaptiPedic foam meant to absorb vibrations and conform to the shape of your body so you remain unfazed as you zip through the busy streets of Manila or have to sit in traffic longer than you expect.

Extra storage can be found throughout the LM enough to fit in your purse or small work tote, and even matched luggage in the back.

Privacy can be achieved with a touch of a button.

This raises a glass panel between the first and second row of seats, giving passengers their own chamber. It also has a 26-inch color screen with a Mark Levinson sound system and a mini fridge which can chill up to two bottles of champagne.

While the LM350 has a lot to boast in fine details

and luxury, it also is in terms of power. Under the hood is a powerful 3.5 litre quad cam V6 powerplant delivering an output of 296hp which allows it to zip from 0-100 km/h in 7 seconds. You’d expect a big vehicle to roar, but the LM has 18-inch noise-reducing alloy rims finished in hyper chrome metallic.

Safety is always a priority of Lexus and has equipped the LM350 with an Adaptive High-Beam System; Pre-Collision System; Lane-Tracing Assist; Dynamic Radar Cruise Control; Blind-Spot Monitor; Parking Support Brake; and Rear CrossTraffic Alert.

While the Lexus LM may carry a more luxurious price tag than most high-end counterparts, the brand has definitely succeeded in turning an essential into something extraordinary.

To learn more, visit the Lexus website at lexus.com. ph or visit our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram @lexusmanila To arrange a consultation with your personal sales consultant, visit the Lexus Remote page at https://fal. cn/3eSWW

NEWS

The Volkswagen Lavida: Your ideal life companion

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hat’s in a name? A name may reveal more than just a unique designation.

Oftentimes, it also reveals a path for the future.

Mon Buela, a sales and marketing manager in a financial firm, may not have realized it at the time, but when he purchased a Volkswagen Lavida, he may have also subtly declared his lifetime goals.

Mon, who has been quite the achiever in his chosen profession, has been living it up for some time as a single executive.

His Lavida, no doubt, has proven to be the elegantly capable lifestyle partner, which he attests the “performance, space, and boldness” has allowed him to “reach new heights”, even to the extent of calling it as the “perfect daily driver” for people like him who want to move and do more.

But there’s obviously so much more to the Lavida than just its name, and those are what drew Mon in. He explained, “I knew Volkswagen produces topnotch cars worldwide, wherever they may have been manufactured. I also wanted a vehicle that isn’t costly to own. I got enticed by the once-a-year PMS visit, which costs half as much as the annual PMS in other brands. Moreover, I knew that Volkswagen cars are fuel-efficient.”

Adding more to this, Mon said “When I was in the market for a new car, I wasn’t simply looking

for what it could offer.

Yes, the Lavida has a fast engine, elegant interior, intuitive infotainment, and a head-turning exterior— characteristics that would lure bachelors like me.

But I was already planning on starting a family, and I found this as my ideal starter family car. A high safety rating and ISOFIX child seat anchors made it fit in my plans. In addition, while most people would prefer SUVs at this price point, I don’t think those SUVs could match the

experience and drive that the Lavida could offer.”

Mon has made it clear that he plans to settle down and start his own family, and nurture a blooming business.

“The Lavida is one of my first steps in steering my life goals to the next direction,” Mon stressed.

At this stage in his life, Mon is aiming for a much bigger personal best— one that would certainly involve nurturing a new family. His Lavida is there to make sure that journey reaches fruition, and the Volkswagen badge is there to assure him that the brand promise is kept. As he has mentioned, “Owning a Volkswagen is having a good and equipped car that will usher me into the following stages of my life.

Volkswagen cars certainly have all the bells and whistles at an acceptable price range, particularly with the robust build and

low cost of ownership.”

So when Mon put the Lavida through its paces, he knew then and there he made the right purchase decision. “Saying the Lavida is merely comfortable would be an understatement. The sturdy vehicle brought more than just comfort on the road. It allowed me to have peace of mind because of the safety features. Also, I can’t believe how fuel-efficient the Lavida has been.

During my first weeks of owning it, I was trying to beat every personal efficiency record. My personal best so far has been 26.3km per liter.”

Oh, and in case Mon’s future wife would harbor any doubts on his loyalty and fidelity, this statement should be a most promising sign: “I don’t see myself changing my brand in the future.”

Steer new life into your

own motoring lifestyle, and discover how a Germanprecision car like the Volkswagen Lavida can set your future to brighter, more exciting directions.

Book an appointment with any Volkswagen dealership to test drive the Lavida: Volkswagen BGC at (02) 8558-5888; Volkswagen Quezon Avenue at (02) 8558-5818; Volkswagen Pampanga at (45) 961-1895; Volkswagen Santa Rosa at (0935) 427-8545; Volkswagen Cebu at (32) 517-8226; Volkswagen Iloilo at (33) 331-2622; Volkswagen Bacolod at (034) 4357575; and Volkswagen Cagayan de Oro at (088) 851-7960. Log on to www.volkswagen.com. ph and follow Volkswagen Philippines’ Facebook page and Instagram account at @volkswagenph to check out detailed specifications about the Lavida and other Volkswagen vehicles.

JULY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 23

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

TESTED 19.1.21, INGOLSTADT, GERMANY ON SALE JUNE PRICE £46,075

AUDI Q5 SPORTBACK Really, another Audi SUV? You betcha. As part of the hugely popular Q5’s facelift, a liftback option has been introduced 24 AUTOCAR.COM.PH JULY 2021

T

he past decade or so has been a period of huge growth for Audi.

Clearly central to this success has been Ingolstadt’s ability to turn out SUVs in all sizes and classes with a wide range of drivetrains and at a level of quality consummate with its premium brand positioning.

Among it all, one model in particular has stood out: the Q5. Introduced in 2008, Audi’s second dedicated SUV has regularly been among its three best-selling models. Even in the difficult retail conditions encountered last year, it still managed to pull in more than 130,000 sales worldwide.

Now, following the launch of the

facelifted second-generation model, a rakishly styled variant of the mid-sized SUV has arrived in the form of the new Q5 Sportback.

Produced at Audi’s newest manufacturing plant, in Mexico, it has been conceived to take on the likes of the BMW X4, MercedesBenz GLC Coupé and Range Rover Velar in a market niche that continues to grow in the UK as buyers increasingly overlook traditional coupés in favour of style-led SUVs that offer more commanding seating and greater everyday practicality.

Audi is no stranger here, of course, with the Q3 Sportback, E-tron Sportback and Q8 all

adhering to the same formula.

Taking the lead from these three existing SUVs, the Q5 Sportback borrows the front end styling of its long-established sibling and mates it with a new liftback style rear end that features a large, clamshellstyle tailgate, giving it a distinctly more rakish appearance.

There are some unique design touches, mind you, including a new front grille with a honeycomb-style design and restyled tail-lights with differing OLED graphics depending on the equipment line buyers choose. However, there’s no denying the overall visual links between it and the conventional Q5.

The packaging of the liftback à

JULY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 25

TESTER’S NOTE The Q5 Sportback offers Audi’s Rear Bench Seat Plus option, which allows the rear seatbacks to recline in one of two settings and the seat to slide forwards and backwards, thus providing a variation in boot capacity. GK

❝ It flows down winding roads in a precise and largely unflappable manner. However, it does so without any great reward

❞ Handling gives no cause for concern and body control is impressive ß adds a scant 7mm to the overall length of the Q5, taking the Q5 Sportback up to 4690mm.

Despite its more sporting lines, its width remains the same, at 1893mm, but its height is reduced by as much as 62mm, at 1600mm.

Predictably, the similarities extend to the interior: the Q5 Sportback contains the same dashboard, switchgear, trim elements and seats as the facelifted Q5. It’s a fine driving environment, with great clarity to the

instruments, excellent ergonomics and the sort of quality materials befitting the new model’s premium positioning.

