Honda is Launching the All-New 2021 Civic Soon Says Reports

It’s hard to imagine, but the current Honda Civic has been with us for five years now. Launched in 2016 to massive praise and success, it was refreshed just last year. That’s why when news came out that Honda’s launching the all-new 11th generation Civic very soon comes as a shocker.

Reports coming out of the now canceled Detroit Auto Show suggest that Honda would have used this as the venue to preview the 2021 Civic. True enough, when Honda’s product cycles are taken into account, a new-generation Civic is released typically after every five years, suggesting that the time’s ripe for the Japanese automaker to replace the highly-successful 10th generation model. Other reports suggest that Honda will wind down production of the current Civic, with end of production slated by the middle of 2021. It’s not known whether the current COVID-19 pandemic will affect these timelines.

The 11th generation Civic is not expected to be a large departure from the current 10th generation model. It’s said to ride on a carryover platform, and will even use the current model’s powertrain. Honda though will focus on the design. The new look is said to be sleeker and more understated than the current model. The solid wing front grille and C-shaped taillights are some details that may be changed in favor of something more subdued. Inside, it’s expected to benefit from a higher-quality interior with upgrades to the instrument cluster and infotainment screen. The push-button gear selector is also said to be under consideration.

Is the P 567k Geely Binrui Coming to the Philippines?

A quick look at Geely Philippines’s official website reveals that aside from the Coolray crossover and the Azkarra SUV, the Chinese car brand is looking to add at least three more cars to its line-up (see photo below). Based on their silhouette, the additions could be another SUV, an MPV, and a sedan. While the recently-launched 7-seater Haoyue seems like a no-brainer, what about the other two?

Like any other carmaker, Sojitz G Auto Philippines, Geely’s official distributor in the country, has been tightlipped when it comes to their future model plans. Having said that, a clue seems to have surfaced with the help of Geely Global.

The info provided by Geely actually talks about its monthly sales, particularly how they’ve registered total global sales of 105,468 units—a 44 percent month-on-month growth compared to March. But things get interesting when it comes to a quote given by Geely Auto’s President, An Conghui:

“Our overseas markets will also see the launch of Geely’s latest products such as the sporty Coolray SUV and Binrui sedan. We are confident in Geely’s performance for May and the second quarter.”

With that, it can be pretty much surmised that the Binrui is the mystery sedan on the Geely Philippines website.

For the curious, the Binrui is a compact sedan built atop the same BMA platform as the Coolray. Designed also for the “young and fashionable,” the Binrui adopts a rather peculiar design language: “The Aesthetics of Racing through Space and Time.” And while it does sound a bit Chinglish, what’s certain is that it takes on a fastback look, similar to the MG 6. Inside, the Binrui is styled similarly to other Geely models with the all-digital gauge cluster, large infotainment touchscreen, and flat-bottomed steering wheel.

Under the hood is where the Binrui gets interesting. It uses an all-turbo powertrain line-up, either in a 1.4- or 1.0-liter configuration. The lower trims are the ones that get the larger displacement engine with 133 horsepower and 215 Nm of torque—numbers not far off the Volkswagen Lavida which sports a similar engine configuration. This is mated to a 6-speed manual or a CVT. Meanwhile, the upper trim models get a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder which reduces peak torque to 205 Nm, but adds 3 additional horsepower. In this set-up, the choices are a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed dual clutch.

Being part of the BMA platform, the Binrui can be speced with all sorts of driver assist technology right off the bat including the brand’s Level 2 autonomous driving suite that combines lane departure warning/assist, intelligent cruise control, and automatic speed limit identification.

In China, the Binrui is priced anywhere from 79,800 RMB (P 567,000~) to 110,800 RMB (P 788,000~). By comparison, the MG 6 sells there from 96,800 RMB (P 688,000~) to 149,800 RMB (P 1.06 million~).

From "Great Little Car" to World Car Design of the Year

Launched in January 1977, the original Mazda 323 was Mazda’s first modern hatchback and the car that started a model lineage that stretches all the way to today’s Mazda3. A rear-wheel drive compact family car, the smartly styled first-generation 323 was a global success for Mazda. Sales continued until 1980 when it was replaced by the second-generation 323, which was Mazda’s first front-wheel drive, front-engine compact hatchback.

However, called the Mazda Familia in Japan and the Mazda GLC (for Great Little Car) in North America, the original Mazda 323 was a seminal car for Mazda. The hatchback was offered with a choice of three or five-door bodies, while a station wagon/estate version was introduced in 1978.

Over 890,000 examples were sold in three years of full production and in 1979 it underwent an update where its round headlamps were replaced with square headlights, while other changes included the introduction of a five-speed gearbox.

