Car Profiles Audi Q7 2006 2015

2006-2015 Audi Q7

The Good: First class fit and finish is what this 4x4 capable is about

The Bad: Limited third row space, expensive to run

The Say: The image comes at a price.

Go For: 3.0 TDi
Avoid: 4.2 FSI

Price Range: P2,200,000-P4,350,000
Our Rating: ****

Related Review: Used Car Review - Audi Q7 (2006-2015)
Latest vehicle profile: Audi Q7

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2006-2015

Linders Renault Turveys first birthday celebration

Linders Renault and Dacia Turvey is celebrating its first birthday this Saturday 7 October with a Family Fun Day from 12pm to 3pm in its Turvey Avenue dealership, writes Trish Whelan.

A special guest on the day will be Linders Renault brand ambassador, Dublin GAA player, Man of the Match for the 2017 Football Final and Footballer of the Year, James McCarthy who will be on hand to sign jerseys and footballs and pose for pictures.

The legendary Sam Maguire Cup may even make an appearance for the celebrations!

One lucky fan from a local GAA club will also get the chance to beco me a GAA reporter for a day and interview James in front of a camera crew by sending a short video of themselves asking James a question to competitions@lindersrenault.ie before tomorrow, 5 October.

98FM will be joining in the fun on the day with pace painting and other goodies, and families can also enjoy tasty food and drinks.

Linders Turvey Dealer Principal John McSweeney is pictured above with James McCarthy. John says all are welcome.

Car Profiles Honda Pilot 2006 2008

2006-2008 Honda Pilot

The Good: Excellent power train, seats 8 in comfort

The Bad: Bland looks, expensive maintenance costs

The Say: Comfortable to be in, but there are other lower priced alternatives that can do the job.

Go For: 3.5 V6 EX
Avoid: None

Price Range: P950,000-P1,150,000
Our Rating: ***

Related Review: Used Car Review - Honda Pilot (2006-2008)
Latest vehicle profile: Honda Pilot

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2006-2008

Used Car Review Proton Wira 1995 2000

Curious about this vehicle? Well, Myk Belmonte saves the day by giving out information about this car.

1995-1998 Proton Wira

History
Upon reading this very first paragraph, the first question you will ask why would Myk review a Proton Wira which is essentially a rebadged Mitsubishi Lancer Itlog?? My dear friend, this is because that some buyers on a budget are interested about the details of this car and for the aim of reviewing every used car (from legit car makers and distributors) available locally.

If the Lancer Itlog was made available in 1991, the Wira arrived in Proton showrooms two years later. It supplanted the Proton Saga (with the first generation a fixture in Malaysias taxi industry) and this was the second Mitsubishi based Proton. Everything from the Lancer was lifted except the taillights, bumpers, and dashboard. Body configurations include a sedan and hatchback while the engine menu consists of a ca rburetor and electronic fuel injected four cylinders and a rare diesel mover. This nameplate remained on sale until 2007 with the Proton Persona replacing it.

Fidel V. Ramos was very supportive of the automotive industry before that allowed Proton to set up shop in the Philippines through Proton Pilipinas Inc (later renamed as Auto Prominence). They did have an assembly plant in Alaminos Pangasinan (that was not used in the long run) but with the financial crisis affecting Asia, the Malaysian car maker was thrown in the towel. Available variants includes the GLi for the 1.3 and 1.5 and the XLi for the 1.6. The XLi can be ordered in both sedan and liftback dubbed as the Aeroback.

Value and Costs
When it was brand new, Protons retail prices are lower and fully equipped than that of the equivalent Lancer, however no thanks to the "Pizza" body from Mitsu the Malaysians advantage disappeared. Even Korean car makers had units driving off showrooms but because they are cheaper. Nowadays, second hand prices can range between P55,000-P100,000, lower than the Lancer Itlog of course. There also exists a sports edition with body kits and a different set of rims released in 1998, which is priced in the upper side of the spectrum.

