Displaying items by tag: chevrolet

Putting On Some Bulk | 2012 Chevrolet Sonic 1.4L Notchback LTZ 6AT

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 01:56:18 +0000

Words and photos by Jose Carlo R. Sapera

Do you still remember the old Chevrolet Aveo? If your answer is no, we don't blame you. That's because the sedan and hatchback versions, yes there are two, looked miles apart. Besides the obviously missing trunk, the five-door version had a a completely different front end, which gave the nameplate a bit of an identity crisis. Although both were good to drive and had the looks to match, it sadly wan't one of the popular subcompacts of its time.

To give it a second chance at life, the bow-tie-brand rebooted the nameplate and renamed it as the Sonic. It's packed with better styling, more features, and most importantly, identical designs for the hatchback and notchback versions. In case you're wondering, they now call it a notchback and not a sedan because the trunk is shaped more like a notch.

Then, The Covenant Car Company Inc. (TCCCI), the official Philippine distributor or Chevrolet, gave me the chance to get behind the wheel of the latest Sonic 1.4L Notchback LTZ with a six-speed automatic transmission. So how does it fair with the rest of the subcompact cars available today?

Getting Acquainted
Honestly, I used to find small Chevy cars boring, but all that has changed with the Sonic. A quick walk-around revealed some noteworthy details. The two-tier signature grill is absolutely huge, spanning the entire height of the front fascia. The uncased headlight clusters, on the other hand, feels nostalgic as it brings back memories of cars in the 60's and 70's, which Chevrolet calls as a “quad-bezel headlight design”.

At the back, the leaf-shaped tail light assembly houses a circular brake, signal, reverse, and fog lights. And from the side, you’ll see its prominent flared wheel arches and high shoulder line that gives it that bulky feel. Meanwhile, crease lines on the doors and rear bumper adds to the Sonic's character. Then there are touches of chrome on the door handles, grill, and trunk for added spark on the exterior.

The Spark's presence alone is already confidence-building, which should make anyone inside it feel like a million bucks. Nice job Chevy!

Unleashing Its Potential
I braved the winding roads of Antipolo and Baras, Rizal to test the Spark's mettle.

The Sonic comes with a naturally-aspirated four-cylinder 1.4 liter ECOTEC engine and paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. But instead of paddle shifters, the +/- manual shift buttons are unusually located at the side of the gear lever. With 100 hp and 130 Nm of torque on tap, it was fun to drive on flat urban roads, but wasn't as thrilling on the highway or on hilly roads. Plus, the transmission shifts a bit longer than usual.

Taking bends, the Sonic feels behaved and stable, while steering feel is precise and firm. It also maintains a supple and comfortable ride over potholes. As for the fuel consumption, I managed to get around 7.5 km/L in heavy traffic and 12 km/L in my highway run. Both figures are considered acceptable for regular drivers especially because this one runs on an automatic transmission.

It's definitely a great daily runabout and out-of-towner for weekends, but don't expect it to break any speed records.

Inside The Package
I immediately felt the premium ambience that the Sonic has inside. The black and grey textured plastics don’t feel cheap, while the steering wheel and audio controls have been derived from the Cruze. The motorcycle-inspired gauge cluster is then reminiscent of the one found in the Spark. The circular pivoting air vents on the side are nicely designed and opens/closes by turning a dial in the middle.

The integrated head unit comes with iPod connectivity so you enjoy the crisp and clear sounds coming from the six, yes six, speakers. You can then select tracks and adjust the volume via the steering-mounted controls. Plus, it has a Bluetooth connectivity so you can make calls hands-free.

Meanwhile, I like the gear shifter's futuristic design, but the handbrake lever felt loose and sadly, cheap. On the other hand, they’ve included a driver arm rest so you can relax while waiting for the light to turn green.

The Sonic sits almost a 100 mm longer and 82mm wider than the current Toyota Vios. All my four passengers were able to stretch their legs inside with the blessing of generous legroom. Oh, there was quite an abundance of headroom too. Plenty of storage space is available around the cabin for your mobile phone, coins, or soda cans. The huge trunk space can easily swallow many items such as grocery bags and suit cases for out of town trips.

I did like the black fabric seats and found them very supportive even for my size - something I normally experience in more expensive sedans. But you have to be really tidy as it attracts dirt quite easily.