The rear-driven 323 featured disc front brakes with drums on the rear and, as was common in the seventies, recirculating ball steering. With no power-assistance, even with the small by modern standards 13-inch wheels, low-speed maneuvering required some physical input.

However, while its hatchback body style was still not that common, the original rear-wheel drive 323 was a pioneer that came along just as the late seventies and early eighties saw a boom in hatchback popularity, especially in Europe; a popularity that continues to this day. Forty two years since its launch, the original Mazda 323 is recognized as an innovator that started a long and successful lineage of 323 and Mazda3 compact hatchbacks that have played a big part in Mazda’s success, all the way to today’s World Car Design of the Year winning Mazda3,and its ground-breaking Skyactiv-X engine.

Hyundai Teases a Sportier Version of the 2021 Elantra: Meet the Elantra N Line

Hyundai has wasted no time. After introducing the “regular” 2021 Elantra, the Korean automaker has announced that a “warmer” version is coming in the form of the Elantra N Line.

Previewed by these camouflaged photos, the Elantra is getting its first N Line treatment. With that, it gets specific upgrades to its design, chassis, and engine—but all short of the full N treatment.

It must be reiterated that the “N Line” sits directly below the “N” brand. Whereas the N brand develops high-performance versions of existing Hyundai cars, the N Line simply adds sporty design elements and further refinements to its chassis and powertrain.

The Hyundai Elantra N Line is expected to bow in around the same time as the “regular” Elantra compact sedan.

2020 Subaru Impreza Delayed for PH Market

The global COVID-19 pandemic has claimed another victim: the refreshed 2020 Impreza. Previewed at the Singapore Motor Show last January (alongside an infamous tricked out Forester), Subaru’s compact car was expected to bow in (or at least previewed) at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS).

But now it comes out that even before MIAS’s postponement, a re-shuffling of production schedules over at Subaru’s Japanese plants meant that the well-loaded Philippine spec model has been pushed down the order list, prompting its launch delay. Even after the lifting of the Enhanced Community Quarantine, it’s understood that the 2020 Impreza may not be readily available as Subaru Japan is halting production until May 1, 2020.

Previously, Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the Philippines confirmed that the 2020 Impreza will only be made available as a 4-door sedan locally, because Subaru Japan does not offer the 5-door hatchback in a trim suitable for the local market. It’s understood that the 5-door hatchback is available as a base trim 1.6-liter model only; not matching Subaru’s premium positioning locally.

Motor Image Pilipinas has confirmed though that once Japan ramps up production of the Philippine spec model, they will make the 2020 Impreza available on an indent order basis, similar to the Legacy executive sedan. The refreshed compact sedan is expected to carry a higher level of equipment, including Subaru’s trademark EyeSight driver assist system. However, no indicative pricing has been announced yet.

The Mazda3 is the Best Designed Car in the World

Design experts and journalists have spoken: the Mazda3 is the best designed car in the world. This comes as the compact car was judged the 2020 World Car Design of the Year.

The 2020 Mazda3 is the first vehicle to showcase the Evolved Kodo design, a more mature rendition targeting greater styling prestige through the elegance and rigor of a minimalist, less-is-more aesthetic inspired by the purest traditions of Japanese art and the beauty of space between objects.

This year marks the second time for Mazda to win the award. The first time was in 2016 with the MX-5 which also won the World Car of the Year.

“Before accepting this prize, Mazda Motor Corporation would like to express our sympathy for all of those affected by the novel coronavirus,” said Akira Marumoto, Representative Director, President and CEO, Mazda Motor Corporation. “We are truly honored to be able to receive the World Car Design of the Year award in this special year marking the 100th anniversary of Mazda’s foundation. We will continue providing our customers with unique products, designs, technologies and experiences.”

“Ultimately, it is our clients who are the true winners with every Mazda they drive. Because of this award, they can stand high and fully appreciate the choice they made, the same choice that will serve them admirably for the years to come,” said Steven Tan, President and CEO of Mazda Philippines.

According to the World Car of the Year, the recipient of the World Car Design of the Year goes to a vehicle that shows innovation and pushes established boundaries.

This year, the cars eligible for the 2020 World Car Design of the Year award encompassed all the contenders competing in the other award categories: World Performance Car, World Luxury Car, World Urban Car, and World Car of the Year.