It has lost out on space, though.

The sloping nature of the roof reduces rear head room, while the angled tailgate robs 10 litres of boot space underneath the cargo cover, reducing it to 510 litres when the adjustable split-folding rear seatbacks are set in their regular position. When they’re folded down,

Boot is slightly smaller under the liftback but still capacious 26 AUTOCAR.COM.PH JULY 2021

there’s 1480 litres of luggage room.

The Q5 Sportback is produced with a wide range of petrol and diesel engine options in both four-cylinder and V6 guise, all shared with the Q5, although not all will be available at the start of UK deliveries in June.

Confirmed so far is only a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine with 201bhp, badged 40 TDI – the model that’s expected to account for the majority of British sales.

In line with developments brought

to other recent new Audi models, it features a new twin-dosing exhaust with two catalytic converters and an AdBlue injection system that are together claimed to dramatically reduce NOx emissions, making the car compliant with the Euro 6d emission regulations that came into force at the start of this year.

The initial diesel is planned to be joined shortly after launch by another 2.0-litre oil-burner, with 161bhp (the 35 TDI); a 261bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine (the 45 TFSI); and a 282bhp 3.0-litre V6 diesel (the 50 TDI).

At the top of the Q5 Sportback line-up is a 349bhp version of the 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine in the SQ5 Sportback (driven, p23).

Further options will be offered, including a pair of plug-in hybrids, though those aren’t expected until the final quarter of this year.

All four-cylinder engines feature 12V mild-hybrid properties, while the V6 units receive a 48V system, both with a belt-driven generator.

While there’s no shortage of engine choice, buyers are restricted to one type of gearbox: an automatic, or an S tronic, as Audi prefers to call it.

In the four-cylinder models, it’s an Audi-produced seven-speed dual-clutch unit mated to the quattro ultra four-wheel drive system that uses a hang-on rear differential and

FIRST DRIVES AUDI SQ5 SPORTBACK On sale Summer Price £59,725 What’s new? Updated diesel-powered Audi performance SUV gains a coupé-inspired sibling

This is a classy interior but the steering is numb

The ride is much more comfortable than in Q5s of yore drives the rear wheels only when it’s deemed necessary. This is a set-up that’s claimed to bring worthwhile reductions in consumption without any real dynamic deficiencies.

The more powerful V6 models, on the other hand, run a ZF-produced torque-converter automatic gearbox and Audi’s traditional Torsen fourwheel drive system, which gains a Sport differential with torquevectoring qualities on the SQ5.

It’s the Q5 Sportback 40 TDI that we’re driving here. The 1900kg SUV isn’t exactly rapid but, with 295lb ft of torque between 1750 and 3250rpm, there’s a good degree of urgency to its delivery within the lower part of the dial. And it remains quite flexible through middling revs, so you don’t have to wring it to its 4800rpm cutout to find adequate performance.

Mechanical refinement is quite good, thanks to some extensive sound-deadening measures within the bodyshell that serve to isolate the engine noise. However, you’re still always aware of a low-key diesel chatter under load.

The dual-clutch gearbox provides an excellent spread of ratios and proves both smooth and quite keen on upshifts as it works to optimise economy. However, it occasionally wavers on downshifts, where you sometimes get light off-throttle shunt through the driveline as

it decouples from the engine to enable coasting.

The latest evolution of Audi’s quattro ultra system operates in a seamless fashion, meanwhile, introducing drive to the rear wheels when grip levels demand it (or when you switch into Sport driving mode).

All Q5 Sportback models feature the Sport suspension available on the regular Q5, and upper-end models can be upgraded to an adaptive air suspension set-up offering 60mm of ride height variation to increase clearance over rougher terrain.

On the less sophisticated chassis, the handling is quite good; the car is keen to change direction and musters impressive body control as lateral forces begin to increase.

It flows down winding roads in a precise and largely unflappable manner at checked speeds.

However, it does so without any great reward: the steering, while quite direct in its action, has a synthetic feel and is light in weight much of the time, gaining added heft only when you really begin to push.

Despite the 19in wheels and 235/55-profile Michelin Latitude tyres of our test car, the ride proved quite absorbent. It’s perhaps not quite as supple as some rivals over larger surface imperfections, but it’s far from the hard-riding proposition that the Q5 was earlier in its life.

The Q5 Sportback is a nicely rounded package, then. One that comes with an impressive array of standard driver assistance systems, no less. Even so, the regular Q5 is nearly as good to drive but provides more space at a lower price.

If it’s a style statement that you’re seeking from your premium SUV, the Q5 Sportback will make obvious sense. However, its more upright sibling is, when all things are considered, likely the better buy.

GREG KABLE

AUDI Q5 SPORTBACK 40 TDI QUATTRO S TRONIC

AS THE Q5 Sportback 40 TDI has proven, Audi has been successful in adding some stylistic flair to its best-selling SUV model, even if it comes at the cost of ultimate space. But what’s in Ingolstadt’s new model for enthusiast drivers?

The answer is the SQ5 Sportback. Taking the lead from the regular SQ5, it runs a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system for combined outputs of 336bhp and 516lb ft.

Drive is channelled through Audi’s Torsen quattro fourwheel drive system with a Sport differential providing torque vectoring for each rear wheel.

At 2085kg, it’s no lightweight.

However, its prodigious torque ensures strong performance, as evidenced by its official 0-62mph time of 5.1sec, with heady low-end muscle and (by diesel standards) suitably free-revving qualities through the mid-range.

It’s all accompanied by a growling exhaust note, which is enhanced by a sound generator, giving it a fitting (if contrived) soundtrack to go with some impressive pace.

The standard sports suspension gives a heightened sense of handling compared with other Q5 Sportback models, delivering impressive agility and excellent body control. As in the lesser diesel model, though, the steering lacks for real feel.

The good news is that the sharpened dynamics don’t come at the cost of ride. There’s some added firmness, as you would expect, but the absorption and overall control over rough and broken bitumen is rather impressive – a long way indeed from stiff and unyielding qualities of earlier performance-oriented Q5 models. GK

AAAAC

Greater emphasis on style affects accommodation and practicality, but this is a refined and solid steer

AAABC Price Engine

£46,075 4 cyls in line, 1968cc, turbocharged, diesel Power 201bhp at 3800-4200rpm Torque 295lb ft at 1750-3250rpm Gearbox 7-spd dual-clutch automatic Kerb weight 1900kg 0-62mph 7.6sec Top speed 138mph Economy 40.9-45.6mpg CO2, tax band 163-180g/km, 35-37% RIVALS BMW X4, Range Rover Velar, Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé

JULY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 27

THE NEXT BIG THING

HONDA CITY RS CVT PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEITH MARK DADOR

28 AUTOCAR.COM.PH JULY 2021

The Philippine subcompact sedan market is somehow losing steam in recent years.

Many car buyers nowadays, even first-time buyers, often look at crossovers and SUVs as their initial pick. Despite that, the car market still maintains quite a following that many manufacturers should still keep an eye on.

JULY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 29

S

Inside the cockpit of the All-New Honda City is greeted with luxurious comfort and advanced controls within your reach.

uch is the case for Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI), the local distributor of the Japanese automotive manufacturer. Last year, Honda brought to local shores the fifth generation of the well-loved nameplate that has preserved quite a following in the country.

Its fan base still holds a solid foundation in the market as of today, retaining its position as one of the brand’s best-selling badges.

Now on its fifth generation, the Honda City has shown much progress—from the economic daily-driven vehicle that it was initially known for, to being one of the highly-regarded models in the category that exudes elegance.

And the 2021 Honda City RS CVT is ready to prove its worth.

