The Previous-Generation Toyota Hiace is Back...as a Mazda

Mazda may be best known for their passenger cars, but they did come up with a one-box van called the Bongo. It’s sort-of an oddball since it was based on a lot of things throughout its five-generation history being based off a Ford, a Mitsubishi, and a Nissan. Now, believe it or not, it’s based off a Toyota.

Now that Toyota has the all-new sixth-generation Hiace, this 2019, Mazda’s brand merry-go-round with the Bongo stops with the fifth-generation Hiace (H200). It’s very clear in these photos that it’s a simple badge job since the 2019 Bongo Brawny is every bit the previous-generation Hiace down to the grille, lights, and interior. KODO this van ain’t.

In the engine bay, it gets two Toyota-sourced engines (Skyactiv this van ain’t) and with that, there’s a choice between a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 136 horsepower and 182 Nm of torque or a 2.8-liter turbodiesel with 150 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque. Either way, both of these engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic. Full-time 4WD is an available option.

Unlike previous Bongo models, the 2019 Bongo Brawny is destined to be purely a commercial vehicle and as such, it emphasizes cargo carrying capacity over people carrying capacity. Mazda says its 3,000-mm wheelbase and maximum payload of 1,250 kilograms (with 3 people riding) should make it adept at handling most jobs, especially in the urban confines.

It doesn’t carry much in terms of comfort and convenience features, but at least the front seats recline fully. Also, it comes equipped not only with a stability control system, but with a collision avoidance package as standard. The Bongo Brawny features forward collision warning with automatic braking, automatic high beam, and lane departure warning.

Isuzu Just Built a D-Max to Rival the Ranger Raptor

Who knew an Isuzu D-Max could look so badass? Well, here is the 2019 D-Max Artic Trucks AT35 Safir and the best part? It’s actually a production model.

Based off the Isuzu D-Max double cab, it’s transformed by Artic Trucks into the AT35. With that, it’s basically a competitor to the Ranger Raptor with its 35-inch all-terrain tires, Fox Performance Series suspension, flared wheel arches, and extended side step boards.

Sadly, like its Ford counterpart, the powertrain remains unchanged. In this case, it’s Isuzu’s 1.9-liter RZ4E making 164 horsepower at 3,600 rpm and 360 Nm of torque at 2,000-2,500 rpm. Despite that, towing capacity is still at an impressive 3.5 tons.

From there, it gets the “Safir” treatment. With a production run limited to just 10 units globally, this model sports a Sapphire Blue Mica paint job. It also comes with a silver rear sports bar, silver bed roller cover, and a Safir branded aluminum underguard. At each corner are 17” x 10” all-terrain alloy wheels with a Hyper Dark diamond cut finish. Completing the transformation are two sets of sport lamps: one positioned in the front bumper and another on the roof which is unique for a D-Max that comes straight from the factory.

Inside, the D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 Safir comes with leather seats with a Sapphire Blue stitching, a flat-bottom sports steering wheel that’s trimmed in leather and suede. It also gets an upgraded infotainment system with a 9-inch multi-function color touchscreen and 9 speakers. There’s also a wireless charger built in the top glove box and a front camera fitted in the front bumper to monitor the area in front of the truck that would normally be in the driver’s blind spot.

If you really want one of these though, sadly, the D-Max Arctic Truck AT35 series is only available in Europe. The “regular” version costs £38,545 (~ P 2.6 million) while the special edition Safir sets you back £45,000 (~ P 3 million). Nonetheless, consider this as inspiration for those who plan to give their D-Max the comprehensive aftermarket treatment.

You Can Drive Home a 2019 Honda Brio for As Little as P 28,000

In celebration of the 2019 Brio’s arrival, Honda Cars Philippines is announcing special all-in low downpayment options covering selected variants of their new subcompact hatchback.

Valid only until May 24, 2019, the Brio 1.2 S MT and 1.2 V CVT can be driven home with an all-in low downpayment of just P 28,000, while for the Brio RS Black Top CVT, it’s just P 29,000. Payment terms, subject to bank approval range from 36 to 60 months.

