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By Tessa R. Salazar Philippine Daily Inquirer

PUT IN ENOUGH RESOURCES and creativity into the mix, and see the local 

aftermarket industry produce world-class customized cars.

And you don't even have to match the scale of such internationally renowned trade shows such as the Tokyo Auto Salon or the Sema. The cars are the stars. They will shine no matter the backdrop.

Thus, singled out from 186 showcased cars sprawled out on 7,180 square meter of floor space, and viewed by no less than 35,000 visitors, five major awards and several special awards were given out to the cars that stood out during the Nov. 26 to 29 staging of the Manila Auto Salon held at the SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.

The five major awards had been categorized as: level to workmanship in exterior; interior; engine and suspension; undercarriage; and the craftsmanship in the restoration and modification.

The INQUIRER.net VDO team reviews the Toyota Previa, a luxury minivan worth more than P2 million, via a road trip spanning more than 600 kilometers. With a little twist for Halloween, the Previa goes through the highways as its passengers inquire about the vehicle's features.

By Leo Magno INQUIRER.net ALTHOUGH the 2008 Toyota Prius can hold its own in terms of stylishness and exterior aesthetics and aerodynamics, it is what lies within this vehicle that strikes me more than its superficial construction. I've never been one to adore form. Rather, I go for substance. And that's what I found most appealing in this vehicle. My own vehicles are not well-taken cared off on the outside, but their engines are humming like bulls raging to be released on the streets of Pamplona -- whether it's the color-coding car or my own daily road warrior. Beauty fades. Your cars will get dented and they will get old and ugly. You may even encounter fender-benders and those moronic street kids who steal side mirrors. But with the Prius I couldn't care less as long as its second-generation hybrid system continues to work its magic whether it's the high-output electric motor or the internal combustion engine that's making it move quickly and efficiently.
Yes, the Prius is a hybrid much like Michael Phelps who is half-man, half-shark. The vehicle runs on both a zero-emission, battery-run electric motor and a gas-fed engine. I don't know what Phelps runs on. During our test run of more than 200 kilometers, we achieved on the average more than 16 kilometers per liter of unleaded gas. In Metro Manila traffic, I even achieved 21 kpl over five days of city driving. Not bad for a 1.5-liter vehicle which gallops like my 1.8-liter car. And gallop this car can -- you can overtake vehicles with confidence at high speeds because the engine still has more to pump. Some people are even "hacking" the Prius so that it would run on pure EV (electric vehicle) mode. But as it is now, the vehicle saves a lot of gas during stop-and-go traffic because it runs on battery power, only to use gas as you drive faster. Toyota even plans to unveil a "pluggable" version which you can plug into an electric wall socket to charge the battery, which will in the future use lithium ion, the same kind of batteries used in laptops and cellular phones. This is not to say, however, that in the future you can just park your Prius beside the nearest Starbucks and use your cell phone charger or laptop adapter to juice up your car while sipping on latté. But enough of the talk. Watch our trip from Makati, Kawit in Cavite, Tagaytay, Laguna and back as we test drive the Toyota Prius hybrid vehicle, and see for yourself.

In the recent 2nd Philippine International Motor Show, INQUIRER.net speaks with several car manufacturers about the recent concept cars they have lined up in the future. These "cars of the future" are now using other alternative means of powering engines, including electricity (using more powerful and less expensive batteries). Hybrid cars are also the rage today, as manufacturers respond to pressures the global green movement to come up with ways to cut on energy consumption amid the oil price increases. Here's a video interview with Mitsubishi vice president for customer service Dante Santos who explains how an electric car works. Here's a video interview with Korean carmaker Kia Motors explaining the displayed "fuel cell electric vehicle" or FCEV. The FCEV runs on electricity produced by combining stored liquid hydrogen with oxygen, as explained by Edgardo Castro Jr., training manager for Columbian Autocar Corp, Kia's local distributor. Here's also a closer look at Toyota's hybrid Prius sedan that alternately runs on gas and electricity. Toyota has created a hybrid pickup naming it as one of their "cars for the future." Unveiled earlier this year, the Toyota A-Bat is further elaborated on by Allen Rufo, Toyota Philippines vice president for customer service marketing, who also gives his views about hybrid vehicles in the local market. Video taken at the Philippine International Motor Show held at the World Trade Center. Finally, Japanese carmaker Honda unveils a new version of the Jazz, also called Fit in other countries. In this video interview, Honda Philippines head of sales operations Voltaire Gonzales talks about the new features in the Jazz.