Rumor has it that Proton service technicians advised owners that they can service their Wiras in Mitsubishi dealers only to find out that they have been rejected. If some people advise you not to buy one because of parts scarcity, you can purchase Lancer parts because they are identical. However, some parts like OEM tailights and bumpers requires patience, but this is impossible with the internet age since you can order them anywhere in the world. Suspension problems inherited from its Japanese cousin can be carried and with that, better check the unit well.

Exterior and Interior
Honestly speaking, there is not much to describe about the Wiras design due to the fact it is a rebadged Lancer. However, the difference from one is the availability of rear disc brakes in the XLi trim, different set of alloy wheels and the tailight design. The Aeroback version is one sexy car and oozing with appeal.

Thanks to the designers at Proton, they decided to use their own dashboard design than using Mitsubishis, it was brittle controls no more. Room inside is comparable to the Lancer Itlog, so passengers no need to complain.

Engine
While the Wira offers the same engine palette as the Lancer, the 4G13 engine which offers 73hp has its fuel delivered through an electronic fuel injection system than that of the Lancers carb. Otherwise, the 4G15 with 92hp and 4G92 with 114hp at 6,000rpm and 134Nm at 4,500rpm are the same when I describe it. To sum these engines, they offer the best balance between low and high end torque.

Driving Impressions
Surely the Wira carries the same suspension combi nation that the Lancer has, but driving dynamics is below par no thanks to the small diameter wheels with narrow section tyres. Still, the suspension and steering are inherited which makes up to this shortcoming.

Verdict
Having a small budget can mean catastrophe, but one must have the patience of researching for vehicles falling under the price bracket. The Proton Wira is a left behind choice but offers more than what the Lancer Itlog had at a lower price. Parts is not trouble since you can get them from the Japanese counterpart. It is a five digit economy car no more no less.


The Good:

• Cheaper and well equipped than the equivalent Lancer Itlog
• Available Aeroback version
• Accommodation is excellent

The Bad:

• What problems may the Lancer Itlog have, the Wira also has
• Some quality problems
• Some parts are not available

T he Pick: 1.6 XLi MT Aeroback

THE SPECS

Engines: 1,298cc 4G13, 1,485cc 4G15, and 1,597 4G92 I4 gasoline
Power: 73hp (1.3), 92hp (1.5), 114hp @ 6,000rpm (1.6)
Torque: No data available for the 4G13 and 4G15. 134Nm @ 4,500rpm (1.6)
Fuel Consumption: 8-11km/L (city), 10-13km/L (highway) (*estimated and varies)
Transmission: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
Suspension: Front McPherson strut with stabilizer, rear multilink with stabilizer

MORE INFO
Price (New): P300,000-P500,000 (estimated)
Price (Now): P55,000-P100,000
Rivals: Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Mitsubishi Lancer, Honda Civic, Mazda 323 Familia, Daewoo Racer, Daewoo Espero, Daewoo Cielo
On Sale: 1995-1998
Resources:
http://www.protonclub.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=71
http://www.forumjar.com/forums/Proton_Wira

Photos courtesy of http://www.olx.com.ph/1997-proton-wira-ref-9402-iid-491896020

Used Car Review Suzuki Alto 2007 Current

On the eleventh day of Christmas Myk Belmonte gave to me... eleven Suzuki Altos

2007-Current Suzuki Alto

History
Indians do have a love affair with small vehicles, which Maruti Suzuki builds and sells. Their immense popularity led them to their number one manufacturer status in the said country. Still, many of the locals still drive their Maruti 800 hatchbacks and Omni minivans despite their age and the influx of new and cheaper rivals (think of the Tata Nano).

To tell you the truth, the Alto sold in Japan is way way different than the one marketed in India and exported worldwide. What you see here in this article is the fifth generation Alto suited for worldwide requirements (except for Japan) built by the Indian subsidiary. You see, the Celerio we have locally is not available in Japan.