Despite its 4,553mm long, 1,748mm wide and 1,467mm tall stature, the 2021 Honda City RS CVT still provides a comfortable leg- and headroom, most especially to passengers at the back. The 2,600mm wheelbase gives everyone sufficient wiggling space even at full capacity of five passengers, four adults with a tiny tot squeezed in the middle of the rear passenger seat.

Suspension is soft, ensuring comfort to passengers though some may find it too soft that you need to slow down to almost a halt when getting on to speed bumps (especially those huge ones).

ECON Button

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

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8-inch Touchscreen

Eco-Coaching Ambient Meter

HONDA CITY RS CVT

One Push Start System

Automatic Airconditioning System

JULY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 31

❝

Now on its fifth generation, the Honda City has shown much progress—from the economic daily-driven vehicle that it was initially known for, to being one of the highly-regarded models in the category that exudes elegance.

❞ 32 AUTOCAR.COM.PH JULY 2021

HONDA CITY RS CVT

everyday use. This car provides up to 519 liters of trunk space, so you can haul in groceries for the family.

In terms of looks, the 2021 Honda City RS CVT does not fall far from the tree. It has a strong resemblance to the outgoing version yet the modifications perfectly complemented the overall design.

The black strips along the front grille wear the RS logo, screaming the exclusivity of the variant. The fog lamp housings come as a nice touch to the overall sporty look. At the side is a running horizontal dagger line that gives the impression of connecting the head and tail lights, which also has been updated for a more premium look as compared to its predecessor. The additional rear

diffuser and the ducktail spoiler and another RS logo round up the view of the rear.

But don’t let the looks (or the comfortable setting) fool you. The 2021 Honda City RS CVT can still function as a workhorse for

The 2021 Honda City RS CVT shares the same engine as with the rest of its three other variants: an inline four-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC engine that can dish out a maximum output of 119 horses and 145Nm of torque. The fun-to-drive factor in the 2021 Honda City RS CVT is the paddle shifters to better control the delivery of performance. These numbers are more than enough considering it is intended for daily use making fuel economy ratings so much better.

Rear A/C Ventilation

State of the art Euro-4 compliant 1.5-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine

JULY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 33

Driven on a normal setting, experiencing heavy traffic for long periods of time and pushing it a bit on the expressway afterwards, it still delivered some 14-16 kilometers-per-liter (kpl) reading. Well, that was a bit low as the driver was a bit lead-footed. But on the test conducted with the Automobile Association of the Philippines, the Honda City showed that it can go as high as 25.17 kilometer per liter (kpl) after being driven 73.5 kilometers.

Inside, the 2021 Honda City RS CVT welcomes occupants with an overall black design that exudes a sophisticated look.

34 AUTOCAR.COM.PH JULY 2021

The interior has just the right amount of black leather and fabric with red stitching that it perfectly matches the sporty look of the exterior. The piano black trim garnish and the chrome handles on the inside gives the 2021 Honda City RS CV a dash of intricacy that befits the palate of the chic.

One of the main features of the 2021 Honda City RS CVT is the eight-inch touchscreen audio that can be connected via Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Weblink as well as two USB ports to charge or link your mobile devices while on the go.

HONDA CITY RS CVT

JULY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 35

❝ The 2021 Honda City RS CVT can still function as a workhorse for everyday use. This car provides up to 519 liters of trunk space, so you can haul in groceries for the family.

❞

36 AUTOCAR.COM.PH JULY 2021

HONDA CITY RS CVT

Assuming that the two ports are not enough, a pair of 12V sockets are added in the rear, below the air-conditioning vents to make sure all devices are juiced up after every road trip.

The 2021 Honda City RS CVT has dual-zone airconditioning system that can be adjusted by rotary knobs with digital display and fitted on the lower middle part of the dashboard to make sure passengers are cool and comfortable even during the most humid days.

To keep everyone hydrated (especially during long drives, the 2021 Honda City RS CVT houses eight drink holders (four cup holders and four bottle holders).

Drivers are given control of the infotainment system with the buttons found on the steering wheel to help you focus more on the road. Your jam can be heard via six speakers around the car.

As expected, the 2021 Honda City RS CVT does not fall short when it comes to prioritizing passenger safety. It has a total of six airbags (dual front, side and curtain type) plus the standard anti-brake lock system, electronic brakeforce distribution to jibe with the vehicle stability assist and agile handling assist, hill start assist, emergency stop signal.

The P1.058 million pricing for the 2021 Honda City RS CVT may leave a sting on the buyer’s budget (although it is comparatively within the range in the competition) but with the heavy barrage of tech that goes along with it, this nameplate is still among the most-reasonably priced subcompact sedans out there.

AUTOCARPH TEAM

HONDA CITY RS CVT Price Colors

PHP 1,058,000 Ignite Red Mettalic, Modern Steel Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Taffeta White Engine In-line 4 Cylinder DOHC i-VTEC Power 121 ps @ 6,600 rpm Torque 145 Nm @ 4,300 rpm Transmission Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) Emmision Rating EURO 4 Front Independent MacPherson Suspension MacPherson Strut Rear Torsion Beam Suspension Front Brakes Ventilated Disk Rear Brakes Drum Tire Size 185 / 55 R16 Steering Electronic Power Steering Steering Wheel Audio & Hands-Free Controls Telephone (HFT) with Voice Recognition Button Length 4,553 mm Width 1,748 mm Height 1,467 mm Wheelbase 2,600 mm Curb Weight 1,120 kg Trunk Capacity 519 Liters Turning Radius 5.0 m at wheel center Fuel Capacity 40 liters Seating Capacity 5 Website https://www.hondaphil.com/model/city

provides generous space for people on the move up

High Gloss Black Front Grille with RS Emblem

High Gloss Black Power Folding Door Mirrors with Side turn Signal

JULY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 37

Established 1895:

how Autocar led a transport revolution

Leading motoring historian David Burgess-Wise recounts how, 125 years ago, a young Englishman was inspired to start a magazine about horseless carriages – and how it became a prime part of a transformative, titanic new global industry

magine, if you can, a world without cars, a world where road traffic moves at the speed of the pedestrian, the pedal cycle and the horse-drawn cart. It’s not a silent world: the noises are just different – the shouting of street vendors, the clatter of hooves and iron-shod tyres on cobbled roadways, the jingling of bicycle bells and the whistle of steam engines. But it’s an alien world, where the streets literally run with pollution from the millions of horses on which the economy depends, where long-distance travel is governed

I

38 AUTOCAR.COM.PH JULY 2021

by the tyranny of the train timetable, where a town only 10 miles from the nearest railway station can seem as remote as though it were in the middle of nowhere. It’s a world that has changed only gradually over the past 100 years, with the coming of the railway the biggest transport revolution since the Middle Ages. There are, indeed, road-going steam traction engines, but they’re big, unwieldy brutes weighing several tons whose iron wheels break up the road surface.

Consequently, they’re restricted to walking speed by a harsh law that compels every “self-propelled vehicle” on the roads to be preceded by a man on foot, usually carrying a red flag.

This is the United Kingdom in 1895, an island nation whose empire encircles the world, the hub of the Industrial Revolution.

But it’s a decade behind its Continental rivals, France and Germany, in adopting the motor car, with not a single native manufacturer and maybe only six cars in the entire country.

Every time they venture onto the streets, their drivers risk falling foul of the law, for parliament refuses to recognise the light and handy car as anything different from a five-ton traction engine. Therefore, says the law, every car must have a driver, an engineer and a man walking in front to warn of its approach.

The automotive industry expanded rapidly in the 1890s Then, one afternoon late in the year, an unfamiliar noise is heard in the streets of Coventry, centre of the cycle industry and home of the successful printing company Iliffe, Sons and Sturmey, publishers of the country’s leading cycling magazine, The Cyclist. The staff all rush to the door to see what it is: “A motor car!”

