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Tuesday, December 31, 2019

The Mitsubishi Outlander and ASX Will Finally Be Replaced in 2020


As far as automobiles go, Mitsubishi’s pair of crossovers—the Outlander and ASX has been one of the longest serving ones. In its current form, the compact Outlander’s been around since 2013, while for the ASX, it’s even longer—first seeing action in 2009. Thankfully, the wait for their replacement will soon be over as the Japanese carmaker’s confirmed that both will be replaced by 2020.

In an interview with Automotive News Europe, Mitsubishi Europe CEO Bernard Loire says that the all-new, fourth-generation Outlander will be unveiled globally by the second half of 2020 (as a 2021 model). The all-new Outlander will be built on “an alliance platform”—the likely candidate being the Nissan X-Trail’s.

Moreover, another “smaller SUV” will be coming at the same time. Technically, Loire didn’t specifically mention what the upcoming smaller SUV is, but a replacement to the ASX is most likely given the current model is extremely long in the tooth.

Loire, who joined Mitsubishi from Nissan, says both will be plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

During the same interview, Loire says plans are in place to phase out diesel powertrains in Europe, excluding on the L200/Strada due to low overall demand. The diesel-powered ASX has already been killed off, and he says the newly-launched Eclipse Cross diesel will be nixed by the end of 2020.

Source: Automotive News Europe

Volvo's T8 Twin Engine Line Results in Cleaner Air Inside and Out


Volvo prides itself as being designed around people, and with that, they have made it their mission to be environmentally responsible—a tough act for any carmaker.

With 22 percent of total global carbon dioxide emissions generated by the transport sector, Volvo is doing their part, utilizing renewable energy sources in 80 percent of their global production plants. Currently, they’ve reduced their total operational emissions by 25 percent per car in 2018, with a goal of cutting it by 40 percent per car in 2025, and be climate neutral by 2040.

Together with its plan to generate 50 percent of global sales from fully electric cars by 2025, Volvo is doing their part to reduce PM 2.5—the most harmful form of air pollution which can linger in the air and is able to penetrate into the lungs and bloodstream.

Volvo Cars Philippines took the first step recently by introducing the market’s first-ever premium Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles in models underpinned by the Volvo Scalable Product Architecture: the XC60 (P 5,795,000), XC90 (P 7,995,000), and S90 (P 5,995,000).

With the T8 Twin Engine, these Volvo models can run on pure electric mode for up to 40 kilometers. And with the Volvo Wallbox—charging is as easy as charging a mobile phone. Furthermore, unlike pure EVs, a high-performance gasoline engine is present to get rid of any range anxiety.

Aside from cleaning the air outside, Volvo models come with technologies that make for a serene, healthy cabin experience. The CleanZone air purification system is considered as one of the industry’s most efficient at filtering out harmful particulates in the incoming air. The new carbon filter also neutralizes unwanted odors as well.

The S90, XC60, and XC90 T8 Twin Engine all invite people to enjoy the clean power of Volvo’s electrified cars—recharged for a better drive and the vision of a climate-neutral future. Not only do these vehicles contribute to alleviating the cause of air pollution, but they also help its occupants breathe a sigh of confidence because of its clean cabin innovations.

Hino Opens in Tacloban, Leyte


Hino Motors Philippines expands its retail network with the inauguration of its dealership in Tacloban City, Leyte. With this, Leyte will have access to Hino’s line of commercial vehicles such as the 300, 500, and 700 series trucks, buses, and even modern PUV units. It will also offer spare parts and after-sales service for trucks and buses.

“HMP has always been committed to making transportation and delivery services accessible to everyone, and we are glad to be able to continue doing so with this new dealership here in Tacloban City. We will continue to do our best to reach more provinces and through our dealerships improve the transport of local products and goods, and in so doing deliver Total Support to every Filipino across the archipelago,” said Hino Motors Philippines Chairman Vicente T. Mills, Jr.

The new Tacloban City dealership is Hino’s fifth opening for this year. The company continues to strengthen its presence not only in Metro Manila but also in key provinces across the country, bringing transportation and delivery services accessible to more communities and areas.
HMP moves forward to 2020 with more dealership openings and PUV turnovers

The Reina is Now the Best Selling Vehicle for Hyundai Philippines


Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. sold 2,981 units last November, or a 4.4 percent growth versus October’s 2,856 units. This is the exclusive Philippine Hyundai distributor’s third highest monthly sales in 2019.