Hard Earned Money
Aside from the head-turning looks, the Sonic notchback comes with a host of safety features such as dual airbags, ABS, EBD, parking sensors, and power-folding side mirrors But wait, there’s more! The Sonic also comes with a five-year warranty 10,000 km service interval.

Spending a few days with Chevrolet Sonic 1.4 Sonic LTZ was definitely fulfilling. It is indeed a big step from the Aveo, and one step ahead of the competition in terms of specs. It may not be the fastest out there, but sure does look the coolest.

Listed at P828,888, it's certainly one of the more expensive subcompacts in the market today, especially when you consider that the the Sonic only has a 1.4L engine as opposed others that have bigger 1.5L or 1.6L units. Still, we believe that it's certainly worth your hard earned money and is sure to turn heads wherever it goes.

Chevrolet's new 2013 Spark glimmers at AVID Innovation Congress

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 02:46:13 +0000

Words by Christopher Kho | Photos by Jose Carlo R. Sapera

After spending three years in the market, the Spark is sadly starting to lose its sparkle. Newer micro cars have emerged in the past few months that have outshined it. So, like what any other car manufacturer would do, they've given it a quick facelift to make it new again. We've first saw photos of the 2013 Spark as early as 2011, but at last, it's here. This, boys and girls, is the new 2013 Chevrolet Spark that made its debut at the recently-concluded AVID Innovation Congress.

The new facelift has changed the front and rear ends ever so slightly, but as they say, the devil is in the details.

The headlight's lenses get a revision, but the overall shape remains unchanged. Meanwhile, the signature Chevrolet dual-port grill has been supersized, so much so that it now encases the license plate holder. The fog lamp housings and lower bumper have been likewise redesigned, as well as the side mirrors.

At the back, the tail lights have been altered ever-so-slightly; turn signals are now clear and everything else surrounding now in red. It might not be obvious at first, but a closer inspection reveals that the entire rear bumper is actually new. The only clear indication of this is the repositioned reflectors. Lastly, the third brake light on the rear windscreen has been repositioned on the spoiler and is now LED. To cap it all off, the 2013 Sparks rolls on new 14-inch alloy wheels.

There's also a long list of upgrades for the interior. The seat fabrics, decorative inserts on the door, and silver gear knob for both manual and automatic variants are new for this model. The door lock switch has then been repositioned on the armrest, while the gauge cluster and radio facade get slight alterations.

No changes have been made to the engine line up, so it's still the 1.0L or 1.2L engines powering the 2013 Spark.

Here's some good news. The Covenant Car Company Inc. (TCCCI), otherwise known as Chevrolet Philippines, informed us that there is no price hike for the new 2013 Spark. That means, the 1.0L MT is still priced at P548,888, while both the 1.0 AT and 1.2 MT versions are listed at P598,888.

COTY 2012 - 2013 Test Fest Day 7: Big, small, and everything in between

Sun, 20 Jan 2013 23:22:34 +0000

Words by Christopher Kho | Photos by Hans Gerald Chua and author

On a regular day, we'd have around 8 to 10 cars to drive at the Qualitative Testing for the 2012 - 2013 Car of the Year Philippines (COTY-P). But this was no regular day. Last January 12, 2013, the boys and girls of the Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI) found themselves face-to-face with 17 shiny new cars and they had to drive every single one of them. Though the experience was fun, we were all left battered and bruised by the day's end. Still, we got to drive big, small, and everything in between.

The smallest of the bunch were all four variants of the all-new Mirage from Mitsubishi. Following on its trail are the trio of Chevrolet Sonics, in both hatchback and notchback (sedan) forms. Then there were the heavyweights. Chevrolet brought three Colorados with 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains; Foton stepped up with their own all-new Thunder 4x2 and 4x4; and Mitsubishi fielded their 3.0L V6-equipped Montero Sport. But I guess it goes without saying that the crème de la crème were from newcomer Peugeot, who brought their entire line-up: the 3008 crossover, 5008 mpv, 508 sedan, and RCZ sports coupe.

After a long day of mixed sunshine and rain, these are three best cars that left their biggest impressions with the Kotse.com Crew.

