After announcing the refreshed iteration of their latest-generation Mu-X SUV last month, Isuzu Philippines officially launched this and their latest edition D-Max pickup at the Isuzu Summer Music Festival held at the Alabang Town Center from April 21 to 23, 2023.
Press Statement by Isuzu Philippines Corp., “Isuzu PH officially launches latest edition of Isuzu D-MAX and mu-X,” 21 April 2023:
In a festive summer musical event hosted by Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC), the company introduced its latest edition of the Isuzu D-MAX and Isuzu mu-X at Alabang Town Center on April 21 to 23, 2023.
Dubbed as the ‘Isuzu Summer Music Festival”, IPC displayed its new Isuzu D-MAX and mu-X along with other activities, such as free test drive, afternoon games, dog show, car club meet-up and live performances from well-loved OPM artists to entertain the whole family.
During the opening event, IPC highlighted the new features of both models adding to the already award-winning specifications of the vehicles. The new Isuzu D-MAX is now made even more dynamic and sporty with a redesigned exterior that boasts a new two-tone front grille matched with its new matte dark gray 18-inch alloy wheels all laden in its new body color Islay Gray, giving it a rugged yet stylish look.
Meanwhile, the new mu-X was also displayed alongside D-MAX and was highlighted as a “Premium Family SUV” that’s perfect for road trips, especially this summer season. The premium SUV’s fresh new look brought by its new sleek two-tone front grille and new 20-inch alloy wheels design exudes an upscale and luxurious vibe, elevating its exterior design. The new mu-X also has a classy new color variant, Norwegian Blue which is available for LS-E variants.
To top it all off, the new Isuzu mu-X further elevates the family experience with its new owner-friendly features like the new Smart Power Tailgate with Step Sensor. This is a new feature that allows owner to open its tailgate automatically through advance key detection and sensor technology for more convenient loading and unloading of luggage.
‘Proven Durability and 5-Star Safety’ for the Family
More than the aesthetics, IPC highlighted the renowned durability and safety features of both models. Running on its Blue Power technology, both D-MAX and mu-X has 4JJ3-TCX diesel engine that optimizes performance with fuel efficiency – tried and tested to give drivers more miles on the road without having to spend much on fuel cost.
A true family vehicle is nothing without the best safety features, which both models offer. Both models are awarded with 5-Star Safety by the ASEAN NCAP, thanks to the Active and Passive safety features, as well as Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) with Smart Duo Cam which is loaded with Blind Spot Monitoring, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Turn Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go Functionality, to name a few. All these features will surely make daily drives safer and convenient at the same time.
As IPC President Tetsuya Fujita stated, “As your responsible partner in providing durable and reliable vehicles, we are elevating your driving experience with safer, more efficient, and more comfortable drive – a drive that will suit the needs of all members of the family.”
Since their introduction to the Philippine market, the Isuzu D-MAX and mu-X have won the heart of many Filipinos because of the value for money and core values instilled in both vehicles that offer many possibilities. The durability, fuel efficiency, comfort, and convenience that Isuzu vehicles provide to both driver and passengers are what make Isuzu not just a family vehicle, but an everyday reliable partner that will accompany Filipino families to different life’s journey.
For more details about the new Isuzu D-MAX and Isuzu mu-X, follow Isuzu Philippines’ official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/IsuzuPhilippines to get regular updates and promotions.
Motorcycle ride hailing service Move It has asserted their commitment to safe and affordable rides, guaranteeing cheaper fares versus competitors, assuring that driver tips be rewards instead of motivators for accepting a fare, and offering similar but legitimagte alternatives to habal-habal gipsy riders.
Press Statement by Move It Philppines, “MOVE IT firms up commitment to safety, affordable pricing, and fare transparency amid traffic woes in Metro Manila–On April Fool’s Day, two-wheel ride-hailing service MOVE IT made no jokes in its manifesto as it underscored the challenging commute situation in the capital and the solutions it offers,” 5 April 2023:
Manila, Philippines, 05 April 2023 – Metro Manila’s traffic congestion is no joke. In the TomTom Traffic Index 2022, Manila alone ranked ninth in the list of cities with the worst traffic congestions in the world[1]. Understanding that Filipino passengers deserve better, motorcycle taxi provider MOVE IT firms up its manifesto which is centered on alleviating commuter woes and the company’s commitment to providing safe, affordable, and honest rides.
