Philippine Star Motoring Picks 2008

By Manny N. De Los Reyes, James Deakin, Lester Dizon, Andy Leuterio and Dong Magsajo, Philippine Star Motoring Staff

It’s that time of year again. On the last Wednesday of every year, we the Business Motoring Section staff, come up with our respective lists of the best releases of the year. We keep it down to 10 choices each, just to make the list manageable, then compile them all in one huge article. The process is simple. Each picks his 10 favorites – without restrictions (i.e. – pricing, specifications, etc.). We then justify our choices in a few sentences. The model (or models) with the most number of votes is declared the Star Pick of the Year. But while the process may be simple, the sheer volume of vehicles that made it to Philippine shores this year is quite staggering (well, considering the kind of variety we’re used to). As such, it literally became a headache picking out the models each deemed worthy.

Still, there are some cars that make such convincing cases that they got all five very diverse contributors to the list to give their nod. Ladies and gentlemen, here are our favorites for 2008. We had a blast discovering, driving, scrutinizing and eventually picking them. Read on and find out if our favorites agree with yours… Read more

The Mazda BT-50 2.5L 4X2 First Drive

Text and Photos by Sandre Lee Roque

Mazda Philippines has enjoyed long years of pride within their line-up of highly anticipated vehicles such as the Mazda 3, Mazda 6 and the head turning CX-9. Now the company has another ‘zoom-zoom’ product that pushes their market coverage towards hard-working businessman and farmers alike, that is their new Mazda BT-50.

The BT-50 is a straight heir to the ever reliable B-Series pick-up which we can still see a lot in the streets today. During its time, Mazda marketed it as a lifestyle pick-up that not only boasts its functionality, but a legendary heritage of toughness in which some of us may know. Not surprising (I must say) that the new one just got even better in terms of power and refinement yet still feels robust in every detail. Read more

CHANA BENNI 1.3L A/T Test Drive

By Drey Roque

Chinese products are not only common they are actually everywhere. From cellular phone, tires, to DVD players and even cars… After all, China has produced a lot of affordable products, although sometimes with iffy quality.

So it wasn’t much of a surprise when China-based Chana Motors decided to follow Chery’s lead and enter the local automotive market. And they did so by launching at the Manila International Auto Show. After the event, the Chana brand was talked and argued by many people, intrigued by the low prices but concerned about the un-established quality of China-made cars.

Despite (but then again, maybe inspired by) all the endless debates with fellow tsikoteers, I heard myself asking, “I want to test drive a Benni sir!” This is in order to finish some questions that kept ringing in my head. For starters, the Benni is a small car made by Chana to compete against Chery’s QQ and the well-established sub-compact cars such as the Hyundai Getz, Kia Picanto, Suzuki Alto and the rumored upcoming Hyundai i10. The Benni is powered by a 1.3L engine that produces a reasonable 84 horsepower at 6500 rpm with a torque of 110 at 3500 rpm. The engine meets Euro III compliant standards which is good for those tree huggers who want an earth-friendly vehicle that is affordable and able to seat five people all-in-one go.

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Honda Jazz Test Drive

By: Drey Roque

If you have a mom who happens to love compact hatchbacks and you are a family of five and each of you having a BMI of more than 30, then you can’t miss the Honda Jazz on your list for a new car. Many subcompacts nowaday are too compact, but the Jazz is different in a way that is longer, fuel efficient and a space eating cute monster. No wonder during its release, it instantly became a hit! While the rumors of the second generation Fit/Jazz will arrive this year, my itch of waiting should be solved by finally writing a piece of my review.

The Jazz is not a kei car but a hatchy small car manufactured by Honda. Since its debut in 2001 (mid 2003 here in the Philippines), it sold over two million units around the world. Japan itself was proud to say that it’s their best selling hotcake in 2002. Of course, to meet the demand, the Jazz is produced in five factories; Japan, Brazil, China, Thailand, and Indonesia. The Jazz sold in the Philippines came from Thailand since models coming from Japan are for the European, Canadian, American and some Asian markets like Singapore and Hong Kong. You’ll find a China-made Jazz in mainland China and Brazil for the Latin America market. The Jazz is also called Fit in some countries and it is based on Honda’s Global Small Car Platform which is also used in the City/Fit Aria, Airwave, and the weird looking boxy Mobilio.

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