Motoring Today Column

Jun 24, 2020

Local auto companies are losing no time in launching new or refurbished models to the market after authorities began easing community quarantine restrictions.

It's quite understandable since they lost more than two months of time to the Covid-19 pandemic. And with the economy still barely awake from a long forced slumber, auto assemblers and distributors are pulling all stops to get their new offerings back out in the market and hopefully into the streets with their new owners.

The industry's hope for a resurgence in sales hinges on a lot more people opting to acquire cars out of fear that public transport exposes them more to the deadly Covid-19 virus.

Others hope on enticing buyers by throwing in a lot of freebies and dressing up old models with new gear and kits to make them seem more special and turn them into must-acquire vehicles.

Then there are the one-off variants or models, aspirational vehicles now made available to a wider segment of buyers.

And the new models are offered with jawdropping prices and promos.

In less than a week, three vehicle launches were held in Zoom conferences or on Facebook. Physical launches are prohibited by government imposed physical distancing protocols.

Going For It

Toyota Motor Philippines is going for first-time buyers and family's looking for second or even third cars to overcome the challenges of going to and from work or other essential places with the New Wigo.

In launching the New Wigo online, Toyota said the New Wigo provides "the best option for budget-conscious first-time car buyers and those looking for extra car for other family members."

The New Wigo comes with refreshed front bumper, rear combination lamp, and redesigned seats and interior, power doorlocks and new instrument panel, SRS airbags for the driver and front passenger, back sonar, and Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).

Four variants are available starting from the base model E with manual transmission priced at Php568k, the G MT at Php623k, the G AT at Php658k, to the top-of-line TRD S at Php700K.

"The New Wigo now comes with the push start button and Steering Switch, as well as LCD touch panel type A/C for the TRD S and G variants. The power retract and adjust side mirrors make driver rear visibility easily adjustable, and parking is more convenient and beginner friendly with the new back camera that comes with TRD S and G variants," Toyota said in a press statement.

"The TRD S variant's TRD kit also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Voice Command Feature, and a class leading Digital Video Recorder, making every trip safer, more convenient, and enjoyable," it added.

Boondock Special

Isuzu Philippines Corporation unveiled the 2020 D-Max Boondock 4x4 on Zoom.

In launching the DMAX Boondock 4x4, Isuzu hopes to encourage its loyal customer base as well a new buyers to "Live Life Differently" and "go beyond the comfort of our homes, to explore the outdoors, and open ourselves up to more adventures," it said in a press statement about the launch.

"No other pickup can symbolize the Filipino off-roader's re-emergence from months of home confinement than the 2020 D-MAX Boondock 4x4, which has been designed to handle practically all types of terrain: sand, gravel, riverbed, mud, and rocks," it added.

The new DMax Boondock is powered by a 4JJ1-TCX 4-Cylinder in-line Blue Power 3.0-liter diesel engine with VGS turbo charger and intercooler that generates177 horsepower at 3,600 rpm and 380 Newton-meters of torque at 1,800 to 2,800 rpm.

The Boondock features monotube nitrogen-charged front and rear shock absorbers, steel side steps, 265/70 R17 all-terrain tires wrapped around matte black off-road rally type design R17 rims, a new hood and body customized graphics that pay tribute to the country's highest "boondock," Mt. Apo.

The 2020 D-MAX Boondock 4x4 is available inAT and MT variants, priced at Php1.795 million and Php1.725 million, with a Php95,000 discount available until the end of June.

Gran Coupe

SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp., the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, is looking at luring buyers back to showrooms, virtual or physical, to check out the first ever BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe now available locally.

In a press statement, SMC Asia Car said the Series 2 Gran Coupe raises the bar in the compact 4-door sedan class with advanced BMW front-wheel drive architecture, cutting edge chassis technology and innovative systems, making it the perfect car for the urban youth looking for sportiness, connectivity, and cabin roominess with all luxurious amenities and modern conveniences for family life and long drives.

Only one variant is available, the 218i Gran Coupe Sport, which carries over the elegant but sporty aesthetics of its larger BMW coupe stablemates, including a dynamically stretched low-slung silhouette and four frameless doors.

The 218i Gran Coupe Sport comes with the 1.5-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo 3-cylinder gasoline engine offering 140 hp and 220 Nm of torque and paired with a seven-speed dual clutch Steptronic automatic transmission.

The BMW 218i Gran Coupé Sport is priced at Php2,990,000 and is available in Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Melbourne Red, and Mineral Grey.

Happy Motoring!!!

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