Despite its strong monthly performance, year-to-date sales are still down 6.9 percent compared to the same period in 2018. Regardless, the company managed to breach the 30,000-sales mark hitting 30,559 units. Moreover, HARI is confident that December sales will surpass the 3,000-sales mark.

“December is historically a good month for HARI due to increased consumer spending. Coupled with lower interest rates and inflation, we expect our sales to be further bolstered. Beyond these factors, our main drivers remain the quality, reliability, and ease of maintenance of Hyundai passenger cars and commercial vehicles,” HARI President and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo said.

In November, sales in the Passenger Cars (PC) segment grew by 6.8 percent (versus October) with 1,556 units sold spearheaded the Hyundai Reina and Accent. Since its introduction in late January, the Reina has consistently grown in sales and for November, has become the top-seller for HARI. The Reina is now the second best-selling A-segment passenger vehicle in the country, while the Accent sustained its third best-selling position in the B-segment. A total of 16,116 Hyundai passenger cars were sold in the first 11 months of 2019.

Month-on-month, Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) slightly increased to 1,365 units with the Hyundai Kona subcompact crossover and Hyundai H-100 leading the charge. According to Hyundai, these two models are the best-sellers in their respective segments. Year-to-date November 2019, LCV sales dipped by 2.55 percent with 13,696 units sold. Nonetheless, the Tucson, Grand Starex, and Santa Fe all showed month-on-month growth.

HARI’s Commercial Vehicles (CV) business continued its surge with a 50 percent growth in November versus the previous month. Year-to-date, sales of Hyundai’s Trucks and Buses (HTB) grew significantly by 79.7 percent with 787 units sold. This segment is expected to grow even more with increased demand from the public transport sector.

The company says it will inaugurate more dealerships for both its Passenger Car and Commercial Vehicle business in 2020.

“Based on current market demand and the untapped potential in key growth areas, there is a need to further expand Hyundai’s presence to serve more customers while driving economic activity in local communities. We have several facilities in various stages of completion that will be opened throughout 2020. This supports our outlook that the automotive industry is set come back strong next year,” Ms. Agudo added.

2019 Mazda CX-5 AWD Diesel: Long-Term Test Update # 2


With three months to go until its next scheduled preventive maintenance, it’s time to give a brief update on our long-term Sonic Silver Mazda CX-5 AWD Sport Diesel. Nine months into ownership, everything’s fine with our first-ever diesel.

The best part is that between the last update and this one, we finally got our number plate. The wait took about five months—not exactly aligned with the timeline promised by the Department of Transportation, but at least we can now peel off the conduction sticker and put away the temporary sintra board plate for good.



For the first four months, we logged in around 3,000 kilometers—a rather low number; sadly, add another five months and the total mileage has just risen by 1,600 kilometers. Yes, we’re not driving her around enough, but that’s simply because of the sheer number of test drive units that come and go in our garage (we’ve had a record 50 in 2019, and we refuse to take more than one at a time).

In the times that we got to drive it around though, the 2.2-liter Skyactiv-D showed consistent fuel economy whatever the traffic condition. Based on the trip computer, we’ve been averaging 10.78 km/L—its worst mileage remained at 8.3 km/L, while its best one was at 13.10 km/L. Oh and given we have more than ten data points, we can now determine the disparity in fuel economy figures generated by the trip computer and the traditional top-up method. Surprisingly, it’s pretty low—just at 1.51 percent, with the trip computer consistently showing more optimistic numbers.



Overall, the CX-5’s fit and finish has withstood months of ownership, but we did notice two things. The first is that a stitch on the driver’s seat started to fray. Now, we could have left it alone, but because we’re terribly obsessive-compulsive, we used a safety razor to trim down the fray (so far, the stitch itself isn’t damaged in anyway). The second is that some of the paint in the “Skyactiv-D” badge has started to flake off. Not a big deal, and it’s something easily fixable with some black touch-up paint.