The all-in package includes 1-year comprehensive insurance with acts of nature coverage (minimum of P 500,000 financed except for Security Bank and China Bank Savings which do not offer free insurance), 3-year LTO registration, and chattel mortage fee.

For this Brio introductory promo, Honda’s partner banks are: BPI Family Savings Bank, RCBC Savings Bank, Robinsons Bank, Bank of Commerce, Security Bank, and China Bank Savings.

Buyers who opt to pay cash or prefer other payment terms, it’s good to know that the Honda Brio introductory price offer is until June 30, 2019. With that, the price of the Brio is as follows:

• Brio 1.2 S MT – P 585,000
• Brio 1.2 V CVT – P 646,000
• Brio 1.2 RS CVT – P 727,000
• Brio 1.2 RS CVT Black Top – P 732,000

For more information about the all-new Brio, check out our complete coverage here.

Future Hyundai and Kia Vehicles May Be Tuned Using a Smartphone App

Hyundai and Kia are certainly embracing smartphone-based car technologies that go beyond the usual infotainment. After announcing the first-ever smartphone-based car key system, the Korean automaker has now developed a way to adjust the performance of its electric vehicles by simply using a smartphone-based app.

In an industry-first, drivers can adjust seven performance parameters including the maximum torque output of the motor, ignition, acceleration and deceleration abilities, regenerative braking capacity, maximum speed limit, responsiveness, and energy use on climate control with just a few taps on their smartphone.

As electric vehicles gain wider market acceptance, Hyundai sees this as a means for drivers to share their custom settings across various electric vehicles that they drive such as in a rental or car-sharing setting.

The application also provides optimized settings for a designated destination by analyzing the remaining distance and electric energy requirement. It can also accommodate sportier driving by recommending tailored performance settings.

Using cloud-based servers, drivers can also share their customization settings as well as try out other users’ custom settings. Drivers can also apply recommended settings by Hyundai based on the condition of roads, from country roads to the city center or mountain ranges.

Hyundai Motor Group will utilize blockchain technology to prevent security issues while users upload and share their custom settings on the server.

In the process of uploading and sharing custom settings, the system encrypts major performance parameters in a blockchain network by creating new data blocks and stores them in the distributed data storage system to block unauthorized manipulation.

The technology is expected to be implemented in future Hyundai and Kia vehicles.

2020 Land Rover Defender Logs 1.2 Million Kilometers in Testing

To celebrate World Land Rover Day, Land Rover has announced plans for the new Defender to complete a final phase of field testing with the Tusk Trust, on location in Kenya. A Defender prototype wearing a unique camouflage will experience life at the Borana Conservancy as part of Land Rover’s 15-year partnership with Tusk Trust.

The prototype will tow heavy loads, wade through rivers and carry supplies across unforgiving terrain in a series of real-world trials at the 14,000-hectare reserve.

By the time the new Defender makes its public debut later this year, it will have passed more than 45,000 individual tests in some of the most extreme environments on earth. Land Rover engineers have taken the test fleet to the 50-degree heat of the desert, the sub 40-degree cold of the Arctic, as well as up to 10,000-ft altitude of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado to ensure the new Defender will take everyday life in its stride, for even its most adventurous customers.

Nick Rogers, Executive Director Product Engineering, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “In addition to the extensive simulation and rig testing, we’ve driven new Defender 1.2 million kilometers across all terrains and in extreme climates to ensure that it is the toughest and most capable Land Rover ever made. The incredible opportunity to put it to the test in the field, supporting operations at the Borana Conservancy in Kenya, with Tusk, will allow our engineers to verify that we are meeting this target as we enter the final phase of our development program.”

With on-road dynamics honed at the Nürburgring facility in Germany and all-terrain credentials tested on the muddy roads of Eastnor, UK, the rocky trails of Moab in Utah, and the sand dunes of Dubai, the new 4x4 promises to bring unparalleled breadth of capability and new levels of comfort and drivability to the Defender family.

