C! Magazine August 2020

SPECIAL FEATURE

C! PICKS FOR FAMILY CARS With so many different sizes of families, we have an assortment of vehicles that we think are catered to you and your loved ones.

ALL-N EW TOYOTA

COROLLA CROSS

THE DRIVES

SECTIONS

• CHERY TIGGO 8 LUXURY EX • SUZUKI S-PRESSO GL • MITSUBISHI XPANDER CROSS

• EX TRA TIME: RELIC GUITARS • FOCUS ON: GEELY • TUNER: JEEP WRANGLER & LAMBORGHINI URUS • WHEEL2WHEEL: BMW F900R SPORT & MORE

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T H E U LT I M AT E AU TO M OT I V E AU T H O R I T Y

SPECIAL FEATURE

C! PICKS FOR FAMILY CARS With so many different sizes of families, we have an assortment of vehicles that we think are catered to you and your loved ones.

ALL-N EW TOYOTA

COROLLA CROSS

THE DRIVES

SECTIONS

• CHERY TIGGO 8 LUXURY EX • SUZUKI S-PRESSO GL • MITSUBISHI XPANDER CROSS

• EX TRA TIME: RELIC GUITARS • FOCUS ON: GEELY • TUNER: JEEP WRANGLER & LAMBORGHINI URUS • WHEEL2WHEEL: BMW F900R SPORT & MORE

W W W.C- M AG A Z I N E .CO M

PhP 195 ISSUE 224 AUGUST 2020

T H E U LT I M AT E AU TO M OT I V E AU T H O R I T Y

EDITOR’S NOTE

n our cover, rather quietly given the way the world has been during this pandemic, is something quite important.

The new Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid.

Yes, hybrids have been around for quite a while, and yes, Corollas for even longer. But this particular vehicle is important because it may well be, and hopefully will be, the one that pushes hybrid technology to the point where it gets more accepted and mainstream. In places, that is where they are still lagging behind. Sadly.

We have talked at length about hybrids, and about electric and alternative power, about where the future may be headed. People still don’t really understand the technology. Many people keep asking, where do you plug it in? It doesn’t help that the phrase “plug-in hybrid” exists as a way to define a difference that really shouldn’t be defined by a mere wall plug.

People bought the Prius because it was a statement, and also because they got support from governments intelligent enough to see the future past their own pocketbooks. Elsewhere in the world, hybrids are taken up as mainstream options in a changing world. Sadly, again, that isn’t the case in some countries. The take-up of hybrids is higher in those cars seen as premium, the key example being Lexus in our case. Buyers and drivers see the value in the technology, the premiumness, the “luxury.”

Hopefully, this new Corolla Cross will help push along a larger number of people. It doesn’t have the quirky statement design of the Prius. It doesn’t have the basic sedan look of the Corolla Altis. It is a whole new model that fits right in to the whole idea currently espoused by Toyota, that they can and do build cars you can learn to enjoy, love, and covet. So you will want this car because of how it looks, if you do. You will be happy because it can integrate so well with your phone (I really still have a hard time with how important that seems to have become). You may be swayed by how efficient your daily commute will become. Whatever reason, fine. The end result is that, hopefully at least, we will start taking this increasingly superior technology into our homes, offices, and garages.

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Carl S. Cunanan E D I TO R- I N - C H I E F

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COVER S TORY

CONTENTS AUG US T 2020 / IS SUE 22 4

38 TOYOTA

COROLLA CROSS When Flagships Aren’t Always That Large

“Yes, hybrids have been around for quite a while, and yes Corollas even longer. But this particular vehicle is important because it may well be, and hopefully will be, the one that pushes hybrid technology to the point where it gets more accepted and mainstream.”

— Carl S. Cunanan Editor-in-Chief

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FE ATURES

CONTENTS AUG US T 2020 / IS SUE 22 4

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C! PICKS

Family Cars 54 6

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THE SAGA OF THE LEGENDARY NISSAN PATROL

THE DRIVES

CONTENTS AUG US T 2020 / IS SUE 22 4

32 CHERY TIGGO 8 LUXURY EX Resolute Ardor

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SUZUKI S-PRESSO GL A Shot of Fun

36 MITSUBISHI

XPANDER CROSS The Definitive Class Standard

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E X TR A TIME

CONTENTS AUG US T 2020 / IS SUE 22 4

57

AGED TO PERFECTION A Brief Guide to

Relic Guitars and Where to Find Them

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Can you CatCh up? www.c-magazine.com

FOCUS ON

CONTENTS AUG US T 2020 / IS SUE 22 4

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GEELY AUTO A Rising, New Automotive Force

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TUNER

CONTENTS AUG US T 2020 / IS SUE 22 4

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BOOSTED!

By Francis G. Pallarco

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AKRAPOVIČ

High-end exhaust systems for vehicles of the same caliber.

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BLUE CRUSHER

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WIDE AND WICKED

This custom Jeep by Jworks Unlimited proves that too much is just not enough.

Come across any modded Super SUV’s lately?

Making better drivers for tomorrow

Follow our road safety facebook account roadsafetybycmag

WHEEL 2WHEEL

CONTENTS AUG US T 2020 / IS SUE 22 4

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TWO WHEELS ONLY

By Maynard M. Marcelo

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YAMAHA MOTOR PHILIPPINES LAUNCHES THE NEW XSR155

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GIVI LAUNCHES NEW B42N “ANTARTICA” MONOLOCK TOP CASE

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THE DYNAMIC DUO

2020 BMW F900R Sport Review

SCOOTER REVIEW: VESPA SPRINT 150 A premium scooter for style conscious city dwellers.

AUGUST 2020 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

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HONDA STREET CUB PROJECTS IN TAYTAY RIZAL

REG UL ARS

CONTENTS AUG US T 2020 / IS SUE 22 4

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Carl S. Cunanan

Georges B. Ramirez

EDITOR’S NOTE

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Nicolas A. Calanoc

Paolo De Borja

APEX AND APERTURES

SLIPSTREAM

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Chris Van Hoven

Angel S. Rivero

INSIDE LINE

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ON THE EDGE

AUGUST 2020 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

EVENT HORIZON

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MONTHLY BUYER’S GUIDE

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OUR PICKS : TOP 5 MOST INFLUENTIAL ELECTRIC CARS

By Nicolas A. Calanoc

WA N T T O G O FOR A RIDE?

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APEX AND APERTURES

Nicolas A. Calanoc E X E C U T I V E E D I TO R

Things Have To Change

remember a quote a few years ago going around social media where Gustavo Petro said “A developed country is not a place where the poor have cars. It’s where the rich use public transportation.” It really struck a chord inside me where the reality is, the public transportation in the Philippines needs a lot of work.

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Fast-forward years later and with a global pandemic happening, it seems to be getting worse. I remember commuting when the quarantine was lifted and thinking that the social distancing they implemented made things safe. I was wrong. Days later, it was found out that ticket vendors of our city trains ended up with the virus, which means that the spread is far worse, thanks to the system we have now. Because of this, the interest of small cars has increased, and yet, not everyone can

“Because of this, the interest of small cars has increased, and yet, not everyone can afford it. What has become a luxury suddenly has become a need in this crisis.”

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afford it. What has become a luxury suddenly has become a need in this crisis.

It is easy to get political at this point, but more than complaints, we need solutions.

More than pointing fingers on who to blame, we should seek help and advice from other countries that are able to manage the global pandemic on their home turf. To any government official reading this, the time to help your fellow countryman is now. We should put agendas aside and give priority to modernizing public transportation.

I am all for more people wanting to buy cars, but not like this. I believe that driving should be a joy to do or a convenience to have, not a need to get food on the table and being part of a cycle of barely making ends meet. In a small scale, we can as a community promote carpooling if social distancing and contact tracing can be followed. But on the grander scheme, I can only hope that the Philippine government can make the changes in public transportation so that we can go back to work to jump-start the economy.

INSIDE LINE

Chris Van Hoven M A N A G I N G E D I TO R

It’s the Best Time to Buy a Car

’m sure you’ve seen them by now. Over the past few weeks, you’ve probably scrolled through quite a number of posts on your Facebook feed from different automotive dealers flaunting unbelievable promos on brand-new cars. I’ve seen them range from extended warranties and extremely easy financing plans to incredible buy-one-take-one deals, the likes of which we haven’t seen since the ‘90s.

If that isn’t a sign that the automotive industry was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, then I don’t know what is. In most cases, it’s a case of supply-and-demand.

March and April were absolutely brutal months for car manufacturers, not just in the Philippines, where businesses were all but frozen during the Extended Community Quarantine, but globally as well. What seems to be apparent though, is that some dealers were simply caught off-guard, finding themselves with a surplus of inventory that

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exceeds the loss in demand that March and April brought. The situation is undoubtedly terrible for dealerships around the nation, but great for potential car buyers.

The pandemic has brought a shift in perception towards car-buying as well. As more and more people are unwilling to risk commuting as a mode of transportation, they are starting to turn their attention towards affordable entry-level cars as a means of getting around. Kia is one of the manufacturers offering huge discounts and low down payment schemes on some of their entry-level offerings, the Kia Picanto and Soluto. Mitsubishi has taken a similar strategy, with easy financing plans for some of their base models such as the Mirage GLX M/T, Strada GLX Plus 2WD M/T, and Montero Sport GLS 2WD A/T. Honda and Toyota are offering huge discounts on their entire line ups, some reaching up to PhP 500,000 off the sticker price – and the list goes on. Chances are, there’s some kind of promo going on for pretty much whichever

car you fancy, whether entry-level or premium, and there’s no better time than now to make it yours.

Don’t get too excited though. You’ll need to bear in mind that owning a car isn’t as simple as paying off its monthly dues.

There are things like periodic maintenance schedules which you’ll have to pay for. And while some manufacturers are offering free PMS services for the first 20,000 kilometers or 6 months of ownership, you’ll eventually have to start paying. Then of course, there’s fuel. Depending on your use (and which car you get), fuel expenditures can add a significant amount to your monthly budget.

There are insurance payments too, if you want to consider getting your new car comprehensively insured.

So while it’s an absolute buyer’s market right now and some of the deals are too good to resist, it always pays to know what you’re getting yourself into down the line, especially when the honeymoon period starts to fade.

ON THE EDGE

Georges B. Ramirez S E N I O R E D I TO R

Peculiar

know it can be frustrating to say the least, but I also find it interesting how as we are returning to normalcy of the new normal, everything is slightly askew, making it a novelty in a way. Watching that first Formula One race, I couldn’t help but notice the fantastic face mask designs or the peculiar way people were interacting with one another. Then there is the fact that they run two races in one venue and there are no spectators. We are now halfway through the season, and I still haven’t quite settled into it. Clearly, things are still evolving, and we are leaving the redundant in the past, for now, at least.

Anyway, now add the rule changes and a good supply of very talented young drivers into the equation, and what’s not to be excited about?

My interest has actually heightened.

Speaking of the young drivers, I haven’t had as much time to watch documentaries since work started for me in Subic. But, I recently had the chance to catch a documentary on the great Jim Clark and an interview with Carroll Shelby. The one of Jim Clark was very well done, and I do recommend watching it. It

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certainly brought me back to those golden days of chivalry and gentlemen race drivers with Jim Clark being the epitome of that. The quiet young Scotsman remained humble and had an exceptional talent for driving fast. It was said that he was like a beacon of true sportsmanship for all sportsmen. The interview of Carroll Shelby was more like raw footage, but it was really good if you’re into this. His reference to the new drivers of today was a bit harsh, however, quite humorous, at least to me. He referred to them as a bunch of crybabies. They get paid US$15,000,000 a year, run into a wall at 200mph walk away, jump into a spare car, carry on, and gripe about how underpaid they are. He did politely say it wasn’t worth getting into it and just put it off to “it’s a different world”.

It really is a different time and those old times aren’t coming back. With regard to safety in racing, however, it really has evolved for the better. What was once the most dangerous sport in the world has become a rather safe one, and that is a good thing. Though having lived through some of this period, I can certainly understand where Carroll is coming from.

Anyway, I am excited to see how this year’s Formula One season will unfold, and I will end

this editorial with our local motoring situation for a personal perspective.

Since we’ve started to count the daily number of new Covid-19 cases by the thousands, and the government kept trying to do something about it, I took it upon myself to lessen my weekly commute. My initiative to help with the solution rather than be part of the problem was to now limit my commute to twice a month.

Then the government responded to the plea of the frontliners, which made me decide to stay at work till the end of the MECQ despite sorely missing my family and home in Manila. A total of about a month of being absent from my home when the MECQ ended.

However, I was rather disheartened when I was told by some people who had traveled both North and South bound from Manila, that they hadn’t encountered checkpoints or restrictions of any kind. Apparently, other than those who take it upon themselves, we were still free to go wherever we wanted, even if it was just on a whim. Seems it’s just like our driving rules, mere suggestions. As we well know, beautiful laws without law-enforcement are just that, beautiful laws!

SLIPSTREAM

Paolo de Borja D E P U T Y E D I TO R

Millennial Car Shoppers

t’s no secret in the automotive world that millennials are not as car crazy as baby boomers.

Times have certainly changed and younger people seem to have other priorities in mind. Although still considered a necessity in a general sense, millennials don’t particularly put car ownership as high on their list of goals. And I understand why.

Perhaps the availability of ride-hailing apps, increasing problems in urban traffic, and long-term commitment to finishing car payments and maintenance have something to do with this development. Nevertheless, let’s take a look at what the modern crowd looks at when shopping for a car in these modern times.

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MILLENNIALS ARE LESS BRAND CONSCIOUS It would be inappropriate to speak for everyone for this particular point. I belong to an age group that still holds proven brands like Toyota in high regard. But in recent years, millennials have been more open to learning more about up-and-coming brands in the local market such as MG and Geely. They are willing to give them a look because of what these companies have to offer on products,

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features, and warranty packages. More on this in the next points.

MILLENNIALS ARE MOBILEFOCUSED People looking to purchase their first vehicle grind for years to save up. It’s only right to be thorough in canvassing for prices and researching what each vehicle under a budget has to offer. Brand recognition is still a huge deal these days, but it’s not everything.

Car companies have to remain creative and competitive in packaging their cars to make it more appealing. The inclusion of a well-constructed infotainment system with reliable connectivity features is a somewhat new yet significant factor in buying a car in modern times. Such technology includes Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto to say the least.

MILLENNIALS GIVE IMPORTANCE TO SAFETY FEATURES ABS has become standard in almost all vehicles in the brand-new car scene regardless of class and segment. But nowadays, we would see even mid-variants of “budget cars” such as the Toyota Vios equipped with more than two airbags. Modern buyers are now also more knowledgeable on the importance of safety in a vehicle. More premium offerings would

have stability control and traction control as standard features. Hill descent control can now also be found even in sedans — a nice touch to have when lined up at pay parkings in different malls.

MILLENNIALS CARE ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT Slowly but surely, younger Filipinos are now willing to hear and learn more about hybrids and electric vehicles. This has become evident as the local arms of the different automotive manufacturers have slowly brought in these environmental-friendly rollers at more reasonable prices. Such cars include the Hyundai Ioniq, Toyota Corolla Altis Hybrid, and Toyota Corolla Cross. All of which priced at under PhP 2,000,000.

MILLENNIALS WANT A CAR THAT REFLECTS THEIR PERSONALITY The local market has never had as wide of a collection as it does today. Each one is curated and marketed for specific types of buyers.

A bachelor could opt for a hot hatchback, while a young and started family could go for a subcompact crossover that’s packed with technology and goodies. Not everyone can afford to have more than one car, so younger buyers really take time to feel a connection with a vehicle before a purchase.

EVENT HORIZON

Angel S. Rivero C O N T R I B U T I N G E D I TO R

A Carbon Boomerang: Reversing CO2 Back into Coal

hat if I told you that to thwart the largely feared point-of-no-return stage of global warming, there is actually a way we could scrub excess carbon dioxide from the earth’s atmosphere and transform them back into coal?? That’s a pretty bizarre concept, isn’t it? Almost like... turning back time to achieve some sort of a climate rewind.

And yet, in all its sci-fi strangeness, scientists have indeed already discovered a way to turn atmospheric carbon dioxide back into its solid form of coal — and most importantly, in a safe, efficient, and scalable manner.

Now, don’t get me wrong — research and development of several ‘negative emissions technologies’ have already been ongoing for years! But a lot of the time, the propositions have either been too costly or not entirely safe.

One famous proposition from the recent past was to scrub our atmosphere of carbon dioxide, compress this collected carbon dioxide into its liquid form, and then inject it all back into the ground. However, this is extremely expensive to do, and engineering and logistical challenges abound. Not to mention that we can’t really say how safe it is to store liquid carbon

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underground, and whether they will all stay in there in the long run.

The latest glimmer of hope though, is research spearheaded by a team from the RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia.

It so far sounds extremely promising, that even the journal Nature Communications recently published it, citing it as an alternative pathway for removing anthropogenic — caused or influenced by humans — greenhouse gasses from our atmosphere.

Their scientific model also appears to be a lot more sustainable.

You see, in the past, converting gaseous carbon dioxide into solid coal could only be achieved amid extremely high temperatures.

Therefore, that type of process was too resource-heavy, and consequently, too costly and industrially unviable. But this new method they’ve now discovered can convert carbon dioxide back into solid carbon at room temperature — paving the way to carrying out a chemical process that is both remarkably efficient and realistically scalable.