At the tiller of the strange machine is Harry Lawson, a pompous little man with protuberant eyes. A famous – even notorious – figure in the Coventry cycle industry, he has made a huge fortune out of launching over-capitalised

HOW IT ALL STARTED AUTOCAR 125 HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUTOCAR

Jim Farley

Congratulations to Autocar and everyone who has ever worked at the bible of the European car scene. One of my happiest reads since I was a kid and then when I worked my way through school at a shop run by F1 champion Phil Hill. I still get edgy as I get ready to read the latest on what you think of a car I’ve worked on. One of my best car memories was viewing your archive, especially finding pictures of the Vanderbilt race cars in the US before the turn of the century. Your archive is an industry treasure. Keep your engines revving!

Henry Sturmey founded Autocar in 1895 and led it to 1901

❝ When Britain’s first car manufacturing firm was created, Autocar’s editor was on the board ❞

companies that, after paying spectacular dividends for a couple of years, usually collapse in financial chaos. He often collaborates with the most notorious company promoter of the day, Terah Hooley. When Hooley bought the Dunlop Pneumatic Tyre Company for £3 million and floated it as a new concern for £5 million, Lawson made a reputed £500,000 out of the deal.

Lawson has called to see the editor of The Cyclist, a solemn-looking former schoolteacher named Henry Sturmey, who founded the magazine – originally known as The Bicyclists’ Independent Handbook – in 1879 at the age of 22 and later sold the title to the enterprising Iliffe company, which prints the lithographic transfers for the cycle frames of Coventry.

Young William Iliffe, anxious to launch a new magazine to catch the profitable weekend market, has so far been unable to fix on a suitable subject. The sight of the motor car sets him thinking: “Mr Sturmey,” he asks his partner as soon as Lawson has departed, “do you believe those things will ever come to anything and be used on the roads?” “I do, Mr Iliffe.” “Have you enough material for a journal about them?” “I have, Mr Iliffe.” “Then we will bring out a paper about them… tomorrow!”

But what should the name of the new publication be? Sturmey runs through the possibilities, for cars are so new no one is quite sure what to call them: “Horseless carriage, automobile carriage, automatic carriage… autocar!” Just in case there’s any doubt, Sturmey subtitles the new magazine: “A journal published in the interests of the mechanically propelled road carriage”. Deadlines have rarely been shorter in the long history of the world’s oldest motor magazine, yet on Saturday 2 November 1895, the first

issue of The Autocar, containing a mere 12 pages of editorial, is on the news-stands.

For its first year, Autocar really was a magazine for a persecuted minority, for it wasn’t until 14 November 1896 that the government changed the law to allow motorists “the freedom of the road”. It was, admittedly, a qualified freedom, for there was still a nationwide speed limit, strictly policed, of 12mph, but the infamous ‘red flag man’ was gone.

To celebrate this ‘emancipation day’, Lawson’s Motor-Car Club organised a tour from London to Brighton – still celebrated by the annual London to Brighton Run for pre-1905 cars organised by the Royal Automobile Club – and The Autocar brought out a special ‘red-letter day’ issue, printed in red ink. The pent-up demand for cars was shown by the thousands of copies of the issue that were sold.

Reports vary, but it seems that around 33 cars started for Brighton and 22 got there in time for the celebration dinner. But many years later, Autocar could reveal that several had managed to cover the 50 miles between London and Brighton only because they had been taken down by train!

A DRIVING FORCE

Right from the start, Autocar reported on the international scene: that inaugural issue carried an article on America’s first practical car, the Duryea. The car was to transform America and become an indispensable feature of everyday life – yet at that point, the US was a long way behind Europe in terms of development.

In 1895, nobody could have guessed that the Michigan city of Detroit would one day be nicknamed Motown, for not a single car had yet been seen there. It would be some six months before Henry Ford’s experimental tricycle made its first run through the sleeping city on a quiet June night (maybe a sensible precaution, for he had forgotten to fit his little car with brakes!) as the herald of a new and colossal industry.

In 1896, the Duryea brothers would start limited production of their “marvellous American autocar”, but even then cars were regarded more as a circus turn than as a serious mode of transport.

Autocar’s description of this car could be claimed as the first of its world-famous road tests: “It is neat and compact, steers as easily as a bicycle, starts and stops by the manipulation of the steering lever, so that the whole control of the vehicle is in one hand and within reach of either passenger; it runs forward or backward at will, and can be handled with a nicety not obtainable in a horse.”

Handling considerations were very different back in those days: “A further element of safety is found in the fact that it will run over a goodsized rock with either wheel ‘hands off’. This ensures that the steering is not twitched out of one’s hand accidentally and the carriage upset on its passengers, as is both possible and probable with many steerings hitherto used.”

Motoring was so young when Autocar started that there wasn’t even an accepted technical language: describing the Peugeot car owned by British motoring pioneer Sir David Salomons, who had just organised England’s first motor show (reported, of course, in Autocar’s first issue), the magazine’s reporter referred to “the starting and stopping lever”, the “speed variation lever” and a “foot lever for the purpose of throwing the engine out of gear”.

In fact, with the clear technical descriptions of new cars that quickly became a regular feature of the magazine, Autocar helped to create the language of motoring.

It also helped to create Britain’s car industry, for when Britain’s first motor manufacturing company, Daimler, was created in January 1896, Sturmey was one of the board members.

Nowadays that would be construed as a conflict of interest, but back then there were so few people in Britain who knew anything at all about cars that Sturmey’s presence on the à

Motorists celebrated their 1896 emancipation with a 50-mile trip JULY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 39

Autocar contributed to the success of the Ford Model T

1907 Rolls-Royce stunned our tester with its refinement

First road test subject proper was a 1928 Austin Seven

ßDaimler board represented a steadying influence in the running of the company, particularly since the man behind Daimler was that get-rich-quick company-promoter Lawson. By the time that Sturmey resigned in 1899, having served a term as chairman, Daimler was firmly established as Britain’s leading car manufacturer.

an Autocar staffer rode on the new 40/50hp RollsRoyce Silver Ghost and reported: “At whatever speed this car is being driven on its direct third [speed] there is no engine as far as sensation goes, nor are one’s auditory nerves troubled driving or standing by a fuller sound than emanates from an eight-day clock.” Advertising man David Ogilvy may have said it more succinctly 50 years later when he wrote “At 60mph the loudest noise in the new Rolls-Royce comes from the electric clock,” but The Autocar said it first.

Around 1910, new, more affordable cars created an increasing number of owner-drivers, and a new sort of ‘hands-on’ road test began to appear in the pages of The Autocar. One of the best was written in 1910 by Basil H Davies, a frequent contributor.

He borrowed an early Ford Model T for his official duties as a judge in a six days’ motorcycle trial in Scotland and, when he returned home 1700 miles later, was so impressed with the way the Ford – at

TRIED AND TESTED

From its earliest days, Autocar has given its readers practical reports on literally thousands of cars.

Since it began numbering road tests in 1928, nearly 5500 have been published. However, its staff was testing cars from the very beginning – although Autocar’s reporters didn’t always take the wheel themselves in those days.

Once the brave days of the pioneers had ended, around 1900, and the number of cars on the roads increased rapidly, a large proportion of European motorists kept paid chauffeurs. Consequently, many of Autocar’s early tests were written from the point of view of the owner, rather than the driver.

Indeed, it was such a test that brought Sturmey’s days in charge of Autocar to an end in October 1900, when the experimental Dawson car in which he was riding (its designer was a successful marine artist who had designed a petrol engine with an unusual double-diameter piston giving a degree of forced induction) crashed after a tyre left its rim.