Oh, and as previously mentioned, our CX-5 has received some accessories during this update, and to wit, they are:
  • Mazda OE Blue Hydrophilic Mirror (Part # KB8C-V3-660)
  • Mazda OE Stainless Steel Rear Bumper Guard (Part # 0000-8T-R10)
  • Mazda OE Roof Rack Side Rails (Part # 0000-8L-R09)
  • WeatherTech FloorLiner (1st and 2nd row) (Part # 4411871-444192)
  • WeatherTech CargoLiner (Part # 40991)
  • PIAA SI-Tech Wipers
  • Blaupunkt 7.1 2-Channel DVR
  • 3M Crystalline Tint (CR90 at front, CR70 at sides and rear)


All these, with the exception of the Blaupunkt dashcam and the 3M tint, were all installed DIY. We don’t know if they’re available at local Mazda dealerships too since we went the import route (sorry, Bermaz Auto Philippines). The genuine Mazda parts and WeatherTech mats, as expected, are well-made. Though, it’s worth noting that the WeatherTech mats don’t cover completely cover the second-row floor area due to a different floor design in our Malaysian-sourced units (all other brands such as Hippo Mat or Max Liner fit the same way). Oh, and in case you’re wondering, the side rails aren’t there because we’re the outdoorsy-type, but because we needed an easier way to clean the CX-5’s roof. Also, and in hindsight, the blue hydrophilic mirrors aren’t worth it—the hydrophilic properties aren’t “strong” enough to repel heavy rain.

As for the 3M tint, they work as advertised. Not only did we find them more effective in cutting down heat compared to the V-Kool clear series installed in our previous long-term Mazda3, but they actually provide better privacy; plus, they don’t interfere with EasyTrip tags.



Do you want to share your ownership experience with the CX-5? Feel free to comment below or send us a message on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

2019 Mazda CX-5 Skyactiv-D AWD Sport Long-Term Test Update #2
  • Months Since Last Report: 5
  • Kilometers Travelled: 4,759
  • Kilometers Since Last Report: 1,620
  • Average Lifetime Fuel Consumption (km/L): 10.78
  • Best Fuel Consumption (km/L): 13.1 km/L
  • Worst Fuel Consumption (km/L): 8.3 km/L
Maintenance / Issues / Cost:
  • Fraying stitch on driver’s seat (Fixed)
  • Peeling paint on Skyactiv-D badge
Out of Pocket Maintenance Expense:
  • None
Past Updates

Autohub Group Launches App-Based Service Appointment Service


The Autohub Group is launching a high-tech, innovative, and convenient way to engage with their customers: the Autohub Mobile App.

Designed to enhance the overall customer experience, the Autohub Mobile App allows customers to book after-sales service appointment with just a few taps on their mobile devices, and monitor the real-time service status of their vehicle. Customers can use the app anytime and anywhere, and their requests can be accommodated at any Autohub dealership nationwide.

The Autohub Mobile App is available for both Android and iOS and comes with the following features:
  • Online service booking
  • Vehicle service history
  • Access to Autohub’s customer care, Chathub
  • News on the latest discounts, promotions, and events
The app is available free of charge, and registration can be done using a valid email address or Facebook account.
  • Click here to download the iOS version.
  • Click here to download the Android version.

Disgraced Former Nissan CEO Flees Japan for Lebanon


How is this for a plot twist? After more than a year in Japanese custody due for four counts of financial misconduct, disgraced former Nissan CEO has surfaced in Lebanon.

According to reports made by Automotive News, Ghosn issued a statement yesterday after arriving in Lebanon. He said he wasn’t fleeing justice in Japan, but rather escaping injustice and political persecution. Quoting the statement:
“I am now in Lebanon and will no longer be held hostage by a rigged Japanese justice system where guilt is presumed, discrimination is rampant, and basic human rights are denied, in flagrant disregard of Japan's legal obligations under international law and treaties it is bound to uphold…I have not fled justice—I have escaped injustice and political persecution.”
Ghosn plans to communicate with the media starting next week.

It wasn’t clear when and how Ghosn left Japan for Lebanon, where he is a citizen.

Japanese broadcaster NHK says both Ghosn’s Japanese legal team and prosecutors were both caught by surprise by these latest developments. The broadcaster also quoted a Lebanese security official saying that Ghosn landed in Lebanon by private jet, and entered the country under a different name.

For its part, the Tokyo District Court had not changed the bail conditions banning Ghosn from international travel. Yet, there is no record of his departure in the database of Japan’s Immigration Services Agency.

There is no extradition agreement between Japan and Lebanon.