The secret to it is an electro-chemical technique that involves the use of a speciallydesigned liquid metal catalyst. This liquid metal catalyst is an extremely efficient

electrical conductor, and has other properties that allow it to chemically activate the surface. Its use is key to the success of the chemical reaction.

Once carbon dioxide is captured , it is dissolved in a beaker filled with an electrolyte solution and a small amount of this formulated liquid metal catalyst. The latter is charged with an electrical current; and from this point, the chemistry works its magic and ultimately begins to produce several flakes of carbonaceous solid! In the end, large amounts could be collected and stored — buried back into the ground, even!

Furthermore, the carbon produced is capable of holding an electric charge – and therefore may be considered useful (as a supercapacitor) in the manufacture of vehicles of the future! And its other byproducts, such as synthetic fuel, may also have countless other industrial applications. It is certainly a game-changing breakthrough!

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has declared last 2018 that in order to keep global warming at bay — to about 2 degrees celsius max in its increase — the active removal of anthropogenic carbon dioxide from the earth’s atmosphere must be seriously considered.

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The Drives

CHERY TIGGO 8 LUXURY EX Resolute Ardor

Words by Kevin C. Limjoco Photos by Andréas N. Delos Reyes

CHERY HAS RABIDLY COME BACK into our domestic market with this striking mid-size Tiggo 8 crossover in its top Luxury EX trim.

This is the fourth time that the Chery brand enters our market. I remember when James Deakin and I awarded the entry-level Chery QQ the Best-in-Class C! Award back in 2004 we received a lot of flak from consumers who were in disbelief. I still stand by that award because the QQ was genuinely the best in its segment at the time. It offered car buyers a very affordable city solution that came with considerably more standard equipment than any other vehicle in its class and it did perform precisely as designed. The big issue then in our market was not the brand or the model but the aftersales support.

Back to the present, Chery is now handled by its new official Philippine distributor, the United Asia Automotive Group, Inc. (UAAGI) which is also the distributor of Foton, so I am confident that buyers will certainly get the guaranteed support that they deserve. UAAGI

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had concrete plans to have 30 dealerships throughout the country within two years before the pandemic struck.

To boost Chery’s gravitas and production capabilities further, beyond our regional market, they formed a new company in 2012 with the Jaguar Land Rover group in a 50:50 joint venture for the production of Jaguar and Land Rover cars in China. Along with this alignment, Chery Automobile will also supposedly enter the North American market in 2021 under HAAH Automobile Holdings with the VANTAS brand based on the Chery

Exeed models and will be built in the USA and bespoke to that market. I just hope consumers won’t confuse the brand with a drug-delivery system of the same name that is used to treat symptoms of prostate cancer in men. Uncertain if it’s simply a red herring, the Tiggo model series name may be identified, in Western perspective, to 1891 Derbyshire, central United Kingdom. The interesting point of that is that there are two particular features in our Champagne Gold Tiggo 8 Luxury EX test unit that can be perceived as a result of the joint venture with the iconic British automobile

brands; the touch-sensitive central climate control panel is obviously inspired by the systems used by Land Rover as well as the neat auxiliary rubber wrist Smartwatch Key. Unlike the tough looking but simple smart-key system used by Land Rover however, Chery’s unit is a fully functioning smartwatch with digital display and heart-rate monitor so it actually can be worn as your primary wristwatch that is water-resistant to 100 feet and is a fitness tracker that offers vehicle controls (locking and unlocking the car, remote engine start/stop with climate control, window control, powered trunk control, incoming call reminders and audible/vibrate alarms).

What is not visually obvious are the rigid modular T1X chassis with fully independent suspension which were developed with Jaguar Land Rover technology and influence, and the Bosch ten-in-one ESP 9.3 control systems. The Tiggo 8 is Chery’s flagship and it represents very well with a very tasteful stance.

The contrasting gunmetal 18-inch alloys are wrapped with Atlas “Batman” (yes you read it right, and it’s labeled on the sidewall. Atlas has been traveling on U.S.A. roads since 1935) A51 235/55R18 100V tires. I like the so-called “Crouching-Tiger” front grille and full-LED matrix headlights. Former BMW/Mazda automobile designer Kevin Rice (2017 Red Dot: Best of the Best for the MX-5 RF when he was Mazda Europe's design director) led Chery’s international design team as Vice President and Global Head of Design for the Tiggo 8, and they did a good job overall. As of last March 2020, Rice is now the Chief Creative Officer for legendary Italian design house Pininfarina.

The rear light assembly LED design and interior cabin are also well executed. There is a slightly cheaper variant by P60,000.00 which omits some key features, but it is definitely worth paying the extra money instead for the top variant to get the full experience.

Dimensionally, the Tiggo 8 (2710 mm wheelbase, 4700 mm length, 1860 mm width, and 1746 mm height) sits in-between the Toyota Innova (2750 mm wheelbase, 4735 mm length, 1830 mm width, and 1795 mm height) and the Mitsubishi Xpander Cross (2775 mm wheelbase, 4500 mm length, 1800 mm width,

and 1750 mm height). Price-wise, the fullyloaded Tiggo 8 Luxury EX costs P50,000.00 less than a mid-range Toyota Innova Sport Touring 2.8 turbodiesel with 6-speed automatic and P85,000.00 more than the top-variant Mitsubishi Xpander Cross. Aside from its handsome exterior and comfortable interior, the Tiggo 8 has a generous trunk (892L-1930L capacity), powered liftgate, panoramic moonroof, 10.25-inch UHD touch screen infotainment system, aerial view, customizable full-digital instrument cluster, ISOFIX mounts, adjustable seating, front and rear sensors, 6-way front power seat adjustments, rear aircon vents, cruise control, smart entry system with push-button start and more.

As a daily driver, the Tiggo 8 is an efficient MPV/crossover. The ride is planted supported

with good all-disc brakes and better steering feel than expected. The engine power is sufficient but labored when it is carrying its full capacity. It does have 7-seater accommodation but its best enjoyed with 5-adults. The 6-speed DCT transmission would work better and smoother with the stronger 154 bhp /170 lb-ft of torque version of the 1.5-liter turbo. With all the goodness and high value of the Tiggo 8, it would be optimized and even more desirable if it was powered by the available 194 bhp / 214 lbft direct injection 1.6-liter turbo engine mated to the 7-speed DCT. Perhaps with the success of these introductory Chery Tiggo 8 models, UAAGI would have the confidence to import special edition variants powered by the stronger engines. As it stands Chery has a solid winner here worthy of near future love from buyers.

SPECIFICATIONS — 2020 Chery Tiggo8 Luxury EX Engine: Inline-4, 1498 cc, dohc 16V, Multi-Point Injection, Intercooled Turbo, DVVT, 6-speed DCT | Max Power: 147 bhp @ 5500 rpm | Max Torque: 155 lb-ft @ 1750-4400 rpm 0-100 km/h (0-62mph): 10.3 sec. | Top Speed: 192 km/h (120 mph) | Fuel Mileage: 7.3 L/100km Overall | Price as Tested: PhP 1,340,000.00 | Plus: Appealing design, tremendous value, thoughtful versatility and kit, upscale 7-seater crossover, free 3-year maintenance package. | Minus: Recalibrated 1.5T perhaps done to achieve the 1 million kilometer or 10-year engine warranty, the 1.6T variant more enticing. |

Rating: 9/10

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The Drives

SUZUKI S-PRESSO GL A Shot of Fun

Words and photos by Chris Van Hoven

WE’VE COME TO EXPECT these small-butgreat cars from Suzuki by now, but the Suzuki S-Presso genuinely caught us by surprise.

I’m still having a hard time placing it. Is it a micro car? A micro SUV? Suzuki’s own website classifies it as a hatchback. But none of that really matters, because while the Suzuki S-Press is all cute on the outside, it’s when you delve into the details that you see that it’s much more than the sum of its parts.

It’s clear that Suzuki was targeting the ultraaffordable market here, even if it doesn’t seem like it at first glance. We wouldn’t blame you if you considered the Suzuki S-Presso to be a crossover. It’s got an athletic profile thanks in part to sculpted wheel arches, a large SUV-like front grille, and relatively high ground clearance of 180mm. There’s a lot of plastic on the outside, but the black moldings contrast so well with the fun-looking orange our test unit came in, that we’re not even complaining. The 14-inch steel wheels with hubcaps are par for the course

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The Drives

at this price range, though I've already started to see some S-Pressos going around the metro with upgraded rims, emphasizing the S-Presso’s potential as a base for some seriously awesome aesthetic modifications.

Figuring out which category the S-Presso belongs to becomes even more confusing once you sit inside. You’ll get an SUV-like commanding view of the road as the S-Presso’s seats are positioned rather high – so high in fact that I was surprised my head wasn’t hitting the roof. The front row seats only adjust four ways, so there’s no way to lower the seat height. It only takes a moment to get used to it though, and isn’t really a bothersome point.

You’ll immediately notice the absence of a traditional instrument cluster, with a large digital speedometer located at the center console together with another digital screen relaying your odometer and fuel information.

No tachometer here, folks. The rest of the cabin is fairly straightforward, with a generous use of black plastic. The S-Presso is still a Suzuki product, however, and with that pedigree comes a certain level of build quality that is never compromised. The plastics still feel solid, and the buttons and knobs feel great

to the touch. You’ll see some cost-cutting with the 90s-inspired air-conditioning controls, manually-adjusted side mirrors, and roll-up windows for the back seats, though Suzuki was thoughtful enough to equip the S-Presso with a 7” touchscreen powering two speakers up front. Bluetooth and USB connectivity is present though, so that’s a nice upscale-level touch from an entry-level car. The seats at the rear offer a surprisingly generous amount of legroom, though three passengers are in for a bit of a squeeze due to the limited shoulder room. Up front, Suzuki opted to move the power window switches to the center giving you more elbow room — a page taken from the Jimny — though expect to hit your front passenger’s elbow once in a while when shifting gears. Equally surprising is the amount of luggage space available at 239 liters. Not a ton of space, but still more than the average entry-level micro car, and certainly enough for four large duffel bags. Folding the rear seats down opens the S-Presso up to even more space for larger cargo if needed.

At the heart of the S-Presso is the same K10B 3-cylinder, 1-liter engine found in the Celerio, producing 67 hp and 66 lb-ft of torque. And

while the S-Presso and Celerio share the same powerplant, it’s worth noting that the S-Presso is almost 100 kg lighter, with a curb weight of around 750-770 kg versus the Celerio’s 805-860 kg. This contributes to making the S-Presso a lot livelier than it has any right to be, eagerly jumping off the line when prodded, and producing some nice pull when downshifting for overtaking. Its taller profile and higher center of gravity does make it prone to some slight wind buffeting and body roll on corners, but you’ll find yourself caring very little. And its minimum turning radius of 4.5 meters makes it ridiculously easy to maneuver through even the sharpest of tight corners. Even better is its fuel consumption, rewarding us with a fuel economy of 15-16 km/L on combined highway and city driving conditions.

Priced at PhP 518,000, the S-Presso is Suzuki’s most affordable car, and one of the most affordable cars in the market. Yet despite its entry-level pricing, you’ll find important safety features such as dual SRS airbags, rear parking sensors, ABS with EBD, and even ISOFIX child seat anchors. Suzuki once again offers a remarkable level of value with the S-Presso and is an easy recommendation not just for those looking for an entry-level personal car, but for enthusiasts to tinker and toy around with as well.

SPECIFICATIONS — 2020 Suzuki S-Presso GL Engine: Inline-3, 998 cc, dohc 12V, Multi-Point Injection, VVT, 5-speed M/T | Max Power: 67 bhp @ 5500 rpm | Max Torque: 66 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm 0-100 km/h (0-62mph): 14.3 sec. | Top Speed: 150 km/h (93 mph) | Fuel Mileage: 16 km/L Overall | Price as Tested: PhP 518,000.00 | Plus: Excellent value, above average fit and finish and build quality, unbeatable price | Minus: Fixed steering column, steering not as precise as we’d have wanted |

Rating: 8.5/10

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The Drives

MITSUBISHI XPANDER CROSS

The Definitive Class Standard Words by Miguel C. Bichara Photos by Nicolas A. Calanoc MY DAD WAS IN THE MARKET for a new car that had enough trunk space to load my mother’s wheelchair and groceries while of course being comfortable enough to also carry 2 additional nurse assistants needed for my Mother’s care on routine errands. So, here’s where the Mitsubishi Xpander Cross came in. It all started when I brought my Montero Sport to the dealer just outside our village for routine maintenance. This was sometime during the 1st week of March. While I left my car for servicing and was waiting to be picked up by my wife, I chanced upon the new Xpander “Cross” sitting in the dealer’s showroom in white with all the options. I inspected the actual unit and it seemed like it ticked all the boxes my Dad would want in his next car purchase.

I took some photos and sent them to him immediately. After a couple of days mulling it over, my Dad asked me to accompany him to the Citimotors dealership to check out the

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Xpander Cross in person. After he inspected the Xpander Cross thoroughly, he was convinced this was the car he would buy. He immediately liked the increased height and stance of the versatile crossover. The driver’s seat was tall enough for him to simply slide into the vehicle. He didn’t want the issue he had with low-slung cars where you have to drag yourself out due to the low seat height; my Dad will be turning 85 years old this year so you can appreciate the concern! He liked the improved peripheral visibility due to the ride height, ground clearance, and large glass window panels too. He has lost some height over the years so he was very pleased that the driver’s seat had generous height adjustments which gave him the visibility he wanted unlike other competitive alternatives in the segment. He

was sold. He immediately gave a reservation fee and asked them to deliver the Quartz White Pearl version of the Xpander Cross. He liked the metallic white variant as it made all the contrasting trim standout. Then the Pandemic Lockdown was announced. So, all car sales/ deliveries were put on hold and my Dad simply waited and continued to use his current car which was due for sale.

When the Lockdown was downgraded to GCQ, some car dealerships opened, so he took the chance and visited Citimotors again. That is when he saw this model-exclusive Sunrise Orange Xpander Cross in the showroom. He immediately preferred this color over the white one, paid it in full and took delivery literally two days after. I took the Xpander Cross for a spin around the neighborhood and

then drove it to the city for an errand to get an impression of why Mitsubishi’s award-winning crossover was so successful combined with the new model updates that made it ever more desirable. I was very happy and impressed with the general performance of the vehicle.

It rode so smoothly. The suspension feels considerably more upscale and definitely better than anything in its class.

Building on the successes of the versatile award-winning 7-seater MPV/Crossover Mitsubishi Xpander GLS Sport, the lifted Cross variant, for P127,000.00 more over the updated GLS model, now replaces that top-spec model.

The new model offers appropriately significant and compelling updates for buyers looking for more cabin comfort, more occupant safety, and more traversing ability. The goodlooking Xpander Cross has more than enough aesthetic nuances to differentiate itself from its stablemates but with a weight increase of about 60 kilos. The 4% tire diameter variance of the new 17-inch alloy rolling stock wrapped with Dunlop Enasave EC300+ 205/55R17 91V tires combined with the increased, by 20 mm (.8-inches), ride height and slight aerodynamic loss reduces outright acceleration from rest to 100 km/h by two-tenths of a second. The benefits outweigh the compromise. The daily enjoyment of significantly improved overall ride comfort and better interior acoustics thanks to the longer suspension damping stroke, upgraded interior materials (two-tone leather on the seats and contrasting dashboard together with matching brown stitching on the leather steering wheel), and more tire rubber are far more important. The extra ground clearance is very usable and allows a touch more adventure but do travel realistically. The standard infotainment system also exceeded expectations. I am so happy that Mitsubishi packaged the Xpander Cross with additional Active Stability Control, Traction Control, and Hill Start Assist. I like the well organized and spacious interior too. The full-LED exterior lighting is magnificent and is essential for my Dad when he drives at night. I like the numerous similarities with my own Mitsubishi Montero Sport. I definitely think the Xpander Cross is the very best of the breed and I would highly recommend this very good and affordable crossover for any family out there.

SPECIFICATIONS — 2020 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross Engine: Inline-4, 1499 cc, dohc 16V, Multi-Point Injection, MIVEC, 4-speed AT | Max Power: 105 bhp @ 6000 rpm | Max Torque: 104 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm 0-100 km/h (0-62mph): 11.4 sec. | Top Speed: 177 km/h (111 mph) | Fuel Mileage: 15.67 km/L Overall | Price as Tested: PhP 1,255,000.00 | Plus: Versatile and solid packaging, stronger NVH, very comfortable with 6-passengers with room for storage. | Minus: Would be even better with a 6-speed automatic, drum rear brakes. |

Rating: 9.5/10

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WHEN FLAGSHIPS AREN’T ALWAYS THAT LARGE

DRIVING THE 2020 TOYOTA C AND ENJOYING IT. WORDS

PHOTOS

CARL S. CUNANAN

NICOLAS A. CALANOC

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COVER STORY TOYOTA COROLLA CROSS

COROLLA CROSS HYBRID.

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COVER STORY TOYOTA COROLLA CROSS

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The argument was put forward, as we were driving the 2020 Toyota Corolla Cross, that this should be considered their flagship model by one of our editors, Nics. While it doesn’t necessarily follow the strict definition of a flagship being the ship in a fleet that carries the commanding admiral, the Corolla Cross can certainly be looked upon as the vehicle that carries Toyota into the future. And for potentially more people.