On April Fool’s Day, as hundreds of brands amplified pranks and comical posts, MOVE IT deployed a no-joke roving billboard to publicly declare its commitment to safety, affordable pricing, and fare transparency. Among the commitments stated in the the MOVE IT #DiskartengTapat Manifesto are:
MOVE IT guarantees cheaper fares over competitors on a per-kilometer basis. With its ‘Mas Mura Rides Guarantee’ program, eligible passengers may even file for fare reimbursement in the form of a voucher should they find lower fare-per-km rates from MOVE IT’s list of approved competitors.
In its manifesto, MOVE IT also reiterated that it strictly abides by the two-wheel fare matrix set by the Motorcycle Taxi Technical Working Group (TWG). Passengers can easily cross check their fares vis a vis the kilometer reading seen in the ride receipts issued by MOVE IT.
MOVE IT passengers do not need to tip just to get a ride. The tipping feature on MOVE IT is made available to the passenger after the service has been rendered, hence removing the possibility of ride bidding.
With MOVE IT, habal-habal is legal. Passengers may approach any parked MOVE IT driver and ask them to book the ride. The MOVE IT driver then inputs details of the passenger on the driver app to make the booking official. By engaging with MOVE IT drivers for legal habal-habal, passengers are assured of road safety as they gain access to MOVE IT’s ride insurance and location tracking. For passengers booking a ride using the MOVE IT app, they can send their location and trip to their loved ones as they travel.
MOVE IT Philippines General Manager Wayne Jacinto shares: “Filipinos deserve to have access to more mobility options that they can trust and rely on as they brave the daily commute situation in the metro. Commuting shouldn’t be difficult and taxing for our kababayans who need to be on the road for work, school, or even leisure. Amid the challenges in public transportation, MOVE IT fully commits to offering mobility that is safe, honest, and affordable Para sa Pasaherong Panalo.”
Like with their classic Crosswind AUV that stayed relevant for decades, Isuzu’s Mu-X truck-based SUV is now getting refreshing touches with less time between iterations. The second generation model introduced in 2021 now brandishes a new look fronted by a two tone grille that’s brought home with a fresh-out-of-the-can, cool-to-the-eye Nordic blue color scheme.
Press statement by Isuzu Philippines Corp., “Isuzu elevates family experience with its new redefined Isuzu mu-X,” 17 March 2023:
Provider of one of the most durable and reliable SUVs in the market, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) gives a fresh new look to the latest edition of the Isuzu mu-X, taking Filipino family driving experience into the next level.
Sporting a new sleek two-tone front grille and 20-inch alloy wheels, the new mu-X offers an invigorating new exterior design fit for that “Premium Family SUV” image. On top of that, Isuzu introduces a new upscale and classy Norwegian Blue color, for that over-all refresh look that surely catch eyes on the road.
More than what meets the eye, the new Isuzu mu-X is packed with intuitive family features like its new Smart Power Tailgate with Step Sensor – a new feature that allows its owners to open its tailgate automatically through its advanced key detection and sensor technology, making it more convenient for owners to load and unload their baggage.
Awarded with a 5-Star rating from the ASEAN NCAP, the Isuzu mu-X is equipped with its class leading Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) to keep you and your family safe while driving on the road. This, together with the 2021 SUV of the Year from the Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards and 2022 Best Engine Performance from the Auto Focus Media’s Choice Awards, proves that the mu-X is still one of the most trusted and reliable family vehicle in the market today.
“The latest edition of the Isuzu mu-X with its new premium styling and smart features does not compromise the vehicle’s core value of durability, reliability, fuel efficiency and 5-star safety. We think it is this complete package that will truly elevate the driving experience of Filipino families nationwide,” says IPC President Tetsuya Fujita.
