Words and photos by Christopher Kho
I think I've been in the motoring industry long enough to know that Hondas are supposed to be fun, feisty, but frugal. Don't you agree? But for some reason, they focused on the last trait so much in the past few years, they've forgotten the first two. Then there was the Japan tsunami and Thailand floods in 2011 that practically froze their supply line, leaving them with no cars to sell for a good few months. I guess that finally woke them up and made them rethink their strategy.
So to celebrate the new Honda, its local distributor - Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) - invited us to a road trip up north to show that they're fun again. (We all know that Hondas are aggressive; it just depends on how hard you step on the gas pedal.)
Published in
Road Trip
21 December 2012
2012 Paris Motor Show : The Inside Story
Words and photos by Elmer Maniebo
Paris is, without a doubt, the most romantic city in the world. Its culture, cuisine, and bright spirit are representative of its native language, which is quite possibly the most beautiful language known to man. It is home to some of the most iconic structures to have ever been built - the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe. Nothing prepares you for its charm, nostalgia, and chic. Its effervescent warmth makes it the most visited city in the world. So when the chance to go to the Mondial de l’Automobile 2012, otherwise known as the Paris Motor Show, popped-up, I didn't think twice to grab it. It’s only five hours away from where I live, and kids go free. So, what the heck!
Published in
Road Trip
17 October 2012
European Road Trip and a Travel in Time: UK, France, and Spain
Words and photos by Elmer Maniebo
Fed-up with the airport's three-hour wait to catch your flight? Worried about paying exorbitant excess baggage fees? Bland and flavorless airline food served by grumpy flight attendants? How about losing your entire valuable luggage including your expensive camera gears, laptop, and hard drives? Fancy sitting next to a stranger twice your size with matching body odor enough to kill all of your olfactory nerves?
Flying comes with its own weird and not-so wonderful experiences.
So when we got hold of the keys of our brand-spanking new 2012 Hyundai i30, there were no second thoughts that we’ll drive through half of Europe instead of flying the unfriendly sky. The idea of crossing three countries and one international timeline in a day was received with unparalleled trepidation in my household by the ‘steering committee’ - i.e. my wife and my seven-year old son. What happened in the next 12 days on the road was an experience of a lifetime.
Published in
Road Trip
25 September 2012
Climb Ev’ry Mountain: Off the Deep End with the Suzuki Jimny
Words and photos by Niky Tamayo
I’ve always been fascinated with the Suzuki Jimny. After driving one back in 2002, I’ve had a longing, bordering on obsession, to drive one once again. Thankfully, the Jimny hasn’t changed much over the years. So when I finally got a chance to drive a brand new one, I jumped at the chance, even if it meant getting a little dirty. Because getting down and dirty is second nature to the Jimny.
Our friends Mike and Rolf from 4x4ph.com were my babysitters for this off-road trek. They’re certified Suzuki fanatics. Rolf, in particular, is a Jimny connoisseur. He’s owned or driven every single year model since the Samurai. What makes an owner so faithful to a car? Obviously, it’s a car that’s faithful to its owner.
Published in
Road Trip
17 August 2012
Mitsubishi makes comfort and excitement more affordable with the new 2012 Lancer EX 1.6L
Words and photos by Leslie Sy
After its official launch in July, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) recently held a media test drive so that we can go and try out their new 2012 Lancer EX 1.6L MIVEC on the road. The outing was meant give us a chance to experience firsthand the new Lancer EX's driving comfort, excellent handling, and improved fuel economy in a real world setting. So, the question on everyone's minds was: “Will the car deliver its advertised fuel economy of 20km/L?”
Published in
Road Trip
Words, photos, and video by Ronnie Trinidad
Last June, Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI) invited a select group of drivers to test just how efficient the all-new EON really is. In a 20-car convoy, we all headed up to the summer capital of the Philippines, Baguio City. The 246 km trek shouldn't be a problem for me, as I've done quite a few eco runs in the past myself. But despite knowing all the tricks in the book, I've never quite experienced the sweet taste of victory. And teamed up with host of Wave 89.1's Racing Beat and founder of the Lateral Drift Championship, Charlie Cruz - who has never done an eco run in his entire life - I didn't have my hopes up.
As a professional race car driver, Charlie never lost the competitive spirit in him, so I had at least a little glimmer of hope. According to Hyundai, the EON could easily do 26.3 km/L in long drives, so we aimed to beat that number. I shared to him every little bit of knowledge I had with the hopes of taming his track-proven lead foot. Our main objective was to keep the car rolling, use the brakes as sparingly as possible, and avoid stops at all cost. It's also a game of focus, determination, and patience - attributes we hardly posses. But there's one more important thing that keeps us going: desperation.
Published in
Road Trip
Words by Niky Tamayo | Photos by Ken Tamayo
It was a special Sunday last June 10, 2012 for the winners of Kotse.com and Shell FuelSave's “Save on Your Summer Road Trip” contest. So maybe summer’s over, but that didn’t stop us from treating them and a bunch of their friends to a road trip and having fun. Ford Philippines was also kind enough to lend us three brand-spanking-new Fiesta Sport Plus' for the drive so we can find out for ourselves just how frugal their hot hatch really is.
Over the summer, Kotse.com and Shell FuelSave held a contest asking people to send in a photo showing their best fuel saving habits. The winners received free fuel and other goodies from Shell FuelSave, as well as an invitation to Kotse.com's FuelSave Workshop on a summer road trip. During the out of town workshop, we got to see some sights, eat some good food, and learn a bit about fuel economy. We also got to watch Pacquiao beat Bradley to within an inch of his life, only to lose on the judges’ scorecards. At least we were well-fed.
Published in
Road Trip
Words and photos by Jose Carlo Roberto R. Sapera
I must admit, driving off-road makes me somewhat jittery. There's always that fear of tipping over or crashing into solid rock. That's why most of the time, I take the passenger seat instead and just go on for the ride. But last month, I had to sum up the courage to get back on the driver's seat of a 4x4 when CATS Motors Inc., the official importer and distributor of the Jeep brand in the country, brought us to the slopes of Tanay, Rizal to experience the all-new Grand Cherokee and Rubicon on the rough stuff.
Published in
Road Trip