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Driving up to meet us, the Corolla Cross was certainly eye-catching. We try to avoid making comments from photos alone, because modern shapes and lines and curves often don’t do as well in photos as they do in person. The little new compact SUV (Toyota says “Corolla Meets SUV”) is an excellent example of getting pretty much everything right. Just like the larger RAV 4, the looks are sleek and pleasing. You see similarities in details such as the way the rear quarter is shaped, but the Corolla Cross seems a little more tight and energetic. There are swells in the haunches that are obvious looking from the front, but from the sides you can’t really tell what creates the look. It’s just there. I personally like the front three-quarters angle the most, then the straight-on side view. From that side view, you may actually see the Corolla “cross” in the way the lines of the haunches are shaped. That side-view shape is kind of like a “hidden Mickey” you will see in some surprising places around the car. And while some may say that front grill is a bit large (a rather unfortunate trend in many cars nowadays), it is almost a non-issue in person.

Everything seems rather balanced.

The Corolla Cross is “Corolla Meets SUV” but that isn’t what you would say when you see it drive up. Visually it has its own identity entirely, at least externally. The A-pillars are tighter, for example, but really, you would be hard-pressed to link the two vehicles when standing outside.

Getting inside, though, is another story. The interior will feel very familiar. The shapes, the sweeps, the feel, the positioning of the center digital screen will all put you at home, but will also seem a bit…better. The driver’s instrument panel is a digital/analog combination, but one that is very well executed and quite matching in color. Unless you choose sport mode, in which case, the central screen (driver instrumentation, not center console) gets a red highlight treatment while the analog gauges that flank, it stays blue.

The center console screen is a permanent fixture, and certainly gets attention when compared to some more modern designs that integrate the screen quite well. While I personally wish more screens were more fluidly integrated into car designs (my current favorite is in the new BMW 1), I do understand that

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you couldn’t easily integrate a screen this large into anything easily. And it is a great screen. Within the hybrid, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both worked wired and seamlessly. We found the “find food” virtual button particularly useful, or at least hopeful.

Nice to see these systems now coming into cars so fully integrated and usable. And yes, I am slowly converting into someone who appreciates these systems more. So yes, the center screen is large and unmoving, but it does keep the information high and within easy driver view.

And how does it drive? Basically, probably the best shot at getting people into Hybrids yet. While the Corolla as a sedan Hybrid is familiar, intelligent, sensible, the Corolla Cross as a hybrid is fun and exciting. It doesn’t scream performance, but it isn’t a slouch by any means. It uses a 1.8-liter DOHV 16-valve inline four-cylinder engine combined with a CVT transmission. A CVT that, by the way, is done right. Others should take note. The electric motor generator comes in smoothly with its max 71 bhp.

The car seems to be able to spend forever sitting with the air-conditioning on without having to revert to internal combustion. Heading out from start is smooth and all-electric, and this car seems to be

WHAT IMPRESSED US A LOT WAS ACTUALLY HOW WELL SORTED THE SUSPENSION WAS. THE COROLLA CROSS TAKES FULL ADVANTAGE OF THE TNGA PLATFORM (IN PARTICULAR GA-C). THIS ALLOWS THE EFFICIENCIES OF THE SAME BASE BUT STILL LETS ENGINEERS FINETUNE THE CAR THE WAY THEY WANT TO.

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They may be very similar by name and by engine, but having them side by side shows that they cater to very different needs.

COVER STORY TOYOTA COROLLA CROSS

far more skewed to being more electric most of the time than earlier hybrids, which is nice. You can choose EV Mode, which is allowed if the battery is at a particular minimum level, but don’t expect necksnapping acceleration from all-electric sportscars.

When you hit the throttle hard, the fuel engine comes in to make the requested power come in.

What impressed us a lot was actually how well sorted the suspension was. The Corolla Cross takes full advantage of the TNGA platform (in particular GA-C). This allows the efficiencies of the same base but still lets engineers fine-tune the car the way they want to. In this case, they chose a new torsion-beam rear that allowed for a more cushioned ride. This additional cushioning did not result in anything too soft. Sudden lane changes at speed had no wallowing or bouncing, rather the car settled quickly into wherever it should be (in terms of wight transfer) making everything stable. Even if we increased speed or jiggled the wheel as we went around wide corners, we induced nothing scary or unpredictable.

Oddly enough, tight corners were even better. We had to repeatedly accelerate hard, brake hard, turn hard then accelerate hard again in a corner that at first required a three-point turn. While this isn’t exactly what you would do on a regular basis, doing so does allow you to kind of separate the men from the boys in terms of handling. The Corolla Cross was surprisingly consistent through all this, so much so that we could fine-tune body position and swing with a good amount of joy. And energy. It’s always nice to hear someone say “well, you certainly looked like you were having fun” when you exit a car.

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2020 TOYOTA COROLLA CROSS HYBRID Engine: Inline-4 Location: Front, Transverse Displacement: 1,798 cc Cylinder block: Aluminum Cylinder head: Aluminum, dohc 16V, 4 valves per cylinder, Chain drive with Dual Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (VVT-I), Atkinson Cycle, 600-volt electric motor Hybrid Battery: Nickel-Metal Hydride 1.3 kWh Fuel Injector: Multi-Port Fuel Injection System Power: Engine: 97 bhp @ 5200 rpm

Electric Motor: 71 bhp

System Combined Power: 120 bhp @ 5200 rpm System Torque: Engine: 105 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Electric Motor: 120 lb-ft

System Combined Torque: 142 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm Transmission: Electric Continuously Variable Transmission Drag Coefficient: 0.30 cd Front Suspension: MacPherson Strut Rear Suspension: Torsion Beam Fuel Capacity: 50 liters (13.2 gallons) L x W x H: 4,460 mm x 1,825 mm x 1,620 mm Wheelbase: 2,640 mm Brakes: Front: 10.8” (274 mm) Ventilated Discs Rear: 10.2” (259 mm) Solid Discs with ABS, EBD, Vehicle Stability Control, Hill-Start Assist Control, Toyota Safety Sense Wheels: 18" x 8”J Alloy Tires: Michelin Primacy4 225/50 R18 95V Weight (kerb): 1,385 kg (3053 lbs.)

0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 11.2 sec Top Speed: 180 km/h (112 mph) Fuel Mileage: 23.3 km/L Overall Price as tested: PhP 1,650,000.00

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The Hybrid is meant to be the premium buy of the Cross family. Officially named the Corolla Cross 1.8 V HV, it is priced significantly higher than the all-fuelengine 1.8G CVT. The Hybrid, though comes with all the better tech. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bi-Beam LED headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, leather seats and so on. The digital/analog instrumentation is Hybrid-only, the gas is full analog.

The gas also doesn’t get the 7-inch TFT screen or the dual-zone auto climate control. A key key point yes, we are emphasizing this) is that the hybrid gets a full suite of safety features including Pre-Collision System, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and more. Both cars, though, do come with ABS and Vehicle Stability Control with Traction Control. And here is a very important spec. The combined max power output for the hybrid is 120 bhp, the Max output for the gas-only is 138 bhp. Toyota clearly believes that efficiency and smoothness of the drive are the main forces for the

C! RATING 9.5 / 10 PLUS

A very approachable entry into the hybrid world.

MINUS

The rear floor doesnt fold completely flat.

Interior may look a little less flashy than offerings from newer brands.

COVER STORY TOYOTA COROLLA CROSS

premium power systems at this level. This is good.

Hybrids done right are a premium product.

Who is the new Corolla Cross Hybrid for? In terms of marketing, younger buyers, new buyers, starting families, entrepreneurs, so on. In reality though, it is pretty much right-sized for almost anyone. It has nice leather but it isn’t plush. It’s comfortable and smooth but not soft and over-isolating. It handles nicely and consistently but isn’t a sportscar or dedicated sports SUV. For all that, well, you have Lexus.

In terms of buying new cars nowadays, there are many brands that are great to drive or own for a bit, but then you get hit with maintenance costs, problems, or sadly the sheer inability of some brands to properly take care of their buyers. That’s why many people default to brands like, well, Toyota.

Especially after buying their fun cars or their quirky cars, they want something that they feel they can live with for decades. Honestly, most companies aren’t building cars with that in mind anymore, and that is just a reality. Happily, Toyota still seems to believe in all the good old stuff while still, even though sometimes conservatively, pushing the right new ideas the right way.

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C! PICKS

Family Cars 46

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Choosing a family car nowadays involves a more complicated (yet enjoyable) process than it did even just 10 years ago. With the addition of advanced safety and convenience technology in many cars, criteria now go beyond simply interior space, quality, and exterior designs.

Modern buyers now look at features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, among others. Now, the C! Team is composed of members across different demographics, so it will be interesting to see their take on the topic at hand for this month!

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C! PICKS

Family Cars

FAMILY CARS

Ford Expedition Limited MAX Price: PhP 4,479,000.00 as tested

IT IS DIFFICULT to challenge a Ford

Kevin C. Limjoco President / Founding Editor / Editorial Director

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Expedition in terms of securely taking a family of up to 8 adults comfortably to practically any point in the archipelago over every realistic surface together with a full complement of supporting luggage.

We have had all four generations of the Ford Expedition in our C! Fastfleet.

No longer the lumbering leviathans of the past, the current variants

drive like capacious and dynamic, tall wagons. Each of us have our own individual hierarchy of needs, but the Expedition covers most general needs and wants. It is the largest and most versatile consumer vehicle sold in the Philippines that can be enjoyed as either the driver or passenger. The Autohub Group currently has incredible promotional packages while supplies last, from straight-out cash discounts of P680,000.00 off retail to getting a free 900cc Triumph Street Twin motorcycle!

My only critical complaint is that our mid-range 375 bhp/470 lb-ft (twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost mated to a rotary-controlled 10-speed automatic gearbox) Limited MAX 4x4 model uses halogen headlights and foglamps. It may not have the uprated power of the top-spec models found in North America but it has loads of

standard kit; the fully independent suspension is at its best with Continuously Controlled Damping, an adaption of the F-Series Raptor’s 4x4 Terrain Management System with 7 drive modes and 3 direct drive modes, so you have all the tools at your disposal to manage the hulking beast. It has awesome active running boards to help you step up into the cabin that automatically retracts when doors are shut, a wealth of active and passive safety measures, 360-degree cameras for parking and maneuvering, a panoramic moonroof, 9,000-pound towing ability, 16 mpg City / 21 mpg Highway fuel economy, acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 6.4

seconds with a governed top speed of 190 km/h, the finest infotainment system (SYNC3) with navigation in its class championed with a rocking 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen (B&O) audio, a Wireless Charging Pad, Powerfolding 2nd and 3rd Row Seats, ISOFIX mounts in two rows of seats and so much more. I would save the extra P133,000.00 higher cost of the model with the captain’s chairs as the full bench is more practical for families.

The Ford Expedition Limited MAX is truly quite a sparkling behemoth to behold. The opulent and ultracomfortable Ford Expedition is the very best overall performing people mover in the market. ◼

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C! PICKS

Family Cars FAMILY CAR

Mazda CX-8 Exclusive AWD Price: PhP 2,450,000.00

I COME FROM a large family and like many Filipino families, we like to travel together in a single vehicle as much as possible. The Mazda CX-8 is an amazing prospect for such a requirement, because it offers a 3-row seating configuration, which unlike many other people carriers, absolutely does not sacrifice cabin comfort, refinement, and even driving pleasure (for whoever is delegated to drive).

Being a Mazda, it comes packaged with the brand's consistent assets — human-centric engineering, the provocative KODO design language, and its Mazda-premium feeling.

Frankly, I love the two Captain Seats in the car's second row with a center

console between them (these are my favorite seats in the vehicle!).

And since you're traveling with family, safety is more important than ever. And I love that the CX-8 is equipped with a suite of Mazda's flagship i-ACTIVSENSE advanced safety technologies, which include: a Lane Departure Warning System; a Lane-Keep Assist System; Adaptive LED Headlights and Front-lighting System; Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert; and Smart City Brake Support. It also carries Mazda's latest version of its proprietary G-Vectoring technology — GVC-Plus.

Angel S. Rivero Contributing Editor

SMALL MPV

Mitsubishi Xpander Cross Price: PhP 1,255,000.00

EVEN BEFORE THE Xpander Cross variant arrived, Mitsubishi’s small MPV was already quite hard to get a hold of. Believe me, I know. I bought one. The wait list couldn’t be helped, thanks to its combination of practical size, 7-seats, and standout looks that already made it a top choice in its segment.

With the Xpander Cross, the new top-of-the-line trim of the Xpander

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Furthermore, the highlight of this model is how the vehicle was very carefully designed to ensure the natural (and thus, comfortable) posture of every single occupant — including those seated in the rear third row!

So many details were taken into consideration in the name of comfort — such as the height of the seat cushion on the third row, and the space that was created beneath the second-row seats to accommodate the third-row occupants' feet. Even the rear doors were designed to open up to 80 degrees for ease of ingress, egress, and attaching a child seat. ◼

line, families can now seek out more adventures without fear of scuffing the car, thanks to the elimination of the low body kit of the GLS Sport. It’s not just aesthetics. The new model also gets a suspension re-tune with a new rebound spring to handle rougher roads. The luxury factor has been improved too with black and brown leather seats as well as power outlets for passengers in each row to charge their gadgets. ◼

Iñigo S. Roces Contributing Editor

CHOOSING A FAMILY CAR entails

Paolo de Borja Deputy Editor

MIDSIZE CROSSOVER

Honda CR-V SX Diesel 9AT AWD Honda Sensing Price: PhP 2,138,000.00

considering the completeness of a vehicle’s package. The Honda CR-V is a sleek-looking crossover that’s roomy enough to comfortably carry seven people while being compact enough to maneuver the tricky streets of Metro Manila. The CR-V is a bit aged compared to new rivals from other brands but the design still holds its ground. The third-row seats are also one of the roomiest in this Midsize Crossover segment.

In these modern times, technology and connectivity have also become impartial factors in selecting a car — at least, personally. Such convenience features include a well-

constructed infotainment system with Apply CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, which would allow me to seamlessly access Waze, Spotify, and calls without touching my smartphone while on the road. The inclusion of Honda Sensing on this top-ranging CR-V is also a huge plus.

I personally had experience using the safety features on the CR-V and the Lane Keep Assist System was a treat to have on expressways. Completely packaged with a timeless design, comfortable interior, and equipped with a wide collection of technology, the Honda CR-V is a proven everyday hauler I would not mind driving on a regular basis. ◼

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C! PICKS

Family Cars FAMILY CARS

Suzuki XL7 GLX Price: PhP 1,068,000.00

THE COMPACT CARRIER CROSSOVER segment is a popular and heavily contested one for a reason. The utility, 7-seating capacity, practicality and affordability presented by cars in this segment is simply unmatched in the industry right now. And while different manufacturers have their own ways to compromise between features and cost, the Suzuki XL7 has the perfect blend of convenience and safety features equipped while still keeping its price below PhP 1.1 million. It has ABS with EBD, reverse

FULL SIZE - SUV

Mazda CX-9 AWD Signature Price: PhP 2,950,000.00

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parking sensors with a rear view camera, stability control, dual SRS airbags, hill hold assist, and a massive 10-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, which is more than what its competitors offer at this price range. And of course, you have that tried and tested Suzuki reliability.

For the family on a budget, the Suzuki XL7 is one of the best available options right now. ◼

Chris Van Hoven Managing Editor

DECADES AGO, the preconceived notion of a family car meant having a four-door sedan or a station wagon.

Through the years, this has dramatically changed with the advent of the Sport Utility Vehicle or SUV. While it hasn’t totally replaced the four-door Francis G. Pallarco sedan yet, but for most families (mine Tuner Editor included), the SUV is looked upon as the modern-day family car, mainly due to its practical advantages.

Given the means, my pick to serve as an all-around family car would be the Mazda CX-9 AWD Signature Edition. Style-wise, its “Kodo” styling

ethos embodies the whole minimalist approach on the exterior, rendering it of unnecessary curves and creases. A trait that flows its way onto the sevenseat cabin, lined with gorgeous Nappa leather with a wonderful infotainment system powered by Bose speakers and more. To sum up how it looks, the CX-9 gives off a strong, understated, yet elegant look and feel.

Being an SUV that relies on a unibody or monocoque platform, the CX-9 is more car-like in terms of driving dynamics (ride, handling, maneuverability). This makes it more comfortable compared to the trucklike body on frame platforms that other SUVs are built upon, which I think is one of its strong attributes.

Power-wise, there’s ample power from Mazda’s turbocharged, 2.5-liter, gasoline engine with the Skyactive 6-speed automatic transmission. With a comprehensive list of features and accessories that come as standard, including 20-inch wheels and tires, it’s one of those vehicles that can be truly described as fully loaded. ◼

SUBCOMPACT SUV

Geely Coolray Sport Turbo Price: PhP 1,198,000.00

Nicolas A. Calanoc Executive Editor

MPV/MINIVAN

Honda Odyssey EX-V Navi

Price: PhP 2,688,000.00 (EX-V Navi)

EVER SINCE THE Dodge Caravan came out in 1984, the minivan has been the family car of choice. And why not? It’s got loads of space for 7-8 people, as well as their cargo. And it drives like a car. So it’s no surprise that despite SUVs replacing these people movers, offerings like the Honda Odyssey still continue to sell.