Leslie Sy, Kotse.com Online Expert: 2013 Mitsubishi Mirage

There was a time not too long ago when buying a brand new car in the P500,000 price range meant a comprise of choosing something between Chinese or Korean models that felt like they were built using leftover parts. But with the recent entry of the all-new Mitsubishi Mirage into the local scene, the meaning of “entry level” has totally changed.

Powering the Mirage is a 78 hp three-cylinder 1.2L DOHC MIVEC engine, which shares the same design as the unit in the Lancer EX 1.6L, minus one cylinder. It's then matched to a five speed manual or a smooth shifting CVT. Acceleration is brisk but not enough to win any races.

Ride is very comfortable with its soft suspension, although it does have some excessive bodyroll in tight maneuvers. The electric power steering makes light work of driving and parking. It also helps that there is excellent visibility all around. It seats five people with lots of room for everyone, which is pleasantly surprising because cars of this category tend to be a tight squeeze. The GLS model comes very well equipped with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, touchscreen headunit with GPS navigation, and climate control - features you'd normally equate to cars with at least twice its price.

The Mirage 1.2L is a real game changer and means buying an affordable car can now give you great value from a well trusted car brand with top-class features.

Hans Chua, Kotse.com Contributor: 2013 Chevrolet Colorado

I’m not really a fan of pick up trucks, but I'm willing to change my mind after spending some time behind the wheel of the all-new Colorado. Big and tough (not to mention handsome), it gives an impression that it can handle any terrain that stands in front of it, be it on- or off-road. Meanwhile, the spacious interior made it easy for me to find the perfect driving position without having to sacrifice rear legroom. There was plenty of elbow room too for five full grown passengers. Unlike other overly-decorated dashboards I've seen, the Colorado has a clean and simple layout with everything you needed within reach. The Camaro-inspired gauges were also a big plus for me. And despite the Colorado's tall ride height, its wide opening doors made it easy for me to get in and out.

The 2.8L four-cylinder VGT diesel engine was quite responsive and purred silently even at higher revs. Likewise, both manual and automatic transmissions were smooth and made the Colorado drive in a more car-like manner. Although, I do hope that they come out with a six-speed manual gearbox, instead of the current five, for that extra low end grunt and slightly lower rpms at high speed.

Overall, the driving experience made me realize that pick ups too can be fun to drive, and I enjoyed every single minute of it.

Christopher Kho, Kotse.com Editor-in-Chief: 2013 Peugeot 508

If you think that you're too hip for a Honda Accord and too chic for a Toyota Camry, then the Peugeot 508 should suit you perfectly. So it looks a bit odd from certain angles, but who cares? It got your attention, didn't it? And that's exactly what people who drive a 508 want. Plus, I'm pretty sure the French design will eventually grow on you in a few months' time.

I know I'm gonna get burned for saying this, but the 508's interior looks a lot better than its similarly-priced Japanese and Korean counterparts. Everything is beautifully covered in supple black leather, and they managed to properly arrange the multitude of buttons without making the dashboard look like a scientific calculator. Simply put, it looks classy without having to try so hard.

The engine was so silent and smooth that it took me quite a while to realize that the 508 was indeed powered by a 1.6L turbo diesel. Power and torque were more than adequate to send it up to speed, but don't expect it to blow your socks off. The ride is quite supple, but driving over potholes is definitely not its forte.

For P1,995,000, you're actually getting something at par, or even better, than what the Germans have to offer. In fact, the 508 is currently Peugeot's best-selling model in the Philippines.

Chevrolet is letting you drive the 2014 Corvette Stingray C7 for FREE... in GT5 (w/ video)

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 01:27:43 +0000

Words by Ferman Lao | Photos and video courtesy of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

A camouflaged prototype of the next generation Corvette C7 has been available for download since November 2012. And since then, nearly 500,000 fans of Gran Turismo 5 (GT5) have done just that so they can race this new American muscle on track before the real deal hits showrooms near the end of 2013. But now that the world has seen the Corvette Stingray C7 in all its glory at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, the powers that be at Chevrolet and Polyphony Digital Inc. (developers of the Gran Turismo franchise) worked together to deliver the closest thing anyone can get to driving the latest 'Vette.

The best part is, it's a free download, since January 15 2013, at the PlayStation Store on PlayStation 3 for anyone who owns the game.

