Motoring Today Column

Apr 11, 2018

In the past buying a car was more like buying an art piece. Many people make their choice based on what pleases their eye, what they like and what they "feel" they should have.

But today with the presence of high tech instant communication through cellphones, email and the Internet, buying automobiles can be nearly called a science. With all the information on about almost anything readily available presently, preparing a matrix comparing two or more car models to chose from to buy is a breeze.

But despite a well prepared matrix of comparison, somehow the "buck still ends" with the buyer. And the buyer would be most wise to still go for the good old tenet or dogma, which is to "test drive it, before you buy it."

And that opportunity to have a "hands on" comparison of a wide array of models is offered by Sunshine TV, producers of Auto Focus, the country's weekly premier TV and Online electronic magazine twice a year as a service to the local auto industry as well as to the motoring public.

The virtual "one stop shop" for brand new automobiles is put together once in summer and the other just before Christmas, two periods of the year when historically more vehicles are being bought, by way of the always much eagerly awaited institutional "multi brand" test drive events.

At the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds this Friday until Sunday, major automobile manufacturers and importers like Ford, Honda, Jeep, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota will parade their latest model offerings for the public to see up close and know intimately during the 2018 Auto Focus Summer Multi Brand Test Drive Festival presented by Phoenix with Pulse Technology, the event's "Official Fuel".

Some of the interesting current year models that would be available for test drive during the 3-day motoring weekend include the EcoSport, Everest and the Ranger from Ford Philippines.

A total of seven brand new models are lined up by Honda Cars Philippines lead by the first 7-seat diesel CR-V, to be joined by the Civic, BR-V, City, Jazz, HR-V and the Mobilio.

Jeep lovers would be delighted to have the experience to drive the Wrangler, the elegantGrand Cherokee and the new Ram 1500 Laramie.

Many of the reportedly more than 3 thousand of those who have made reservations would be happy to test drive the much eagerly awaited Xpander as Mitsubishi Motors Philippines brings it together with the Montero Sport, Strada and the Mirage G4.

Word is ripe that Nissan Philippines aside from the Navara, Juke, Patrol Royale and Urvan just might have a surprise up its sleeve. The only way to find out is to go and see for yourself.

Peugeot Philippines will stick to their brand new top sellers the 3008 and the all-new van that's expected to take the market by storm, the Traveller.

Subaru Philippines will have the Impreza once again vying to be in the list of those most often test driven models joined by theLevorg, Forester and the XV.

Suzuki Philippines is also part of the industry coffee shop talk as one of those that would have a surprised unveiling during the multi brand event together with their Grand Vitara, Ertiga, Celerio, Swift, Jimny, Ciaz and Super Carry.

And of course market leader Toyota Motor Philippines will have its flagship top seller Vios joined another record buster, the Fortuner, plus the Wigo, Yaris, HiLux and the Innova Touring Sport.

Safety will still be paramount all throughout the test drive event. Marshals have been given strict marching orders to stop on their tracks drivers who endanger lives, limbs and property by driving recklessly whether within the test drive course or outside in a designated test-drive route in open traffic outside of MOA.

The test drive course still carries the design to bring out what a would be buyer needs to feel and know to help decide what brand and model to have, like maneuverability, handling, braking and riding comfort, even climate control.

Aside from the opportunity to "test drive till you drop" some of the most desirable car models in the country today, the public has another great thing going for them this coming weekend. That's the chance to win through random raffles thousands of pesos worth of free fuel coupons just for making a test drive. This would be courtesy of Phoenix Petroleum, which is now offering a top-level fuel (gasoline and diesel) with "pulse technology".

Additionally, Phoenix Petroleum as the Presenting Sponsor and Official Fuel of the event has come up with a corporate booth that would not only display their technologically advanced fuel and lubricant products but also an area for the entire family to be entertained and win valuable items and take home giveaways aside from the test drives. Word has it, which we need to confirm that there's the great possibility of having Phoenix PBA Team players coming to give away the raffle prizes themselves.

We have an exciting weekend up ahead for the entire family and those who are considering buying their first or next car, not to mention the car enthusiasts who just want to be updated on what's presently in the market.

We'll see you. And remember, "Test drive it, before you buy it."

The members of theSociety of Philippine Motoring Journalists ( SPMJ) have unanimously agreed to make their organization further relevant aside from giving well-deserved recognition to the members of the local automotive industry that engage in laudable Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) undertakings through the yearly 'Driven To Serve Awards', by organizing forums that would tackle issues relevant to the country's motoring.

The first ever SPMJ Forum is scheduled onApril 18 at theSeda Vertis North Hotel in Quezon City. With the presently burning issue of the implementation of the PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP) on center stage SPMJ members are set to have as guests DOTr Undersecretary Tim Orbos, LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III and a representative from the automotive industry,Mr. Cecilio Almazora of Almazora Motors Corporation.

The objective of the SPMJ Forum is to communicate views, questions, apprehensions from the general motoring public and the journalists themselves to the invited guests to have the answers and reactions "straight from the horses mouth", so to speak and pass these on through the different media platforms that SPMJ members represent.

The entire exercise shall be covered 'live' over the SPMJ Facebook page.

Happy Motoring!!!

For comments & inquiries (email) sunshine.television@yahoo.com