While the Odyssey we get in the local market is the Japese market version, it still combines the driving dynamics of a car (the Accord’s, to be precise) with the space of a lounge

WITH THE GEELY COOLRAY fully loaded priced equal to a subcompact car, it’s easy to see why this is my choice for a family car, specifically those who are starting out. For one, it has the right amount of space for a couple in the honeymoon phase up to having the 2nd-born child because it can fit 4 comfortably with a good amount of trunk space at the back.

Since I will be likely driving the car in a family situation, it’s nice that the Geely Coolray has a lot of driving aids

while being mechanically sound in both its power delivery and handling.

Of course, it can be debated that its from China, but it is backed by a powerful brand named Volvo. Also, the turbocharged 1.5L engine makes it a sporty SUV to drive. Just don’t inform the wife.

It comes in 3 trims, and I would be happy with any of them. But if I were to pick one, it would be the top Sport Turbo trim because of its automatic parking and 3D camera! ◼

on wheels. You get the potent punch of the Accord’s 2.4-liter i-VTEC mill with 175bhp and 166lb-ft of torque, business-class amenities with second-row captain’s seats clad leather, a 9-inch rear entertainemnt system, loads of room, and the security of driver aids — all in one neatly styled package.

Mom mobile, soccer mom’s ride. Call it what you will. But with minivans like the Odyssey looking this good and packed with so much tech and comfort, then moms rule! ◼

Gerard Jude L. Castillo Associate Online Editor

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Special Feature

The Saga of the Legendary Nissan Patrol WORDS AND PHOTOS

KEVIN C. LIMJOCO eing an owner of the last generation V8 Toyota Land Cruiser VX-R LC100 and having had three Lexus LX-series in our C! Fastfleet including the current LC200based model, it is clear where our preferences lie in this segment. Whereas the Toyota Land Cruiser has simply gotten exponentially better through the generations with both ranges beginning more or less simultaneously in 1951, Nissan's equivalent Patrol's evolution has not been as dramatic, that is until this generation launched a decade ago.

Yes, until the all-new 6th-generation (Y62) Nissan Patrol Royale, we looked solely to the Infiniti models to quench the need for premium Japanese SUV's produced by Nissan.

The FX and QX models in particular have been spectacular. Unlike the synergy between the Lexus and Toyota brands, and Ford with Lincoln and the now defunct Mercury, however, Nissan and Infiniti models have separated their product lines more distinctively. Compared back to back with its main competition, the Lexus LX570 and the Toyota Land Cruiser, the Royale has just enough larger capacity, standard kit, and dynamic performance to finally best its direct rivals.

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The current 400 bhp / 413 lb-ft of torque Nissan Patrol Royale mated to a 7-speed automatic with active suspension retails for P3,988,000.00 (0-100 km/h in 6.6 seconds with a 210 km/h top speed, 13.8 L/100 km. fuel consumption) is superior to the current Lexus/Toyota Land Cruiser double barrels in almost all fronts. The Royale is more spacious, significantly nimbler, stops better, is more planted, more comfortable, and has more standard equipment. The current 362 bhp / 391 lb-ft of torque Lexus LX570 with the 8-speed automatic and active suspension retails for a whopping P8,718,000.00 (0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds with a 210 km/h top speed, 14.3 L/100 km. fuel consumption). The current Toyota Land Cruiser LC200 Premium model retails for P4,935,000.00, it uses a 230 bhp / 454 lb-ft of torque V8 twin-turbodiesel mated to a 6-speed automatic with active suspension (0-100 km/h in 9.2 seconds with a 210 km/h top speed, 11.2 L/100 km. fuel consumption). While stocks last at its most aggressive pricing, buyers can enjoy allweather, all-terrain family hauling in luxury supported with the Hydraulic Body Motion Control system which effectively makes the

With the Nissan Patrol model series preparing to celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2021, I wanted to note some past highlights and accomplishment

behemoth handle like a sports sedan, 360° video cameras to help park the land yacht, 13-speaker Bose® audio system and so much more. The updated model is a long way from arriving on our shores and will certainly cost more while maintaining the same dimensions and mechanicals.

The story of Nissan Patrol begins in 1951, when post-war car production in Japan had only restarted, and the nation needed reliable off-road performance from a utility vehicle.

Very early in its history the original Patrol started to demonstrate its unique capabilities. It became the first car to climb Japan’s revered Mount Fuji, a 2500-meter ascent that helped its status to grow. Soon Patrol’s rugged 4x4 “Go Anywhere” capabilities became a favorite of both professional and recreational drivers, both in Japan and abroad.

The legend of Patrol was born.

In the nearly 70 years since, some 1.9 million Patrols have been produced over six generations and multiple versions, driving on- and off-road in more than 150 countries and creating a global heritage for durability that defines authentic performance in the world’s toughest conditions.

Dubbed “The Hero of All Terrain,” Patrol has become an iconic off-road vehicle, as exports from Japan to Asia, Australia, North and South America, India, Europe and the Middle East, created legions of owners and fans.

The 60 Series, the publicoriented second-generation, took on every type of harsh environment imaginable. A short-wheelbase G60 Patrol, driven by an Australian explorer family across hundreds of kilometers and 1,100 sand dunes in 12 days, was the first to cross the nation’s grueling Simpson Desert

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Special Feature from the Northern Territory to Queensland in 1962.

The motorsport community adopted Patrol, which became a consistent endurance rally competitor for decades. Known for its bright colors, the Nissan Patrol Fanta Limon became the first diesel vehicle to ever finish the Paris-Dakar in the Top 10 in 1987.

Three decades later the Top 10 finisher Patrol Fanta Limon was fully restored by Nissan Technical Centre Europe, later returning to the Sahara

to take on the sand dunes once again. In 2000, Patrol captured its first Australian Outback Challenge, and by mid-decade often filled the rally’s winning podium.

Beyond its recreational and competitive use, the Nissan Patrol has been employed extensively by defense, humanitarian and rescue forces, going to regions and locales where off-road conditions are most extreme. Constantly refining its performance capability, Patrol became the reliable partner for

1987-1997

Coil springs improved riding comfort, while introduction of a five-speed transmission and vacuum-operated differential lock added to driving performance. Fourth generation had advanced styling, linked rear axle, disc brakes, Safari Roof (1991) and coil-spring suspension; Series II introduced (1992) with fuel injection, Turbo Engine (1995).

Patrol Fanta Limon diesel first ever to finish Top 10 in Paris-Dakar Rally.

1951-1960

Patrol’s first-generation that launched the “Go Anywhere” legend, using a 7-litre, six-cylinder 85ps engine with 4-speed manual transmission. Available as a utility vehicle or even a fire truck.

1997-2010

1960-1980

This consumer model earned a reputation as the Japanese off-roader to contend with, as it took on the world’s greatest mobility challenges. Second generation Patrol begun with 4.0-liter six-cylinder P engine, exported to Australia, Russia, South America — “King of the Off-Road.”

Patrol makes first car crossing of Australia’s Simpson Desert. Indian army uses Patrol variant (Jonga)

This Patrol became a benchmark for reliability with an automatic gearbox, electric windows and mirrors, and chilled icebox. In 2004 a Station Wagon version offered seating for up to ten, while an extra 40-liter fuel tank allowed long-range off-road adventures, with both gas and turbo diesel engines and advanced horsepower. Patrol wins first Australian Outback Challenge, (2005) top three finishers.

2010-2019

1980-1987

An ultimate performance vehicle with creature comforts, the 160 Patrol became a family-favorite, particularly in desert conditions by adding air-conditioning.

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Nissan Patrol 4x4 donated to the Pilanesberg National Park's rhino protection unit in South Africa. Adel Abdulla in his Nissan Patrol crowned the 2016 FIA T2 World Champion. The series was launched in Abu Dhabi with a new platform, enhanced interior comfort and luxury, a new 5.6-litre V8 petrol engine, and 7-speed transmission. The series was equipped with world-first Hydraulic Body Motion Control System and the ALL MODE 4x4system, allowing driver to quickly switch between four different drive modes. Model known as “The Hero of All Terrain.”

those across the globe helping people in harm’s way.

In 2007, extended-range Patrols supported an epic 24,000-kilometer journey for the documentary Long Way Down, led by actor Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman from Scotland to South Africa.

In the Middle East, the first Patrol arrived in Kuwait in 1957, and has contributed greatly to the Nissan brand for its unique durability, quality and reliability. Over the decades, the Patrol’s many owners have included Gulf royalty and celebrities, who have also valued its all-terrain domination and premium driving experience. The Patrol as a family heirloom is a reality for many families from this region, and that is why so many examples from previous decades remain on their roads.

The Nissan Patrol holds three Guinness World Records, one for the largest synchronized car dance, which featured 180 Patrols (October 2018), another for the fastest ascent of a 100-meter sand dune by car — in a rapid 4.9 seconds (September 2015), and the first for towing the world’s heaviest aircraft more than 164 feet (August 2013).

In 1959, the second generation, 60-series Patrol was introduced and continued to build on the then well-established reputation of a vehicle that was a benchmark for rugged durability. This generation Patrol received various updates over the two decades it was in production. The third generation, known as the 160, arrived in 1980.

This was the iteration which saw

the addition of features, which would make Patrol more of an option for on-road motorists, as well as keeping the model’s off-road fans happy. Long trips across the deserts could be taken in greater comfort and the sight of families of the Gulf in fully laden Patrols became commonplace. In 1987, the fourth generation Patrol was announced. This vehicle was a massive success in the Gulf as it was not only a great leap forward in terms of technical sophistication but it featured enhanced levels of comfort which appealed greatly to owners. In 1997 — the fifth generation Patrol appeared, bringing the vehicle into the modern age of motoring with greater levels of both comfort and off-road performance. The 6th-generation brought the full NISMO treatment with variants producing even more power to 428 bhp thanks to the famed Takumi engineers, with increased torque to over 70% of the powerband supported with specially tuned Bilstein shock absorbers for improved handling and ride comfort combined with unique styling features and 22-inch forged alloy wheels complementing a Zero-Lift aerodynamic body kit.

E X T R A T I M E There is more to life than just cars, so we got you covered on the other things that might interest you.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

For us, innovation must always serve function. For example, raising our bezel by 2mm has improved the grip.

Just a little.

When you care about watches, just a little matters a lot.

Aquis Date

E X TR A TI M E

A Brief Guide to Relic Guitars and Where to Find Them

WORDS & PHOTOS: NICOLAS A. CALANOC

E X TR A TI M E

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Shiny things like cars, furniture, and guitars do have their appeal to the mass crowd. But for some, there is something about distressed items that give them this certain appeal of being used repeatedly but remaining dependable. If we have dirty rally cars and if our wives have antique furniture, then guitar players have their worn-out guitars that are aptly named relic guitars.

Being a fan of John Mayer, I always wanted to be able to have his black relic Fender Stratocaster guitar that he had custom-built and named The Black One. This was all but a frustrated musician’s dream until I came across someone in the Philippines who could make a copy of the guitar I could only dream of playing.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF RELIC GUITARS Relic guitars isn’t a new concept. It was a repair method that allowed guitar luthiers to fix vintage guitars by making the new parts match the original ones through fake aging. In the other spectrum, the method of making relic guitars was to duplicate

guitars that famous artists were using. This was what Vince Cunetto was doing back in 1989. It was when JW Black, a builder of Fender’s Custom Shop, saw Vince’s relic guitars from a friend. This piqued JW’s interest and he offered Vince a job to continue that kind of work under the wings of Fender’s Custom Shop.

To see the proof of concept, JW and Vince made two aged '50s-era samples. There was Joe Bonamassa Nocaster, the transitional Broadcaster/Telecaster with the model name snipped from the headstock decal, and there was a ‘Mary Kaye’ Stratocaster, the Strat with blonde body and gold-plated metalwork (pictured above). The duo brought the two relic guitars to the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Show of 1995, just like an auto show but for musical instruments. They placed the guitars under glass cases, which made visitors think that they were the originals. When they found out that they were copies, the demand went as high as people wanting Levis pre-worn jeans in the '90s.

As they say next, the rest was history.

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FINALLY FOUND HERE IN THE PHILIPPINES I wasn’t actively looking to having a relic guitar since I didn’t know anyone in the Philippines that did that kind of a job, until I came across Freakquency Custom Relics. They had a few guitars done, but was strictly relic jobs and not copies. When I saw the level of detail done, I had to ask if it was possible to have a guitar made to imitate John Mayer’s The Black One. I had a busted up Fender Stratocaster with a paint job I didn't like and asked if he could work on it. Two weeks after handing my guitar to Freakquency Custom Relics, the job was done. As for the results, it was jaw-dropping.

Being a fan of The Black One, I knew a lot of the details about the guitar. So, having a replica in the palm of my hands was like meeting one of your childhood heroes and not being disappointed at all. Every scratch, dent, and worn off part was meticulously done to imitate the guitars of the artists that we so admire and be even half as good.

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E X TR A TI M E

ALL IN THE DETAILS The goal of creating a relic guitar is to look like it has aged naturally. So from the back of the neck to the corrosion of the metals, Freakquency Custom Relics gets the aging process done right.

That’s just one side of having a relic guitar. Another thing that can be done is to have a custom relic look of your guitar to call it your own. I have a musician friend who saw the work done to my Stratocaster and inquired with Freakquency Custom Relics because he had parts of a Squire Stratocaster, the inexpensive version of Fender, lying around. His end result was a guitar that he could play all day without worrying about scratching it up.

Whether it is to copy an artist’s guitar you want to hold in the palm of your hand or a road-worn guitar that gives the aura of being used heavily, Freakquency Custom Relics can make that guitar happen.

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E X TR A TI M E

WHY RELIC GUITARS PROVE THINGS ARE BETTER WITH AGE There isn’t an exact science to this, but some claim that unpainted guitars have a more mellow sound to them versus a brand-new painted modern guitar. They say that the thick paint affects the vibration of the guitar, thus giving it a sealed and sharp tone. Heavily relic-ed guitars, on the other hand, since they have a lot of the paint missing, allow the vibrations and sound waves to leave the guitar, thus giving them a warmer tone. Or that is what some artists claim at least.

Another reason why relic guitars are on the rise now is because of two opposing thoughts: to have a guitar just like him/her and to have a guitar to call their own. The appeal of worn guitars, whether it is a copy or an original, is that each scratch, dent, and worn-off piece tells a story. An example of this would be Eric Clapton’s Fender Stratocaster named Blackie.

If you look at the headstock, it has a small burnt part.

This is because he would leave his burning cigarette there sometimes while he is playing. Even the worn sections of a guitar’s fretboard will tell you what kind of guitar player you are and the chords you use. It is because of these details that make relic guitars so appealing versus a brand-new one.

The best part about relic guitars is when you are and when you are not playing with it. Because it isn’t nice and shiny, there is no hesitation to pick it up and play. It is just so inviting to play versus a shiny, new guitar that you paid good money for and having the fear of ruining its pristine condition. And when you are not playing with a relic guitar, it is a nice piece of artwork on your room, just like how mothers adore antique furniture.

So whether you are a professional musician that wants to turn their shiny, new guitar into one of their own, or you just happen to have a cheaper electric guitar lying around which you'd like to look cool in your room, give Freakquency Custom Relics a shot.

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IN SEARCH OF A BADGE'S GREATNESS

F O C U S ON GEELY AUTO:

A RISING, NEW AUTOMOTIVE FORCE

Harnessing Innovative and Green Technology to soon become one of the world's Top 10 car brands Words: Angel S. Rivero Photos: Press

FOCUS ON: GEELY

IT'S A PRETTY CATCHY BRAND NAME, DON'T YOU AGREE? Geely Automobile Holdings Limited (Geely Auto) is one of the main car brands under the umbrella of the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (ZGH), which was founded in 1986. The latter only entered the automotive industry in 1997, but has since invested strongly in technological innovations and sought to promote healthy and sustainable development.

To put things in perspective, ZGH has been listed in the Fortune Global 500 for 7 consecutive years, with assets totaling over RMB 310 billion. It branded itself as a global mobility technology group, and ventured not only into the sale and service of whole vehicles and their parts, but also into mobility services, digital technologies, financial services, education, and sports.

Impressively, ZGH owns a long string of automotive brands, which include: Geely Auto; Volvo Cars; Polestar; Proton; Lotus; the London Electric Vehicle Company (yes, you read that right!); Geometry; and Farizon Auto, among others. It is also the largest shareholder of Volvo AB and Daimler AG. The market behemoth set a target of selling a total of 3 million vehicles by the end of 2020, and intends to rank among the top 10 automotive groups in the world.

And where exactly is Geely Auto in all of this? Well, Geely Automobile Holdings Limited maintains its position as the best-selling Chinese auto brand globally since 2017. Its cumulative sales reached around 1,361,560 units in 2019.

And even though China's domestic auto market experienced a significant overall decline that year, Geely Auto still pursued the strengthening of its global competitiveness, and eventually even exceeded its annual sales target of 1.36M units. Moreover, it accelerated its expansion into overseas markets and continued to build on its global brand image and reputation.

Last April 2019, Geely entered an official partnership with the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou — with the goal of empowering the Asian Games with technology. As the first-ever Chinese auto brand to sponsor such a gargantuan international sporting event, Geely Auto pledged to appropriate fully autonomous mobility services throughout the region where the Asian Games will be held.