Source: Automotive News

Friday, December 27, 2019

Geely Philippines Says All 3 Variants of Coolray SUVs Are Now Readily Available


Since Geely’s brand launch, most of the attention went straight for the top-of-the-line P 1.198-million Coolray 1.5 Sport; it’s totally legit too with its high value for money quotient, and myriad of standard comfort and luxury features. But now, Sojitz G Auto Philippines (SGAP) wants to focus your attention on two other Coolray variants—the P 978k Comfort and the P 1.088-million Premium.

With stocks arriving just before the end of 2019, SGAP will be greeting 2020 with three variants of its Coolray compact SUV.


Like all other Coolray variants, the Comfort comes packing the same 177-horsepower, 255 Nm of torque 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine mated to a 7-speed wet-type dual clutch transmission. It also comes with a push-start button and remote start feature. But to keep its price to P 978,000, it makes do with 17-inch alloy rims, fabric seats, projector-type halogen headlights, and halogen front fog lights.

Moving up to the P 1,088,000 Premium model and you get a treat. It doesn’t look that much different from the Sport variant—getting 18-inch wheels, quad tail pipes, and even the panoramic sunroof as standard in the process. In fact, the only changes are the PVC seats (the Sport has leather) and halogen headlights/fog lights (the Sport has full LEDs).


With all three variants now readily available, SGAP says there’s a Coolray that fits a customer’s lifestyle and budget.

Nissan Boss Tapped to Lead Carmaker's Recovery Resigns Weeks Into His New Job


The musical chairs at Nissan isn’t over as the man tasked to lead the Japanese carmaker’s recovery has quit just weeks into his new job.

Jun Seki, Nissan’s vice chief operating officer and a former contender for chief executive quit after three decades at the carmaker to become president of Nidec Corp., a Kyoto-based manufacturer of automotive components.

In an interview with Reuters (via The Japan Times), Seki says the decision wasn’t about his compensation.

The reason, according to Reuters sources, is more because the management team has so far failed to work together. To quote the report:
The sources said that Seki, Chief Operating Officer Ashwani Gupta and Chief Executive Makoto Uchida have so far failed to gel as a team after being named to their posts in October.
To fill in Seki’s post, Nissan has selected executive officer Hideyuki Sakamoto as a candidate for the board of directors. Sakamoto is currently in charge of the company’s manufacturing and supply chain management.

The carmaker didn’t elaborate if Sakamoto would take on Seki’s responsibilities.

Nissan needs stability at its top management as they embark on a wide-ranging restructuring plan announced earlier in April after years of costly expansion pursued by disgraced chief executive officer, Carlos Ghosn.

Hiroto Saikawa, the architect behind the arrest of Ghosn resigned as CEO in September after he himself admitted to being improperly overpaid. He has since been replaced by Makoto Uchida. Nissan plans to ax nearly 10 percent of its global workforce and cut vehicle production by 10 percent through 2023. The move may include the shuttering of Nissan’s assembly plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

Sources: The Japan Times, Reuters

Thursday, December 26, 2019

Subaru's EyeSight Cameras Will Soon Help You See at Intersections


Hitachi Automotive Systems, the company partly responsible for Subaru’s EyeSight system says they’ve now enhanced the range of the stereoscopic camera to enable Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) at intersections without the need for millimeter-wave radar.

The Japanese tech giant has done this by applying upgraded sensor technologies. This includes the use of a horizontal, wide-angle camera, high-definition CMOS sensors, and a processor that detects objects (including pedestrians). Moreover, they’ve also figured out a way to shift images detected by the left and right cameras.

Thanks to this development, the stereoscopic cameras will have an angle of view three times wider than the current standard enabling it to offer Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) when turning at intersections, while still maintaining other functions such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

According to Hitachi, it provides highly accurate detection and range estimation of pedestrians and cyclists improving safety at intersections with just a minimal number of components.

It’s currently not known when Hitachi or its main client, Subaru plans to roll out this enhanced stereoscopic camera system, but for sure, once it’s been approved for road use, the Japanese automaker will waste no time in implementing it in their cars given that one of their brand pillars now is safety.

Yes, There's a 2021 Subaru Levorg STI Sport Coming


The all-new, second-generation Subaru Levorg hasn’t even arrived in showrooms yet, and STI’s already gotten their grimy hands on one. This is our first shot at the upcoming Levorg STI Sport.