The new Defender has been designed and developed in the UK, at Gaydon, home to Land Rover’s world-class design, engineering and testing facilities. The new home of global Defender production will be Land Rover’s recently opened state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Nitra, Slovakia.

Land Rover has been an official partner of the Tusk Trust wildlife conservation charity for 15 years, helping to reach some of the world’s most remote locations. News of the testing initiative has been announced to mark World Land Rover Day, which is celebrated on April 30 every year, commemorating the world premiere of the original Land Rover at the Amsterdam Motor Show in 1948.

Piaggio Philippines Offers New 3-, 4-Wheeled Cargo Solutions

Autoitalia Philippines, the exclusive distributor of Piaggio products in the country widens its portfolio with new cargo solutions made especially for urban areas. The line includes new 3-wheeled APÉ diesel models and the first-ever four-wheeled Piaggio in the country.

Continuing the legacy of Vespa inventor Corradino D’Ascanio to design and build inexpensive cargo solutions for small-scale enterprises, the new APÉ range has proven itself to be one of the most adaptable vehicles around.

The APÉ packs a single-cylinder naturally-aspirated 435-cc (0.4-liter) diesel engine—the smallest in the world that manages to achieve 36 km/L in urban confines making it a highly cost-effective vehicle to operate. It’s also Euro 4 compliant, lessening its impact on the environment even when carrying its maximum capacity.

For the Philippine market, the APÉ can carry a load of 435 to 600 kilograms and thanks to its 3,144 mm x 1,490 mm footprint, it can navigate through narrow streets. It’s also available with various body configurations such as Drive Away Chassis, City, Passenger, Long Deck, Closed Van, and 3-Wing Van applications.

The P 218,000 APÉ Auto DX serves as Piaggio’s passenger car platform. It can carry 4 passengers and a driver and comes in a wide range of brilliant colors: Blanco White, Western Red, Eco-Green, Charming Blue, Jet Black, and Golden Yellow.

For those who have hauling requirements, there’s the P 248,000 APÉ Xtra LDX. With a 3-sided cargo deck that can carry 535 kilograms, it’s considered as the “basic” cargo model. Yet, it remains true to Piaggio’s qualities of being reliable and efficient.

Meanwhile, the P 218,000 APÉ Auto DAC features a 5-ft x 5-ft flatbed that offers tons of cargo space. This platform is also ideal for transforming it into a closed van or a 3-wing van. It can also be used as a basis for a short-distance patrol car or even a fire truck!

Finally, Piaggio also unveiled its first-ever 4-wheeler in the country: the Porter 1000. This 1.0-liter truck has a two-cylinder 27-horsepower, 60 Nm of torque engine enabling it to carry up to a metric ton in payload while still delivering 20 km/L in the city. Euro 4 compliant, it has a top speed of 70 km/h meaning it can go through expressways. Measuring just 3,675 mm in length and 1,460 mm in width, it can swallow 1,542 liters of cargo space while its 185-mm ground clearance means it can handle most terrains with ease. The Porter 1000 is Piaggio’s way of offering buyers a solution to carrying larger loads while avoiding the cost of owning a full-scale truck. And at P 489,000, it’s also quite affordable.

Piaggio is distributed by Autoitalia Philippines Enterprises, Inc. For inquiries, you may contact 63 2 251 0563 or visit their showroom at 138 Brgy. Tatalon St., Quezon Ave. cor. Araneta Ave., Quezon City

Review: 2019 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 2.0L Bi-Turbo 4x4

Watching people gawk at the Ford Ranger Wildtrak as it parked itself on a busy street in Makati made the entire trip worth it. See the Ranger’s always had the “capability” part nailed down—it was and still is the best truck if you wanted sheer ability to go off-roading or haul stuff. It’s the “smart” part that’s seen a slew of competitors try and take the Ranger’s crown. This 2019, ford has had to take the ace out of their sleeve but nonetheless, it blows everyone else out of the water in the process.

