Catch the Fun Utility Vehicle (FUV), Honda Jazz, at the 14th Diliman Motorshow on February 21, 2009 (Saturday) at the College of Engineering, University of the Philippines. In partnership with the University of the Philippines Gears and Pinions (UPGP), Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. supports mechanical engineering student's grand culmination of weeklong activities through the Diliman Motorshow. Over the years, the Diliman Motorshow has attracted a range of car enthusiasts all over Luzon.
Highlighting Honda's display is the 2nd generation Jazz which carries more advanced and vibrant features that are perfect for the active lifestyle of today's youth. Available in 1.5 liter and 1.3 liter variants, the new Jazz 5-door hatchback delivers a maximum power output of 120 ps at 6600 rpm and 100 ps at 6000 rpm. Thanks to its icon engine technology, i-VTEC, the Jazz realizes more spirited driving performance while maintaining its outstanding fuel economy.
The Honda Jazz maintains ample cabin space in order to live up to one's active lifestyle. With its innovative ULTRA seats, the Jazz can easily accommodate almost anything – be it long, tall or any utility items.
Fun and exciting games and prizes are in-store at the Honda display. Spectators of the Diliman Motorshow get the opportunity to prove how versatile the new Jazz is. Simply configure the seats and load up all the huge boxes of different sizes inside the Jazz. The contestant with the fastest time wins.
Aside from the car show, the event also features a miniature car exhibit, RC drift competition, loudmatch (Sound Pressure League), and get-togethers for different car clubs.
|
Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) started the year with passenger car (PC) leadership as the most-awaited 3rd generation Honda City entered the local market last January. Data released by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI) showed that Honda posted 1,278 unit sales and captured 38% of the entire PC market. Notwithstanding the impact of global economic turmoil, HCPI proved its resilience as it managed to register 22% growth in car sales.
Essential in attaining PC dominance is the City - Honda’s latest product offering. With cutting-edge styling and technologies that are geared towards creating new industry standards, the City got the nods of the local market with 719 unit sales. Such sales feat was in fact 63% higher as compared to the same period of last year. Out of the 1,278 sedans Honda sold in January, 62% are City models.
Aside from the City, Honda’s other sedan models likewise played significant role in gaining the PC crown. The Civic continued to log favorable sales with 290 units, thereby capturing 32% share of the entire compact sedan class. Celebration continued as the Jazz and Accord posted 26% and 32% growth respectively, up against December 2008 sales.
Among the vehicles available locally, three out of the top five best selling vehicles in January bore a Honda badge: City, Civic and Jazz. “We were very grateful with the market’s continued patronage and trust in Honda products. We felt even greater delight as the market embraced the City’s new styling and improved driving performance. Despite the implicated threats of economic slowdown, Honda still managed to register sales growth. The unwavering support of the market inspires us to enhance product and service excellence for ultimate customer satisfaction.” said Mr. Hiroshi Shimizu, HCPI President and General Manager.
As a whole, the start of year 2009 proved positive for Honda as it earned 102% growth in combined passenger car and commercial vehicle sales, versus the same period last year.
|
Toyota Motor Philippines announces the introduction of the 2.0-liter Corolla Altis. The newest addition to the Altis line-up is the top-of-the-line variant equipped with superior technology comparable to Toyota’s high-end models. This includes a dual VVT-i engine, paddle shift, smart entry with push-start system and an array of comfort and safety features that puts it a notch above its class. The 2.0L Altis is offered at Php 1,100,000 and is available at all authorized Toyota dealers nationwide in February 2009.
The launch of the 2.0L Altis follows the successful introduction of the 10th Generation Corolla with 1.8-liter and 1.6-liter variants in January 2008, where it sold a total of 4,610 units on its first year. As the 2.0-liter variant revitalizes the entire line-up, it is expected to further boost Corolla sales and Toyota’s overall passenger car performance.
On the outside, the new 2.0L Corolla can be easily distinguished from the other variants as it features a sporty honey-comb grille. But on the inside, superior technology became the focus of its major improvements, the highlight of which is the Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (VVT-i) engine, a technology so far only available in the top-of-the-line Camry 3.5Q V6. This new 3ZR-FE 4-cylinder, in-line 16 valve DOHC 2.0-liter engine provides maximum output of 104 kW at 5,600 rpm and maximum torque of 189 Nm per 4,400 rpm. What makes the dual VVT-i engine different from single VVT-i available in other Toyota passenger cars is that variable timing is applied to both intake and exhaust valves, whereas the normal VVT-i only applies to intake valves. The combination of 2.0-liter displacement and Dual VVT-i technology results to five major advantages: Balanced output and better performance; high fuel efficiency and cleaner emissions; better control in terms of shifting, steering responsiveness and stability; and improved safety.
Balanced output is achieved as valve timing is highly optimized according to the engine’s operating conditions. This allows for higher torque in low to mid rpm ranges and increased output at high rpm, resulting to superior acceleration performance. With a flat torque quickly generated, the new Altis accelerates smoothly and more efficiently. With great acceleration from a standing start, the driver can easily maneuver the vehicle quickly and safely.
Fuel efficiency is maximized and emission gases are reduced as the size and weight of the valve train and pistons were reduced to lessen friction of parts.
Intelligent transmission provides smoother shifting, equipped with a paddle shift for better manual transmission-like shifting when in sequential mode. The paddle shift likewise enhances safety as drivers keep both hands on the steering wheel, intensifying control and focus. On the other hand, the bigger body and more rigid suspension provide increased stability, better steering response, improved control and safer drive.
Aside from superior engine, another highlight is the smart key system with key-integrated trunk release function. Advanced engine operation is provided with the adoption of a push-start engine switch, which is the first in its class. This same premium feature is only available at Toyota’s other high-end models such as the Camry, Land Cruiser 200 and the hybrid car, Prius.
For more information about the 2.0-liter Corolla Altis, visit any of the 28 authorized Toyota dealers nationwide or log on to www.toyota.com.ph.
|
Highlighting Honda's display is the 2nd generation Jazz which carries more advanced and vibrant features that are perfect for the active lifestyle of today's youth. Available in 1.5 liter and 1.3 liter variants, the new Jazz 5-door hatchback delivers a maximum power output of 120 ps at 6600 rpm and 100 ps at 6000 rpm. Thanks to its icon engine technology, i-VTEC, the Jazz realizes more spirited driving performance while maintaining its outstanding fuel economy.