Sturmey’s arm was broken, and he was so badly shaken by the crash that he spent months off work and eventually retired in 1901 on medical grounds.

It has to be said that many of those early reports were road impressions, rather than true road tests, although on at least one occasion Autocar’s verdict achieved immortality. That was early in 1907, when

40 AUTOCAR.COM.PH JULY 2021

Engine genius Bentley got his big break in Autocar

£220 one of the cheapest four-seat cars on the British market – had performed that he wrote one of Autocar’s first extended driving tests.

The Ford – which had only two speeds in its pedal-operated gearbox – coped with flooded roads, steep mountain passes and deeply rutted roads far better than the pricier cars following the trial, and although Davies’ language may now be old-fashioned, there’s no doubting the sincerity of his verdict: “Its speed and power and silence, its reliability, economy and stalwart top gear climbing deeply impressed us; and, since no car could possibly undergo a rougher handling than we gave this one over the lofty precipices and moorland tracks of the North, there is every presumption that the car should wear excellently in ordinary service.”

No doubt Davies’ enthusiastic report was one of the factors that boosted sales to the extent that the first Ford factory outside of America was opened in England. That was one of the earliest examples of Autocar’s powers of judgement, for the Model T would change the world to such an extent that it was in 1999 named by an international jury as The Car of the Century.

Another road test that made history appeared in January 1920. During the Great War, Autocar staffer Sammy Davis had been an inspector for the rapidly expanding Royal Naval Air Service and had met a brilliant designer named WO Bentley, whose BR1 and BR2 rotary engines powered many of Britain’s most famous warplanes.

Bentley had a dream of producing a fast sporting car and, after peace came in November 1918, began work on a prototype. Naturally, the first journalist to be offered a drive on the car was Davis, and the two-page test he wrote of the 3.0-litre Bentley has become a classic of motoring literature. “Although frowned upon by the authorities, limited by law and penalised when discovered, speed is the greatest attribute of a car, and from the car alone is it possible to realise to the full that peculiar feeling of greatness, soaring almost to poetic heights, consequent upon high-speed travelling…”

Davis’s test established the Bentley marque as the outstanding British sports car maker of the 1920s, although, later lamented WO, whose young company lacked the necessary capital to go straight into quantity production: “How I wished we had had the cars we could have sold a dozen times over as a result of that piece of publicity!”

Incidentally, that famous road test wasn’t Autocar’s only contribution to the creation of the Bentley marque, for the magazine’s brilliant staff artist F Gordon Crosby had designed the famous winged-B badge that still adorns Bentley cars.

By the early 1920s, Autocar’s road tests began to take on a more organised feel. A standard route was established, taking in a variety of town and country roads to the south-west of London, where Autocar now had its head office, and using the Brooklands circuit as its halfway point. Since there was still a 20mph blanket speed limit on the roads, Brooklands gave the opportunity to legally run

HOW IT ALL STARTED AUTOCAR 125 HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUTOCAR

Carlos Tavares

I congratulate Autocar for its amazing 125 years in production. It has always been a reference authority on all things motoring, and I warmly applaud the team for their continued success.

Technology has changed greatly and rapidly since 1895 cars at top speed. And since it was conceived also as a test facility for the industry, it had a test hill on which the performance of cars could be compared.

Now Autocar’s road tests began to incorporate fuel consumption figures, based on a standard half-gallon tank, and to comment on ride and handling – although it wasn’t always easy to give figures for acceleration or cornering speeds, because a speedometer wasn’t yet mandated.

Something needed to be done to give the road tests greater authority, and a remarkable quartet of Autocar journalists – Sammy Davis, Montague Tombs, HS Linfield and Geoffrey Smith – devised a more scientific method of comparing the performance of the many and various cars on the market. Figures for braking, acceleration and fuel consumption were now given in a standard format and the dimensions of cars could be compared by the use of a standard ‘big car’ (actually a RollsRoyce Phantom) shown as a phantom image on a squared grid behind a side view of the test car.

The first of these new-format tests appeared on 13 April 1928, and appropriately it was another of the great British cars, the Austin Seven, that was its subject. For the record, it hit a top speed of 47mph, could stop in 14.6m from a speed of 25mph and managed fuel economy of 42.4mpg.

Improvements to the testing regime were steady – the phantom “big car” was replaced by carefully measured diagrams giving the internal dimensions of the test car – although sometimes there was a feeling that the tests’ well-mannered language concealed the odd moment of anxiety.

“Brake power is good... though probably to obtain the best stopping figure from 30mph adjustment of the brakes would have been well,” ran a 1933 test of a Buick Straight Eight. One wonders what the tester might have hit…

To meet the increasing demand from its readers for ever more information, Autocar’s test programme became increasingly demanding.

By the end of the 1960s, each car was driven at least 1000 miles during the course of a road test and sampled by six journalists, one of whom was assigned overall responsibility for the writing.

Most of the test involved normal motoring, but one day was dedicated to performance testing at MIRA. Of course, this has all been done electronically since the 1980s, and nowadays Autocar testers tend to use the modern Millbrook test track in Bedfordshire, although for testing the most potent machinery, they still visit MIRA.

❝ Autocar received details on the new Model A before even Ford dealers, who had already taken 125,000 customer orders ❞

FIRST WITH THE NEWS

At home and abroad, Autocar has always enjoyed the confidence of the industry on which it reports, enabling it to be first with inside news and obtain exclusive interviews from the people at the top, as well as to uncover scoops on forthcoming models.

As early as that historic ‘red-letter day’ issue in November 1896, Autocar published the first of literally thousands of scoop pictures – “the first British-built Daimler Autocar… from a rough hurried sketch made by our artist” – and this is another tradition that continues.

In 1927, the most eagerly awaited news in the world of motoring was what sort of car Ford was going to introduce as a replacement for his muchloved but obsolescent Model T, “the car that put the world on wheels”. Just what form its successor was going to take was a closely guarded secret.

The official announcement was scheduled for 2 December, yet on 18 November Autocar was the first European periodical to publish details of the new Model A. At that time, not even Ford dealers had been told anything about the new car, despite

having taken 125,000 orders from keen customers.

No official photographs of the car were available until 1 December, yet the following day Autocar readers opened their magazines to see a picture of the new car, obviously a pre-production prototype.

It was a massive scoop, but how had Autocar, 3000 miles away from Detroit, achieved it? Only the editorial staff knew, and they weren’t telling…

In 1958, few people in Europe had even heard of Japanese cars, let alone seen one. Yet Autocar’s Ronald Barker was far-sighted enough to fly to Tokyo to investigate the Japanese motor industry.

He visited the factories and met the top executives of the major Japanese companies and produced a comprehensive review of the industry’s products.

The following year, Autocar again beat its rivals to a coming trend when, five days before the Austin Mini was announced, Barker and a colleague picked up a prototype and prepared it for a marathon drive around the Mediterranean.

A fine tribute to Autocar’s editorial skills was paid more than half a century ago, when the magazine was a mere youngster of 50, by Sir William Lyons, founder of the company that became Jaguar. He wrote: “For as long as I can remember, The Autocar has recorded motoring history for all who regard a car as something more than a means of transport.

It has done so in a manner which inspires the enthusiast’s imagination and has contributed largely to the progress of motoring.”

And Lyons’ description of the magazine’s editorial policy – “sound in views and fearless in voicing them, accurate in technical articles and statements” – was as true then as it is now. L

MIRA proved an excellent road-testing site for Autocar

Fifth wheel gave way to digital gear in the 1980s JULY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 41

THERE’S NOT MUCH IN IT Both the Mini Electric and Mazda MX-30 cost less then £30k, are fun EVs to drive and have a rather short range. Richard Lane seeks out their differences PHOTOGRAPHY OLGUN KORDAL

erhaps you’ve been waiting to discover an electric car that’s genuinely good to drive but are bored rigid of reading tributes to the Porsche Taycan (£85,000), Jaguar I-Pace (£64,000) and Polestar 2 (£45,000). Excellent cars all, but crikey, they don’t half make a dent.