By Aida Sevilla-Mendoza Philippine Daily Inquirer "HEY, that's the same engine!" exclaimed a friend of mine when he opened the hood of the 2008 Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8G. This friend, who is technically savvy about cars, was correct. The 10th generation Corolla which debuted in Manila this March is powered by either of two engines: the IZZ-FE 1.8-liter,16-valve, 4-in-line, DOHC, VVT-i or the 3ZZ-FE 1.6-liter, 16-valve, 4-in-line DOHC, VVT-i. These are the same powerplants in the 2004 Corolla Altis. But with a slight difference: whereas the 1.8-liter 2004 Corolla Altis packed 147 PS/6,000 rpm, the latest 1.8-liter’s horsepower has been reduced to 132 PS/6,000 rpm to comply with Euro 3 emission standards. Max torque is now 170 Nm/4,200 rpm compared to 188 Nm/4,200 rpm in the outgoing model. This may make you wonder about the 2008 Corolla sold in Australia that is reportedly equipped with the new 1.8-liter Dual VVT-i engine, the 2ZR-FE. Is the Corolla sold in Australia also a CBU (completely built unit) from Thailand? Anyway, despite the reduced horsepower and the larger dimensions of the new Altis (10 mm longer, 55 mm wider), I found the top-of-the-line 1.8G adequately quick and responsive at highway speeds. The 1.8G’s peppy engine is mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission with a gated shift lever allowing sequential manual shifting when the spirit moves you. A new drive-by-wire throttle and an Electric Power Steering System enhance the driveability of the 2008 Altis. What’s new about the exterior are the front grille, a smaller version of the Camry’s; the HID headlamps and the stylishly bulbous rear combination lamps. Except for the new grille, HID headlamps, round fog lamps, new tail lights, bigger feet (10-spoke alloy wheels shod with 16-inch tires) and rain-sensing windshield wipers, the exterior is not dramatically different from the outgoing model’s. Another new thing about the ’08 Altis is that its height has been reduced by 15 mm. The lower stance makes the car look more planted to the ground and improves handling. Also new are the audio controls and multi-information mode button mounted on the steering wheel. In the 1.8G, the audio system is a 2DIN in-dash 6 CD MP3 tuner with six speakers. The multi-information display shows the current fuel consumption in kilometers per liter, the average fuel consumption in km per liter, the range to empty in km, the average speed in km per hour, the elapsed time and/or the outside temperature. Multi-info displays are usually found only in luxury cars.There is less wood grain finish on the four-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel and the center console. The thin “floating” center console resembles the one originated by Volvo in its cars. The Altis’ front center armrest is high and slides back and forth to match the driver’s elbow position. The glove box has two separate compartments. The rear floor is flat in the new Altis, increasing legroom for backseat passengers. The suspension system consisting of MacPherson struts in front and torsion beam at the rear has been retained. This arrangement ensures riding comfort and allows great trunk capacity. Aside from the suspension system, Toyota has wisely retained in the 1.8G (P1,035,000) all the goodies of the previous Altis: the Optitron meters, automatic climate control, 8-way electronically adjustable driver’s seat, leather seats, power windows with jam protection, 60/40 split folding rear seat and rear sunshade. In terms of safety, the driver and front passenger SRS air bags, disc brakes on all four wheels with Antilock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, WIL (Whiplash Injury Lessening) front seats, high-mount LED stop lamp, GOA (Global Outstanding Assessment) body, TVSS (Toyota Vehicle Security System) and keyless entry. Summing up, the 2008 Corolla Altis is perfect for those who find the Camry too big and the Vios too small. You cannot go wrong with the Corolla, the car that built Toyota’s reputation for reliability, high standard of quality and high resale value. The Corolla is the most popular car in history with over 40 million sold worldwide. It may not be as exciting or as sporty as some of its competitors in the compact sedan market, but it will provide you many years of comfortable, trouble-free driving.* * * TODAY’S BUMPER STICKER: Of course you’re faster, but I’m driving in front of you. Photo by Aida Sevilla-Mendoza

