12 December 2012
Business Class on Wheels | 2011 Nissan Murano 3.5L V6
Words and photos by Jose Carlo R. Sapera
The first generation Nissan Murano arrived in the Philippines way back in 2006 via grey market importers. Powered by a 350Z-derived 3.5L V6, we thought of it as Nissan's very own sporty and classy crossover SUV -- it surely looked the part. Soon after, Nissan Motors Philippines Inc. (NMPI) got wind of this mighty SUV and began bringing it in themselves. But when it came to its successor, the Murano Z51, the local distribution switched over to Universal Motors Philippines (UMC), Nissan's local distributor of Light Commercial Vehicles. Technically, that shouldn't really change the buying and ownership experience, but we just wanted to get the word out. Now that we got that bit out of the way, we can start talking about the details.
This all-new 2011 Murano is based on Nissan's D-platform which it shares with the Teana. It has somewhat lost the old Murano's boy-racer appeal and now looks a lot more grown-up and sophisticated. Still, its unique futuristic styling makes it stand out from any crowd. So, does it still hold to its promise of being a classy crossover like before?
Published in
SUV
Words and photos by Niky Tamayo
Every year, the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) celebrates the best in Philippine Cinema... supposedly. In reality, unlike at Cannes and Sundance, the Best Picture Award at the MMFF often goes to fantasy films starring geriatric actors and half-naked starlets. Of course, when the award actually goes to a halfway deserving film, it doesn’t really matter. The tired old franchises that enter every year still earn several times as much... each.
On the other hand, you have the Philippine Car of the Year Awards, which are based on artistic merit rather than box-office gross, and more importantly, don’t close all the theaters in the Philippines for two weeks. Granted, awards night still has half-naked dancers, but that’s because it’s held at MIAS. Errr... this year, the Montero Sport won its fourth consecutive SUV category title. That’s as impressive as winning four Best Movie Awards in a row. Strangely, the Montero Sport also happens to be a best-seller. That’s akin to the “Manila Kingpin” outselling Vic and Bong combined.
But like the Kingpin, the Montero Sport has its share of faults. Suffice to say, it’ll never be best picture at Cannes. So why is it so popular?
Published in
SUV
19 March 2012
No Sacrifices | 2010 Kia Sorento CRDi 2.2 4x2 EX
Words and photos by Niky Tamayo
Once upon a time, Kia was known as a “cheap” alternative. The Pride, for one, was once the cheapest brand new vehicle available on the market in the early 90's. This trend continued through with the Picanto, which debuted at half the price of its then non-existent competitors.
Nowadays, Kia is more mainstream. In fact, it positions itself as an upmarket choice to the common car, with stylish models like the Rio and the Sportage. And while the Sorento may not be the newest car in the Kia garage, it’s still one of the more enticing SUVs in its segment, so we went out to find out just how exciting it really is.
Published in
SUV
Words by Niky Tamayo | Photos by Ken Tamayo
I’ve always seen SUVs as a conceit: The Sport in “Sport Utility Vehicle” suggests some sort of rugged, manly endeavour, like climbing mountains, crossing rainforests, or clubbing baby seals. Despite the utter lack of sporting ability of some so-called SUVs, their Marlboro-esque machismo is a more effective status enhancer than an eggplant in your jockstrap. You’re never going to use them to their full potential, but boy do they look impressive.
Yet, after a few days with Ford's all-new Explorer, I’ve been having more and more doubts about my manhood. Driving meekly. Fudging overtakes. Avoiding crowded streets. At the end of the week, I would wake up screaming in the middle of the night in a cold sweat. Well... not really... but I’m certain an SUV is meant to be intimidating to other drivers, not to the person behind the wheel.
Published in
SUV
09 February 2012
The Rough Rider's Adventure | 2011 Toyota Fortuner 2.7G 4x2 Gas AT
Words and photos by Christopher Kho
A decade ago, SUV's cost an arm and a leg in the Philippines, and were reserved for the rich, famous, and your otherwise infamous government official. But ever since Toyota brought the Fortuner to our shores, the almighty SUV has become more accessible to the masses, without losing its revered reputation as road bully. Other brands were quick to follow in its footsteps, and now, our roads are littered with these behemoths. So when the country's largest automaker came up with an updated version for 2011, we tried to find out this affordable SUV's secret to success.
Published in
SUV
05 December 2011
Feeling Invincible | 2010 Ford Everest 4x4 Limited AT
Words by Eric Ayrton S. Soriano | Photos by Christopher Kho
The 2010 Ford Everest faces formidable foes in the truck-based seven-seater SUV segment, namely the Toyota Fortuner and the Mitsubishi Montero Sport. Other vehicles very likely to be on the shortlist of typical SUV shoppers needing seven seats, all-weather capability, and the practicality of a diesel engine are the Korean cousins composed of the Kia Sorento and the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Although most of the Everest’s chief rivals have undergone major upgrades recently, the current Everest has been enjoying resurgent sales in recent months.
Published in
SUV
Words by Jade Lu | Photos by Christopher Kho
Well, technically it was Quasar Gray, but it had a hint of blue in its hue. And yes, it was borrowed! We recently borrowed the 2004 Suzuki Jimny JLX AT for a test drive, and let me just say, it’s a fun little buggy. I’ve been itching to get a hold of this small SUV for a while now, and the opportunity finally presented itself. The Jimny may be dated, but it’s definitely not out-dated.
Getting to Know You
As Chris Kho and I hopped on to the Jimny, the first thing I noticed was its size. It all seemed great for two people, but what about backseat passengers? There was only one way to find out. Deciding to go out for lunch that day, we passed by my house and picked up my mom, my dad, and my brother. The brochure says the Jimny’s seating capacity is up to four persons, but I suppose that refers to two average-sized persons for the front and the back. So fitting three slightly-smaller-than-average passengers at the back seat was no surprise. A snug functional fit, but fit nonetheless.
Published in
SUV
30 April 2009
Hot Wheels | 2008 Dodge Nitro 3.7L V6
Words and photos by Christopher Kho
It’s in every little boy’s nature to bring his newest toy not to share it but to show it off to his friends - and that’s exactly how I felt driving the Dodge Nitro. With the same aerodynamic drag coefficient as a brick, it’s big, boxy, blue and most importantly, stunningly beautiful. Dodge never meant it to be humble nor modest as they built the Nitro for one sole purpose, and that is to turn heads.
Published in
SUV