Some good news, then. Neither of the EVs in this brief twin test costs more than £28,000 after the government grant for plug-in cars, yet both come from makers who understand the importance of involving the driver. More than that, it could be argued that, at their very best, the Mini Cooper and Mazda MX-5 exemplify what we love about front- and rear-driven sports cars

P

42 AUTOCAR.COM.PH JULY 2021

respectively. So even before we’ve unplugged the charging cables, there’s cause for optimism.

The Mini Electric has been out for some time, so it’s already a known quantity. In short, we like it. We especially like its turn of pace (thank you, 199lb ft of slap-bang torque), the trademark fish-bowl view forward, the conspicuous sense that the centre of gravity is grazing the road surface and its well-tuned steering response, which is so important in achieving the ‘go-kart’ agility that Mini frequently references. If you want to buy small and electric but still need that driving buzz, so far this is your best ‘affordable’ option (unless you can find yourself in a

Renault Twizy on a wet roundabout).

The only thing we don’t especially like about the model that already accounts for one in 10 new Minis sold is its meagre range. Fully charged, it barely gets 140 miles on the official test cycle, dropping to around 110 miles in the real world. And this

isn’t simply a quirk of the supermini segment: the Peugeot e-208 is officially rated at 206 miles and even the new Fiat 500 will manage 199 miles. So while it’s unusually good to pedal about, the Mini cements its ‘second-car’ status before you even flip the bright-yellow toggle that prompts the electricals into life.

Only you will know whether or not that’s a deal-breaker.

You might think the Mini’s range would be an opening for the less powerful, 235kg heavier and marginally costlier Mazda MX-30 to exploit and quickly even up the scales for overall appeal. But no. With 124 miles, the first electric Mazda somehow offers even tes minu 40 in 80% to rge -cha Mini can rapid less autonomy than the Mini.

MX-30 vs MINI COMPARISON

Like in the regular 3dr Mini, you will find plush materials and retro design touches Apologies for the range-related downer, but at least now we can move on and get to the good bits. After all, what would boost the MX-30’s appeal considerably among existing (and surprisingly discerning, not to mention loyal) Mazda owners when it arrives in the UK imminently is if it can scalp the little Mini dynamically.

Get up close and it presents like one of those twee motorshow concept cars from around the millennium.

Remember the Ford 021C or the Dodge Kahuna? Maybe you don’t, but the MX-30’s cylindrical lights, chunky cladding and uncomplicated lines give it the same flavour of super-sized toy-box charm.

The cabin is less adventurous, but only marginally so. There are rear ‘suicide’ doors and some cork trim (like Peugeot, Mazda is one of those manufacturers that originally started off making something completely different to cars – in this case cork,

The MX-30’s range is concerning, no question, but keep your eyes peeled, because it may well gain the option of a range-extender petrol engine, similar to the arrangement previously offered by the BMW i3.

Mazda’s defence is that it takes a ‘right-sizing’ approach, having carefully assessed the needs of would-be buyers. It says that fitting a bigger battery pack would make the MX-30 more expensive and the extra mass would blunt its handling, and all for no good reason, given that hardly anyone drives more than 50 miles daily. Hmm. Objectively that may be true, and it seems sensible enough on paper. But for a compact crossover, even one intended for suburban commuters, this is an unambiguously punchy strategy, and more so because Mazda desperately needs to sell plenty of these cars in Europe to avoid CO2-related fines.

in 1930), but today the boring old driving ergonomics are what count.

And they’re solidly good, not least because they borrow heavily from the ICE models.

As ever with Mazda, there are no configurable driving modes or confusing gimmicks when you want to get going. Unlike the Mini, whose interior is a montage of bloop-bleep sounds, fluoro-hues and quirky displays (although, in the case of the main instrument dials, one that’s not even centred properly and is surprisingly rough in resolution), the Mazda is traditional.

The thin-rimmed steering wheel could have been ripped straight from an MX-5, the digital instruments are designed to look analogue and the fabric seats may appear to have been ordered from the Heal’s catalogue but are supportive, comfortable and sporting. By comparison, the Mini sets its driver deliciously low, with à

Mini wheel design playfully references plug; MX-30 tyres are more generous of sidewall More powerful Mini feels sprightlier than the MX-30

JULY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 43

1st

MX-3O controls are understated but excellent – typical Mazda ßeven more figure-hugging seats and a view forward that feels as though your eyeline is just skimming the scuttle. One of these cars strikes a classy GT-esque tone while the other feels raw pocket-rocket, and there’s no question which is which.

The same distinction applies to the driving experience. Both the Mini and the MX-30 are, as we had expected, unusually good to drive by the often one-dimensional standards of the electric car class. But despite possessing that hallmark EV neutral balance, they’re chalk and cheese in the way they go down a road.

The 181bhp Mini – around 140kg heavier than the comparable petrol-engined Cooper S but with an even lower centre of gravity – is clearly the quicker car, being more cleanly responsive both in terms of powertrain and handling.

Both cars ride more fluidly that you might think, given the spring

An excellent candidate for electrification, and the Mini Cooper DNA has been faithfully carried over into the driving experience. Poor range. blots its copybook.

The MX-30 may look like a crossover, but it’s closer to supermini rivals in terms of second-row and boot space. In terms of practicality, little separates it from the Mini.

rates must surely be higher to accommodate the mass of the batteries, but in the Mini, body roll is minimal and grip levels are genuinely excellent. You can thank the balanced weight distribution for that, and the overall effect is a car that feels one-to-one in the way it reacts to steering and throttle inputs.

Playful? Not so much. Just ferociously direct, and thrilling with it. The synaptic hit that this car can deliver, seemingly out of nowhere, lingers in your nervous system. Bravo, Mini.

By comparison, and despite its motor making a Mini-matching 199lb ft, our early-build MX-30 feels slightly ponderous, although in fairness so would many genuinely quick ICE cars.

The Mazda’s brakes don’t muster anything like the feel or confidence

MX-30’s ‘engine’ bay is mostly fresh air, while Mini gets a more traditional plastic cover

Both cars use Type 2 charging interface

Mazda’s rear ‘suicide’ doors are flamboyant, if also a tad impractical 44 AUTOCAR.COM.PH JULY 2021

of the Mini’s firm and high-biting pedal, either. And of course there’s also the higher driving position, which is lovely for pottering about but sets entirely the wrong tone for driving satisfaction.

Yet although it sets out its spread of charms in more stately fashion than the Mini, those charms absolutely exist. The

MX-30 vs MINI COMPARISON Mini Electric RATING Price Engine

2nd

Likeable, comfortable and clearly developed by people who care about driving. Range-extender model will unlock more of the MX-30’s appeal.

AAAAC £25,100 (after grant) AC synchronous permanent magnet electric motor 181bhp Power 199lb ft Torque 1-spd automatic Gearbox Kerb weight 1365kg 7.3sec 0-62mph 93mph Top speed 32.6kWh, lithium ion Battery 140-145 miles Range CO2, tax band 0g/km, 0%

Mazda MX-30 AAABC £27,495 (after grant) AC synchronous permanent magnet electric motor 144bhp 199lb ft 1-spd automatic 1600kg 9.7sec 87mph 35.5kWh, lithium ion 124 miles 0g/km, 0%

❝ Although the Mazda sets out its spread of charms in more stately fashion, they absolutely exist ❞ steering is beautifully realised for an electric crossover and wouldn’t feel out of place in a proper sports car. Perhaps the biggest surprise is that it’s more communicative than the Mini’s helm, and the gearing is in almost perfect unison with the roll rates – a Mazda hallmark.