By Andre Palma Philippine Daily Inquirer THE NEW Toyota Corolla is out. Much awaited by the public and the rest of the industry, it is rather curious that a product of this importance hasn’t broken cover with the fanfare and fuss expected of such an established model. Roughly 30 million Corollas, in 10 iterations, sold over 42 years is a lot to shout about. The relative silence over the tenth generation launch says so much. This is a car that will definitely find itself in the garages of many Filipino families. There are those out there who will buy a Toyota Corolla, sight unseen, just on blind brand loyalty. You cannot really fault these faithful, over the years several of the past versions of this car have really been reliable, value for money automobiles. Two models -- the KE7x series and the AE8x series, both of the ’80s -- were actually fun to drive. Add to that the inexpensive nature of Corolla parts and you can see why many are still hooked. Pending a test drive of the 10th Generation Corolla, a definitive verdict cannot be laid down. Although, a quick read of the specification sheet will show that very little has mechanically changed from the previous 2001-on model. Engines in the range are 1.8-liter and 1.6-liter VVT-i units similar to the Corolla it is replacing. Declared power outputs are down but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. A top of the line 1.8-liter version will come with 132 bhp and 170 Nm of torque while the run of the mill 1.6-liter delivers 109 bhp and a 145 Nm torque figure. It looks like the new Corolla is driving toward a more fuel-efficient, economical end. Transmission choices are the usual 4-speed automatic and a 5-speed manual; the bigger engine again only coming in a slush box. Suspensions don’t change dramatically either with independent front and rear torsion bar designs still factory specified. Additional curb weight can be found on the new Corolla and good money says this extra heft went into further insulating the passenger cabin from the road. It seems that the factors that make up this Corolla point in an obvious general direction. This isn’t going to be a pocket rocket by any stretch of the imagination. Why hasn’t Toyota stepped into the compact sedan ring with a more potent, reengineered product then? With a fresh, revitalized Civic already in the market and an intriguing Lancer soon inbound, why has Toyota seemingly dropped the ball? There is an answer. This lackluster execution of the iconic Corolla model is due to the fact that it does not play a large part in the Toyota plan for worldwide auto sales domination anymore. It seems while other manufacturers still decide to pour resources into the compact sedan segment, Toyota is hedging its bets elsewhere. In the Philippine market, the Vios subcompact and the Innova AUV represent the leading edge. In more industrialized markets, hybrids and diesel compact two-box designs carry the fight. In the end, the world’s volume leading compact sedan has to deal with the realities of a maturing market. In fact, a few Tokyo Motor shows ago, pundits from foreign media and competing manufacturers were wondering if there was actually going to be a 10th Generation Corolla. The loss of a compact sedan in the Toyota lineup was nothing to panic about in their minds. Toyota’s inevitable rise to one day become the world’s largest vehicle manufacturer was not hinged on this model. Things got so quiet that a few media outlets actually printed eulogies of this model and spoke fondly of the product’s landmark run. Toyota has proven all of us who wrote off this car as wrong. They will contest the segment with a car that they believe is sufficient to the needs of those who are looking for an entry-level family sedan. Arguing the point with them will be futile anyway. None of what’s been written in this column today is going to dissuade the common Filipino motorist from buying new Corollas, even if there are better driving or technologically superior competing products out in the market as we speak for less money. The Corolla’s brand strength is such, that regardless of fault, this car will sell.