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Geely Auto has five major research and development centers, as follows: the Geely Research Institute by Hangzhou Bay; the China-Europe Vehicle Technology (CEVT) Center in Gothenburg, Sweden; the Geely R&D Center at the Coventry in the U.K.; the Geely Auto Technical Deutschland in Frankfurt, Germany; and the Geely R&D Center also located in Hangzhou.

Geely Auto has also founded 5 design centers around the world — the Shanghai Center (which is the centerpoint of Geely's design network); the center in Lindholmen Science Park, Sweden; the center in Coventry, United Kingdom (which mainly focuses on new designs for Lotus); Geely Design California in the U.S.A.; and the multicultural Geely Design Center in Barcelona, Spain. In these design studios all over the world are nearly 1,000 designers and support staff,

all working on creating more forward-looking and innovative ideas for the Geely brand.

Obviously, Geely's global models benefit from the synergies and technology transfer from ZGH's other auto brands it acquired, such as Volvo. And in 2018, Geely Auto ranked #13 among the different global automotive brands.

It was also in 2018 that Geely's B-segment Modular Architecture (BMA) was developed for its compact cars. This was effectively patterned after Volvo's Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), and it afforded the Chinese brand the versatility to build different kinds of efficient vehicles with great features at an impressively affordable price.

One of its best-selling vehicles is the Geely Coolray — a compact, B-segment crossover that is the product of global collaborations between teams of designers and engineers.

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FOCUS ON: GEELY

Geely's first CMA plant is located in Hangzhou Bay, which is in close proximity to its gigantic, 8,000-people-strong R&D campus.

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Geely's all-new Azkarra compact SUV boasts of luxury-brand-grade car technology & its predecessor was, in fact, nicknamed 'the most beautiful SUV in China'.

Interestingly, many of the design elements of the Coolray are inspired by the world of Aviation — it carries an aero-inspired spoiler and twin exhausts that look like jet thrusters. The layout of the cabin is inspired by the design style of a cockpit; and the shifter is playfully modeled after a jet-throttle. The cabin's surfaces and curves all feel rich and premium.

The Coolray is an important product because it is the first high-performance SUV built on the B-segment Modular Architecture. This treasure was developed in partnership with Volvo, and with the assistance of 100 modular architecture specialists from over 20 countries.

Just like with Volvo, who have always excelled in vehicle safety, the BMA architecture was designed to surpass the requirements for a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. It also makes a lot of economic sense, since it allows for up to a 70% commonality in vehicle parts and components across different models — thereby shortening the development lead time normally expected for new products.

In the Philippine context, July 2019 was a major milestone because it was when Sojitz G Auto Philippines (SGAP) Corporation was formally appointed as the importer and distributor of Geely vehicles in the country. The Chinese brand was officially launched in the Philippines on September 25, 2019, and concurrently launched (locally) was its initial offering — the awesome Geely Coolray, in 3 variants: Sport, Premium, and Comfort.

SGAP has since announced that 30 new Geely dealerships are set to rise and operate in the Philippines within the next two years or so.

Last February, the network already started to grow when a Geely dealership was launched in Cagayan de Oro in partnership with Grand Cars Incorporated.

Keeping with the times, Geely Auto, as early as March started introducing CN95 filters into their vehicles. It invested around USD $53 million into its development, and is now the first Chinese auto manufacturer to carry this type of air purification system in their vehicles — that are certified by the German T U V Rheinland Group, too.

The prized CN95 has high filtration efficiency against airborne microbial and inert particles. It blocks about 95% of particles up to a small diameter size of 0.3 micrometers, and works hand in hand with Geely vehicles' Intelligent Air Purification System (IAPS) to cleverly filter out dust, particulate matter (PM) 2.5 particles, harmful gases, and even droplets with diameters larger than .74 microns, which are often the size of droplets that corona viruses attach themselves to.

This action is very forward-thinking, as the brand now moves into new dimensions of passenger safety and beyond just the traditional crash testing of cars. Now, this development also builds on driver health and well-being.

These CN95 filters can now be found equipped in the Geely Coolray and Azkarra.

“As the most common mode of transportation, consumers spend a considerable amount of time in their cars, akin to a second home. Only by making healthier products can we meet consumer demand for a better quality of life.

Based on the automotive industry's development direction built around electrification, connectivity, intelligence, and shared mobility, auto companies should commit to developing products that help protect the health of drivers

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FOCUS ON: GEELY

and passengers. This will become one of Geely Auto's key long-term development objectives,” explained An Conghui, President of the Geely Holding Group and President and CEO of the Geely Auto Group.

Moreover, Geely Auto's R&D and design networks in Europe, the United States and China have committed to join forces in order to study and develop new, environmentally sustainable materials for use in Geely vehicles' airconditioning systems and also in their frequently touched surfaces, such as buttons and handles.

Geely Philippines, also very early on, fulfilled its corporate social responsibilities by helping the Philippines in its fight against the dreaded COVID-19. Last March, the Geely Holding Group, through the Li Shufu Charity Foundation (the foundation of its Chairman), donated 20,000 pieces of surgical masks to the Department of Health to support our medical frontliners. And in May, Geely donated an additional 100,000 pieces of surgical masks to our country.

A total of 200,000 surgical masks amounting to about Php 4 million were donated to different Southeast Asian countries such as the Philippines, Malaysia and Laos. And as you can see, of those 200,000 masks, half were allocated to the Philippines.

Earlier this year, Sojitz G Auto Philippines Corporation made a powerful announcement – saying that it planned to bring in Geely's Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) compact SUV for Filipinos to enjoy. This, only after penetrating the Philippine market in late 2019. SGAP

Last year, Geely Auto was named the Official Partner of the 2022 Asian Games.

The company soon after announced its 'Enjoy E-mobility at the Asian Games with Geely' marketing strategy.

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Geely's BMA...was effectively patterned after Volvo's CMA, and it afforded the Chinese brand the versatility to build different kinds of efficient vehicles with great features at an impressively affordable price.

President and CEO Mikihisa Takayama explained that since hybrid and electric vehicle technology are progressively becoming more popular in the auto industry, Geely intends to go with the times.

Their upcoming MHEV will be powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine combined with a 48V beltstarter generator (BSG) integrated on the Front-End Accessory Drive (FEAD) of the engine. A 48V lithium-ion battery will supply the electrical energy, while a regenerative braking system and a hybrid module control system will also be in place.

“We are confident that these future Geely global vehicles will be even better in terms of specifications, equipment, technology, value for money, and not short-changing the buyer,” remarked SGAP President Takayama.

Furthermore, Geely Philippines also just recently launched the Azkarra. When the Azkarra premium SUV was first launched in China, it was given the nickname of 'Most beautiful SUV in China'. And now, this new generation of the Azkarra is an even more desirable and affordable luxury SUV.

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AU G US T 2 0 2 0 / IS S U E 2 2 4

BOOSTED!

Francis G. Pallarco T U N E R E D I TO R

POWER vs TORQUE Which one is more important?

ver heard of an old car tale about a hundred-dollar bill that’s supposedly taped to the dashboard of a Shelby Cobra? Story goes that if anyone can take it off sitting from the passenger seat while it accelerates, they could keep it. Well, it seems no one got rich from that dare, as during the sixties, the Shelby Cobra reigned supreme.

With performance figures of 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and a quarter mile time of 12.5 seconds, the 1965 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C can surely accelerate and out-accelerate almost anything at the drop of the throttle. Having established that, have you experienced that “feeling” of being pushed back in the passenger seat as the car does a flat-out, acceleration blast from a standing start?

I’m sure we’re all too familiar how that feels whenever we’re riding in the passenger seat of a powerful vehicle.

Aside from the sudden rush and the bragging rights, it’s also a popular topic for discussion and debate among car guys. This is because that “feeling” is oftentimes used to describe the car as having way too much torque or horsepower. Since we’re not human dynamometers, have you ever given thought whether the “feeling” weighed heavily between power or torque? Breaking it down from a technical point of view, the passenger was feeling an amount of pressure from his/her back against the seat caused by the accelerating car. In addition, the balance of

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the inner ear also comes into play, which helps detect acceleration and tells the brain that he/ she is accelerating. A person cannot accelerate with the car, not until the car pushes them through the seat and that’s what they feel.

Since acceleration is good for the soul and we want tons of it, torque is needed to operate the wheels. But it also requires enough horsepower to feel the work being done and accelerate. Since both are correlated and we have a clear understanding of the “feeling”, I guess that leaves us with the age-old question of which is more important, torque or horsepower? But before we go even further let’s first establish the facts.

Torque A twisting force that rotates or turns an object.

When you use a lug wrench on a bolt, you're applying torque to it. Torque is measured in pounds-feet, meaning a force in pounds acting on the end of a lever measured in feet.

Horsepower A measurement of work, meaning a force applied to an object and the displacement of that object in the direction of the applied force.

Mathematically, 1 HP is the equivalent of 33,000 lb-ft per minute Horsepower = Speed (RPM) x Torque (lb-ft) / 5252

Having established the facts, it’s quite obvious that horsepower and torque are inseparably connected. So close, that it's impossible to say

that one is more accurate or more important than the other without ignoring their relationship. Having their own graphs and numbers on a dynamometer, both horsepower and torque have equal importance in attaining the optimum power band and ideal shift points. But for the sake of argument, here are some assumptions to better understand these oftentimes misunderstood engine ratings.

Horsepower determines how fast a vehicle can travel, torque at the wheels determines how quickly that speed can be reached. The greater the torque figure, the faster the acceleration.

Or more simply, torque lets you do the work; horsepower lets you do the work quickly.

Perhaps none other than Signore Enzo Ferrari knew it all along as he was once quoted as saying, "Horsepower sells cars, torque wins races.” Racing involves many turns that demand acceleration and braking, which is why he believed that torque is more important, provided there is sufficient horsepower. In the realm of car culture and tuning, this topic can become complicated as it delves deeper into the technical aspect of our prized internal combustion engine.

Bottom line here is that there is no single convenient answer. What we do know for certain is that it’s the reason why countless mechanics, technicians, engineers, tuners and enthusiasts spend so much time experimenting and modifying their engines and cars. Just remember, horsepower is what you read about, torque is what you feel.

Wishing everyone more HP and Torque!

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

So it pays to follow the schedule.

A SAFETY REMINDER FROM

Tuner

AKRAPOVIČ High-end exhaust systems for vehicles of the same caliber WORDS

FRANCIS G. PALLARCO

W

ith company origins deeply rooted in motorsports, this explains why Akrapovič only manufactures highend exhaust systems for the world’s best race cars and high-performance production vehicles. Founded in 1991 by motorcycle racer/tuner Igor Akropovič, the company was already a success in manufacturing motorcycle exhausts.

But the company wished to extend

their expertise towards international motorsports. This led to their direct involvement in various forms of motor racing such as, Formula 1, Le Mans, DTM Series and more. This has allowed them to gain invaluable knowledge in terms of technology and the use of highly advanced materials like titanium and Inconel to name a few.

Apart from its continued involvement in motorsports, Akrapovič has also been producing exhaust

systems for high-performance production cars.

Even though the majority are directly aimed at high-performance European cars, they have exhaust systems specifically for two Japanese cars, namely, the Nissan GT-R and the new generation Toyota Supra. Akrapovič exhaust systems are renowned due to their use of titanium and highly detailed construction processes. What’s more, they have their own titanium foundry and casting machines. With a workforce of 1,300 personnel, everything is researched, engineered, designed and manufactured in-house in Slovenia, ensuring that it embodies the Akrapovič sound and quality that’s known worldwide.

Exclusively imported in the Philippines by Excellar Enterprises, they organized an Akrapovič orientation day last year where representatives from Akrapovič Exhausts of Slovenia namely, Mr. Marko Magdic, Market Development Manager and Mr. David Braceji, Area Sales Manager/ Auto Segment visited the Philippines to meet with select members of the media, dealers and customers to discuss the brand’s history, their future, products and latest exhaust technology.

To learn more about Akrapovič and the technology that goes behind every exhaust system they design, test, and manufacture, we arranged a short Q&A with Mr. Matej Bulc, who heads the Automotive Exhaust Development R&D Department of Akrapovič.

For years, Akrapovič has been synonymous with sport motorcycles and racing. How, why, and when did your company venture into the automobile aftermarket segment?

MATEJ BULC: When we developed our first OEM car exhaust system which was displayed at the IAA motor show in Frankfurt in 2007, we were already thinking about designing aftermarket exhaust systems for performance cars. We realized that we could use our experience and expertise in motorcycle exhaust system design in developing car exhaust systems. Our entry into the car segment was the logical next step in expanding the company’s activities. We unveiled our first aftermarket products for performance cars at the Essen Motor Show in 2008, where we showcased exhaust systems for the BMW M3, Porsche 911 GT3, and other models.

Having been involved in Formula One, Le Mans, DTM Series and more, what kind of indispensable manufacturing processes or design cues have your company learned from motor racing?

MB: Let me start by saying that, from the very beginning, racing has been considered a sort of

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MB: We can’t really speak of a single Akrapovič sound, because that is impossible even in theory considering that cars have different engines, from the inline-four to V10 and V12 engines.

When designing the sound, we have certain guidelines in place that we take into account.

We avoid unwanted sounds at any rpm and eliminate them. We put a lot of effort into sound engineering, whereby every car has its own color map, representing the exhaust system’s sound signature. With every car, we enhance the best sound according to its design.

What R&D procedures does Akrapovič employ to get the most from their exhaust design?

MB: We use in-house standards and procedures to ensure effective flow of information on the R&D activity between the project manager, project technician, the CAD design specialists, the prototype department staff, and other staff involved in the project. We have specific requirements and guidelines in place for all areas, from design to technology, which we have to follow when developing an exhaust system in order to design the best possible product. This covers all areas, from the exhaust system design to the simulations and serial production.

laboratory for Akrapovič, where we also draw ideas and know-how for developing and producing exhaust systems for the consumer market.

The focus in developing racing car exhaust systems is very similar to the focus in developing aftermarket exhaust systems. Of course, there are certain differences, because with racing exhaust systems, you usually go into even greater detail. The most important thing in racing exhaust systems is performance: the procedures are defined in even greater detail and durability is also key, being put to an even greater test due to the greater

stresses involved. One example of this “race-proven” philosophy is the material used. From 2010 to 2014, Audi won the 24 Hours of Le Mans races with Akrapovič exhaust systems made from the same titanium we use for producing aftermarket exhaust systems. Since entering the car segment, we’ve mastered considerable additional expertise in materials, technological solutions, design, and durability over the past fifteen years.

Is there a distinct Akrapovič exhaust note that differentiates it from the competition?

Is there a possibility that a new raw material could come up in the future that might replace titanium?

MB: R&D activities worldwide are moving towards new materials and composites that in the future may become suitable for producing exhaust systems. We’re also working on new materials ourselves. For example, last year, we launched limited-edition tail pipes from Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC) that can withstand intensely high peak temperatures of 1,000 °C. It’s an ultralight material that’s approximately 50% lighter than titanium.

What can a client expect to have once they purchase an Akrapovič exhaust for their car?

MB: They can expect a unique driving experience thanks to enhanced performance and the special sound. They can also expect the exhaust system to excel in unique design, top quality, and durability.

In short: the best experience.

For Inquiries:

Excellar Enterprises

72 Nicanor Roxas St., Brgy. Sto. Domingo, Banawe Area, Quezon City; (02) 712-9999 or www.excellar-auto.com Excellar Enterprises is also the sole exclusive and authorized importer for RECARO, BBS wheels, TWS/Tan-Eisya Wheel Supply, PRODRIVE Wheels and accessories, HRE Wheels, AL13 heels, ADV:1 wheels and Eventuri Carbon-Fiber Intake systems.

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Tuner

BLUE CRUSHER

THIS CUSTOM JEEP BY JWORKS UNLIMITED PROVES THAT TOO MUCH IS JUST NOT ENOUGH.

WORDS

PHOTOS

FRANCIS G. PALLARCO

JORDAN APARICIO

Tuner

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hen it comes to off-roading, the Jeep is regarded as one of the most capable four-wheel drive vehicles. With a lineage that spans several generations, it remains highly recognizable. The look may have undergone slight changes, but one thing has remained constant: it’s dependable off-road capability.

Something that explains why Jeeps have become one of the most popular off-roading vehicles in the world. So popular, they’re also one of the most modded off-road vehicles out there.

Just like any tuner platform, one can also do so much to a Jeep: change the tires, the wheels, its body panels, install

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a suspension lift, bump up its power levels, and the lengthy list of upgrades goes on. Having said that, take a look at our featured Jeep (JK), which is the craziest and the most heavily modified example that I have ever come across.

It’s an elaborate frame-off, custom build by John Lee of Jworks Unlimited.

Unveiled during the recent Manila Auto Salon and Sport Truck Show, the shop is synonymous for coming up with major car show-winning builds.

With the entire frame/chassis separated from the body, they began work on the exterior, removing most of the stock panels. This is to make way for a host of aftermarket pieces that’s considered as body armor. It may look overboard, but these sturdy aftermarket metal pieces are necessary

because of the serious intention to take this Jeep on extreme off-road trails.

The aggressively designed front and rear fenders are made by Fab Fours, featuring high-arched fender flares.