Maximum enjoyment is achieved by threading the MX-30 along with your fingertips, deftly sustaining momentum (which has the added benefit of maximising range) by working with the fluid body movements. Drive the Mazda like the Mini wants to be driven and you will frustrate yourself with the deficit in grip and performance.

Drive it like you’re in an anaemic little MX-5 and you will discover an unexpectedly good driver’s car.

In truth, neither of these relatively small, relatively affordable electric cars feels like a defining specimen in the evolution of the species.

However, where they succeed equally and strikingly well is in the way they translate the dynamic identity of their respective brands into the electric realm. If you found a blindfold and an empty car park big enough, you would know who built these cars within seconds. And that comes as a relief, doesn’t it?

As for choosing a winner…

You will enjoy the understated ease and finesse with which the Mazda conducts itself, but only one of these cars will get you out of the house for a Sunday blast.

Just make sure it’s a short one. L

T H E O R I G I N A L E L E C T R I C H O T H AT C H Spot a BMW i3 on the road today and it still looks so fresh and innovative that you would swear the model had been introduced no earlier than 2018, and especially not as far back 2013.

Naturally, the i3 has gone through several revisions during its lifespan, gaining more power and range and losing its range-extender option on the way. Today, there’s the choice of the 168bhp i3 and the 181bhp i3s, with lower and stiffer suspension, wider tracks and revised steering.

Were it not for its circa-£40,000 price, we would have included it in this test, because if you want a small electric driver’s car, on ability

alone it deserves consideration.

How might it have fared? I suspect it would have neither the rapier-sharp manner of the Mini nor the dynamic elegance of the Mazda, but it might have taken top honours. It remains an awesomely appealing and interesting machine in the right environment.

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46 AUTOCAR.COM.PH JULY 2021

INTERIOR DESIGN INSIGHT t has always struck me as strange that when we think of the cars whose appearance we like, especially if we’re deciding whether to buy one or not, it’s always the exterior we find ourselves considering. Why? I guess it’s because, consciously or not, we’re keen to project the right image of ourselves. But the truth is that once our cars are bought, we spend hardly any time looking at them, whereas we literally live in their interiors, whose design by comparison we barely think through at all.

Yet interior design has undergone a revolution over the past generation.

Time was when interiors were scarcely styled at all, at least from the point of view of the driving environment. Instruments were placed wherever was easy and a dashboard created around them.

Then, in the 1970s and 1980s, a certain sense of ergonomic cohesion was gradually introduced, but it wasn’t until this century that mainstream manufacturers started thinking as hard about the look of their cars within as without.

And with good reason. First, an interior is far harder to design, because unlike an exterior which is just a relatively simple shape, an interior contains a whole host of competing interests, from dials and switches to the dashboard and infotainment system, all arguing over the same small amount of space.

But as journeys have lengthened yet traffic slowed and we’ve spent more and more time looking at our interiors, merely making it functional was never going to be enough. It had to offer a pleasant place to sit and while away all that time.

I

Our man on the inside Complaints about the evolution of car cockpit design are only becoming louder. Andrew Frankel considers how today’s conflicting ambitions can be reconciled

Not least because of the quality of the items with which we now fill out homes, be they sleek music systems, flatscreen televisions or smart and minimalist phones. It simply won’t wash any longer to leave that kind of environment and go and sit in the motoring equivalent of student digs.

There’s one more consideration: so much of a car’s exterior is now governed by the legislative rulebook that it’s becoming ever harder to create genuinely beautiful and distinctive exteriors, hence all those jelly-mould crossover SUVs we have these days. But there remains far more scope for creative expression on the inside, so that’s where car manufacturers keen on carving an identity for themselves are increasingly concentrating.

But so too is that job getting harder. Interiors aren’t exempt from the forces of law, but that’s really only where the problems start. There’s now so much stuff that we expect to find in our cabins that packaging it all within the legislative framework is becoming an increasingly fraught business.

Remember when you would get into your car and every single thing you needed to do, from adjusting the treble on your stereo to turning down the heating a touch, could be accomplished with a single action: the turn of a knob or the flick of a dial? Things are rarely so easy today.

We live in an era where function follows form at a deferential distance, so the price paid for a nice, cleanlooking fascia with the minimum number of controls is that even some quite fundamental functions require you to go rummaging around in endless menus to locate them.

Say you want to turn off the stability control in Volkswagen’s new Golf GTI. You would like to just press a button and see a little light appear on the dash, but these days that would be far too easy. First you must find the vehicle settings menu on the glossy touchscreen in front of you. Once you’ve done that, you need to keep swiping until you find the page concerning the brakes. Yes, the brakes. Only à

Little thought went into some older inter iors

Virtually every car now features an all-controlling touchscreen JULY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 47

ß then do you get to tell the car you

would like to turn off the ESC. Does it do it? Of course not. It first tells you this is a bad idea that it doesn’t recommend and insists you confirm your wilful recklessness before it will grudgingly do as you ask.

So what are the most important priorities of a car interior? To me, job one is visibility. If you can’t see out properly, you’re unlikely ever to be truly comfortable – and that’s becoming increasingly difficult, because car manufacturers make ever-thicker A- and B-pillars to help their cars’ crash performance, apparently without considering how much more likely it is that their cars will crash as a result. And there’s no excuse: even two-seat mid-engined supercars can feel like goldfish bowls if properly designed, as anyone who has sat in a McLaren will tell you.

But in many important regards, interiors have progressed beyond all recognition. When I started doing this job in the late 1980s, many cars weren’t even symmetrical, meaning the driving position could be radically different depending on whether the car you drove was leftor right-hand drive. Pedals nowhere near where your feet naturally fell were common, as were seats that weren’t actually directly in front of the steering wheel. Steering wheels that adjusted in any direction at all were the exception, not the norm they are today. I may be critical of the latest Golf’s subsystems, but the way the car presents its primary controls to the driver – pedals, steering wheel and gearlever – is impeccable.

One important area in which we seem to be regressing, however, is the design of the instrument pack, or IP, as it’s known in the trade.

Some might raise an eyebrow at this, knowing how beautiful those ultra-high-definition screens that are rapidly replacing conventional clocks can look. And I agree: some are excellent. But others aren’t, and I’ll cite BMW as an example only because there was a time when its IPs were without doubt the best in the world. But, having tried to get used to its new design philosophy, where the electronic needles only sweep through a limited arc right around

❝ One important area in which we seem to be regressing is the design of the instrument pack ❞

W H AT S H O U L D H A P P E N N E X T ?

How do we resolve the conflicting interests of the demand for more content and the desire for cleaner cockpits? Truly intelligent voice recognition has a role to play, but I’m increasingly minded to think that the only way to create the space we

48 AUTOCAR.COM.PH JULY 2021

need on the dash for comprehensive yet easily understood and accessed functionality and information is to migrate the dials onto the screen.

The information on current headup displays duplicates what’s already shown in the IP. There’s no longer space for such redundancy; if the data I need is on the screen, I never look for it anywhere else, because that’s where my eyes are already pointing.

So ditch conventional instruments, project all their data on the screen and use the space you save to create a driving environment that’s as easy to operate as it is attractive.

the outside of the IP cluster, I recently climbed into an M2 that still uses the old tech and found myself wondering what on earth was so wrong with BMW’s simple, circular dials that it had to change. I’m still trying to figure that one out.