For more details about the new Isuzu mu-X, log on to www.isuzuphil.com or visit any of the Isuzu dealerships near you.
As a step towards the brand’s declared global goal of of zero traffic collision fatalities by 2050, Honda’s Philippines has given 24 students from 8 AIESEC-member schools classroom and practical driving instruction at their Honda Safety Driving in Paranaque City. Lessons were reinforced with guided drives on Honda SENSING-equipped models such as their CIvic sedan and their HR-V and BR-V SUVs.
Press Statement by Honda Cars Philippines, Inc., “Honda Cars continues with road safety program for the youth,” 17 March 2023:
Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) sustains efforts to contribute to better road safety, most recently through another round of interactive learning sessions for college students, still in partnership with the international organization of student youth leaders, AIESEC in the Philippines (AIESEC). On March 11, 2023, there were 24 students from eight (8) member schools of AIESEC who participated in HCPI’s training program where classroom instruction on safe driving behavior was reinforced with a guided experiential drive of Honda SENSING–equipped models such as the All-New BR-V, Civic and HR-V.
Inspired by Honda’s global target of zero traffic collision fatalities by 2050, HCPI organizes educational programs on road safety for its different stakeholders such as the youth to strengthen their consciousness and appreciation for road safety. The demonstration of Honda SENSING through an experiential drive proved effective in understanding how technology is applied in protecting the safety of the driver, passengers, as well as pedestrians, and other road users. Honda has been reinforcing its vehicles with the Honda SENSING suite of safety features to realize the dream of “Safety for Everyone.”
The learning sessions covered the correct mindset towards driving, facilitated by professional instructors from the Honda Safety Driving Center. Pre-drive inspection, traffic rules and regulations, and common misconceptions about driving were also discussed. During the Honda SENSING actual driving exercises, the students were guided by HCPI’s technical experts and certified driving instructors. The participants were highly engaged as they got a first-hand experience with Honda’s advanced driver-assist system using vehicles equipped with Honda SENSING, such as the Civic, All-New HR-V, and All-New BR-V 1.5 VX CVT.
HCPI President, Mr. Masahiko Nakamura expressed his appreciation for the students who are youth leaders in their respective colleges and universities. “It is my pleasure to be with you who are very passionate about creating good change for society. This program is designed to strengthen our consciousness about how our own actions can help reduce road accidents, and how we can influence other road users to also improve their driving habits. When you apply what you learn, and share them in your schools, with your active support, we can create more meaningful change and impact more people.”
The participants, with their President Mr. Sajana Vithanawasam, also expressed their gratitude to Honda “AIESEC in the Philippines is sincerely honored to partner with Honda in this road safety program. We appreciate Honda’s efforts on sustainability and this initiative to help us become better road users.”
HCPI has been conducting educational campaigns on road safety for the youth since 2004 through its program, Teen Smart. The purpose then remains relevant today – to develop the youth’s consciousness of road safety and strengthen the sense of responsibility in reducing road accidents as pedestrians and future drivers. HCPI has engaged with different partners from the government and civil society to reach more youth who are among the most vulnerable in road accidents. Even during the pandemic, HCPI has continued with this effort online.
Head on to www.hondaphil.com or visit the nearest Honda Cars dealership to know more about the latest news and offers from Honda.
Having found that only a small minority of their drivers have insurance protection, Grab Philippines is now working with BPI AIA and Chubb to offer them Partner Cover Plus–insurance protection options that can be secured online and are tailored specifically for risks faced by Grab’s partner drivers and their families.
Press Statement by Grab Philippines, “Grab Philippines strengthens commitment to driver-partners’ wellbeing, launches Partner Cover Plus insurance solutions,” 14 March 2023:
MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 14 March 2023 – Grab Philippines further strengthens its commitment to safeguarding the wellbeing of its driver-partners with the launch of Partner Cover Plus – a flexible insurance product offered exclusively to Grab partners and their loved ones. Underwritten by two leading insurance brands BPI AIA and Chubb, Partner Cover Plus shields Grab partners from a wide range of safety and wellness problems that may impact their livelihoods.