This allows fitting larger tires and provides enough clearance when the suspension flexes. Up front, the Fab Fours “Grumper” grille incorporates the winch mount and the bumper into one tough piece. Over at the rear, there’s a Smittybilt XRC metal bumper that also incorporates the sturdy swing-out spare tire carrier. From there, the entire body was refinished with a custom blue color using HPC automotive coatings.

While the frame was being prepped for color matching, all of the stock suspension components were swapped with Teraflex and custom pieces. Unlike quick lift kits that only entail a few items (coils & shocks), major lift kits (5-inches and above) consist of a lot of items. This is because the suspension geometry has been severely altered that it needs its own matched set of suspension components (trailing arms, Panhard rods, coils, springs, steering arms, etc.) in order to operate properly.

The shocks are heavy-duty Falcon Series that can be adjusted for driving on paved or off-road terrain. Featuring a remote reservoir, it reduces the chances of bottoming out at full compression during fast speeds or over uneven terrain. Even the solid differentials were prepped for abuse with the addition of EVO metal trusses on the housing. Before it was reassembled, every component was color-matched and detailed right down to the last bolt. With a total of 7-inches of lift, this Jeep rolls on a set of 24-inch rims from Forgiato that was ordered from the United States in a custom shade of blue. The Finestro-T wheel model is from Forgiato’s Terra Off-Road wheel series featuring slanted spokes and a deep barrel. The wheels are then shod with Nitto Trail Grapplers, giving it that proper off-road look and traction.

Even the interior wasn’t spared as the stock front and rear seats were tossed in favor of Recaro SR-7 seats that provide better comfort and support. The steering wheel has been re-wrapped in carbon fiber and alcantara fabric, while some bits of trim on the dashboard have also been color-matched.

Specifications

2016 Jeep Wrangler — John Lee Jworks Unlimited — ENGINE TYPE: 3.6-Liter, DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection ENGINE MODS: AFE Intake, Rugged Ridge Snorkel, Magnaflow Exhaust, TRANSMISSION: 5-Speed Automatic Transmission HORSEPOWER & TORQUE: 285 hp @ 6400 rpm, 260 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (Factory ratings) SUSPENSION MODS: Falcon Series 3.3 Fast Adjust Piggyback Shocks (Front/Rear), Teraflex High Steer Drag Link Kit, Teraflex Long Arm, Teraflex Panhard Rods (Front/Rear), Teraflex Bump Stop DIFFERENTIAL MODS: Yukon Re-gear (4.88), Yukon Axle Shafts (Front/Rear), RCV Drive shaft, EVO Axle Truss (Front/Rear), ARB Air Locker with ARB Air Compressor, Teraflex Differential Covers (Front/Rear), BRAKE MODS: Brembo Big Brake Kit (Calipers & Rotors) Front & Rear INTERIOR MODS: Recaro SR-7 Seats (Front & Rear), Carbon Fiber/Alacantara Steering Wheel, Color Matched Trim Pieces AUDIO SYSTEM: Head Unit, JL Audio Sound Processor TWK88, JL Audio W3 Subwoofer (2-pcs), JL Audio ZR650 Speaker Seperates, JL Audio JX400/4 Power Amplifier, JL Audio JX1000/1D Power Amplifier EXTERIOR MODS: Fab Fours “Grumper” Front Grille, Fab Fours Rock Sliders, Fab Fours Front and Rear, Fender System, Rigid LED Lighting, Smittybilt XRC Rear Bumper with Tire Carrier & Monster Hook, WARN VR 12-9 winch, Rigid Rack Light, Rigid Fog lights ROLLERS: Forgiato Finestro-T Wheels (22x12), Nitto Trail Grappler M/T Tires (37x13.50R22LT) BODY & PAINT: Jworks Unlimited using HPC Automotive, Coatings and Raptor Linings, Custom Color (Rotisserie painting process, body, under body, chassis)

Keeping the occupants entertained is a neatly installed audio system from DB audio with an armada of JL Audio components. To properly compliment the off-road ready suspension and gear, the 3.6-liter, V6 engine was enhanced with tried and tested bolt-on items such as an AFE Intake and a complete Magnaflow Exhaust. Basic it may be, but these parts sure make the engine operate more properly, which should equate to better performance.

After considering the amount of work and the sheer number of aftermarket parts it has, this custom Jeep is for someone who wants a car show-winning, off-road build that can go off-road trailing when needed. It was

no easy build as it proved to be quite a challenge as Francis Lat from Jworks Unlimited explains, “The hardest part was the disassembly phase as all that was left was the chassis and the body which we repainted and buffed. As for the suspension, we also fabricated and replaced most of the components like the long travel suspension arms and more.” Indeed, this is one highly detailed build that strongly reflects the quality workmanship of the shop. The results speak for themselves as I can say that they did an exemplary job meticulously painting and carefully reassembling the various components to come up with this awesome Jeep build that’s sure to attract attention wherever it rolls in.

FORGIATO WHEELS Forgiato is a custom wheel manufacturer based in Los Angeles, CA. All of the wheels are built and finished in-house using all American parts. Made using advanced forging process, their wheels combine exceptional durability with light weight. They minimize unsprung weight, allowing for better grip, braking and acceleration and durable enough to withstand high bending and shearing forces. Designed with utmost attention to style, Forgiato wheels are proven to give any vehicle a distinctive luxurious feel and performance. For Inquiries: www.jworksunlimited.com

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WIDE AND

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Tuner

D WICKED COME ACROSS ANY MODDED SUPER SUV’S LATELY?

WORDS

FRANCIS G. PALLARCO PHOTOS

JAIME MIGUEL ECHAVEZ

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all it what you want, but the Lamborghini Urus is certainly a super SUV in every sense of the word. Factoryrated at well over 600 horsepower from a twin turbo V8 engine, this means it could jettison from 0 to 62 mph in just over 3 seconds and blast through the quarter mile in 11.3 seconds. It’s just as agile too as it is rapid with quick steering and air springs for high-speed cornering stability. What’s more, the Urus comes with an adaptive air suspension system that allows the vehicle to be raised or lowered according to road and driving conditions, namely; Terra, Sabbia, Neve (gravel, sand, snow). Strongly ensuring that the Urus stops as well as it goes, it comes with outrageously huge brake calipers and carbon ceramic discs that come as standard and are the largest ever to be fitted on any production car.

With characteristic styling cues taken from the classic Lamborghini Countach and the LM002, the Urus strikes a bold interpretation of what an exotic SUV looks like. After all, this is what happens when one of the world’s most popular supercar manufacturers decides to add a high-performance SUV in its roster of land speed rockets.

Pretty impressive as it is, it’s still considered fairly stock among enthusiasts who are at another level altogether. People like Raymond Ronquillo of R33 Cars and Keith Bryan Haw of Importhookup who have elevated the local aftermarket tuning scene. Together, their collective efforts have led to numerous car show-winning, supercar builds as Keith recalls, “It all started when Raymond wanted to make another wide body project car since he hasn't done one in years. He wanted an outrageous build that meant going all out in terms of modifications.”

This simply means doing anything to make the vehicle look even better and go even faster. “Since he just got a Lamborghini Urus, I told him about the first widebody Urus I saw made by 1016 Industries during last year’s SEMA Show. So why not make one here locally to showcase our car community? Being a widebody build means there’s a huge wow factor involved, let alone doing it on a brand-new Lamborghini Urus.”

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Based in Miami, 1016 Industries has been specializing in tuning only the most exclusive and exotic cars in the world. From body kits to engine performance upgrades, they offer a comprehensive list of upgrades. The Urus wide body kit is meticulously crafted that Peter Northrop, CEO of 1016 Industries points out that the entire carbon body kit is designed to be totally bolt-on using the original OEM mounting point. In fact, the seamless design and craftsmanship could be easily mistaken as factory original. Subtle it may be, but they do bring the rear out by 3.9 inches and 3.4 inches up front.

Apart form the wide fender kit, they also added a front spoiler and rear diffuser.

Opting not to paint over the carbon fiber trim pieces greatly provides contrast and only adds detail to the exterior.

Overall, the wide body kit lends a more

WIDER

It's hard not to notice the wide fender treatment and how the wheels perfectly tuck in beneath it.

muscular-looking Urus with bulging fenders to accommodate an even more aggressive set of wheels and tires.

A major upgrade from the stock 22-inch wheel/tire combo, this Urus now rolls on a staggered set of 24-inch wheels made by Brixton. The threepiece construction, deep concave PF8 Targa Series wheels come with a highly polished step lip. This is set off by an intricately designed series of wheel spokes that actually float onto the wheel lip. Wrapped with Vredstein Ultrac Vorti tires, it sets off the overall custom vibe of this awesome build. To achieve the proper fitment, RYFT aftermarket lowering links specifically made for the Urus were installed. These bolt-on links have ball joints on both ends that allow the suspension to be lowered to the desired ride height in conjunction with the adaptive air suspension.

Excess seems to be the guiding factor in this over-the-top build, which is why the 600-plus hp engine wasn’t spared from being modded too. Thanks to modern technology, aftermarket companies such as VF Engineering in the States can now reprogram factory ECU’s. Like the one on the Urus with their own performanceoriented calibrations or program as Keith quips, “We chose a stage 2 tune to make it backfire like crazy and also bump the power up to around 800hp.”

That’s already considered supercar power levels, but then again, this is a super SUV, remember? The finishing touch on the list of performance mods involves ditching the stock downpipes and mufflers with titanium ones from RYFT that was professionally installed

by Titan works. Hand-built from 100% titanium, these are extremely light and

FLOATERS

Here's a closer look at the spokes that float out into the polished wheel lip.

proven to increase power and torque.

But most of all, it lets this Urus emit a distinct, thundering howl that surely lets its presence felt and heard anytime and anywhere.

“It's crazy because we were supposed to reveal this Urus during the Transport Show, but despite the pandemic, we still decided to finish the build. This is because Raymond didn't want to wait anymore as all parts were here a month before the Transport show was scheduled.” Truth be told, this Urus build is surely something worthy of being in a car show as it is blasting down the road emitting all kinds of pops and bangs from the exhaust. I guess this is what happens when you take something that’s already super and elevate it even further in terms of looking spectacular and going really, really, fast.

Specifications

2020 Lamborghini Urus — Raymond Ronquillo R33 Cars — ENGINE TYPE: Twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection ENGINE MODS: RYFT Titanium down pipes and exhaust VF Engineering Stage 2 Tune TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode ENGINE MANAGEMENT: VF Engineering Tuned ECU (Stage-2) HORSEPOWER: 800 whp SUSPENSION: Mulitlink with RYFT Lowering Links BRAKES: Front: 17.3-in vented, cross-drilled carbonceramic disc Rear: 4.6-in vented, cross-drilled carbonceramic disc ROLLERS: Brixton PF8 Targa SL Series Wheels (24x10.5 and 24x12) Vredstein Ultrac Vorti Tires (295/30ZR24 and 355/25ZR24) EXTERIOR MODS: 1016 Industries Wide Body Kit, 1016 Industries Front Spoiler, Rear Diffuser

BRIXTON WHEELS

High-End Artisan Wheels Brixton Forged is an exclusive wheel company in Los Angeles, California. Since their market entry in 2013, Brixton Forged wheels have been entirely conceived and hand-crafted in their Los Angeles, CA-based manufacturing facility. Delivering the finest, lightweight performance-forged and carbon fiber wheels in their class, Brixton Forged’ performance-inspired philosophy has driven them to surpass the limitations defined by traditional wheel companies and has defined them as a pinnacle of quality in the wheel industry.

Brixton wheels can be ordered in custom widths, sizes and finishes including actual computer-aided wheel design where Keith Bryan Haw has already done and collaborated on several models. For Inquiries: importhookup@gmail.com

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WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU HAD AN OIL CHANGE? The engine oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle.

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

kEEp YOUr CAr WELL-MAINTAINED.

WHEEL2WHEEL E V ERY THIN G A ND A N Y THIN G T WO WHEELS

AU G US T 2 0 2 0 / IS S U E 2 2 4

TWO WHEELS ONLY

Maynard M. Marcelo S E C T I O N E D I TO R

Safe Riding in the Rain

ike most bikers, I hate it when it rains. Not only does it make riding more difficult, riding in the rain also leaves your clothes wet, your shoes splashed on with muddy water, and your helmet visor fogged up every time you breathe. While there are those who simply shrug at the rain, there are those who shun riding in the rain altogether. I’m somewhere in between. In my 30 long years of riding a motorcycle I’ve already developed all the necessary skills and instincts for wet weather riding. But thankfully I also have a car to use for those times when I don’t feel like braving the elements. But for hardocore riders who live and breathe motorcycles all year round they’ll be glad to know that there are bikes that are better suited for use in the rain. Yes indeed, bikes like the Vespa Sprint 150 and BMW F900R Sport we have in this issue of Wheel 2 Wheel.

Like most scooters, the Vespa Sprint 150 has a large coverage front apron that helps protect you from water splashes. For city commuting, the Sprint 150 has a large compartment under the seat to store your personal stuff to prevent from getting wet.

What makes the Sprint 150 ideal for use in the rain is the fact that it’s equipped with an anti-lock braking system, or ABS. With ABS you can squeeze all you want on the front right brake lever and the system will find every bit of available grip between the road

L

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and the tire’s tiny contact patch to stop you quickly. Not only that, ABS also allows you to steer clear of obstacles while on the brakes during panic situations that would otherwise leave you sliding down the road. ABS is a game changer for motorcycle riders and all bikes should have this technology in the future.

The BMW F900R Sport on the other hand is a true all-weather motorcycle. It’s equipped with the latest active safety technologies like traction control, cornering ABS, and Engine Braking Control to make riding in any weather as safe as possible. These technologies used to be exclusive to top models in their range but advancement in technologies allow these to trickle down to their entry-level offerings.

Read our full review of the BMW F900R Sport in this issue.

Don’t worry if your bike doesn't have ABS. There are useful techniques you can do to make riding in the rain a whole lot safer. The three important things to remember for good riding no matter what the condition is be smooth, relaxed, and confident.

Riding smoothly is important when it’s dry, but more so when it’s raining. Abrupt throttle or brake inputs can upset your bike’s balance that can and will result in a tire spin or wheel lock up if not addressed properly. Always remember that traction is at its minimum when the road is wet, so throttle control is an important skill to master. Any sudden throttle application can break the rear tire’s traction that may result in uncontrollable fishtailing.

The same principle applies when braking.

Sudden brake pressure will prematurely lock the wheels, so the best way to brake hard in the wet is to smoothly and progressively squeeze the brake lever or pedal until you stop. Unless you have ABS, don’t ever grab the lever or stomp on the pedal.

By relaxing we don’t mean your mind, but your body. By relaxing your body, you don’t transfer unwanted movements onto the bike that might upset your balance. This works both ways. Any unwanted bike movements (sliding or twitching on slippery surfaces) will be amplified when you’re riding too stiffly or tensed. So learn to relax your grip on the handlebars with your elbows, shoulders and neck loose and free to move. Don’t sit too upright with your back straight or rigid. This riding posture only increases body fatigue overtime. Just let yourself almost slump down in your seat with your hands resting on the bars. This also allows you better feel for front tire grip.

If you don’t ride in the rain, by all means you should. Nothing can increase your riding confidence than actual experience. You can start by practicing on an empty stretch of road or parking lot while it’s pouring.

Get a feel of the tire’s grip while turning, while braking, and even lock the rear wheel intentionally to a controlled slide. Yes it’s definitely more challenging to ride in the rain but the wet riding skills you develop will not only make you a better rider in the dry but can also save your life when it’s not. Safe wet riding everyone!

share the road check your mirrors for motorcyclists

a reminder from

ride safe.

stay alive.

Wheel2Wheel

News

YAMAHA MOTOR PHILIPPINES LAUNCHES THE NEW XSR155 Words by Maynard M. Marcelo Photos by YMPH

FILIPINO HIPSTERS AND MOTORCYCLE

builders need not search any further for a real high-performance neo retro ride as Yamaha Motor Philippines, during their first-ever online launch held last July 10, 2020, debuted the new XSR155 to the Philippine market, thus finally completing their Sports Heritage series that includes the XSR900 and XSR700.

The XSR155 is powered by a liquidcooled, 4-stroke SOHC, single-cylinder 4-valve 155cc fuel-injected engine with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) and mounted in a Deltabox frame. Its styling inherits the XSR Series identity of combining timeless styling with the latest components crafted with Racing DNA. Further, it was designed to invoke

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a sense of freedom unique to its 155cc displacement class.

The design combines the qualities of retro models and modern sport bikes and sits outside the three established motorcycle categories of “Supersport,” “Naked” and “Retro.” It is a combination of authentic, retro exterior and all the motorcycling traditions behind it with exciting performance derived from the latest technology.

The XSR155 features a Full LCD digital speedometer designed with an authentic retro style with an easyto-read panel that includes a gear indicator. This model also features an inverted front fork with excellent strength-rigidity balance. Compared

to the traditional right-side-up fork design, this type of fork provides excellent shock absorption performance and handling with good feedback and feeling of the front contact patch, as well as solid front-end rigidity essential for stability during hard braking.

A classically styled seat design gives the rider freedom of riding position; as well as the drip shaped tank model that comes with a cover made of high-quality material and a fuel capacity of 10.4L. Like its other XSR siblings, the XSR155 is equipped with a LED headlight and taillight that combines the simple, compact and authentic design.

