Motoring Today Column

Apr 12, 2023

Despite all the efforts of tollway operators and traffic management officials in the national and local levels, the going still got long and difficult for those caught inside expressways and gridlock in major thoroughfares heading out of Metro Manila to the provinces.

Those long hours caught in snail-paced traffic surely tested both vehicles and the patience of driver and passengers.

These are the times when the claims of many auto makers and distributors about the comfort and convenience of their vehicles, as well as their infotainment and smart connectivity features are surely tested.

Long hours in cramped vehicles, inefficient climate control systems, poor infotainment options can be especially hellish. The accuracy and accessibility of Waze and other Navigation apps would also have tested.

Fuel efficiency of powertrains would also have been given a proper appraisal.

It would be interesting to hear from new vehicle owners about how their sedans, SUVs, crossover, pickups-to how they themselves- withstood the nine-hour long drives that normally would have been just two hours or so.

Grand Cherokee

It's been a long wait, but the Grand Cherokee is back.

Just unveiled is the All-New Jeep Grande Cherokee L.

It's touted as the brand's premier SUV "designed to be the classic epitome of luxury that is meant to be shared across generations."

The Grand Cherokee brought to our shores is the first to have three rows of seats for seven, upholstered in premium leather.

Aside from luxurious trim and posh accents , the Grand Cherokee L comes a lot with the latest comfort and convenience features now commonplace in luxury SUVs, as well as the infotainment and smart connectivity features.

It is also powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, resulting in a maximum output of 282-horsepower and344Nm of torque, and arrived with 4x4 all-wheel off-roading capability.

What's interesting is who local distributors of the Jeep Grand Cherokee is targeting.

According to its distributors, the All-new Jeep Grand Cherokee L is for the ambitious, driven individual, who has attained stature and professional success.

It is also for individuals who take pride in having built a close-knit home and sharing the fruits of their achievements with those nearest to their heart.

In other words, the distributors present the Grand Cherokee L as a very comfortable drive during the workweek and a very capable SUV for weekend bonding adventures.

Are you that individual?

GWM Developments

Our guys at Sunshine Television's Motoring Today andAuto Focus caught up withLuxuriant Automotive executives,Ruben Tan, president, and their head for GWM Philippines, Tonette Lee, at the well-attended Philippine launch for GWM models at the Shangri-La The Fort, BGC.

You might recall that we recently joined the GWM brand launch and media preview of its lineup at The Bellevue Alabang, from where we set off to test drive their Haval SUVs andGWM Pickup at the Batangas Racing Circuit.

At the Philippine launch, theHaval H6 HEV was unveiled along with theHaval Jolion HEV, Haval Jolion ICE, andChina's top-selling pickup, the GWM Cannon (known in China as the Poer).

According to Tonette Lee, GWM offers the Philippine market advanced technology and luxury features at accessible prices.

"The HAVAL SUVs have done extremely well in several very competitive markets, such as Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, and of course, China, where they've consistently placed among the top-selling models in the market," she said.

Both H6 HEV and Jolion HEV drive GWM's sustainable motoring and green energy strategy home.

On the other hand, the Cannon should make in-roads in the crowded pickup market.

"The Cannon, now gaining popularity in Australia, boasts of all-around capability, high level of safety (Level 2 Autonomous Driving), and high-strength body construction with generous dimensions, and luxury amenities," said Fritz de Ocampo, GWM Philippines product marketing manager .

The formal public launch generated a good turnout, with customers, bank representatives, media, and Luxuriant's business partners in attendance.

We applaud GWM Philippines' efforts to bring sustainable driving vehicles to the Philippine market, and provide cutting edge technology at accessible price points. We look forward to seeing GWM vehicles on Philippine roads, and we wish them the best!

Summer Test Drive

Getting back on how vehicles performed and felt during that horror show of an exodus out of the metropolis, perhaps it's a good idea to do a contrast and compare of the latest vehicles in the market before acquiring a new one.

And this can be done all in one place at theAuto Focus Summer Test Drive Festival taking place onMay 4 to 7 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds.

The annual event brings together in one venue the country's biggest and best brands to showcase and provide test drives of their local lineup of vehicle.

Already confirmed to participate in the festival are, in alphabetical order, Ford, GAC, GWM, Honda, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota and WM.

Happy Motoring!!!

For comments & inquiries:

(email) sunshine.television@yahoo.com

(website) www.motoringtoday.ph