After their success with the Swift hatchback, it was time for Suzuki Philippines to bring in the Alto. Simlar to an actor more suited for drama than comedy, the Alto looked frumpy and plain compared with the Picanto, Spark, and even the QQ. It was definitely a hit among fuel conscious motorists and fleet buyers when gas prices spiked. Initially available in 0.8 guise in both Standard and Deluxe variants, with a K10 model (having a 1.0 engine) launched in November 2011 and discontinued in April 2013 when the Alto line was revamped.

Value and Costs
Love to own one but hate to bite the first owner depreciation? Then a second hand Alto is a prudent choice, with secondhand units being priced between P185,000-P330,000. If possible, hunt for a unit sold in February 2011 and later to get the remaining chunk of the warranty. Old model deals can be had in private owners while recent ones in repossessed bank lots.

Prospective Alto buyers must be warned for these maladies: worn clutch, brittle plastics, and broken driver side window crank. Otherwise, this wont fail you and would not drain your bank account.

Exterior and Interior
Cost cutting is evident in the Alto, so we remind you not to expect too much. This vehicle is devoid of character which staring at one will brighten up your day. Steel rims are standard across the range (hubcap covers are standard in Deluxe) and black bumpers are only available on Standard models. No rear wiper can be found in the basic model.

The basic theme continues on to the interior, with some cheap finishes lifted out from a 90s budget car. Choosing a Deluxe or K10 gives you power windows and nothing else. Regardless of what you get, all models gain power steering and a CD player with two speakers. Space is only good for four people and whenever shifting to reverse, be prepared to hit the companion beside you. Small bags (or bayongs) are welcome but not a weeks worth of groceries from Savemore.

Engine
Even with a smallish engine, b oth the F8D 796cc carrying 47hp at 6,200rpm and 68Nm at 3,500rpm and K10B 996cc with 68hp at 6,200rpm and 90Nm at 3,500rpm can reach the triple digit speed zone when loaded appropriately. This is not a vehicle you would star yourself at drag races but something youll appreciate inside the city and even inclines, credit its short gearing. Fuel economy is a top strength and top reason to buy this car.

Driving Impressions
Youll enjoy how practical the Alto is especially when youre on the move. Weaving through traffic and parking are no biggie, youll just laugh at people driving hulking SUVs even when they are just alone. It may be light but itll give you a dull steering and somewhat unstable suspension, which you will live with it. Unlike the cheapest car in India, it will carry you and three passengers with ease.

Verdict
Shunning the popular Corollas and Sentras for a dinky size Alto is one bold move. Buyers who can live with the bare interior, smallish engine, and uninspiring driving characteristics will get more for the hatchbacks fuel miser image. Others who want more in terms of amenities and power might want to check out the Altos competition having similar prices.

The Good:

• Cheap to buy
• Cheap to maintain
• Does not harm the planet

The Bad:

• Less space
• Less power
• Less sophistication

The Pick: 1.0 K10

THE SPECS

Engines: 796cc F8D and 996cc K10B 3-cylinder gasoline

Power: 47hp @ 6,200rpm (0.8), 68hp @ 6,200rpm (1.0)

Torque: 68Nm @ 3,500rpm (0.8), 90Nm @ 3,500rpm (1.0)

Fuel Consumption: 12-16km/L (city), 16-20km/L (highway) (*estimated and varies)

Transmission: 5-speed manual

Suspension: Front independent McPherson strut, rear rigid axle - 3 link

MORE INFO

Price (New): P369,000-P490,000

Price (Now): P185,000-P330,000

Rivals: Chery QQ, Chevrolet Spark, Hyundai i10, Hyundai Eon, Kia Picanto, Suzuki Celerio

On Sale: 2007-Current

Resources:

http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-alto-forum/

http://www.suzuki4u.co.uk/forum/viewforum.php?f=9

Contacts:

Suzuki Auto Pasig - (02) 571-6780
Suzuki Auto E. Rodriguez - (02) 726-3747
Suzuki Auto Manila Bay - (02) 556-1579

Photos from http://sulit.com.ph/30526810

Car Profiles Audi A4 2008 2016

2008-2016 Audi A4

The Good: Available diesel engine, interior quality

The Bad: Tight rear seat, complicated controls

The Say: An interesting alternative to the popular choices.