In a recent survey among its mobility and delivery partners, Grab Philippines discovered that only seven percent own an insurance plan. When asked about what are their top reasons for not availing insurance, respondents cited high premiums, insufficient understanding about the product, and difficulties in the claim process. However, eight out of 10 partners are very much keen to purchase their own insurance plan.
Grab Partner Cover Plus is Grab’s initiative to help its driver and delivery-partners overcome their roadblocks in having an insurance plan for themselves and their families. Available exclusively on the Grab Driver App, it can be availed conveniently by partners with its easy application and comprehensive packages. It offers protection from injury and medical expenses caused by accidents, payout for the beneficiaries in the event of death, and daily payment for a partner’s inability to work due to injury or sickness. Grab partners may also enroll their immediate family members as beneficiaries of the insurance plan.
As a result of Chubb’s digital integration technology platform Chubb Studio®, the enrollment, endorsement, and claims process of Partner Cover Plus is also simplified and made more seamless for the partners’ convenience through the Grab Driver App where they can access their personal Care Card. The entire process is cashless and hassle-free.
Country Head of Grab Philippines Grace Vera Cruz shares: “Our partners deserve to have the capability to safeguard their future while having a sustainable livelihood on our platform. We have recently rolled out our social protection program with SSS, PhilHealth, and PAGIBIG. And we are optimistic that through cost-effective insurance solutions such as Partner Cover Plus, and our ongoing insurance programs for our partners, we are providing our partners with an opportunity for a holistic and reliable protection, so they can pursue their goals and enjoy life with greater peace of mind. ”
Monthly payments for the insurance plan, which go as low as Php 125, can be automatically deducted from the driver Grab Driver App Wallet. Requests for claims can also be fulfilled through the app, while benefits are accorded via bank transfer and BPI bank pick-up.
“BPI AIA is honored to partner with Grab to address the life insurance protection gap among their partner drivers and their families. In line with our mission to make insurance easy to get and easy to have, we have provided them with a simple and accessible way to get insured digitally via the Grab Driver App.”
“We are delighted to further evolve our partnership with Grab and applaud their unwavering commitment to providing their drivers, delivery partners and their families with easy access to financial wellbeing protection,” said Edward Ler, Executive Vice President and Head of Southeast Asia for Chubb. “This multi-partner alliance is a great example of the value of Chubb Studio’s single-point of integration technology – making embedded insurance just as easy for Grab and Chubb as it is for their drivers and delivery-partners.”
Following the LTFRB’s opening of 4,000 new TNVS slots and relaxation of certification requirements, Grab Philippines held the second leg of their fast-track recruitment drive and drew almost a thousand new applicants last Saturday. Among them were vehicle owners who have upgraded from being Grab drivers paying boundary rental on their rides, and who had also been those ex-Jeepney drivers reported to have changed jobs during the pandemic lockdown.
Press statement by Grab Philippines, “TNVS applicants flock GrabCar-AVAN as LTFRB removes COC requirement,” 10 March 2023:
MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 10 March 2023 – Grab Philippines welcomed a huge crowd of TNVS aspirants in the second leg of its GrabCar-AVAN last 4 March 2023. GrabCar-AVAN is the leading superapp’s initiative to help fill the 4,000 TNVS slots opened by LTFRB last January 09.
Last Saturday, almost a thousand TNVS applicants flocked GrabCar-AVAN which took place in the Grab Philippines Partner Center in Marikina City. The leading superapp attributes the increase in applicants to the removal of the Certificate of Conformity among the requirements of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for TNVS franchise application.
TNVS applicants no longer need to submit the bank-issued COC for the application of the Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) after the passing of LTFRB’s Board Resolution No. 005 Series of 2023 last March 02.