Set to be fully uncovered at the 2020 Tokyo Auto Salon this January, the Levorg STI Sport will, as the carmaker themselves say, “take full advantage of Subaru’s latest technologies.” Furthermore, it will be a “symbol of Subaru’s driving performance, with Subaru and STI working together to further enhance the driving performance of the all-new Levorg.”

The best part to this though is Subaru’s burn to all other carmakers going self-driving. To quote:
Subaru envisions creating “a future that everyone can enjoy driving at their fullest, at their will” in an era where autonomous driving technology is widely spreading.
Man, that’s one sick burn right there.

Despite carrying the STI badge though, it’s doubtful though that Subaru will give the Levorg the full STI treatment as it does the WRX. In fact, the STI Sport badge has been used before, and it signifies it as a sporty model that’s one rung below a true STI.

Hopefully by the time the Tokyo Auto Salon arrives, Subaru will release more information about the Levorg’s powertrain—details they’ve decided to keep to themselves at the Tokyo Motor Show last October.

BREAKING NEWS: Overnight Parking Suspended at All NAIA Terminals


The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) is suspending long-term (overnight) parking at all terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) starting today Thursday, December 26, 2019 up until Sunday, January 5, 2020.

This temporary interruption of service is due to the overcrowding at the parking facilities at the said terminals. This will allow the MIAA to address the requirement of the bigger majority of motorists who use the NAIA parking areas to wait for arriving passengers.

The MIAA urges motorists to use public transportation or ride-hailing services (TNCs) when going to and from the airport.

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Top 5 Picks for 2019


Marked by the introduction of several new brands, 2019 marks a period of change for the more established carmakers. With competition heating up, most stepped up to the challenge—offering new and/or improved offerings which have appealed not just to the regular consumer, but to enthusiasts as well.

Truth be told, compared to previous years, there’s no bad car anymore—there are plenty of mediocre ones for sure, but not a single one that spews vitriol or hate. With that, it’s become increasingly difficult to find five cars that stand out during the course of the past 365 days. This is especially true since this Top 5 Picks is done differently from everyone else. Instead of categorizing and sub-categorizing cars, here they’re simply lumped together to get the 5 outstanding cars of the year (check out the previous list of winners here: 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011).

There are only three criteria for judging: first, it was extensively driven. No around the block test drives, no “first drives”, no ride and drive junkets. Second, it should be fairly mainstream. For that, the list is capped with a maximum MSRP of P 4 million. And finally, it should have been a standout. And when we mean “standout”, it’s a car we think is worthy to actually spend our own money on.

This year, there were 50 eligible cars, and from that comes our Top 5 Picks of 2019.


#5. Kia Stinger GT

For years under their former distributor, Kia was content on being mediocre, on offering dull and unimaginative commuter cars. But as the brand found itself under a new distributor, they’ve finally shown Filipinos what “The Power to Surprise” really means with the Stinger GT. Beautifully designed, well-crafted, and most importantly, fun to drive, it’s a fresh, devil-may-care attitude amidst an automotive world driven by bean counters and spread sheets. It’s an attractive, performance-oriented grand tourer that can truly compete with the world’s best. The only disappointing thing is its P 3-million-plus price tag, but at the end of the day, it opens up a conversation of what Kia, and in turn, its new distributor can do. For that, it’s done its job.

Full review here.


#4. Subaru Levorg 2.0 GT-S

A perfect example of how the demise of a long-time favorite (in this case, the Forester XT) can give rise to something that once was overlooked, it’s time for the Subaru Levorg to enjoy the spotlight. Finally coming out of the shadow of its more popular sibling, the WRX, it’s every bit as fast without compromising on practicality. It doesn’t have the same rally-bred heritage, and that’s all for the better. Unburdened by tradition, it’s easier to drive (be it bumper-to-bumper traffic or through mountain passes), but more importantly, easier to live with. It’s mighty safe too thanks to the equipment of the EyeSight driver assist system. On weekdays, it can take in the baby stroller, a week’s worth of grocery, and perhaps even a golf set all at the same time, while on the weekends, it can be a formidable track weapon, too.

Full review here.


#3. Mazda6 Skyactiv-D Signature

In the nine years of choosing our annual Top 5 Picks, the Mazda6 has found itself in three of them. It’s a surprise given the evanescence of the automotive industry, but it also shows how Mazda has come up with a sedan that’s managed to remain a gold standard, not just in its segment but overall as well. For 2019, it gets its biggest makeover and with that, brings an even higher sense of premium. This is the only car at this price point to offer exotic materials such as Nappa leather, Japanese Sen Wood, and even Ultrasuede in its interior—shaming cars from so-called “premium brands.” Moreover, it’s the only one to offer a truly remarkable powertrain: a turbo diesel engine that shames all others. Not only does it offer 190 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque, but it can achieve double-digit fuel economy too—truly, it’s the executive sedan that does it all.

