14 November 2011
Wake Up Call | 2011 Hyundai Elantra 1.6 MT
Words by Ferman Lao | Photos by Christopher Kho
When the all-new Elantra came about in early 2011, it looked to me like the engineers at Hyundai had just rehashed one of their previous designs. By pulling and stretching the Accent's basic shape to the necessary dimensions, they've managed to come up with a new compact car. But in my mind, the Accent was already the mini-Sonata, and therefore had no room left for another car to sit between the two. Add to this Hyundai's habit of recycling design concepts, which made me take the Elantra not so seriously.
Warming Up
Fast forward a couple of months ahead and I found myself in South Korea, sitting behind the wheel of an automatic 1.6 Elantra for a media test drive experience. This was my chance to get acquainted with Hyundai's latest compact, away from the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila's streets. For first impressions, I was quite impressed at how its 6-speed auto behaved very much like a manual transmission would, and how good it was for an affordably-sedan. That experience left me thinking, "If the auto's this good, I wonder what the manual's like?"
Published in
Compact
10 November 2011
Going High-Tech Hybrid | 2010 Toyota Prius 1.8 VVTi
Words and photos by Jose Carlo R. Sapera
Back in the mid-90's, I honestly believed that cars with power windows, airbags, anti-lock brakes, and other gizmos were already considered “high-tech.” Through the years, my perspective gradually has changed. Cars now have reverse cameras, iPod ports, navigation systems, and up until recently, cars that are powered by both nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries and a gasoline engine - otherwise known as hybrids. And it was only when I spent a week driving in a Toyota Prius did I grasp the true meaning of “high-tech.”
Published in
Compact
05 September 2011
The Humble Hatchback | 2011 Honda Jazz 1.3 S AT
Words and photos by Christopher Kho
Have you ever noticed that cars these days are packed with so many gadgets and gizmos that most of us don't really comprehend how they work, let alone understand what they're for? The list of features they come with keeps getting longer and longer, that it’s all starting to get confusing. Well, whether you like the tech or not, it’s the manufacturer's way to captivate our hearts and, possibly, make that all-important sale. But what these big brands are forgetting is that while they're satisfying our wants, they're not really providing our needs. If you agree and want something different, then look no further than Honda's humble hatchback. The Jazz might not have a fancy-pansy transmission or an overly-decorated interior, but these are more than made up for with its fun to drive attitude and versatile cargo space.
Published in
Subcompact
Words and photos by Christopher Kho
With the number of four-wheeling CUV's entering the market each year, the crossover club is quickly becoming over-congested. However, Mazda reckons that they've got one more number that can conquer them all. Unlike the flock of jacked-up station wagons out on sale, the Mazda CX-7 pulls off a fashion sense so fetching that people assume it's reserved for the rich, famous, and somewhat regal dignitaries. But believe you me, you don't have to be royalty to travel like royalty in this colonial crossover.
Published in
Crossover
04 July 2011
Changing the Game | 2011 Volvo S60 2.0L Turbo
Words by Ferman Lao | Photos by Christopher Kho
Volvo has always been known for producing some of the world's safest cars. However, they've also been perceived by the general public as somewhat boring. That's why in recent years, the Scandinavian automaker has been trying to break free from the social stigma through its latest breed of vanguard Volvos. The road to revolution began in 2002 with the introduction of the chic XC90, which was followed suit by the hot hatch C30 in 2007. Then late last year, Volvo finally unleashed their fiercest four-door yet - the S60 - breaking the brand out of its stale stereotype.
Published in
Mid Size
Words by Nana Nadal | Photos by Christopher Kho
Three days were all I had with it, but I still can't get over my weekend spree with a dreamy SUV. Months later, I still let out a wistful sigh each and every time a Hyundai Tucson rolls by. If only I knew how to whistle, I would probably be blowing a *wit-wiw* instead. With the number of handsome examples plying Manila’s roads, just imagine how often that happens.
Published in
Crossover
06 June 2011
Beaming Around Town | 2011 Chevrolet Spark 1.2 MT
Words by Jade Lu | Photos by Christopher Kho
Today’s yuppies have got it all going for them: advanced technology, increased buying power, and Angry Birds among other things. Between tweeting and passing out applications for their dream jobs, I’ve noticed quite a lot of today’s products aimed at the youth on-the-go, which is why I’m really not surprised that the automotive world followed suit and designed vehicles suited for this “in-crowd.” So allow me to describe my exploits with Chevrolet's latest hip mini-car, the all-new Spark.
Published in
Subcompact
Words and photos by Christopher Kho
In the 2006 Hollywood flick, “The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift,” young American Shawn Boswell finds himself in the streets of Tokyo after a run with the law, where he discovers the sport of drifting in an underground racing world. For a hot-headed yankee like him, getting into grips with the art of drifting ain't easy. Fortunately, he found friends like Han who were willing to take him under their wing and wealthy enough to hand him the keys to a Red Evo. With a confused look on Shawn's face, Han replies, “You're representing me now. What do you think, I'm gonna let you roll in a Hyundai?” Dissed and outraged, no one expected the Korean automaker to take this line to heart. Four years later, they finally come up with an answer - the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe.
Published in
Sportscar
