Suzuki Alto Debuts in the Philippines

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LEADING compact car manufacturer Suzuki goes back to the basics as it brings to the Philippines one of the most popular compact cars that is recognized worldwide for its stability, fuel efficiency and affordability—the Suzuki Alto.

Initially introduced in Japan in 1979, the Suzuki Alto, which will be officially launched today at the Le Pavilion in Pasay City, has reached the 10-million mark for units sold worldwide. It has been tried and tested in the tight streets of European countries such as Italy, Germany, the Netherlands and England, and currently is the number-one-selling car in India, with an average of 20,000 units sold every month.

The Suzuki Alto measures an overall height of 1,455 mm, overall width of 1,495 mm, an overall length of 3,495 mm, wheel base of 2,360 mm, ground clearance of 160 mm and weighs 760 kg (curb weight). The Suzuki Alto is, likewise, packed with the most basic yet most important car features—an 800cc, three-cylinder, 12-valve engine with a maximum output of 47 hp at 6,200 rpm and a maximum torque of 62 Nm at 3,000 rpm. It also employs the standard Suzuki side-impact beams on all doors which gives the passengers more protection in case of collisions, a third brake light, front and rear three-point emergency locking retractable (ELR) seatbelts and rear-door childproof locks.

Fuel injected and computer controlled for maximum fuel efficiency, the Suzuki Alto runs at an impressive 17 km per liter consumption (combined city and highway driving) with a five-speed manual transmission.

The Suzuki Alto is the most affordable car to date. It has two variants—the Standard with an SRP of P359,000 and the De Luxe with an SRP of P398,000 and both models are bundled with a three-year or 100,000-km (whichever comes first) factory warranty. The Suzuki Alto comes in Superior White, Virgin Blue Metallic, Silky Silver Metallic, Bright Red (De Luxe) and Sparkling Olive Green Metallic (De Luxe).

Read the Tsikot members' discussion about the Suzuki Alto here at Tsikot Forums . 

Source: Suzuki Philippines Press Release 

 

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Manila International Auto Show Reels Off

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All roads lead to The Manila International Auto Show 2007 begininng today, March 29 to April 1, 2007 at the World Trade Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.  With more than 14,000 square-meters dedicated solely to the world of mobility, the Manila International Auto Show is the country’s biggest and only international-quality motor show.

This year’s theme, “Mobility for Everyone”, reiterates The Manila International Auto Show’s focus towards both the car aficionado and car buyer.  This is your only chance to see the newest models and significant concepts from the country’s premiere auto makers.  Likewise, The Manila International Auto Show is the only place to drive the latest cars and trucks both on- and off-road all in one convenient location.

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More than 75,600 visitors graced The Manila International Auto Show in 2006, and this year, an even bigger crowd is expected with more fun-filled activities, special promotions and exciting exhibits lined-up for the entire family.

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A beefed-up exhibition hall stretching to 5,000 square-meters is dedicated to the world of aftermarket parts and accessories acknowledging the increasing popularity of customized rides in the country.  Other exhibition halls have been added to accommodate motorcycle and truck displays as well.

The Manila International Auto Show will also publicly unveil the 2007 Car of the Year – Philippines.  The award, given by the Car Awards Group (CAGI) is the only scientific and unbiased award giving body composed of over 40 media personalities from 25 various outfits.

 Don’t be left behind and join the four-wheel revolution only at The Manila International Auto Show.

This event is being discussed here at Manila International Auto Show thread.

The Organizers

Worldbex Services International (WSI) is a duly-registered management organization founded in 1996 by Joseph L. Ang, a season trader involved in distributing imported building and construction supplies in the Philippines since 1980.

World Trade Center
WTCMM Complex, Financial Center Area
Roxas Boulevard along Senator Gil Puyat Avenue Extension
Pasay City, Philippines

Times:
Thursday, March 29 to Sunday, April 01
10am - 10 pm (no admittance after 10 pm)

Ticket Prices:
Adult: PHP 50.00

 (Source: Official Website )

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Mazda Introduces Its Award Winning Style, Spirit and Innovation in Cebu

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Hailed as the second most important metropolitan city in the country next to Manila, and dubbed as the "Queen City of the South" for the trade, commerce and industry it brings to the Visayas and Mindanao and some ASEAN countries, Cebu has been synonymous to the mouth-watering lechon, Magellan's Cross, the Sinulog Festival, and now—Mazda.

Zoom-Zoom is presented to Cebu via its style, spirit and innovation through the introduction of the multi-awarded car brand Mazda as it opens its first dealership in the booming city.

"We are delighted to open Mazda in Cebu, and to serve the good number of Cebu customers who have brought in their Mazdas to the city. And we are likewise looking forward to formally introducing our products to everyone else," said Gerry Alejandro, Mazda Philippines Managing Director.

 

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KIA Picanto Fuel Efficient in DOE Test

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KIA Motors’ Picanto, which earlier registered a fuel consumption of 26.2 kilometers per liter based on a field test conducted by the car company on a manual transmission with two passengers onboard at a constant speed of 60 kph, proved anew that it is a gas miser at the recently concluded Department of Energy (DOE)-sponsored fuel economy run for passenger cars and light duty vehicles.