As far as aesthetics upgrades go, 2019 doesn’t see much difference compared to the one introduced in 2016. There are new elements like the projector HID headlights from the Everest, LED front fog lights, and the revised grille, but in the context of a 5.3-meter long machine, they’re relatively minor. Interestingly, Ford has seen it fit to change the Wildtrak exclusive orange for a third time: from Chili Orange in 2012 to Pride Orange in 2016, and now, Saber Orange in 2019.

What you see though tells just one part of the story. For this update, Ford’s incorporated a tailgate lift assist. The principle is very simple mechanically, but by adding that torsion bar, it makes lifting and lowering the tailgate now an easy, one-handed affair.

The same philosophy could be said about the Ranger Wildtrak’s interior. At first glance, it comes across almost unchanged from the 2016 update, but this time, there’s a bit more contrast and a bit more shine. The first part is provided by the bright orange stitching that runs across the upper portion of the dashboard, the steering wheel, and the seats. It even outlines “Wildtrak” on the passenger side dashboard and seats as well. The second one is because of the new glossy gray finish that highlights the steering wheel spokes and dashboard. Oh, and finally, there’s the subject of the new infotainment system as well. Now loaded with SYNC 3, not only does it incorporate offline GPS navigation, but it also adds support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

More than just the infotainment bit, the Ranger Wildtrak now comes loaded with driver assist goodies which may make choosing between this and the Ranger Raptor more difficult. The Raptor may get trick Fox Shox, but the Wildtrak is the one with Active Park Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Departure Warning. The first two are vital for those who live in city confines, while the last two are perfect for highway drives. As someone who finds himself having to go into the Makati Central Business District on a regular basis, having a pickup that parks itself is welcome. Indeed, for people who don’t have the urge to win every single pissing contest, the Wildtrak is the smarter choice over the Raptor.

For 2019, the Ranger Wildtrak has traded its 3.2-liter inline-5 for the same 2.0-liter bi-turbo inline-4 also found in the Ranger Raptor. The downsized powerplant may draw errs from those who prefer larger displacement engines, but some seat time is enough to change that conviction.

The power outputs—213 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque tells just one part of the story, but couple that with a lighter front-end and the Ranger Wildtrak feels much more agile. It changes direction much more easily now and together with the nicely balanced electric power steering, can actually dance through sweeps and bends. Mind you, the unloaded backend still tends to break traction easily, but take things down a notch (i.e. drive sensibly), and it feels much more rewarding than before.

Weighing some 200 kilograms lighter than its 3.2-liter predecessor, the 2019 Wildtrak is, both objectively and subjectively, quicker than before—it’s even quicker in a straight line compared to the Ranger Raptor. Gut-punching performance aside, the bi-turbo unit here is way smoother. The throttle engagement isn’t jumpy unlike the XLT’s old Duratorq 2.2 unit, and the power delivery is linear. Oh, and the engine’s refined with just the telltale diesel clatter towards the end of the rev range.

The Wildtrak also makes use of the Raptor and Mustang’s 10-speed automatic. Despite the absence of paddle shifters, it’s responsive enough to keep the engine singing in its happy zone. Upshifts are imperceptible, but downshifts can sometimes be aggressive. In some occasions, the Wildtrak relies on engine braking whenever the throttle’s let go, resulting in a slightly perturbed feeling. Without a doubt, it’s meant to extract as much pace from the engine while keeping the fuel mileage impressive, at least on the highway. Unfortunately, the small engine and extra gears do little to boost fuel economy in the city: 7.35 km/L—that’s a figure not only lower than the XLT’s 9.009 km/L, but even compared to the previous 3.2-liter’s 7.57 km/L.

After all’s said and done, the 2019 Ranger Wildtrak remains the leader in the pickup segment. In more ways than one, it continues to re-define what a pickup can do and should be. Not only does it manage to tick the best qualities of a workhorse like payload, towing, and water fording capability, but add to that a great looking truck, a sensible interior, and the best tech you can find in this segment. Sure, the fuel economy could be better, but it reminds everyone that for as long as Ford gets their act together, they can come with a class act.