Like the other 1,088 cars in Gran Turismo 5, every inch of the new Corvette Stingray C7 has been faithfully reproduced inside and out. Of course, that includes the 6.2L small block V8 with all of its 450 horses and 610 Nm of torque. The developers put so much effort into recreating every detail of the C7 that they even got the shift schedule for the 7-speed manual transmission with active rev matching. Unfortunately though, you'll have to sit behind the wheel of the real thing to experience the 1G cornering force they've been boasting about.

All six previous generations of the Corvette have always been available in the game and the new seventh generation Stingray will be no different.

Aside from the C7 Stingray, a new update for is also now available for Gran Turismo 5 (ver 2.10). The 55mb packet contains the following changes:

Adjusted performance point calculations to correct an issue where the speed of cars in races with PP (Performance Point) restrictions would be matched unfairly.
Adjusted the engine sound of the Honda Weider HSV-010 (Super GT) ’11.
Improved the force feedback control of the Thrustmaster TS500RS Steering wheel controller to improve steering feel. This improvement will allow more precise countersteer on dirt and while drifting.

Detroit: 2014 marks the return of the Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 02:03:13 +0000

Words by Ferman Lao | Photos courtesy of General Motors Corporation

It's been a while since the world has last seen a new Corvette; exactly eight years have passed since the C6 (6th gen) was introduced. Since then, the competition has upped the ante and introduced their own interpretation of the ultimate American muscle car (see SRT Viper). However, just as the very first Corvette (C1) changed the scene 60 years ago, so does the latest all-new 2014 C7 Corvette. And on the 50th anniversary of the legendary C2 Corvette, they've resurrected a historical badge from the Corvette's long colorful history and christened this the Stingray.

Belly of the Beast

Rumor has it that the C7 should've arrived as early as 2011, but some technological hurdles (pertaining to the engine) had to be addressed before production would come forth. But from the looks of things, it was definitely worth the wait. At the belly of this beast is a rumbling 6.2L small block V8 with at least 450 hp and 610 Nm of torque. Chevy claims that it's enough to shoot the C7 to 100 km/h in under four seconds from a standstill. As if those weren't enough, it will outdistance the current C6 'Vette at the pump. Exact EPA estimated figures are mum at the moment; but with technologies like direct injection, variable valve timing, and active fuel management being standard fare, the outgoing model's 11.05 km/L is expected to be child's play.

A six-speed paddle-shift auto slushbox is on the options list, but why settle for that when there's an awesome seven-speed manual on offer? Not only does it have active rev-matching on upshifts and downshifts, but a new dual-mass flywheel, a dual-disc clutch, and close-ratio gearing should allow for more aggressive driving.

The specs sheet says that the C7 is now capable of pulling over 1G in cornering force. It does this with a longer wheelbase and wider front and rear track. Four-piston fixed caliper Brembo brakes also come standard and have about 5% more stopping power than previously.

Light weight materials such as a carbon fiber hood and removable roof panel, composite fenders, doors, and rear quarter panels, plus other state-of-the-art materials help reduce weight while improving strength. What they've ended up with is a perfect 50/50 weight balance with superb power to weight ratio that they reckon is better than both the 911 and R8.

If you haven't yet noticed, this American muscle has quite a bit of tech, but the goodies doesn't stop there. A Z51 performance package adds an electronic LSD, dry sump oil system, cooling for the brakes, transmission, and differential, and an aero package to the spec sheet. Plus, the adjustable damping, dubbed Magnetic Ride Control, electronically adapts the suspension to the road surface or driving style.

With all these upgrades, we're sure that the C7 Stingray will easily beat the old C6 ZR1's 7:19.63 minute lap time around the Nürburgring. The only question is, “by how much?”

Shark Attack

The all-new 'Vette Stingray primarily takes design inspiration from both the C1 and C2 Stingray (hence the moniker), but its overall shape doesn't depart from the bloodline. Its sleek profile is unmistakeable, and the contours are reminiscent of the C4, C5, and C6 combined. Meanwhile, the fastback treatment and hood's center bulge is lifted from the C3, and the vents are courtesy of the original Stingray which we're happy to say have legit aerodynamic duties. And besides making this new Stingray look extremely aggressive, the myriad of vents on the hood, fenders, and rear quarter panel are all functional.