Among the applicants during the recent GrabCar-AVAN leg was 52-year-old Gregorio Garcia. Garcia has been a GrabCar driver-partner since 2016, paying ‘boundary’ to rent a car from an operator. But thanks to Grab’s partnership with Toyota Financial Services, Garcia was able to get his own car this January, allowing him to process his TNVS franchise as the owner. Formerly a jeepney driver, Garcia now plans on getting another unit to rent out to his fellow TNVS drivers. “Talagang malaki ang tulong na naibibigay sa akin ni Grab, unang una sa pinansyal – halos lahat ng pangangailangan namin nakukuha namin rito gaya ng mga gastusin sa bahay, pambayad ng kuryente at tubig. Ngayong may sarili na kong unit, nag-paplano na ako na makakuha ng isa pa sa mga susunod na taon para maging negosyo ko na siya talaga. Maraming salamat sa Grab,” shares Garcia.
Grab Philippines Senior Director for Operations Ronald Roda shares: “We thank the LTFRB for making it easier for more Filipinos to earn an equitable living through ride-hailing – and it is clearly manifested with the outpouring of applicants from our recent GrabCar-AVAN. We are optimistic that through this development and programs such as GrabCar-AVAN, we are taking the right step towards providing more livelihood in the ride-hailing sector, while offering our commuters with safe, reliable, and more affordable means of mobility for their everyday needs.”
For more information on the TNVS franchise application requirements and GrabCar-AVAN, interested applicants may check thislink.
Pilipinas Autogroup, Inc. (PilipinasAuto) has equipped Marikina Polytechnic College (MPC) with a 24-seat people-mover, delivering a Euro V-rated Nissan ZD30 turbodiesel-powered Dongfeng minibus last February 3.
Receiving the Dongfeng minibus from PilipinasAuto sales division head Ramil Mendoza (at center) were (from left to right) MPC’s general services office director Nelwin D. Lumacang; budget officer Maribeth M. Monsad; administration and finance vice president Dr. Ernesto R. Concepcion; and planning, research, extension, linkages and quality assurance vice president Dr. Ronald Allan S. Mabunga
As distributed by PilipinasAuto, Dongfeng buses and trucks are covered by 3-year duration / 100,000km mileage warranties.
Announced last month, Tetsuya Fujita’s replacement of Noboru Murakami as Isuzu Philippines president was made official at a turnover ceremony held at the Ilustrado restaurant in historic Intramuros of Manila yesterday.
Having joined Isuzu Philippines last year (replacing long running former president Hajime Koso), Noboru Murakami saw the major truckmaker retain its long-standing market lead with a 48 percent share, the transition of their factory to the use of sustainable energy, and all these while dealing with post-pandemic recovery in 2022. He leaves for his new post as CEO and president of Isuzu North America which serves the region where new president Tetsuya Fujita had once been Isuzu’s corporate planning manager.
Fujita had been corporate planning manager with Isuzu Commercial Truck of America from 2005 to 2010. Afterwards, he was general manager for sales with Isuzu Motors International Operations Thailand (IMIT) until 2017, and then chairman and CEO of Isuzu Motors de Mexico until 2021.
Isuzu Philippines officers, left-to-right: assistant division head for sales Robert Carlos; former president Noboru Murakami; new president Tetsuya Fujita; executive vice president Shojiro Sakoda; vice president for sales Yasuhiko Oyama
Isuzu’s official statement for the turnover event reports that Fujita would have Isuzu Philippines continue it’s decades-long market leadership by continuing to expand their dealer network and by maintaining strong customer relationships. They further state that Fujita is committed to Isuzu’s “Road to Progress” vision for greener and sustainable operations that his predecessor Noboru Murakami launched last year.
Fujita said, “As the leading truck brand in the industry, we will continue innovating new products that will assist in the progress of the country while displaying more responsibility to the society and the environment through our Road to Progress vision.
Formally launched by Honda Cars Philippines last Monday, November 21, the second-generation BR-V sub-compact crossover SUV now has the underpinnings of a larger and more globally-attuned platform, it features the same engine as that of the nominally higher notched HR-V, and it brings back the manual transmission option that was briefly offered on the previous model. The new BR-V:
leaves behind its Brio/Mobilio origins and is now upsized to the platform of the newest City model, the same one on which the recently upgraded HR-V is based;
replaces the previous generation’s L15Z1 1.5 liter i-VTEC engine with the L15ZF Earth Dreams i-VTEC, the same one used by the naturally aspirated base variant of the new HR-V;
and expands the model line up downwards with a more utilitarian base variant and upwards with a Honda Sensing-equipped top spec variant, making its price-points overlap those of the HR-V.