A design panel consisting of seven highly respected world design experts was asked to first review each candidate, and then establish a short-list of recommendations for the jurors. The design experts are in alphabetical order:

• Anne Asensio (France – Vice-President, Design, Dassault Systemes), 
• Gernot Bracht (Germany – Pforzheim Design School), 
• Ian Callum (United Kingdom – Director of Design, CALLUM), 
• Patrick le Quément (France – Designer and President of the Strategy Committee, The Sustainable Design School), 
• Tom Matano (USA – School of Industrial Design at Academy of Art University in San Francisco), 
• Gordon Murray (U.K. - Gordon Murray Design), and 
• Shiro Nakamura (Japan - CEO, Shiro Nakamura Design Associates Inc.).

After much deliberation, the finalists were the Mazda3, Peugeot 208, and the Porsche Taycan. The winner was then voted by an international jury panel comprising 86 automotive journalists from 24 countries around the world.

Geely PH Confirms: Upcoming Azkarra Will Have Its Advanced Air Filtration System

Two days after we reported that Geely Auto is launching an innovative in-car air filtration system, called the Intelligent Air Purification System (IAPS), Sojitz G Auto Philippines, the distributor of Geely in the Philippines has confirmed that its upcoming Azkarra compact SUV will come fitted with the new system.

As a recap, the G-Clean Intelligent Air Purification System (IAPS) uses a two-prone approach—an activated carbon chemical filter and a negative ion generator to sterilize and deodorize nasty stuff, including viruses.

With that, Sojitz G Auto Philippines says that its new Azkarra SUV launching in April, as well as 2020 Model Year Coolray sub-compact SUVs will be fitted with IAPS.

Focusing on the CN95 high-efficiency filter, it blocks at least 95 percent of particles and droplets measuring 0.3 microns in diameter—equivalent to wearing an N95 mask. And while viruses are much smaller (0.06 to 0.14 microns), because it’s carried by droplets, the filter can pretty much catch them.

In addition, the filter also has antibacterial properties—removing 95 percent of E.coli and 99 percent of staphylococcus aureus. It can also absorb smoky smells, odor, and even resist 90 percent of allergens including pollen and dust mites.

It’s worth noting that while Geely doesn’t 100 percent guarantee that its system will prevent a COVID-19 infection, at this point, the smallest of things add up.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra Will Allow You to Swap Your Car Keys for a Smartphone App

Aside from debuting an all-new platform and a striking new look, Hyundai is pushing tech as one of the Elantra’s key pillars. And one of its more unusual features is this: the Hyundai Digital Key.

Found already in the Sonata, the Elantra will be the first compact sedan that will allow owners to swap their traditional car key for a smartphone app. Using a dedicated mobile app, Near Field Communication (NFC), and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) tech, the Elantra can be unlocked, started, and driven even without a physical key present.

Currently applicable for Android smartphones (tough luck Apple boys), the Digital Key also allows friends and family to “share keys” securely.

Owners can tailor the different vehicle functions available to each shared virtual key, and the key can be made available for only a defined amount of time. The vehicle owner can preset the duration of vehicle use or limit the use to only certain features when loaning the vehicle, and keys can also be revoked remotely.

And for additional convenience, such as using a valet service or visiting a dealer, the Hyundai Digital Key also works with an NFC card, which is provided with each vehicle.

Hyundai says the tech is secure since it uses Near Field Communication or NFC. NFC wireless data communication takes place only when the device and the reader are placed several centimeters apart.

Of course, the Elantra will still come with a set of traditional keys for those who don’t want to go this high-tech route.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra Could Be the Sexiest Compact Sedan Right Now (w/ 17 Photos, Video)

COVID-19 isn’t stopping Hyundai from pulling the covers off the all-new 2021 Elantra compact sedan. Marking the world debut of the Hyundai’s popular compact sedan, the Elantra showcases Hyundai’s latest ambitions including a new design language, hybrid-electric tech, and a segment first wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The all-new seventh-generation Elantra rides on a new vehicle platform with a longer wheelbase, wide stance, and lower roofline. The four-door coupe look gains around 56 mm in overall length, 20 mm in wheelbase, while its width is up by 25 mm. The overall height has also dropped 20 mm.

Designers phrase the all-new Elantra’s design as “Parametric Dynamics.” The unconventional lines, using surfaces that look like geometric crystals and divided body surfaces are meant to break a taboo in automotive design. Having three lines meet at one point is a main ingredient in making the colorful parametric dynamics of Elantra.

At the front, the jewel-like grille hides the turn signals, while the wide, cascading grille integrates the headlights. At the side, the parametric-jewel body surface is evident on the driver’s door, while at the back, is a wide horizontal line that extends across the center of the trunk. A high-tech “H-Tail Lamp,” creates a flying H logo-like shape, while wheel sizes measure from 15 to 17 inches.