Full review here.


#2. Honda Brio RS

With the breadth of cars tested throughout the year, small (read: sub-P 800k) cars rarely get enough attention; yet, the Honda Brio does so because it’s well-engineered, well-made, and perhaps the most surprising part, actually pretty fun to drive. The previous-generation model may have laid down the foundation, but it’s this one that truly reaps all the engineering rewards. It’s proof that if carmakers listen to their customers, they can come up with a winner. Honda is known for putting engineering excellent above all else, and the Brio feels like a return to those roots. Truly, it’s a car that’s more than just the sum of its parts—it’s a standout because it proves that cheap can also be cheerful, and that horsepower isn’t (and shouldn’t) be the sold measure of driving enjoyment. Soichiro Honda must be proud.

Full review here.


#1. Mazda3 2.0 Sportback

When Mazda declared that the all-new Mazda3 was the start of a new era for them, they weren’t kidding. While other automakers now see cars as a necessity—a means of mobility and nothing more, this Japanese automaker refuses to take that approach. Instead, it turns that thinking on its head, and has come out with something that’s emotional and individual. Design fads fade and technology can become outdated, thus Mazda designed and engineered this car to form a bond with its driver. It does so with its head-turning design, an interior that looks and feels above class, and a drivetrain that unlocks the human potential. Truly, it takes no shortcuts. The Mazda3 tugs at the heart, and perhaps even into the very soul of those who drive it.

Full review here.

The Rivian R1T Pickup Truck Can Do Donuts on Command


Tesla may have garnered the most attention with its Cybertruck pickup truck, but that doesn’t mean they’re the only all-electric pickup truck that’ll be hitting the market. Another is upstart Rivian, and as a Christmas gift to truck lovers, they’ve released a clip of their upcoming R1T pickup truck doing one cool trick.

The trick is called a “Tank Turn” and it means having a vehicle change direction on its own footprint; turning the left and right wheels against one another. The Rivian is able to do this because it features four hub-mounted motors, and because they can be made to spin in opposite directions, the result is a pickup truck that can do this neat 360-degree spin.

The Tank Turn feature won’t be available on just the pickup truck, too. Because 91 percent of its components are shared with the R1S SUV, Rivian has confirmed that Tank Turn will also be an available feature there too.

While this could make the R1T or R1S a cinch to parallel park, its real-world application is fairly limited. Rivian says the feature will only work on loose surfaces like gravel or mud.

Monday, December 23, 2019

Honda's HR-V Modulo X Bridges the Gap Between Performance and Looks


Honda Access, the genuine accessory line of Honda has been making look-fast parts for various Honda vehicles for quite some time now under the Modulo brand. But now, they’re ready to take the next step with the new Modulo X line.

Designed to bridge the gap between high-performance Hondas (typically those wearing the Type R badge) and dealer-installed accessorized ones, the Modulo X exists as a brand-new trim, complete with aesthetic and performance enhancements which aren’t available as an aftermarket install.

The latest one to receive this Modulo X treatment is the Japanese-market Vezel (the Philippine market HR-V).



The Vezel Modulo X differs greatly from the regular Vezel/HR-V model in that it gets unique bumpers, grille, and wheels—17 or 18 inches depending on the trim. These, fitted with aero garnishes, are said to improve the overall aerodynamic performance.

Inside, the Vezel/HR-V Modulo X adds sporty bucket seats that reduce fatigue during long drives. Moreover, the traditional leather has been swapped for leather/lux suede setup at the front, and leather/ultra-suede at the back.



Performance-wise, the Vezel Modulo X keeps the stock powertrain—this means having either a 1.5-liter hybrid or 1.5-liter VTEC turbo mated to a 7-speed dual clutch or CVT, respectively. However, it does get a sports suspension setup for better handling and cornering performance.

The Vezel Modulo X is on sale just in Honda’s home market of Japan and the price starts at 3.467 million yen (~ P 1.611 million) and tops out at 3.617 million yen (~ P 1.681 million).

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