The previous generation BR-V had been assembled at Honda Cars Philippines’ plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna, along with their popular City sub-compact sedan. But this new generation model is now being brought in from Indonesia, the same country of origin as that of its Japanese-brand 1.5 liter-powered rivals the Mitsubishi Xpander (both the MPV and Cross crossover models) and the Toyota Rush, as well as the recently launched Stargazer MPV of the South Korean Hyundai marque.
At the launch event, Honda Cars Philippines sales division general manager Atty. Louie Soriano said that they intend to have the BR-V eventually contribute 50 percent of total sales volume, adding that the 800 to 900 units per month this entails ought to be reachable given how they opened the small crossover SUV segment with the hugely popular first-gen CR-V in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s.
Can they reach this 50 percent sales volume target? We think yes, it’s feasible, and this could conceivably lead to the BR-V again being assembled locally. Because, by the looks of it, by how the new BR-V has been designed by regional Honda engineers Eknat Ajjanakulchai and Suthai Chokngamvong, and how it’s configured into four diverse variants by Honda Philippines’ product planning team, this upsized and now full-fledged small crossover SUV could very well follow in the footsteps of their pioneering small SUV–the original and classic CR-V.
Larger mainstream platform
Originally evolved from Honda’s Mobilio sub-compact MPV which, in turn, was based on the Brio micro-hatchback, this new BR-V is now built on the City platform which was also the basis for the third-generation HR-V that was launched here last April. The BR-V is now fully grown, so to speak, with all dimensions being upsized from that first generation model that charmingly pushed the envelope of the diminutive yet spirited Brio that they asserted to be small but still, at its heart, a Honda.
BR-V
BR-V
Aspect
Unit
1st-gen
2nd-gen
Increase
Length
mm
4,456
4,490
34
Width
mm
1,735
1,780
45
Height
mm
1,677
1,685
8
Wheelbase
mm
2,662
2,700
38
Ground clearance
mm
201
207
6
Curb weight
kg
1,222
1,291
69
More significantly, the upsized platform implies an upscaled market for the BR-V as well. The Brio platform and the first generation Mobilio and BR-V models it had spawned were all intended for emerging markets. This distinguishes the BR-V from Honda’s mainstream international-market models such as the Civic and CR-V, and explains why it was originally notched under the smaller HR-V. But with this upgrade to a larger City-based platform, the new BR-V appears poised to meet global market expectations without disclaimers about build quality and passenger size-limits.
This newest generation BR-V now features refinements that have been typical on global models–details such as:
second row seats that can be tumbled out of the way with a single lever-pull, allowing for fast, no-fuss access to the third row;
generous overall legroom that they’ve decisively and prudently balanced between the seating rows, the wealth of space allowing for sliding adjustment only to the front seats and for fixed second and third row positions (like on mid-size body-on-frame SUVs) that accommodate predictable passenger mixes;
and, finally, the same sort of fold-flat stowable seats we’ve come to expect from Honda wagons and hatchbacks that let you transform the cabin’s rear into a car-camping cavern.
With its new styling, particularly its redesigned fascia, the BR-V looks like an upsized HR-V, a lengthened wheelbase and cabin making it possible to turn the latter two-row model’s generous luggage space into a multi-purpose seats-or-cargo third row. And, showing how powertrains, passenger box designs and materials engineering have advanced during the intervening decades, the new BR-V offers people-moving and/or cargo-hauling capacities equivalent to that of the still slightly larger and heavier first-generation CR-V from the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. And, perhaps not coincidentally, this BR-V iteration now features cabin and window lines similar to that of the even larger, latest generation CR-V.
