Once a novelty in the slushbox segment, continuously variable transmissions (CVT) are getting increasingly popular. This is because of the multiple forward ratios that the transmission presents to the driver, instead of a set number of gears. In the Philippines, this particular tranny saw national attention when it was part of the original equipment for the mid-2000s Honda City subcompact sedan and Honda Jazz subcompact hatchback. The tranny was deemed a good alternative to a market that still p

It’s the first Sunday of February – and yes, even I’m still in shock about how fast time flies. As before, it’s time for your weekly dose of the AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup. We reviewed the stories that you liked the most from Jan. 30 to Feb. 3, 2023. Here are the top five that you chose. 4-year waiting list AutoFun Philippines has reported extensively on the illicit behavior of local Honda Cars dealers related to the 2023 Honda Civic Type R. Some customers told us that “bidding wars” a

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) is bringing out all its wares at the September 15-18, 2022, Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS). However, one question that the Japanese automaker went omerta upon is what all-new model they will unveil at PIMS. The current BR-V was launched at the 2016 PIMS as a completely built-up (CBU) unit. Since then, the brand got produced locally, then reverted to CBU status when HCPI closed its Sta. Rosa (Laguna) plant in early 2020. In addition, fellow ASEAN co

In celebration of World EV Day, we would like to share a brief experience driving one of the more popular EVs from a mainstream manufacturer. The Kia e-Niro is a crossover that shares its platform and electric drivetrain with the Hyundai Kona. As you can see, it looks like a raised hatchback, but its extra height lets you be more versatile and agile on the road. We drove it in Brunei Darussalam, where there is little traffic on city roads and highways. Kia Brunei is not yet selling EVs, and like

Toyota Motor Thailand has just launched what is believed to be the 2023 Toyota Vios this morning. Actually, this model is known as the 2023 Toyota Yaris Ativ in Thailand. While it was originally thought that the Toyota Vios and the Yaris Ativ will remain two distinct models, it is now confirmed that Toyota Thailand will cease production of the former. Underpinned by the same Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform also found in the Toyota Raize, Avanza and Veloz, the Yaris Ativ will cov

Much more impeccably stylish than your average-looking bear, er, workhorse, the Isuzu Traviz has more than good looks to offer but on a previous article which pitted the brawnier Traviz against the much compact but top-caliber hauler, Mitsubishi L-300, performance results were somewhat troubling for the former as it was being hailed as a light-duty truck destined for small and medium-sized enterprises (SME’s) much like the latter, hence, the unlikely but amiable rivalry between these two indefat