Inside, the 2021 Elantra takes on an “immersive cocoon” layout. Low, wide structures go from the door all the way to the center console. The low, wide structure also provides ample interior room (bigger than the outgoing model, actually). A large interface consisting of two harmoniously connected 10.25-inch displays enhances the futuristic feeling of the car. The angled touchscreen is easy for the driver to see and control. Features include Qi wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and even a Bose sound system.

At its launch, Hyundai’s all-new compact sedan is powered by the Kona’s 2.0-liter Atkinson Cycle engine with 147 horsepower 179 Nm of torque. This is mated to the in-house developed continuously variable transmission called IVT. More importantly, it debuts a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain option for the first time. The Elantra Hybrid pairs a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with an electric motor. Combined, it makes 139 horsepower and 264 Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a 6-speed dual clutch automatic.

Underpinning the Elantra is Hyundai’s K3 vehicle platform. This third-generation vehicle platform not only dramatically enhances the overall design driving performance, but is also stronger and weighs less. The suspension is tuned to minimize unwanted body roll, while still maximizing wheel impact absorption. It also offers a fully independent multilink rear suspension (at least in the Elantra Hybrid) for a sportier drive.

Production of the 2021 Elantra starts in the fall in Ulsan, Korea and at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, and sales begin in the fourth quarter globally.

All-New 2021 Hyundai Elantra is Coming Next Week

Hyundai Motor revealed today the first images of the all-new 2021 Elantra. The upcoming seventh-generation Elantra showcases an edgy and aggressive look based on parametric shapes and textures, which reflects Hyundai’s new design identity. The world premiere press conference will take place next week.

The all-new 2021 Elantra’s design accentuates its progressive and exotic character through Parametric Dynamics. Cutting-edge engineering solutions and design innovations actualized the polyhedral appearance. Essentially, advanced digital design technology brought the Parametric Dynamics design language to life. Having three lines meet at one point is the main element of Parametric Dynamics. This formation is a daring challenge, which has been avoided in car design, marking Elantra’s disrupter-spirit.

 The ‘Immersive Cocoon’ interior layout creates a driver-focused user experience. Low and wide structures go from the door and connect all the way to the center console, while the large interface consisting of two harmoniously integrated displays elevates the racing-inspired feel of the car.

2020 Mazda3 Scores 5-Star Safety Rating

It was only going to be a matter of time (and a formality), but Mazda has announced that the 2020 Mazda3 has aced the U.S. government’s frontal crash, side crash, and rollover tests allowing it to receive a 5-star safety rating—the highest the NHTSA can give.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 5-star safety rating helps consumers make smart decisions about safety when purchasing a vehicle. The 5-Star Safety Ratings program evaluates how vehicles perform in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side, and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on roadways.

The Mazda3’s performance in the NHTSA test echoes the tougher Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) safety tests which garnered it a Top Safety Pick+ rating for 2020.

Aside from its stellar crash structure, the 2020 Mazda3 is fitted with technologies recommended by the NHTSA such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, crash imminent braking, and dynamic brake support.

These features are found in Mazda’s i-Activsense safety system, standard in the 2020 Mazda3 Sedan and Sportback models. It’s priced at P 1.495 million and tops out at P 1.590 million.

Should Toyota Motor PH Bring in the Corolla Altis GR Sport?

With the application of the Toyota New Global Architecture or TNGA in the all-new 2020 Corolla Altis, Toyota’s compact sedan has finally turned a sportier leaf. Naturally, this makes it a candidate for a hotted-up version, and here it is: the Corolla Altis GR Sport.

Unfortunately, those looking for some true performance enhancements, you’ll be disappointed. That being said, at least this Gazoo Racing treatment does manage to up the excitement with the Corolla Altis GR Sport’s special aero package. Not only does it visually lower the compact sedan, but the brushed silver accents on the grille and bumper give it a more menacing presence and it does  complement the 17-inch wheels. Inside, it gets sporty front bucket seats with red stitching and sportier-looking gauges.

Mechanically, it carries neither the 1.6-liter nor Hybrid drivetrain. Instead, Toyota has opted to plop in a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine. The 2ZR-FBE engine in this case makes 140 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 177 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. This is mated to a CVT with 7 virtual gears.

Currently, the GR Sport variant is sold only in Thailand. However given a huge P 395,000 price gap between the top-line 1.6 V and the Hybrid locally, it’s highly likely that Toyota Motor Philippines will slot this somewhere in-between.

In Thailand, the GR Sport adds a P 160,000 premium over the 1.6-liter model. If Toyota Motor Philippines decides to bring this variant in, it’s likely to be priced at around P 1.3-million.