While the Honda’s Earth Dreams trademark hasn’t gained much traction here, and only as a tag for their latest-generation CVT gearboxes, the technology set it describes includes advanced eco-friendly and efficient-burning valvetrains. On the previous generation BR-V, its Earth Dreams gearbox was not mated to an Earth Dreams valvetrained engine but rather to the L15Z1 i-VTEC 1.5 liter SOHC engine also used by their Mobilio MPV. This time around, the City-based BR-V has an Earth Dreams CVT gearbox option matched with the L15ZF Earth Dreams i-VTEC 1.5 liter DOHC engine that also powers their newest City sedan and hatchback, and the S CVT naturally aspirated variant of the new HR-V.
About the L15ZF’s DOHC-driven valvetrain, those double overhead camshafts are thought to bring higher power and torque numbers with cleaner burns, yes, but racing enthusiasts have long asserted that SOHC-equipped engines have better punch with faster peaking torque because of the lighter valvetrain mass. Interestingly though, the L15ZF’s power and torque numbers appear better all around, with peak power of 121ps or 119hp occurring at 6600rpm and peak torque of 145Nm attained at 4300rpm. Compare these with 120ps or 118hp at 6600rpm and 145Nm at 4600rpm for the old L15Z1 with SOHC valvetrain and its clear that Honda has found a way to make a newer DOHC engine deliver slightly more power with torque that peaks faster at 300 less rpm’s.
BR-V generation
1st-gen
2nd-gen
BR-V model
DG1/2
DG3
Engine model
L15Z1
L15ZF
Valvetrain tech
i-VTEC
Earth Dreams i-VTEC
Valvetrain drive
SOHC
DOHC
Valves
16
16
Max power
120ps/118hp @ 6600rpm
121ps/119hp @ 6600rpm
Peak torque
145Nm @ 4600rpm
145Nm @ 4300rpm
In any case, Honda’s intent for complete Earth Dreams powertrains burned through the static with the new BR-V after a 2022 fuel-economy measuring run officiated by the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP) recorded their 1.5 V CVT variant as delivering an impressive 24.71 kilometers per liter.
Priced deeper, notched higher
The new BR-V’s 1.5 S MT (manual transmission) variant’s PhP1.090M list price, while being PhP40,000 higher than that of the previous generation’s PhP1.050M 1.5 S CVT base variant, could actually be perceived as being of higher value by countryside customers. Honda Philippines’ Atty. Soriano observed that rural motorists appear to prefer manual transmissions over advanced CVT gearboxes–we think this is because stickshift gearboxes make them less dependent on Honda dealers for upkeep and major repairs. The BR-V’s new 6-speed manual option means being free from dealership-umbilicals and having the option of recruiting a neighborhood mechanic to do the fixing–a welcome freedom when living far from city grids and authorized service networks.
And this expansion downward is matched upward with a new top-spec variant completing a price spread that reveals how the new BR-V may now be notched higher than before in Honda’s model mix.
2016
2022
2022
1st-gen
2nd-gen
3rd-gen
BR-V Variant
BR-V
BR-V
HR-V
HR-V Variant
P1.739M
RS Turbo Honda Sensing
P1.598M
V Turbo Honda Sensing
1.5 VX CVT Honda Sensing
P1.390M
1.5 V CVT
P1.168M
P1.295M
P1.250M
S CVT Honda Sensing
1.5 S CVT
P1.050M
P1.150M
1.5 S MT
P1.090M
With prices ranging from PhP1.090M for the 1.5 S MT manual gearbox base variant up to PhP1.390M for the top spec variant that gives the model Honda Sensing driver assist telematics for the first time, the BR-V’s price-points now overlap those of the HR-V. But, considering that its prices only bump against the price of the identically powered and naturally aspirated variant of the HR-V, the BR-V’s price-points now seem to be at parity with–if not notched higher than–the HR-V’s.