By Tessa R. Salazar INQUIRER.net AFTER SATISFYING over 32 million owners around the world and undergoing nine "generational" changes, the Toyota Corolla is ready to take another step up in the evolutionary ladder. So, 42 years after the first Corollas came out of the assembly line worldwide, the 10th generation Corolla Altis makes its debut in the Philippines in March. And basing on raw measurements: the overall look can now be described as sportier, but roomier. That seems contradictory at first, but read on and you'll get the picture. It may not look as sporty as the 5-door Corolla Auris hatchback, the one that you will see in Europe and Japan, but at least the 10th generation Altis is sportier than its local predecessors. It is longer, wider and with an about-to-pounce lower stance than the current model, albeit its platform (the 1.6- and 1.8-liter) are the same. With some modifications in suspension, steering and key engine parts, it shows new overall dimensions: length of 4,540 mm (from 4,530), width of 1,760 mm (from 1,705), and height of 1,465 mm (from 1,480). It now has a wider footprint as well: 1,520 mm at the front from the previous 1,480, and the rear at 1,525 mm from 1,460. Surprisingly, reduced external measurements have resulted in a more spacious interior: length of 1,890 mm (from 1,850); width of 1,450 mm (from 1,380). The exception here is the interior height, which has been slightly reduced (1,195 mm from 1,230). Still, Toyota designers have sworn that they made sure the headroom at the front and rear have not been sacrificed. Performance-wise, the new Altis promises more excitement for the driver. From hydraulic steering, the 10th-generation Altis features electric power steering. EPS is supposed to make sharp turns on narrow streets easier. All grades of the new Corolla Altis have as standard the anti-lock brake system and airbags. The current available entry model J Grade has no ABS, and only a driver's airbag. All the automatic transmissions come with super ECT (electronic controlled transmission). It is programmed to utilize the best gear in relation to the road conditions. This feature in the current model is only available in the 1.8 variant. All automatic models have multi-mode transmission (sequential transmission), with 4-speed gate-type automatic transmission (the multimode sequential) is available in the 1.8 V-grade. The new full-model change Altis starts with 15-inch rims, with the 16-inch rims for the high grade. The current entry level and midgrade variants have 14- and 15-inch rims, respectively, for the high grade. The new Altis has three grades, two engines and five variants: The high-end V grade in 1.8- and 1.6-liter automatic transmission, the G grade at 1.6-liter automatic and manual transmissions, and the entry level E grade at 1.6-liter manual transmission. Color options are gray metallic, medium silver metallic, silver metallic, beige metallic, black mica and super white. It features 8-way power seats that can be adjusted down to the millimeter, combined with the tilt and telescopic steering. It has steering switches for control for the audio system and multi-information display (MID). The MID shows current and average fuel consumption, cruising range, average speed, elapsed time and fuel unit changeover. The V-grade has a DOT matrix feature for the MID for the standard reminders. It has a two-level glove box, drink holders for the front and rear passengers, and as much as 21 separate storage compartments placed throughout the cabin. Trunk spaces guarantee the storage of as much as four golf bags, which can be maximized further if 60:40 split rear seats are folded completely. The 4-cylinder, in-line 16-valve DOHC VVT-i engine offers maximum output of 132 ps/6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 170Nm/4,200 rpm for the 1.8-liter variant. While the 1.6-liter variant offers maximum output of 109 ps/6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 145 Nm/4,400 rpm. MacPherson Strut Type front suspension and rear torsion beams are implemented for better handling stability and driving comfort. Sporty 10-spoke 16-inch alloy wheel design is available for the V-grade while 7-spoke 15-inch alloy wheels are available for the G and E grades. Active safety features include Antilock Brake System with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist, combined with the 15-inch front and rear disk brakes for better braking response. Passive safety features include standard Toyota Global Outstanding Assessment (GOA) body structure, dual SRS airbags (for V-grade), and Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) Concept front seats. The 2008 Corolla Altis will be available in the 26 Toyota dealerships by March. In its 42-year history, the Corolla has been the sedan of choice for 32 million owners in over 140 countries. In the Philippines, the Corolla was one of Toyota's first models to be sold. It has become one of the country's biggest-selling vehicles, with over 170,000 units sold since 1989. The Corolla is manufactured in 16 countries.