But automotive interior design must at times feel like a thankless task. The customer wants more of everything: more gadgets, more information, more entertainment (don’t get me started on apps), yet they also demand presentation as clean as it is on their smartphones. The only difference is this: it doesn’t matter how much time you spend looking at your smartphone at home, but it

BMW once had the best dials in the busin

ess

matters a very great deal how much time you spend looking at your smart screen in the car you’re driving. And yes, voice recognition and even gesture control can help, but they’re at best useful extras, not complete solutions in themselves.

As ever, then, the best interiors are those that strike the correct

INTERIOR DESIGN INSIGHT Anything that steals your eyes from the road is a negative

compromise between ease of use and appearance. It’s tempting to say that everything should have its own, separate, one-touch control, but that would lead to an interior plastered with buttons that could be completely confusing too. Alternatively, a car with no buttons or similar controls might look stunning but, in reality, would likely be difficult and timeconsuming to operate.

With each new car I drive today, I now configure its control systems the way I want them to be before I set off, which may add between five and 10 minutes to my journey. And I know that if I stop even for five minutes to grab a sandwich, half the systems I’ve disabled will have turned themselves back on again

by the time I’ve got back on board.

The car will have taken itself out of Dynamic driving mode, turned its stability control fully on again and reactivated its hateful lane-keeping assistance function. So I have to do it all over again. This has little to do with the manufacturer trying to stop you having a crash and almost everything to do with removing grounds for you to sue them if you do.

For me, and because I’m old, I would give up all the gadgets and swanky screens in favour of interiors with a limited number of clearly labelled, logically arranged switches. Twenty years ago, that was simply common sense. Today, it sounds like a revolution. Which is why it’s never going to happen. L

THE BEST AND WORST INTERIORS

H O N DA E Wall-to-wall digital screens, including monitors for the video cameras that supplant wing mirrors, could be the ultimate form-over-function folly. But in the simple little Honda, it’s all easy to understand and works really well.

M E RCE D ES - B E NZ G - CL A SS Probably the best blend of tradition and tech. It has a beautifully clear screen with plenty of customisation opportunities yet is very simple and intuitive to operate through the uncomplicated Comand controller.

MA Z DA MX-5 (N D) Has beautifully legible analogue instruments with chunky, easily operated switchgear for all major functions, with less important operations accessed via a simple controller and a clear screen.

There’s very little not to like here.

L AN CIA TR E VI If you’re one of those poor souls who has a phobia of holes, look away now.

If you thought the exterior of the Trevi saloon was ugly, it was nothing compared with the interior whose pockmarked dashboard appeared to have caught the bubonic plague.

A STO N MARTI N D B9 Some will look askance at this choice, because the DB9’s cabin was truly beautiful, but few who have actually driven one. With illegible instruments, tiny buttons and the worst sat-nav on record, it proved beyond doubt that just because it looks right, doesn’t necessarily mean it will be right.

B MW 7 S E R I ES (E65) To say that BMW’s iDrive system had a troubled childhood is a gross understatement. Twenty years ago, a single controller that moved in eight directions to control all ancillary operations was a recipe for absolute ergonomic disaster, and the E65 7 Series duly delivered exactly that.

Touchscreens and muscle memory don’t really mix JULY 2021 AUTOCAR.COM.PH 49

FRENCH REVOLUTION

BRIGHTEN WITH STARS That’s the meaning of ‘Stellantis’, and FCA and PSA each ignited quite a few. Richard Bremner points to the brightest iaisons, some dangerous, some inspired and many unexpected, have long created drama in the automotive industry.

Half a century ago, no pundit could have imagined modest, middle-class Peugeot being a lead player in an industrial combine including the mighty (it was then) Fiat, America’s third-biggest car maker (it was then) Chrysler and

L

Opel and Vauxhall, twinned then cast off by General Motors. Almost as wild would have been the idea of Fiat swallowing Chrysler, Jeep and a pick-up brand called Ram. Yet that’s exactly how things turned out, with Stellantis formed from the merger of the PSA Group (which grew out of Peugeot) and FCA (Fiat and Chrysler merged).

So how did its various brands get here, and what are some of their most memorable creations?

JEEP

LANCIA

RE N EGADE This charismatic compact SUV is Jeep-ish, yet with a sense of guilty-secret appeal.

F U LV I E T TA C O N C E P T A super-desirable hint of what could have been, this 2003 coupé still looks good. Since ignored.

WRANGLER True to its flat-panelled, rugged heritage. Not brilliant but honest and appealing for it.

YPSILON The last Lancia, a 10-year-old city hatchback, had a strong 2020 in the only place it’s still sold: Italy.

MEMORIES OF FCA

FIAT

FIAT Driving the 500 out of a Turin football stadium on the launch. So pretty and surprisingly well made. But to drive… so-so.

PUNTO Fiat invented the supermini with the 127 in 1971, and its Punto descendant was often the best seller in Europe.

It’s amazing that the firm abandoned such success, despite tight margins.

TIPO A fine example of Fiat’s bipolarity: the charming 500 on one side, the dull and underdone Tipo on the other.

L AN CIA The disappointment of being told by then Fiat marketing boss Olivier François that making a profitable go of Lancia was impossible, despite much research.

Maybe that has changed now.

500 A fine piece of retro engineering that has succeeded beyond Fiat’s wildest dreams, doubtless saving the brand.

12 4 S P I D E R FCA’s on-off commitment to models caused this pleasingly effective Fiatand-Mazda mongrel’s early death.

ALFA ROMEO

ALFA RO M EO Reading FCA’s astonishing 2014 indictment of its management of Alfa Romeo, presented at an investors’ conference. Its corrective goals have been only part-realised.

JEEP Driving the current Compass and feeling swamped by its averageness.

8C COMPETIZIONE Beautiful proof Alfa can easily sell a car for over £100k, but proof ignored.

50 AUTOCAR.COM.PH JULY 2021

MITO Punto-based supermini with a shield for a grille was pretty but fell short.

G I U LIA Q UAD R I FOG LI O Magnificent, albeit too late to rescue Alfa. Lesser Giulias are superb too.

FCA AND PSA ROUND-UP RCZ Handsome, Audi TT-like coupé built out of concept. Sadly missed out on the 306 GTi-6’s dynamic panache.

PEUGEOT

MEMORIES OF PSA VAUXHALL Its rapid rise to profitability making me and many others wonder what GM had been doing for all those years.

PEUG EOT Driving a 306 GTi-6 with a hyper Subaru Impreza and an R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R, with neither able to shake the Pug and its exquisite chassis.

205 A legendary hatch and hot hatch – which was inexplicably replaced with the smaller 106 and the larger 306.

206 Delayed actual 205 successor.

Better made but less entertaining.

Best-selling Peugeot ever.

405 Subtly handsome pounder of the fleet beat with an exquisite chassis, especially in hot Mi-16 form.

DS

VAUXHALL

3 Stylish, premium supermini that laid the groundwork for the DS brand experiment. It has since ignored this class.

CORSA- E Vauxhall has bounded into the modern world using PSA’s electric vehicle hardware in its perennially popular hatch.

DS Being knocked out by my first look at the DS 5, with its superb tan watchstrap interior. Then being knocked about by its absurdly stiff suspension.

CITRO E N Trying to fling the supposedly no-roll Xantia Activa ever harder into corners and finding that it indeed didn’t roll.

CITROEN

BX Pleasing mix of Citroën, Peugeot and Gandini.

Sold by the million, despite its flimsy fittings.

ZX As normal as its GSA forebear was complex.

Introduced Citroën to the concept of profits.

XM True to CX and DS roots but undone by early examples’ hair-tearing electrical issues.

C3 PLU RI E L Intriguing concept car turned real, but with an unasked-for random water feature…

C4 Returned to bold looks. A successful rally car, although you wouldn’t know it from the drive.

C 4 C AC T U S A more Citroën-like Citroën: ingenious, stylish and colourful, albeit unexciting to drive.

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