While the C7 looks like an amalgam of all that came before it, it also has some bits from the competition it seeks to annihilate. I personally see a little Ford Mustang in the fastback, a Mercedes-Benz SLS in the front openings, and a hint of Ferrari 458 in the headlights.

The cabin is just as well thought-out as its exterior. At the centerpiece of its driver-centric asymmetric dashboard is a high-res info screen that replaces regular analogue gauges. There's also a colored head-up display (HUD) so you no longer have to take your eyes off the road to see how fast you're going. Chevrolet has also shrunk down the steering wheel diameter to make inputs feel more direct. And matching form with function, the beautifully-sculpted Napa leather seats come in two choices: GT or Competition Sport. Think of it as the difference between civilized comfortable sport seats and aggressive racing seats.

A Legend in the Making
The all-new 2014 Corvette Stingray hasn't won any races or accolades yet, but Chevrolet believes that it's already worthy of a legend's title. That statement alone holds a lot of promise for this young American muscle car and we're more than happy to witness its future achievements every step of the way.

Hold on tight, the Corvette C7 Stingray goes on sale in the US third quarter of 2013.

New Year, New Motto: Chevrolet will ‘Find New Roads’

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 00:11:48 +0000

Words by Jade Lu

When big, successful companies have been in the business for over a century and catering to more than a hundred countries worldwide, it’s not a wonder that new exciting paths must be paved to reach their loyal patrons and create ties to a new audience.

So at the dawn of 2013, American trailblazer Chevrolet gave their company’s direction a little spark to help the brand traverse through its worldwide audience. Chevy vows to ‘Find New Roads’ to better reach and expand its 140-country market.

"Find New Roads embraces the spirit of ingenuity that has been in Chevrolet's DNA since the beginning and it will continue to guide every aspect of our business moving forward," remarked Chevrolet’s Senior Vice President of Global Product Development, Mary Barra. "As we develop new products, our designers and engineers will be empowered to find smarter solutions to address customer needs and make their lives better."

Chevy’s U.S. Sales, Service, and Global Marketing Vice President, Alan Batey, comments, "We are continuing to grow globally, especially in key emerging markets, and Find New Roads will help us drive even more consistency - both internally with our employees and externally with customers." According to him, the bowtie brand wishes to launch 20 vehicles globally this year.

Chevrolet’s marketing approach in each country is different, addressing the individuality of their audience. Uniting the company worldwide under one vision may be the key to volt the brand in impaling the competition. Cruzing Colorado to Malibu to the far-reaching suburban communities, Chevrolet is determined to expand the brand by an avalanche.

While the company is globally united under the Find New Roads theme, the local “Love this Chevy” tagline has brought much attention to the brand also and will continue to be used.

COTY 2012 - 2013 Test Fest Day 6: Take us away

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 02:19:02 +0000

Words by Jade Lu | Photos by Hans Gerald Chua and Christopher Kho

If there was one thing the Kotse.com crew looked forward to when the New Year started, it was this. On the very first Saturday of 2013, the boys and girls of the Car Awards Group, Inc. (CAGI) gathered at the Eton Centris parking lot for the sixth round of the 2012 - 2013 Car of the Year Philippines (COTY-P) Test Fest.

The first models on the chopping block for 2013 looked like they were ready to take us a long, long way from home. We’d be ready to take these fine examples on a road trip at the drop of a hat. Chevrolet was first to arrive with the Trailblazer LTZ 4x4 A/T and the Orlando LT A/T. Toyota sent us the Avanza 1.3E, Avanza 1.5G, Prius C, and Camry 2.5V. Hyundai’s dynamic duo of the Sonata 2.0 GLS 6AT Limited and Tucson Theta II T2.0 Limited 4WD left us all wondering what new treats these models have in store.

(In case you're wondering, the Camry 3.5Q would have joined too, except that Toyota's test unit recently had a minor fender bender and was in the shop for repairs.)

With the skies clear and the roads relatively less crowded (thanks to other motorists still on vacation), we were all ready to answer all those mental inquiries ourselves. Here’s what the Kotse.com crew had to say about some of the models in Day 6's lineup:

Jose Carlo R. Sapera, Kotse.com Assistant Editor: 2012 Toyota Prius C

The Toyota Prius C is the smallest yet most interesting test vehicle in this weekend’s line-up. From the outside, it looks short and tight, but you’ll be surprised that it can fit four or even five adults comfortably. There’s ample leg and headroom for all passengers to enjoy with a large cargo space to boot. The dashboard layout is quite unique and the digital gauge in the middle displays speed as well as power consumption of either fuel or battery power.