The Picanto registered a respectable fuel efficiency rating of 20.8 kilometers on a liter of gas despite the adverse climatic and poor road conditions during the actual run. The DOE test occurred at the height of Typoon Caloy where trees felled by the tropical cyclone’s howling winds littered the streets. The test driver had to slow down and weave through various road obstructions every now and then, conditions not really conductive to such kinds of test.

“The  Picanto could have done better,” says Apollo ‘Bong’ Rosal, Columbian Autocar Corporation’s national service manager. “Conditions were very bad at that time that the Picanto test driver had to literally zigzag his way to skirt fallen trees and other road obstructions. In more hospitable conditions, I have no doubt the Picanto would have rated higher and be even more fuel efficient” he adds.

The DOE fuel efficiency test, participated in by 23 entries fielded by eight car manufacturers, was conducted to promote consumer awareness on the vehicles’ rated energy efficiency. Participating cars were fueled under tight scrutiny and where randomly selected volunteer drivers had to run through the prescribed 162.8 km. test route from DOE in Fort Bonifacio to Lipa City Hall and vice-versa.

The Picanto is KIA’s runaway bestseller in Europe. It has been voted Germany’s “most economical car” in the A segment by ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil Club) in 2005. It has likewise received accolade and praises for its ‘kit and quality’ from UK’s Autocar, the Netherlands AutoWeek, Portugal’s Autohoje and Spain’s Car and Driver.

The Picanto has a 1.1-liter, EFI 12-valve, 4 cylinder engine displacement. Its Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) functionality and styling has been based on a design theme that is fun and exciting, young and modern, stable and trustworthy. It has benefited from the meticulous attention of KIA Motors on safety, something that is often overlooked. A comprehensive system comprises a set of safety items such as ultra high tensile steel beams that provide an extra margin of safety against side impacts, reinforced front and rear bumbers, child safety locks on the rear doors and three-point seat belts. All this points to KIA’s state of technology engineering.

Available in eight youthful and vibrant colors clear white, lemon yellow, orange, scarlet red, liquid silver, blue diamond, samba green and cobalt blue the Picanto can be best appreciated at all KIA showrooms nationwide.

(Source: Kia Philippines Website ) 

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Mitsubishi Phils Introduces New Lancer Models

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Mitsubishi Motors Philippines is pleased to announce the launching of the new and exciting 2-liter Lancer GT model. The new Lancer 2-liter GT replaces the Lancer 1.8 MX Limited model which was awarded by the Car Awards Group Inc. as 2005’s Best Compact Sedan.

The new Lancer 2-liter GT is powered by a DOHC 4G63 engine, the same base engine of Mitsubishi’s renowned Lancer Evolution supercar. This naturally aspirated engine produces 135 PS at 5,750 rpm and 18.0 kg-m of torque at 4,500 rpm. This Euro 2 compliant engine matches perfectly with the 4-speed INVECS-II sportronic transmission. One unique feature of this transmission, aside from having a Sportronic shifting function, is its ability to adapt to different driving styles whether relaxed or aggressive. Other items equipped to enhance the performance to the Lancer 2.0 GT is the front strut bar that further improves body rigidity and the use of high performance 195/55 R16 tires mounted on sporty 5-spoke 16-inch aluminum wheels.

To differentiate it from the previous Lancers, the front and rear bumpers have been extended and the headlamps sports the smoked-type housing. A fully functional full body kit, namely front, side, rear airdams and rear spoiler, not only adds aesthetic value but stability during high-speed driving.

The interior of the Lancer 2.0 GT was not at all left unchanged. Sport-type bucket seats are standard equipment to provide excellent support under spirited driving. Driving the Lancer 2.0 GT is even made better thanks to the original 3-spoke leather wrapped MOMO steering wheel with SRS Airbag, which incidentally is the same type current Lancer Evolution 9 model. The 3-link white meter instrument cluster with chrome ring accents was also installed to match the sporty character of the car. Other sporty accents included are the leather wrapped shift knob and the carbon fiber dash panel.

One of the safety features of this car is the Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution or RISE. This design allows the front and rear to crumple upon impact but in contrast, the cabin holds their shape and redirect the impact energy away from the occupants. The 2.0 GT also has large 4-wheel disc brakes aided by ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Dual SRS airbags as additional active safety equipments.

Given these exciting new features, the new 2-liter Lancer GT is considered as the ‘everyday Evolution’.

The intro of the new 2-liter GT model is also complemented with the 2007 versions of the Lancer 1.6 models which also feature further enhancements in its exterior and interior styling.