By Tessa R. Salazar Philippine Daily Inquirer THE AUTOMOTIVE buzz last week was that US automaker General Motors Corp.'s "solid sales growth" gave it a slim lead over Japanese carmaker Toyota Motor Corp. in 2007 global vehicle sales, allowing it to keep its top spot for the 77th year. GM sold 9,369,524 vehicles last year -- a measly lead of 3,000 over Toyota's 9.366 million vehicles sold last year. Automotive business analysts are expecting a more intense rivalry this year as the two compete for emerging markets like China and India. But the No. 2 placer, it seems, isn't complaining. Associated Press reported that despite the media interest in the rivalry, Toyota said it was not interested in the numbers game, and has even expressed worries about a possible backlash reminiscent of the "Japan-bashing" in the 1980s and '90s should they dethrone GM in its home turf, the United States. Toyota Motors Philippines First Vice President for Marketing and Sales Daniel Isla said that ever since the issue of being No. 1 worldwide started playing in pundits' minds, the mandate of Toyota to its local distributors has been not to focus on quantity, but to continue producing quality cars and good customer service. Isla stressed that there has been no pressure from headquarters to take the top spot, but they "gave us specific targets and figures for market share. It doesn't matter to TMC what rank we're in as long as we're able to meet our targets." He added: "They always tell us to be humble in any achievement. They don't want fanfare that we're inching closer to GM. The mother company is so quiet about it." Isla said that no matter what global rank Toyota ends up in, it wouldn't have much of an effect in the local auto market. GM Philippines' local bestseller in 2007 was the Aveo sedan, followed by the Optra and Spark. GM could not be reached for comment as of press time. Toyota's Innova remains the top seller of all vehicles sold in the country. In 2007, the top three Toyota vehicles sold were Innova (10,544 units), Vios (8,717) and Fortuner (7,216). Analysts are expecting Ford and GM to be more competitive with the dollar's devaluation relative to most major world currencies. Some are also wondering whether the distinction of being the world's automotive capital would still belong to Detroit in the near future.

By Tessa R. Salazar Inquirer WAS it just coincidence that as the Inquirer flashed the news about climate change on its banner page, its Motoring section had in its possession (for a couple of days, at least) two hybrid cars from two of the world's trailblazers in hybrid power technology? Maybe there has been, indeed, an ultimate purpose for endeavors that would, at first, seem meaningless and a waste of time. Take, for example, our effort to drive these two hybrid cars (a Toyota Prius and a Honda Civic with Integrated Motor Assist) through some of the most congested locations in Metro Manila at the worst possible driving times (payday Friday night and Saturday afternoon). Thus, the 1.5-liter Prius (a second-generation test unit) and the 2006 Civic 1.3 i-DSi with IMA were virtually inseparable for two days, driven in identical routes and lanes, loaded up at the same fuel stations and subjected to the same traffic situations. Two for the road The Prius had already been test driven earlier this year by Inquirer Motoring. This would be the first time, though, that it would have a fellow hybrid for a companion. At the onset, the Prius evidently has a more space-age "look" than the Civic, owing to a prominent energy screen monitor at the center of the dashboard, a unique, tiny gearshift lever just below that monitor, and an EV mode on the left side of the dashboard. Pushing the EV button would give the driver full-time electric power for speed up to 42 kph for as far as 3 km, or depending on the battery charge levels. The Prius demolished all our misconceptions of hybrids as being slowpokes. This Prius, with a body as big as a 1.8-liter Altis, pulled like it was a 2-liter sedan, even during uphill runs. As we noted previously, the gasoline engine may produce a measly 76 hp at 5,000 rpm, but when combined with the 67 hp at 1,200 to 1,540 rpm of the electric engine, you effectively harness over 478 Nm (net of torque) and 110 horsepower at its peak. We have also observed that the electric motor's characteristic high torque was also an immense help on the uphill (both engines worked during steep climbs). The Civic Hybrid, on the other hand, looks every bit a regular Civic sedan except for the large side markings spelling out "Integrated Motor Assist" and the decal "hybrid" at the rear. The digital monitors at the dash betray its hidden nature, of course, with noticeable gauges for battery charge and the IMA system. The Civic driver control package looks more user friendly for its needle-type gauges, conventional ignition switch, and regular A/T gearshift lever. Photos courtesy of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