On the road, it's silent as the wind when running on EV mode. The electric motor provides most of the power needed at low speed while the 1.5 liter engine only cuts in when you really need to get going. Paired with a smooth and responsive Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT), this hybrid is quite preppy and energetic even with more than three passengers onboard.

At P1.525 million, this is no cheap ride. However, the Toyota Prius C is one promising hatchback for both the environment and fuel expenses. Let’s just hope that the alternative fuel bill will be passed soon, so hybrids could be a bit more affordable.

Hans Chua, Kotse.com Contributor: 2013 Hyundai Tucson Theta II T2.0 Limited 4WD

The Hyundai Tucson is no stranger to the Car of the Year Philippines. In fact, the GLS R eVGT 4WD version was awarded as COTY Compact Crossover 4WD in 2010 - 2011. And this year, it came back for more.

For 2013, they've added a chrome accent to the grill and a few plastic trims on the doors. There's also a new Dual CVVT 2.0 liter Theta II engine under the hood, accompanied by a six-speed automatic gearbox. As we found out, the combination proved to be very responsive on the road, even with 4WD. Meanwhile, the seats are newly wrapped in Cognac brown leather, which is apparently the new trend for luxury brands. For P1.488 million, you also get a start/stop button with smart key and panoramic sunroof as standard.

During the quick test drive, I discovered that finding the perfect driving position was quite easy, but it seems that the rear seats have low headroom for my 6'1” stature. Ride comfort though was firm but comfy when passing through Manila's countless potholes.

While the updates are not considered as a mid-cycle facelift, they do merit the Tucson a second look. It still is the handsome and dependable crossover we know, and it sure is interesting how it'll fair up against the newer kids on the block.

Leslie Sy, Kotse.com Online Expert: 2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer LTZ 4x4 A/T

For this all-new model, Chevrolet has finally traded the Trailblazer's once-boxy design for some curves to give it a modern muscular appeal. Likewise, the 18-inch alloy wheels that come with it accent this SUV's commanding presence quite perfectly. But besides the rejuvenated image, it has also been given a plethora of upgrades to make the driving experience a whole lot better.

Our test drive unit was a top-of-the-line LTZ model, which came with a 2.8L Duramax VGT CRDi engine and a smooth shifting six speed automatic transmission. Not only did this powerplant hum ever so quietly, but it also provided more than enough oomph to get this behemoth flying. And for an SUV that's based on a ladder frame chassis, the Trailblazer rides and handles much better than its current competitors over any terrain.

Offering a generous amount of headroom, the all-new Trailblazer now sports three-row seating with additional roof-mounted aircon vents for second and third row passengers. There is, however, a dire need for extra legroom at the back. Still, the interior has its fair share of luxury with light colored leather and upholstery to liven up the mood.

One look at the 2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer and you'll know it means business, be it for work or leisure.

Started with a spark, going with a surge, This is the 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV

Sun, 09 Dec 2012 22:12:19 +0000

Words by Jade Lu | Photos courtesy of General Motors North America

The Chevrolet Volt has already convinced a considerable lot of American car owners that electric is the way to go. But as far as gasoline power is concerned, the Spark was equally impressive, boasting a mileage of up to 22 kilometers to the liter. But just recently, General Motors North America released what is mechanically the lovechild between the two green machines: the 2014 Spark EV.

The Spark EV follows the footsteps of the Volt, which has already proven the capabilities of its electric motor and battery. A very proud Mark Reuss, President of General Motors North America, said, “The Volt and now the Spark EV show that Chevrolet not only knows EVs better than anyone else, we also know how to help customers get the most out of their EV experience.”

Chevy has surged on with the electric developments by offering an SAE Combo DC Fast Charging option for the Spark EV that allows it to fill up 80% of its battery in just 20 minutes. AC 240V and AC 120V charging platforms are also available. The AC 240V recharges the vehicle in under seven hours.