2019 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4x4
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Ownership	2019 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 2.0 Bi-Turbo 4x4
Year Introduced	2012 (Refreshed: 2016, 2018)
Vehicle Classification	Pick-up Truck
Warranty	3 years / 100,000 kilometers
The Basics
Body Type	4-door pickup truck
Seating	5
Engine / Drive	F/4WD, Part-Time, Low, Locking, with LSD
Under the Hood
Displacement (liters)	2.0
Aspiration	Twin Turbo
Fuel Delivery	Common Rail Direct Injection
Layout / # of Cylinders	I4
BHP @ rpm	213 @ 3,750
Nm @ rpm	500 @ 1,750-2,000
Fuel / Min. Octane	Diesel
Transmission	10 AT
Cruise Control	Yes, Adaptive, with Speed Limiter
Fuel Economy @ Ave. Speed	7.35 km/L @ 18 km/h
Dimensions and Weights
Length (mm)	5,354
Width (mm)	1,860
Height (mm)	1,821
Wheelbase (mm)	3,220
Curb Weight (kg)	1,880
Suspension and Tires
Front Suspension	Independent, Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension	Leaf Spring
Front Brakes	Vented Disc
Rear Brakes	Drum
Tires	Bridgestone Dueler H/T 684 II 265/60 R 18 T (f & r)
Wheels	Alloy
Safety Features
Airbags	6
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)	Yes, with EBD
Traction / Stability Control	Yes
Parking Sensors	Yes, Front and Rear, with Camera
Front Seatbelts	3-pt ELR with pre-tensioner x 2
Rear Seatbelts	3-pt ELR x 3
ISOFIX Child Seat Anchor	Yes
Other Safety Features	Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Aid Forward Collision Warning Autonomous Emergency Braking Active Park Assist
Exterior Features
Headlights	HID
Fog Lamps	Yes, Front (LED)
Auto Lights	Yes, Auto High Beam
Rain-sensing Wipers	Yes
Interior Features
Steering Wheel Adjust	Tilt
Steering Wheel Material	Leather
Seating Adjustment (driver)	Electric, 8-way
Seating Adjustment (front passenger)	Manual, 4-way
Seating Surface	Leather/Fabric
Folding Rear Seat	Yes
On-Board Computer	Yes
Convenience Features
Power Steering	Yes
Power Door Locks	Yes
Power Windows	Yes
Power Mirrors	Yes, with Fold
Proximity Key	Yes
Climate Control	Yes, Dual Zone
Audio System	Stereo CD MP3 Aux USB Bluetooth GPS Apple CarPlay Android Auto
# of Speakers	6
Steering Controls	Yes

Would You Have Preferred the Kia Forte or the Chinese Market Kia K3?

Kia Philippines sprung a surprise at the Manila International Auto Show by reviving the Forte compact sedan for the local market, including the introduction of a high-performance variant, the Forte GT. But what if, just what if, they decided to look to China like they did the Soluto? We’d be getting the all-new Kia K3 instead.

The Kia K3 may be based off the Forte platform, but it’s designed and engineered with the Chinese market in mind. It gets a unique exterior design and some China-specific technologies and functionality.

Kia says that the K3 is characterized by smooth, sculpted surfaces and sharp, precise lines. Unlike the more conservative looking Forte though, the K3 does exhibit a more powerful front-end with that giant maw of a grille (it actually looks like a Maserati) and what Kia calls “heartbeat” lighting signature in its LED head- and taillights.

Even more interesting is that the K3 is offered with two 4-cylinder gasoline engines: a 1.5-liter normally-aspirated one with 115 horsepower and a 1.4-liter turbocharged one with 130 horsepower. In addition to these regular internal combustion engine variants, the K3 will also debut a plug-in hybrid version. The K3 Plug-In Hybrid will have a slightly tweaked exterior for better aerodynamic efficiency. Its all electric range is pegged at 65 kilometers.

Oh, and marking the K3’s launch in China, Kia also announced that they will go racing with the K3 in the China Touring Car Championship or CTCC.