The 2007 Lancer 1.6 variants now sport an all-black interior from the previous dark grey and beige combination trim. This new interior color gives the 1.6 Lancers a sportier feel. Each of the three 1.6 Lancer variants also gets an upgraded Mitsubishi Motors Audio Design System which is designed to be compatible with the Apple ipod MP3 player. On the outside, all Lancer 1.6 gets an extended front bumper increasing its overall length to 4535mm. The wheels also have been redesigned to an 8-spoke 15-inch aluminum alloy fitted with 195/60 R15 tires.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines AVP for Marketing Services, Froy Dytianquin said that “We are thrilled with the new Lancer GT because we have exerted great efforts to make it exciting than the previous Lancer 1.8 MX Limited. I am sure that the new Lancer GT will meet the expectation of those who are looking for a sporty compact sedan.” “We are also equally pleased with the upgraded Lancer 1.6 models as its value for money proposition has been further enhanced”, Dytianquin added.

The new Lancer GT and 2007 Lancer 1.6 models are available at all Mitsubishi dealers nationwide. The suggested retail prices for the 2007 Lancers are as follows:
Lancer 2.0 GT Php 958,000.00
Lancer 1.6 MX CVT 858,000.00
Lancer 1.6 GLS CVT 768,000.00
Lancer 1.6 GL MT 683,000.00

The 2007 Lancers still comes with a 3-year warranty or 100,000 kilometers whichever comes first.

Note: MMPC reserves the right to change specifications and prices without prior notice. Please get in touch with us for clarifications.

 (Source Mitsubishi Philippines Website Press Release )

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Toyota Launches Entry-Level Compact MPV Avanza

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Avanza is a name created from an Italian word, “Avanzato,” which means “advance.”  The car was named with the aim of staying at the forefront of the times together with its owners. 

 

This vehicle was developed specifically for the Asean region, taking into consideration the economic levels of these markets.  This meant it had to be priced more affordably, as an entry-level vehicle.  Thus, Toyota’s main goal in developing the Avanza is to make a product that is versatile and affordable, without compromising quality.  With this in mind, the Avanza was developed, an entirely new model line. 

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Toyota Phils Increases Transmission Production

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Tokyo—TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced today that Toyota Autoparts Philippines Inc. (TAP) plans to increase both annual production and exports of manual transmissions. As such, in 2009, it plans to produce approximately 340,000 units, compared to approximately 180,000 units in 2006, and to export approximately 330,000 units, compared to approximately 170,000 units in 2006.

TAP—the global production and supply hub for manual transmissions within the IMV Project*, with exports last year to eight countries/regions, including Thailand and Indonesia—intends to construct a new building within its current grounds to accommodate the planned production and export increases, which call for an additional investment of approximately 5.6 billion pesos and about 300 new jobs.

Philippine government officials, including Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Japanese Ambassador to Philippines Ryuichiro Yamazaki and TMC Senior Managing Director Akira Okabe, took part in a groundbreaking ceremony at TAP today for the new building.

Outline of TAP

Company name	Toyota Autoparts Philippines Inc. (TAP)
Location	Santa Rosa, Laguna, the Philippines (approx. 40km from Manila)
Representative	Yasuro Takeuchi
Number of employees	Approx. 730 (as of the end of January 2007)
Establishment	August 1990
Capitalization	1 billion pesos
Equity participation	TMC: 95%, Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP): 5%
Start of production	September 1992
Production capacity	Manual transmissions: As of March 2007: 150,000 units/year (2 shifts without overtime) From 2008: 330,000 units/year (2 shifts without overtime) Constant velocity universal joints: As of March 2007: 160,000 units/year (2 shifts without overtime)

*The Toyota IMV (Innovative International Multipurpose Vehicle) Project is aimed at creating an optimal production and supply network on a global scale. Currently, it includes the production of three pickup truck models as well as minivans and SUVs in nine countries, including Thailand. TAP plays a central role in the Project as the global manual transmission production and supply hub.

(reprinted from Toyota Philippines Website )

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Tsikot.Ph Beta - Cars Reviews and Ratings Site Launched

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Tsikot.com recently launched another site for the Filipino Car Lover, Enthusiast, Finder and Future Owner. This is an entirely new script that will enable members to review and rate cars, dealers and auto shops.

This site is still under beta. As of now, features include reviewing and rating - members can upload reviews of their favorite cars or participate in rating (rave or rant) other cars.

Soon, there will be a comparison feature - where specs and features of 2 or 3 cars will be placed side-by-side to aid the (confused) car buyer on deciding which vehicle is best for his/her needs.

the site is located here –> www.tsikot.ph

i have uploaded some test car reviews and specs gathered from the vehicles' manufacturers' websites. i also test-rated them to the best of my abilities. of course, i don't claim to be an expert in rating cars, but just rated to test the feature.

All reviews submitted will be moderated prior to publication.

We are also inviting active tsikoteers if they can volunteer to be the site's reviewers or editors. Cars, Dealers and Shops reviewed by editors will be indicated as such, with separate Editors' Ratings.

Please post comments, suggestions and inputs here or the forums over there. Feel free to register over at tsikot.ph and help us beta-test our review and rating site.

Thank you for your continued support.

Doc Noel and Jedi - Tsikot Administrators

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