The Spark EV is considerably zippy and should be able to zap from 0 to 100 km/h within eight seconds. Its coaxial drive unit mated with its electric motor churns out 130hp and 542 Nm of torque. Its 20 kWh lithium ion battery promises to provide among the best EV performances in its segment. Of course, the vehicle’s exterior has been modified to help its aerodynamics boost the numbers in mileage.

This electric mini is priced below $25,000 (P1.02 million) with incentives, which is on the budget-friendly end when compared to other EV’s from other brands. Thankfully, it does not skimp on the tech. The MyLink radio comes standard in the Spark EV and brings smartphone-based infotainment to the vehicle. Users can use their apps, including Siri for select iPhone models, while driving. Four exterior colors are available: Electric Blue, Black Granite, Summit White, Silver Ice, and Titanium.

California, Oregon, Canada, and South Korea are among the initial markets of the Spark EV, but we do hope the Philippines makes it on their list of other global markets in the future.

Christmas comes early! Chevrolet bundles an iPad Mini for every Sonic you buy

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 00:59:20 +0000

Are you still wondering what to get yourself for Christmas? Why not an all-new Chevrolet Sonic? Now available in the Philippines in both hatchback and sedan versions, Chevrolet Philippines is bundling a brand new Apple iPad Mini (16 GB Wifi) with every purchase on or before December 31, 2012.

All 19 Chevrolet dealerships nationwide are in with this promo, so you can get your brand-new Sonic and iPad Mini no matter where you live. And in case you're wondering, there's no hidden ifs, ands or buts in this promo. You get your iPad Mini no matter which of the four available Sonic variants you choose to buy.

So you can start planning your holiday vacation, we'd like to let you know that it will take at least four days from your purchase for you to get your iPad Mini. You can either claim it at The Covenant Car Company Inc's (TCCCI) main office at 5th Floor ALCO Bldg., 391 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City, or have it delivered to your doorstep free of charge. They are, however, allowing you to claim your tablet up to 60 days from the end of the promo period.

Powered by a 1.4L Ecotec engine, the all-new Chevy Sonic LTZ sedan is listed at P778,888 for the five-sped manual and P828,888 for the six-speed auto. Meanwhile, the hatchback version is priced at P788,888 for the MT and P838,888 for the AT.

To know more of the promo, visit your nearest Chevrolet Dealer or log on to www.chevroletsonic.com.ph.

JD Power finds the Chevy Sonic as most APEAL-ing subcompact in US

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 22:48:14 +0000

Words by Christopher Kho

Hands down, the all-new 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is currently the most APEAL-ing subcompact in the US - that's according to J.D. Power's 2012 US Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) study.

The win speaks a lot about the Sonic's attributes. Apparently, new vehicle buyers in North America are beginning to find smaller cars just as appealing as larger ones they previously owned. The study shows that today's subcompact and compact cars are just as “APEAL-ing” as midsized cars four years ago. And the biggest factor associated with this trend is the better fuel economy offered by these new small cars. Runner-ups for the category were the Fiat 500 and Ford Fiesta.

Let's not forget about the 2012 Chevrolet Volt which also ranked highest in the compact car segment for the second year in a row. And for the eight consecutive year, Porsche is the undisputed highest-ranking nameplate in the US.

Other top ranks in their respective segments are the: MINI Coupe/Roadster (Compact Sporty Car), Mercedes-Benz SLK (Compact Premium Sporty Car), BMW 3 Series (Entry Premium Car), Dodge Challenger (Midsize Sporty Car), Audi A6 (Midsize Premium Car), Audi A8 (Large Premium Car), Kia Optima and VW Passat* (Midside Car), Dodge Charger (Large Car), Porsche 911 (Premium Sporty Car).

*Tie in its segment.

If you want a slice of the good stuff, the all-new Chevrolet Sonic is now available in the Philippines as a hatchback or sedan. And as a Christmas bonus, The Covenant Car Company Inc. (TCCCI) - otherwise known as Chevrolet Philippines, is bundling an iPad Mini with each purchase from November 23 to December 31, 2012. Know more about the details here: Christmas comes early! Chevrolet bundles an iPad Mini for every Sonic you buy

J.D. Power's APEAL Study examines how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive, based on owner evaluations of more than 80 vehicle attributes. The 2012 APEAL Study is based on responses gathered between February and May 2012 from more than 74,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2012 model-year cars and light trucks who were surveyed after the first 90 days of ownership.