The front and rear tires come with a specially designed tread pattern ideal for a variety of road conditions. It has 17-inch wheels shod with 110/70 in the front and 140/70 tubeless tires in the rear.

The Assist and Slipper Clutch system enables smooth downshifting that mitigates the effects of engine braking during deceleration.

Its intricate design pays true homage to the XSR design philosophy. It is highly customizable, and builders are allowed countless interpretations in which they can express their creativity. Those who don’t want a full rebuild can choose from various bolt-on accessories that can either enhance the standard style or turn it into a Café Racer or Tracer-themed ride.

The Yamaha XSR155 will certainly satisfy your craving for old-school style that stands out on modern roads and keeps up with the technology of today. The XSR155 comes in Garage Metal and Tech Black and is now available at the Yamaha Flagship Shop, the YZONE, and all Yamaha Rev Zones nationwide with an SRP of 162,000.

News

GIVI LAUNCHES NEW B42N “ANTARTICA” MONOLOCK TOP CASE Words by Maynard M. Marcelo Photos by GIVI Philippines

AFTER PIQUING OUR curiosity with some teaser videos lately, GIVI Asia finally revealed via their first ever online launch the new B42N “Antartica” top case. According to GIVI, the new top case is the direct result of decades of continual research and development. As with all GIVI products, the B42N Antartica draws upon the lessons they learned through constant interaction with motorcycle riders to make it the best polymer case yet produced.

The Antartica features an attractive new design without compromising safety. The boxy shape maximizes space utilization for a maximum 42 liters capacity. The top case also has highly reflective prismatic elements on each front corner for enhanced visibility at night. These elements present a bold façade to enhance the rider’s visibility to others when on the road. The case can fit two demi-jet type helmets or one modular helmet.

Additionally, the B42N “Antartica” features the MICRO 3 LOCKING SYSTEM. This latest generation

Wheel2Wheel

locking system allows the user to lock their belongings securely, yet through easy steps. As with all polymer GIVI cases, the B42N is made from high grade Polypropylene (PP). The type of raw materials, mix and injection techniques are proprietary to GIVI polymer cases to ensure strength, security and years of reliable service for the rider.

According to Mr. On Hai Swee, Managing Director of GIVI Asia, “We saw that the E43 became one of the most popular top cases among motorcyclists everywhere. They loved the large capacity and shape as it allowed them to carry almost anything in just one place. Riders of all motorcycles regardless of sizes love it.

So, that is why the B42N Antartica has a 42-liter capacity and is boxy in shape, but of a revolutionary design and with enhanced visibility. We are confident that this product will do well, despite the current challenging situation.”

The B42N “Antartica” will be on sale from August 2020 at GIVI Points and official dealers nationwide.

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2020 BMW F900R SPORT REVIEW

The Dynamic Duo WORDS

MAYNARD M. MARCELO PHOTOS

RANDY SILVA-NETTO

C-MAGAZINE.COM • AUGUST 2020

91

Wheel2Wheel

L

ast June 20, 2020, BMW Motorrad Philippines virtually launched the F900R sport naked motorcycle to the Philippine market. It effectively replaced the 11-year-old F800R platform, a bike considered by many motorcycle enthusiasts as an overpriced but underperforming bike that also looks rather boring when compared to its newer Japanese and European counterparts. That’s why for model year 2020, BMW overhauled their middleweight sport naked offering and came out with the all-new F900R. The F900R comes in two variants: Standard and Style Sport. Both are powered by a new 895cc liquid-cooled inline-2 cylinder motor with a unique 270/450-degree firing order designed to mimic the torque rich and power characteristics of a V-twin motor but in a lighter and compact package.

Power is rated at 105 hp at 8500 rpm and 68 lb-ft of torque at 6500 rpm (Euro spec). Standard features on both variants are the large 6.5-inch color TFT instrument display with Bluetooth connectivity, keyless ride, LED headlight and taillights, LED turn indicators, Automatic Stability Control (ASC), ABS, and Ride Modes (Rain and Road). Unique to the Style Sport

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F900R STYLE SPORT BMW's newest middleweight roadster is up against some worthy adversaries, but it's very much equipped for the challenge. Get the Style Sport and you will also get active suspension, adaptive headlight, and a quick-shifter.

variant, however, are the Adaptive Headlights, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Dynamic Electronic Suspension Adjustment (Dynamic ESA), Gear Shift Assist Pro, Riding Modes Pro (Rain, Road, Dynamic, and Dynamic Pro), and Dynamic Engine Brake Control.

A week after its Philippine debut, SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp., the exclusive distributor of BMW Motorrad in the Philippines, sent us a F900R Sport for review. After almost 4 months of forced Covid-19 quarantine, this

couldn’t come at a better time. Like many quarantined motorcycle riders all over the world, I’m itching for a ride.

But where to test it? With the lifting of the strict Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila, motorcycles sans pillion were allowed to go out for essential travel. I guess testing one of the most anticipated motorcycles to come out of BMW counts as essential travel, doesn’t it?

So with our photographer Randy in tow, we headed for our favorite proving

Wheel2Wheel grounds in Infanta, Quezon. But first I needed to gas up so I went to the nearest Petron station along our route.

The F900R’s keyless feature allows you to open the fuel filler cap without inserting a physical key. Just turn off the motor and lift the cover, and you’re good to go. With ¼ still showing on the fuel gauge I prepared P500 for a full tank. But at just P260, or roughly 6 liters, the tank was already full. So in reality there are still 7 liters sloshing around inside the fuel tank when the low fuel warning lights up, which I think is a bit pessimistic considering the F900R has 13 liters fuel capacity.

During our test I was able to average 23 kilometers per liter of fuel, which isn’t bad for an 895cc bike and my heavy throttle hand riding style.

With the easing of restrictions vehicular traffic was noticeably heavy along major thoroughfares compared to just a week ago. Thankfully the F900R manages engine heat efficiently so heat soak wasn’t a big problem during stopand-go traffic. It was only during one of my supply runs around Makati when I felt heat reaching my ankles because I was wearing low-cut sneakers. So don’t wear low-cut sneakers or wear thick socks if you have to. The F900R’s wide handlebars provide plenty of leverage for filtering in traffic. Steering effort is light at low speeds even with a steering-damper so I believe the F900R will effectively function as a city commuter. Turn in at speed is also quick with moderate countersteering effort. I just wish it had a few millimeter more steering angle lockto-lock for tighter U-turns. Seat height is also Filipino friendly at 815 mm, but a lower seat option can be ordered if you find it prohibitive. Likewise a higher comfort seat can be ordered if you’re not vertically challenged. But for my 5’7 frame the standard 815 mm is just about right and I can reach the ground quite comfortably with both feet. The foot pegs, however, are set a bit high relative to the seat and tall riders will have to get used to this riding position. The handlebars and levers can be adjusted to suit different rider preferences. The riding position is generally sporty with a slight forward bias as you reach for the handlebars that encourages fast riding.

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"IF YOU ASK ME, THE EXTRAS YOU GET ON THE F900R SPORT ARE WORTH THE 120K DIFFERENCE FROM THE STANDARD F900R."

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AUGUST 2020 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

And rapid the F900R truly is. Not blazing fast as its S1000R sibling, but fast enough to make life with the F900R interesting, especially in urban settings where you can lord it over lower displacement bikes. The newly developed 895cc liquid-cooled inline-2 cylinder motor with its unique 270/450-degree firing order certainly makes it feel and sound like a V-twin.

Power delivery is progressive and commensurate to your throttle inputs, but it feels especially lively on the upper parts of the rev range. The widespread of torque and well spaced gear ratios means you don’t find yourself frantically hunting for the correct gear at certain speeds. Clutchless shifting up or down through the gears is also made fun with the Gear Shift Assist Pro quick-shifter.

If you ask me, the extras you get on the F900R Sport are worth the 120K difference from the Standard F900R. What sets apart the Sport from the Standard are the adaptive headlights, electronic suspension (Dynamic ESA), quick-shifter, and Riding Modes Pro. The adaptive headlights illuminate the side of the road you’re turning into. Dynamic ESA allows you to electronically adjust the rear spring preload using the rocker switch on the left hand switchgear (Using C-Spanners are so yesteryear). It also automatically adjusts the amount of damping depending on your chosen ride mode.

Dynamic ESA only controls the rear suspension, though. The front upsidedown forks are non-adjustable but they provide the ideal balance of comfort and control over a variety of road surfaces.

In fact, it has one of the best rebound damping characteristics among the middleweights I’ve used recently.

The Riding Modes Pro of the F900R Sport gets you Rain and Sport plus Dynamic, and Dynamic Pro. On the Standard F900R you only get Rain and Sport. Riding Modes Pro also gives you a Sport screen function that

USER FRIENDLY

changes the display of the TFT screen to show your steepest lean angle, DTC intervention indicator, and brake pressure indicator. Downloading the BMW App will also allow you to track your rides in real time, showing your cornering speed, lean angle, and even where you applied the brakes. Only the F900R Sport has ABS pro, or cornering ABS, as part of the Riding Modes Pro package, but both bikes use the same basic Brembo brake rotors and calipers.

Initial bite is soft but reassuring as you apply more pressure on the front brake lever. Also exclusive to the F900R Sport is the Engine Brake Control that prevents the rear tire from sliding when spontaneously activating the gas or clutch. Standard fitment tires are Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S21R that provides confidence inspiring grip on dry and wet roads.

BMW Motorrad obviously designed the new F900R for riders stepping up from a smaller displacement bike, or those who are returning to riding motorcycles after a long hiatus. Its

It may look fearsome and intimidating especially to new riders, but fear not because the F900R is one of the easiest bikes to ride out there.

light handling characteristics and friendly power delivery will certainly suit new riders with nervous hands.

Experienced riders on the other hand will be delighted with the F900R’s perky motor and high level of standard equipment and electronics package for the price. Regardless of whether you get the standard F900R or F900R Sport, you’ll get a handsomely styled bike with a high level standard equipment and superb build quality that should provide years of riding enjoyment and ownership. The F900R are completely built units from BMW’s factory in Berlin, Germany. The Standard variant comes in Black Storm Metallic and San Marino Blue Metallic colorways and priced at PhP 655,000 while the Style Sport variant only comes in Hockenheim Silver Metallic and Racing Red combination and priced at PhP 775,000. All F900R are covered by a 5-year/5000,000-kilometer warranty (whichever comes first). It’s now available at all six BMW Motorrad dealerships, nationwide.

Specifications: 2020 BMW F900R Sport — Engine: liquid-cooled, fuel injected, inline-2 cylinders, dohc, 8 valves, 4 stroke | Displacement: 895cc | Max Power: 105 hp @ 8500 rpm | Max Torque: 68 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm Transmission: 6-speed | Seat Height: 815mm | Fuel Capacity: 13 Liters | Tire, front: 120/70-ZR17 | Tire, rear: 180/55-ZR17 | Brakes, front/rear: 2 Disc/Disc ABS | Curb Weight: 211 kg Price: PhP 655,000.00 (Standard), PhP 775,000.00 (Style Sport) | Plus: Perky yet fuel efficient inline-2 motor, light handling, electronics package, and competitive pricing Minus: Foot pegs a bit too high |

Rating: 9/10

C-MAGAZINE.COM • AUGUST 2020

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Wheel2Wheel

Scooter Review: Vespa Sprint 150 A premium scooter for style conscious city dwellers.

WORDS AND PHOTOS

MAYNARD M. MARCELO

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A

Vespa, they say, is more than just a mode of transport, it’s a lifestyle. With a price tag of PhP 215,000, the Vespa Sprint 150 will certainly appeal to monied and style conscious male riders who think the Primavera S is too feminine looking. Not that it’s a bad thing, of course. While the Sprint and Primavera share the same 154.8cc forced air-cooled 3 valves efi single cylinder i-Get motor and pressed steel monocoque structure, the Sprint sports a sharper styling for the headlight, handlebar, and instrument panel. It also has a more elegantly contoured seat with double stitching, and some nice red accents on the front air-intake gills and on the front suspension coil springs.

The Sprint also rolls on larger 12-inch wheels compared to the Primavera’s chic 11-inch rollers.

If you’re used to riding 150cc Japanese scooters you might be a bit underwhelmed with the Sprint’s rate of acceleration. It’s not slow by any means, but from a standstill its motor and CVT prefer a more progressive rate of acceleration up to its 100 km/h top speed. Regardless of your speed, the Sprint provides precise and quick steering that makes filtering in Metro Manila traffic a breeze. Just be careful filtering in-between cars with those tall and side mirrors. They can easily scratch delicate car paint finishes.

Vespas are known for their plush ride, and that’s true with the Sprint.

The carefully tuned single front and rear suspension damping rates soaks bumps and road imperfections really well. The Sprint also benefits from a new hinged lower shock mount on its signature trailing link front suspension design that minimizes flexional loads for a more stable and surefooted handling.

The Sprint tips the scales at 118 kg and it certainly feels that way when you’re putting it on the centerstand. Thankfully that heft disappears once you’re

moving. Braking duties are handled by a hydraulic two-piston caliper biting on a single 200 mm disc up front and a mechanical drum brake setup in the rear.

A single channel ABS prevents the front wheel from skidding on slippery roads.

For convenience, the Sprint has a large compartment under the seat that could swallow a full face helmet. Behind the front apron is a glove compartment where a USB charging port is located.

Seat height is a manageable 790 mm but tall riders will be delighted with the Sprint’s roomy accommodations. Even pillions get pampered with a wide seat cushion and sturdy grab handles for a comfortable ride across the city. The instrument panel is composed of a large

Beauty is in the details The Vespa Sprint 150 may command a premium price, but its build quality and attention to details are a notch higher than its competitors.

elegantly designed speedometer with a small LCD screen below that shows fuel level, mileage, and time.

At PhP 215,000 the Vespa Sprint 150 is certainly not cheap, and that is clearly evident with what you’re getting like its superb build quality, tactile switches, flawless paint finish, and high level of refinement that gives it a very premium feel not found on most Japanese and Taiwanese scooter offerings. If that’s not enough for you, there’s a catalogue full of accessories for the Sprint to make it stand out even more. Popular accessories for the Sprint are the mini flyscreen and rear top case. Just be careful though, once the wasp craze stings you, there’s no turning back.

Specifications: Vespa Sprint 150 — Engine: Forced air-cooled, efi, single cylinder, sohc, 3 valves, 4 stroke | Displacement: 154.8cc | Max Power: 12.7 bhp @ 7750 rpm | Max Torque: 9.4 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm Transmission: CVT | Seat Height: 790 mm | Fuel Capacity: 8.2 liters | Tire, front: 110/70-12 | Tire, rear: 120/70-12 | Brakes, front/rear: Disc (1-Channel ABS) /Drum | Curb Weight: 118 kg Top Speed: 100 Km/h (as tested) | Price: PhP 215,000.00 | Plus: Superb build quality, premium finish, stylish design | Minus: CVT can be quicker off the line |

Rating: 9/10

C-MAGAZINE.COM • AUGUST 2020

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HONDA STREET CUB PROJECTS IN TAYTAY RIZAL This little shop east of Manila churns out some of the best Honda Cub builds this side of the Metro.

WORDS AND PHOTOS

MAKI AGANON

S

malltown Taytay, Rizal, much known as the Garments Capital of the Philippines, also known for woodworks found in Manila East, is home for a small backyard builder of custom small displacement, old Honda Super Cubs.

The Honda Cub is a four stroke, air-cooled single carbed underbone, with models ranging from 49-124cc engine displacement. Widely known as the 'toughest' underbone and mostproduced bike in history, this bike not only brings nostalgia when extremely restored, now brings a lot of fascination when modified as 'Streetcubs.' A moped mod that used Honda cub frames as a base bike that became widely popular in

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AUGUST 2020 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

Thailand and Malaysia, now all over the world. Streetcubs mods are made when Honda cubs can't be fully restored due to missing parts.

Not only does the Honda Cub seem indestructible, it also inspires nostalgia to many. Just like Desi Quilingan, 43, born and raised in Taytay Rizal, in their own classic home, grew up exposed to the influx of Honda Cubs in town and motorcycles in general. He currently owns 5 motorbikes. Two of them modified, one to a chopper-inspired stance, and the other, a spunky street cub version of his own. One is a fully restored Honda Cub, a motarded Honda XR and a Zoomer X. Coincidence?

He started making his own cubs just

Follow Desi Quilingan in Facebook For project inquiries, contact StreetCub Projectz

a few years back in 2016, making bikes for himself, now eventually making his 'signature' build for his close friends.

Downtown Taytay has very narrow streets, and a motorbike is the best way to get around, and speed ain't even a need. His interest on making street cubs started when he saw the types of mods online. Desi just wanted to make his commute extra special. His bikes received a lot of compliments, aroused curiosity and amazed a lot of people. A small space their home was converted to his little garage, working on 'Street Cub Projectz' as he named it. He used to work for a non-life insurance company, now just works full time on making custom street cubs.

M AGAZINE'S

BUYER'S GUIDE

MPV/AUV

THE VEHICLES THAT MOVE A NATION

BUYER’S GUIDE MPV/AUV

BAIC M60 BAIC M60

Engine/Drive: Front/ Front

Body/Seats: 5 dr MPV/ 7

POWERTRAIN

L/W/H: 4800mm/1824mm/1725mm PERFORMANCE

Torque (lb-ft)

Wheelbase: 2760mm

SAFET Y

Top Speed (km/h)

City km/L

Highway km/L

Curb Weight: 1445kg

INTERIOR

PRICE

Fuel

Displacement (L)

Config.