Vehicle Importers Saw Q1 2019 Sales Decline 3 Percent

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) reports that First Quarter 2019 sales still fell 3 percent to 22,497 units compared to 23,038 during the same period last year. That said, the group saw March 2019 sales hit a positive 8 percent. The 7,952 units sold during the month is up compared to 7,380 units in 2018 indicating that the automotive industry is beginning to recover.

“AVID’s first quarter 2019 performance indicates that the automotive industry has turned the corner and is now experiencing modest recovery. We expect a further upturn in the next three quarters on the back of improved consumer sentiment, the introduction of exciting and innovative vehicles, and the government’s aggressive infrastructure program. AVID aims to be at the forefront of this growth in vehicle sales,” said AVID President Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo.

For the month of March, Light Commercial Vehicles or LCV sales drove the growth, registering a 21 percent year-on-year increase totaling 4,998 units. The segment rose by 4 percent in the first three months of the year, bringing the sales tally to 14,168 units. Ford leads the segment with 5,456 units sold.

Meanwhile, the Passenger Car or PC segment continued to decline. In March, sales dropped 9 percent to 2,831 units, and 13 percent to 7,993 units in the first quarter of the year. Hyundai continues to lead this segment with 5,404 units sold during the period.

The same goes for the Commercial Vehicle or CV sector where sales slipped by 2 percent to 123 units in March and slightly dipped by 1 percent to 336 units in the first quarter. As the leader in this segment, Hyundai posted strong gains with 239 units sold during the period.

“If positive economic fundamentals, including low inflation and rising living standards, are sustained, we can expect a renewed boost to motorization in the country. And AVID is more than ready to offer customers up-to-the-minute innovation in our products and services,” added Ms. Agudo.

Editor’s Note:

• ANG – Auto Nation Group (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Mercedes-Benz)
• BBAI – British Bespoke Automobiles, Inc. (Rolls-Royce)
• BUAI – British United Automobiles, Inc. (Lotus, MINI)
• DMI – DBPHILS Motorsports, Inc. (Aston Martin)
• FGPI – Ford Group Philippines, Inc. (Ford)
• HARI – Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (Hyundai)
• MIPI – Motor Image Pilipinas, Inc. (Subaru)
• JAIPI – JAC Automobile International Philippines (JAC)
• PGA – PGA Cars, Inc. (Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche)
• SMC – Scandinavian Motors Corporation (Volvo)
• SPI – Suzuki Philippines, Inc. (Suzuki)
• TAC – Triesenburg Auto Corporation (Kinglong)
• TCCCI – The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (Chevrolet)

Biggest Test Drive Festival Returns to MOA This May 2-5, 2019

Eleven brands will showcase their model line-ups and offer test drives at the biggest outdoor test drive festival. Slated this May 2 to 5 at the SM Mall of Asia concert grounds, the Phoenix Petroleum 2019 Auto Focus Summer Test Drive Festival will offer a one-stop shop for prospective car buyers.

GAC, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, MG, Mitsubishi, Nissan, SsangYong, Subaru, Suzuki, and Toyota will offer a wide range of competing standard and premium models on display and be available for test drives.

STV Chairman and CEO Ray Butch Gamboa explained: “Growing out of the multi-weekend series of outdoor display/test drive projects that began in 2005 and subsequently developing into a major 4-day event erstwhile known as the Auto Focus Motor Show & Auto Expo from 2007, the program’s main purpose is to serve as a veritable one-stop shop for those looking to buy a car. Bringing together the Philippines’ leading car manufacturers and distributors in a single venue to display their best models and offer test drives, it provides car buyers and enthusiasts the opportunity to compare similar, competing models head-to-head, and look out for the best deals, discounts and financing offers available. It eliminates the inconvenient and time-consuming ordeal of having to hop from one dealer showroom to another.”

The Phoenix Petroleum 2019 Auto Focus Summer Test Drive Festival will open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM throughout its 4-day run at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. Test drive participants will get the chance to snag premium items from select exhibitors and avail of limited offers and discounts. Admission to the public is free.