By Aida Sevilla-Mendoza Inquirer THE 4TH Car of the Year (Coty) Philippines Awards program, which was held at the Rockwell Tent in Makati last Thursday, established quite a few firsts. It was the first time that: a European brand won the big trophy. The 2007 Car of the Year, the Volvo C30 (shown in photo) is a sports coupe that aced the Luxury Subcompact category versus the BMW 120i and the Mercedes-Benz B160. What's more, the Swedish carmaker outshone its German rivals two more times when the Volvo S60 T5 won the Executive Car of the Year Award and the Volvo S80 2.5L topped the Luxury Car category. Swept It was also the first time that a Korean brand -- Kia -- swept four category awards, besting Japanese brands. The Kia Picanto 1.1 DLX bagged the Basic Subcompact Car of the Year Award, the Kia Rio 1.4 sedan was adjudged the Executive Subcompact Car of the Year, the Kia Carens CRDi collected the Compact Van/Multipurpose Vehicle of the Year Award and the Kia Carnival LX 2.9 CRDi short wheelbase won the Executive Van/MPV of the Year trophy. For the first time, the Car Awards Group Inc. (Cagi), organizer of Coty, got a big business corporation to be the title sponsor, i.e. Petron Corp. Thus it is now officially known as the Petron 2007 Car of the Year Awards. The decision to get a title sponsor was made by Cagi 2007 president Ira Panganiban with the concurrence of his board: External VP Andy Sevilla, external vice president; Fernan Lao, internal VP and technical committee chair; and Jeff Reyes, treasurer. Media practitioners All the officers and members of Cagi, if you don't know it yet, are media practitioners as Cagi is a nonstock, nonprofit private organization of motoring journalists that conducts consumer-oriented tests of mass production motor vehicles annually to help consumers make an informed choice when buying a car and to recognize the progress of the auto industry in engineering, quality, design and safety features. This time, the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) supported the 2007 Coty Awards not as a sponsor, but as Cagi's technical partner in testing the entries. After all, AAP is a nonprofit, nonstock organization, the national auto club that is the only Philippine affiliate of the FIA, the Paris-based body that governs motor sports worldwide including F1, the WRC and Le Mans. AAP motor sports committee chair Mandy Eduque and AAP director Dave Arcenas participated in some of the car testing sessions. Categories The number of categories was increased from 11 in the 3rd Coty to 23 after the Cagi executive board consulted the technical experts of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (Campi) on how to improve the Coty formula. Passenger cars now have nine categories: Basic Subcompact, Executive Subcompact, Luxury Subcompact, Midsize, Sports Car, Executive, Luxury and Ultra Luxury. Car-based utility vehicles enter four categories: 2WD Crossover/Wagon, 4WD Crossover/Wagon, Luxury Crossover/Wagon and Ultra-Luxury Crossover/Wagon. Minivans were divided into four categories: Compact Van/Multipurpose Vehicle (MPV), Executive Van/MPV, Luxury Van/MPV and Ultra Luxury Van/MPV. Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) were also Compact, Executive, Luxury or Ultra Luxury. Pickup trucks have two categories: 2WD (4x2) and 4WD (4x4). Chose The car manufacturers themselves, not Cagi, chose which of their products would participate and in which category each would enter. The car manufacturers also took care of bringing the test units to the test venue. Entries that did not win in their respective categories last time were allowed to try again. Previously, losing entries were not allowed to participate unless the motor vehicle in question had undergone major changes or upgrades in engineering, technology and/or safety features. A facelift -- new headlights or taillights, a new grille, new bumpers -- did not count. 87 entries Eighty-seven cars and trucks were tested over a span of eight Saturdays from Aug. 25 to Oct. 13 at the San Lazaro Leisure Park in Carmona, Cavite. The total number would have been 97 if the test units of 10 models had shown up. The number of Special Awards was increased from four to 19. Supporters of Coty 2007 sponsored the awards. Thus, Toyota Motors Philippines won the AAP Best Road Safety Campaign Award, the Honda Jazz 1.3 won the Standard Insurance Best Value for Money Award, the Nissan Teana the Rockwell Land Best Interior Design Award, the Mercedes-Benz S350 the Bridgestone Most Comfortable Ride Award, the Mitsubishi Outlander the Bosch Best In-Car Entertainment Award, the Subaru Impreza WRX the Globe Media Dream Car Award and the Petron 2007 Car of the Year, the Volvo C30, also won the Concept One Sexiest Car Award. So Coty 2007 was a year of firsts, setting the stage for a more exciting 2008.