Power (bhp)

TM

0-100 km/h

ABS

Airbags

Stability

USB/ AUX/BT

Leather

Sun Roof

PhP (MT)

PhP (AT)

Standard

G

1.5T

I4

148

155

CVT

14

170

9.1

15.1

S

2

N

S

N

N

—

998,000

Luxury

G

1.5T

I4

148

155

CVT

14

170

9.1

15.1

S

4

S

S

S

N

—

1,068,000

Foton Gratour Foton Gratour

Engine/Drive: Front/Rear

Body/Seats: 5 dr MPV/ 15

POWERTRAIN

100

L/W/H: 3915/1725mm/1930mm PERFORMANCE Top Speed (km/h)

City km/L

Highway km/L

Curb Weight: 1020kg

INTERIOR

PRICE

Fuel

Displacement (L)

Config.

Power (bhp)

TM

0-100 km/h

ABS

Airbags

Stability

USB/ AUX/BT

Leather

Sun Roof

PhP (MT)

PhP (AT)

1.2 L MT Dropside

G

1.2

I4

85

83

5M

15

145

—

—

S

N

N

S

N

N

485,000

—

1.2 L MT F-Van

G

1.2

I4

85

83

5M

15

145

—

—

S

N

N

S

N

N

525,000

—

1.2 L MT (7 seater)

G

1.2

I4

85

83

5M

15

145

—

—

S

N

N

S

N

N

535,000

—

1.2 L MT Jeepney

G

1.2

I4

85

83

5M

15

145

—

—

S

N

N

S

N

N

540,000

—

1.2 L MT Wing Van

G

1.2

I4

85

83

5M

15

145

—

—

S

N

N

S

N

N

545,000

—

1.2 L MT MPV

G

1.2

I4

85

83

5M

15

145

—

—

S

N

N

S

N

N

550,000

—

AUGUST 2020 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

Torque (lb-ft)

Wheelbase: 2500mm

SAFET Y

BUYER’S GUIDE

MPV/AUV

Honda BR-V Honda BR-V

Engine/Drive: Front/ Front

Body/Seats: 5 dr SUV/7

POWERTRAIN

L/W/H: 4453mm/1735mm/1666mm PERFORMANCE

Torque (lb-ft)

Wheelbase: 2662mm

SAFET Y

Top Speed (km/h)

City km/L

Highway km/L

Curb Weight: 1250kg

INTERIOR

PRICE

Fuel

Displacement (L)

Config.

Power (bhp)

TM

0-100 km/h

ABS

Airbags

Stability

USB/ AUX/BT

Leather

Sun Roof

PhP (MT)

PhP (AT)

S

G

1.5

I4

116

107

CVT

10.2

184

11.1

15.1

S

2

S

S

N

N

—

1,035,000

Prestige

G

1.5

I4

116

107

CVT

10.2

184

11.4

15.1

S

2

S

S

N

N

—

1,075,000

V Navi

G

1.5

I4

120

107

CVT

10.2

184

11.1

15.1

S

2

S

S

S

N

—

1,155,000

Honda Mobilio Honda Mobilio

Engine/Drive: Front/ Front

Body/Seats: 5 dr MPV/ 7

POWERTRAIN

L/W/H: 4398mm/1683mm/1603mm PERFORMANCE

Torque (lb-ft)

Wheelbase: 2652mm

SAFET Y

Top Speed (km/h)

City km/L

Highway km/L

Curb Weight: 1141-1170kg

INTERIOR

PRICE

Fuel

Displacement (L)

Config.

Power (bhp)

TM

0-100 km/h

ABS

Airbags

Stability

USB/ AUX/BT

Leather

Sun Roof

E

G

1.5

I4

120

107

5M

12.8

160

11.5

17.5

S

2

S

N

N

N

895,000

—

V

G

1.5

I4

120

107

CVT

12.8

160

11.5

17.5

S

2

S

S

N

N

—

968,000

RS Navi

G

1.5

I4

120

107

CVT

12.8

160

11.5

17.5

S

2

S

S

N

N

—

1,085,000

PhP (MT)

PhP (AT)

C-MAGAZINE.COM • AUGUST 2020

101

BUYER’S GUIDE MPV/AUV

JAC M3 JAC M3

Engine/Drive: Front/Rear

Body/Seats: 4 dr Van/8

POWERTRAIN

L/W/H: 4715mm/1740mm/1900mm PERFORMANCE

Torque (lb-ft)

Wheelbase: 2810mm

SAFET Y

Top Speed (km/h)

City km/L

Highway km/L

Curb Weight: 1670kg

INTERIOR

PRICE

Fuel

Displacement (L)

Config.

Power (bhp)

TM

0-100 km/h

ABS

Airbags

Stability

USB/ AUX/BT

Leather

Sun Roof

PhP (MT)

PhP (AT)

1.6 MT

G

1.6

I4

117

111

5M

14.8

160

9.8

15.8

S

2

N

S

N

N

895,000

—

2.0 MT

G

2

I4

—

—

5M

—

—

—

—

S

2

N

S

N

N

935,000

—

JAC M4 JAC M4

Engine/Drive: Front/Rear

Body/Seats: 4 dr Van/11

POWERTRAIN

102

Fuel

Displacement (L)

D

1.9T

AUGUST 2020 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

L/W/H: 5200mm/1890mm/1970mm PERFORMANCE

Config.

Power (bhp)

Torque (lb-ft)

I4

121

210

Wheelbase: 3080mm

SAFET Y

TM

0-100 km/h

Top Speed (km/h)

City km/L

Highway km/L

ABS

Airbags

6M

14.1

170

7.5

13.5

S

2

Curb Weight: 2020kg

INTERIOR

Stability

USB/ AUX/BT

N

S

PRICE

Leather

Sun Roof

PhP (MT)

PhP (AT)

N

N

1,220,000

—

BUYER’S GUIDE

MPV/AUV

Mitsubishi Xpander Mitsubishi Xpander

Engine/Drive: Front/ Front

Body/Seats: 5 dr Crossover/ 7

POWERTRAIN

L/W/H: 4475mm/1750mm/1700mm PERFORMANCE

Torque (lb-ft)

Wheelbase: 2775mm

SAFET Y

Top Speed (km/h)

City km/L

Highway km/L

Curb Weight: 1230kg

INTERIOR

PRICE

Fuel

Displacement (L)

Config.

Power (bhp)

TM

0-100 km/h

ABS

Airbags

Stability

USB/ AUX/BT

Leather

Sun Roof

GLX

G

1.5

I4

105

104

5M

13.5

170

6.5

10.5

S

2

N

S

N

N

1,008,000

—

GLX Plus

G

1.5

I4

105

104

4A

13.5

170

6.5

10.5

S

2

N

S

N

N

—

1,088,000

GLS

G

1.5

I4

105

104

4A

13.5

170

6.5

10.5

S

2

N

S

N

N

—

1,128,000

PhP (MT)

PhP (AT)

Mitsubishi Xpander Cross Mitsubishi Xpander Cross

Engine/Drive: Front/ Front

Body/Seats: 5 dr Crossover/ 7

POWERTRAIN Fuel

Displacement (L)

G

1.5

L/W/H: 4500mm/1800mm/1750mm

PERFORMANCE

Config.

Power (bhp)

Torque (lb-ft)

I4

105

104

Wheelbase: 2775mm

SAFET Y

TM

0-100 km/h

Top Speed (km/h)

City km/L

Highway km/L

ABS

Airbags

4A

13.5

170

6.5

10.5

S

2

Curb Weight: 1275kg

INTERIOR

Stability

USB/ AUX/BT

S

S

PRICE

Leather

Sun Roof

PhP (MT)

PhP (AT)

S

N

—

1,255,000

C-MAGAZINE.COM • AUGUST 2020

103

BUYER’S GUIDE MPV/AUV

Suzuki APV Suzuki APV

Engine/Drive: Front/ Rear

Body/Seats: 5 dr MPV / 8

POWERTRAIN

L/W/H: 4230mm/1655mm/1865mm PERFORMANCE

Torque (lb-ft)

Wheelbase: 2625mm

SAFET Y

Top Speed (km/h)

City km/L

Highway km/L

Curb Weight: 1270kg

INTERIOR

PRICE

Fuel

Displacement (L)

Config.

Power (bhp)

TM

0-100 km/h

ABS

Airbags

Stability

USB/ AUX/BT

Leather

Sun Roof

PhP (MT)

PhP (AT)

Type II GA

G

1.6

I4

91

94

5M

14

142

7

15

N

0

N

S

N

N

588,000

—

Type II GLX

G

1.6

I4

91

94

5M

14

142

7

15

N

2

N

S

N

N

808,000

—

Suzuki Ertiga Suzuki Ertiga

Engine/Drive: Front/ Front

Body/Seats: 5 dr MPV/ 7

POWERTRAIN

104

L/W/H: 4395mm/1735mm/1690mm PERFORMANCE Top Speed (km/h)

City km/L

Highway km/L

Curb Weight: 1090-1135kg

INTERIOR

PRICE

Fuel

Displacement (L)

Config.

Power (bhp)

TM

0-100 km/h

ABS

Airbags

Stability

USB/ AUX/BT

Leather

Sun Roof

PhP (MT)

PhP (AT)

GA

G

1.5

I4

103

102

5M

9.9

183

11.1

15.1

S

2

N

S

N

N

—

743,000

GL

G

1.5

I4

103

102

5M/4A

9.9

183

11.1

15.1

S

2

N

S

N

N

863,000

903,000

GLX

G

1.5

I4

103

102

4A

9.9

183

11.1

15.1

S

2

N

S

N

N

—

993,000

AUGUST 2020 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

Torque (lb-ft)

Wheelbase: 2740mm

SAFET Y

BUYER’S GUIDE

MPV/AUV

Suzuki XL7 Suzuki XL7

Engine/Drive: Front/ Front

Body/Seats: 5 dr MPV/ 7

L/W/H: 4450mm/1775mm/1710mm

POWERTRAIN Fuel

Displacement (L)

G

1.5

PERFORMANCE

Config.

Power (bhp)

Torque (lb-ft)

I4

103

102

Wheelbase: 2740mm

SAFET Y

TM

0-100 km/h

Top Speed (km/h)

City km/L

Highway km/L

ABS

Airbags

4A

12.6

160

11.1

15.1

S

2

Curb Weight: 1135kg

INTERIOR

Stability

USB/ AUX/BT

S

S

PRICE

Leather

Sun Roof

PhP (MT)

PhP (AT)

N

N

—

1,068,000

Toyota Avanza Toyota Avanza

Engine/Drive: Front/ Rear

Body/Seats: 5 dr MPV/ 5

POWERTRAIN

L/W/H: 4190mm/1660mm/1695mm

PERFORMANCE Torque (lb-ft)

Wheelbase: 2655mm

SAFET Y

Top Speed (km/h)

City km/L

Highway km/L

Curb Weight: 1100kg

INTERIOR

PRICE

Fuel

Displacement (L)

Config.

Power (bhp)

TM

0-100 km/h

ABS

Airbags

Stability

USB/ AUX/BT

Leather

Sun Roof

1.3 J

G

1.3

I4

95

89

5M

14.9

163

9

12

S

2

S

S

N

N

743,000

—

1.3 E

G

1.3

I4

95

89

4A/5M

14.9

163

9

12

S

2

S

S

N

N

876,000

919,000

1.5 G

G

1.5

I4

103

100

4A/5M

11.6

170

7.7

11

S

2

S

S

N

N

969,000

1,012,000

PhP (MT)

PhP (AT)

C-MAGAZINE.COM • AUGUST 2020

105

BUYER’S GUIDE MPV/AUV

Toyota Innova Toyota Innova

Engine/Drive: Front/ Rear

Body/Seats: 5 dr MPV/ 7

L/W/H: 4735mm/1830mm/1795mm

POWERTRAIN

PERFORMANCE TM

Top Speed 0-100 km/h (km/h)

City km/L

Curb Weight: 1545-1665kg

INTERIOR

Fuel

Highway km/L

ABS

Leather

Sun Roof

PhP (MT)

PhP (AT)

2.0 J Gas

G

2

I4

134

134

6M

—

—

—

—

S

3

S

S

N

N

1,036,000

—

2.8 J Diesel

D

2.8T

I4

167

253

6M

10

170

6.4

12.2

S

3

S

S

N

N

1,146,000

—

2.0 E Gas

G

2

I4

134

134

6M/6A

—

—

—

—

S

3

S

S

N

N

1,178,000

1,248,000

2.8 E Diesel

D

2.8T

I4

167/171

253/266

6M/6A

10.0/9.8

170

6.4

12.2

S

3

S

S

N

N

1,250,000

1,320,000

2.0 G Gas

G

2

I4

134

134

6A

—

—

—

—

S

3

S

S

N

N

—

1,320,000

2.8 G

D

2.8T

I4

167/171

253/266

6M/6A

10.0/9.8

170

6.4

12.2

S

3

S

S

N

N

1,452,000

1,522,000

2.8 V

D

2.8T

I4

171

266

6A

9.8

170

6.4

12.2

S

7

S

S

N

N

—

1,679,000

Airbags Stability

USB/ AUX/BT

PRICE

Displacement (L)

Config. Power (bhp)

Torque (lb-ft)

Wheelbase: 2750mm

SAFET Y

Toyota Rush Toyota Rush

Engine/Drive: Front/ Rear

Body/Seats: SUV/ 5 or 7

POWERTRAIN

106

L/W/H: 4435mm/1695mm/1705mm PERFORMANCE Top Speed (km/h)

City km/L

Highway km/L

Curb Weight: 1245kg

INTERIOR

PRICE

Fuel

Displacement (L)

Config.

Power (bhp)

TM

0-100 km/h

ABS

Airbags

Stability

USB/ AUX/BT

Leather

Sun Roof

PhP (MT)

PhP (AT)

1.5 E

G

1.5

I4

102

99

5M/4A

12.9

160

13.2

7.2

S

6

S

S

N

N

968,000

1,008,000

1.5 G

G

1.5

I4

102

99

4A

12.9

160

13.2

7.2

S

6

S

S

N

N

—

1,100,000

AUGUST 2020 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

Torque (lb-ft)

Wheelbase: 2685mm

SAFET Y

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Our Picks In recent months, we have had a lot of wheel time with different electric cars that are now being offered up for sale here in our beloved country. So much so that other manufacturers are getting into the hype on alternative power sources for mobility.

In honor of such a noble endeavor, we look back at the cars that have influenced the big car makers of today when it comes to going all electric.

Words by Nicolas A. Calanoc

05 Baker Electric Coupe (1899)

TOP 5 MOST INFLUENTIAL ELECTRIC CARS 05

04

03

02

To start off this list is the very first commercially available electric car, the Baker Electric. It was a 2-seater coupe with electric motors located at the center and a 12-cell battery that was capable of giving a 23 km/h speed with its 0.75 bhp output (you read that right). They tried setting a record range and ended up with 323.5 km!

04 Tesla Roadster (2008) As much as the Tesla Roadster was based off a Lotus Elise, Elon Musk made it his own thing and the Tesla name, together with the capability of what electric cars can deliver, shot up to stardom with the help of A-List celebrities. It was because of this car that bank-rolled Tesla to make the cars they offer today.

03 Nissan Leaf (2010) While Tesla was showing how much performance electric vehicles can deliver, we have to thank Nissan for showing the world that the electric car was something every family can enjoy. Because of the inherent properties of EVs, the Nissan Leaf was spacious, comfortable, and practical with a range up to 428 km. on a good day.

02 BMW i3 (2013) Do not be deceived by its space shuttle vibe. The BMW i3 redefined what it meant to be alternative in the use of energy. It showed the world that sustainable materials along side carbon-fiber can result in a luxury vehicle that was not only practical but showing where the step to the right direction is.

01 Tesla Model 3 (2017) We were debating whether to award it to the Tesla S or the Tesla 3. We thought deep into it and realized that there is a reason why our national hero is in the prominent 1-peso coin, because he is the most influential person that should belong in everyone’s pocket. On that note, the Tesla Model 3 being owned by the everyday person and being the accessible EV that is also very desirable says a lot, thus being the most influential electric vehicle of our time. At least, for now.

112

AUGUST 2020 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

01

FOR EVERY SIDE OF YOU THE NEW LEXUS NX You are defined not just by your thoughts, but also your actions.

You are known not just for your passions, but also your experiences. Because you are made of many, it is time there is a car made for all of you. Meet the new Lexus NX. Beneath its sharp-edged exterior, you will find yourself at the commands of a powerful yet agile turbo engine, a technologically advanced user interface and an unmatched Lexus attention to perfection.

Exactly what you need to live every side of you. Visit Lexus Manila at Bonifacio Global City, Taguig for the NX300, NX300 F-Sport, and NX300h.

Lexus.com.ph

/LexusManila

@LexusManila

(632) 8856 5050

EXPERIENCE AMAZING

These stripes tell a story.

Of a maverick. And a warrior.

And of a meeting of minds.

Introducing the Oris x Momotaro.

Made without compromise.

Made for the urban battle.

Oris x Momotaro