Go For: 2.0 TDI
Avoid:

Price Range: P900,000-P1,900,000
Our Rating: ****

Related Review: 
Latest vehicle profile: Audi A4

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2008-2016

Kia Picanto Generation 1 2 3 2008 2011

KIA PICANTO (2008-2011)

Launched in October 2007 as a 2008 model, the update gave the Picanto numerous changes including electric power steering, adjustable steering column, alarm, keyless entry, and MP3/Ipod connectivity. A 2010 facelift had Kias Tiger nose on it without any other known changes until a new generation model was launched in June 2011.

See the overview of this Picanto

See the Generation 1.1 model

See the latest model of the Picanto

OWNERSHIP DETAILS	LX DLX/LX	LX
Year s Available	October 2007-June 2011	October 2007-October 2008
ENGINE SPECS
Engine	G4H6 1.1 SOHC 12V I4	G4H6 1.1 SOHC 12V I4
Horsepower	64hp @ 5,500rpm	64hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque	94Nm @ 2,800rpm	94Nm @ 2,800rpm
Fuel Type	Gasoline/93 Octane	Gasoline/93 Octane
Fuel System	Electronic Fuel Injection	Electronic Fuel Injection
Transmission	5-Speed Manual, 4-Speed Automatic	5-Speed Manual
Fuel Tank Capacity	35 Liters	35 Liters
DIMENSIONS
Length	3,495mm	3,495mm
Width	1,595mm	1,595mm
Height	1,480mm	1,480mm
Wheelbase	2,370mm	2,370mm
Curb Weight	936kg (MT), 954kg (AT)	936kg
Body Style	5 Door Hatchback	5 Door Hatchback
Engine/Drive Type	Front Engine/Front Wheel Drive	Front Engine/Front Wheel Drive
Seating	5	5
SUSPENSION & TIRES
Front Suspension	McPherson Strut	McPherson Strut
Rear Suspension	Torsion Beam	Torsion Beam
Front Brakes	Vented Disc	Vented Disc
Rear Brakes	Drum	Drum
Tires	165/60 R14	165/60 R14
Wheels	14 Inch Steel with Cover	14 Inch Steel
SAFETY
Airbags	0	0
Anti-Lock Brakes	None	None
Traction/Stability Control	None< /td>	None
Other Safety Features	None	None
EXTERIOR
Fog Lamps	Front	Front
Other Exterior Features	Adds: Body Color Bumpers, Door Handles, and Side Mirrors, Rear Defogger	Black Bumpers, Door Handles, and Side Mirrors, Rear Defogger
INTERIOR
Steering Wheel Adjustment	Tilt	Tilt
Steering Wheel Material	Urethane	Urethane
Seating Adjustment	Manual	Manual
Seating Material	Fabric	Fabric
Other Interior Features	Adds: None	Day and Night Mirror, 60/40 Fold Rear Seat, Back Shelf Cover, 12 Volts Power Outlet
CONVENIENCE FEATURES
Power Amenities	Steering (Electric), Windows (Front or All )	Steering (Electric), Windows (Front)
Climate Control	Manual	Manual
Audio System	AM/FM/CD/MP3/Ipod	AM/FM/CD/MP3/Ipod
Speakers	2	2
Steering Wheel Controls	None	None
Alarm	Yes	Yes
Keyless Entry	Yes	Yes
NOTES	Depending on year, some units have all around power windows. Facelift occurred in June 2010 without any changes.
RIVALS	Chery QQ, Chevrolet Spark, Hyundai Getz, Hyundai i10, Suzuki Alto, Suzuki Celerio