For many, Metro Manila’s increasing pace to "Carmageddon hell" means that relocating or moving permanently outside the capital is proving to be a better and much more refreshing solution. That can mean settling in an urban center, not within Metro Manila, and retaining your work orientation there. That can also mean putting up your own farm and being self-sustainable by growing the food needed for personal consumption. The latter option has been a go-to choice for many an urbanite. And putting u

The Hyundai Stargazer recently broke cover and became the latest model to enter the hotly contested subcompact MPV category. With the headstart enjoyed by the likes of the Toyota Avanza and Rush, the Honda BR-V, the Mitsubishi Xpander, the Suzuki Ertiga, and another newcomer, the Nissan Livina, Hyundai’s affordable seven-seater has a lot to prove to sway Filipinos toward its fold. During our brief afternoon with the Hyundai Stargazer, we noticed how some of its design, technical, and safety feat

Hyundai Motor Philippines, Inc., the new exclusive distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the country is steadily regaining lost ground for the brand. After the recent introduction of new models in key market segments, it now announces an all-new entry that will surely rock the establishment. Today, October 19th, marks the start of pre-booking activities for the South Korean brand’s small MPV contender, the Hyundai Stargazer. HMPH has indicated that the core 1.5 GL variant will have a net price of P

One of Suzuki’s most famous people carriers will soon come with numerous exterior and interior upgrades, but it’s made even better as it will soon boast a mild-hybrid powerplant. Dubbed by Suzuki as the “Smart Hybrid Technology,” it utilizes a K15 engine that’s mated to an integrated starter generator (ISG) and a 6Ah 12-volt lithium-ion battery. Power to the wheels continues to be sent through a 4-speed automatic transmission. Factory rated to put out 104.7 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and torque lev

The first time the Nissan Grand Livina entered the Philippine market in 2008, it was a three-row hatchback based on the Nissan Tiida platform. It was ahead of its time in many ways, as it offered car-like handling and seating for seven. Typical of what crossovers provide today. As head of the marketing team of Nissan Motor Philippines, Inc (NMPI) at that time, I was tasked to find ways to slot such a strange vehicle concept into the MPV-crazy consciousness of Filipino car buyers. The 2008 Nissan

After dominating the segment for years, the Honda BR-V now has a worthy contender in the form of the all-new 2020 Mitsubishi Xpander. The new 7-seater B-segment SUV arrives in with its facelifted form with 1 variant to offer and is locally assembled (CKD) in Pekan. Sure enough, MMM announced recently that demand for the Xpander has far exceeded the Pekan plant’s production limit for the year 2020 and new bookings will be receiving the 2021-year model make instead. So, how does it compare against