The PhP1.090M BR-V S MT and PhP 1.150M S CVT are priced below the PhP1.250M HR-V S CVT but the variance could be attributed to all HR-V variants–even the naturally aspirated base variant–having the advanced Honda Sensing telematics suite. The PhP1.295M BR-V 1.5 V CVT, on the other hand, is priced PhP45,000 higher than the HR-V S CVT despite not being Honda Sensing-equipped. And the PhP1.390M BR-V VX CVT that has Honda Sensing is priced a whopping PhP140,000 higher than the similarly equipped HR-V S CVT. Drill down to the details of common or differing powerplants and premium Honda Sensing telematics options, it becomes apparent that, yes, definitely, apples-to-apples, the new BR-V is notched the same if not slightly higher than the similarly powered and naturally aspirated base variant of the HR-V. That’s a big move by the bigger new BR-V.
Isuzu again headlines the Philippine International Motor Show after the event’s lockdown hiatus since 2018, exhibiting their iconic diesel-powered commercial and sport utility haulers, as well as their extensive aftersales program, to savvy motorists.
Press statement by Isuzu Philippines Corp., “Isuzu Philippines showcases extensive product line-up and aftersales program at the 8th Philippine International Motor Show,” 15 September 2022:
Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) joins the much-awaited 8th Philippine International Motor Show from September 15 to September 18, 2022. The World Trade Center in Pasay City is filled once again with different types of automobiles from different brands to showcase this year’s theme, Mobility + Humanity: Innovating for the Common Good.
Isuzu Philippines’ take on this year’s theme is an extension of their recently announced Road To Progress vision on their 25th Inaugural Anniversary last July. With sustainability and responsible partnership as their core concept, IPC designed a booth that encompasses the benefits of Isuzu products and services to the society. More than the durable and reliable vehicles, providing mobility and transport solutions has been IPC’s vital role in Filipino’s lives which enables them to take ahold of the title “Number 1 Truck Brand in the Philippines” for twenty-two (22) consecutive years.
From left: VP Sales,Yasuhiko Oyama; EVP, Shojiro Sakoda; President, Noboru Murakami; VP Aftersales, Wataru Miyamoto; Sales Assistant Division Head, Robert Carlos
Inside the main hall, Isuzu boasts one of their best-selling trucks, the Isuzu TRAVIZ. With its big cargo capacity and excellent fuel economy that can reach up to 1,063 kms in just one full tank, the TRAVIZ easily captured the heart of SMEs and Fleet customers alike, selling more than 10,000 units in its first 2 years in the market.
The N-Series Smoother, a first in its class with Automated Manual Transmission, also takes a spot inside the Isuzu booth. Ease in operation and fuel efficiency make it easier for drivers and even business owners themselves to drive this truck around the bustling roads of the metro.
Aiming to provide a modern and safe mass transport solution, Isuzu also displays the NLR PUV equipped with an array of safety and convenient features to elevate the commuting experience of Filipinos.
Along with the trucks, the D-MAX and mu-X are the forefront of the line-up, showcasing powerful yet fuel efficient performance, spacious interior, luxurious details, and 5-star safety features, making them an excellent choice for Filipino families nationwide.
At the outdoor display area, Isuzu publicly displays for the first time the latest addition to their heavy-duty line-up – the All-New GXZ. This 10-wheeler tractor head is equipped with the latest safety features like the Electronic Vehicle Stability Control and the Anti-lock Braking System, adding to the list of ‘solutions’ that Isuzu offers to meet the growing demand for safety in the trucking industry.
Together with the All-New GXZ, Isuzu also flaunts a custom-made TRAVIZ Ambulance and NPR Double Cab to show that Isuzu trucks are not just durable and reliable, but also customizable to fit the various requirements of customers.
As part of being a responsible partner, Isuzu also offers solution to their customers’ arising concern regarding the continuously increasing fuel prices. Isuzu Philippines recently conducted a One Full Tank Challenge for the D-MAX and mu-X verified by the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP).
The team embarked on a 5-day road trip with both models driven normally, traversing different road, traffic and weather conditions from Subic up to Ilocos then down to Bicol. The Isuzu DMAX was able to travel around 1,564 kilometers or 20.58 km/l in just one full tank while the result for Isuzu mu-X is at 1,675 kilometers or 20.94km/l in one full tank.
With the outstanding fuel efficiency these two (2) light commercial vehicles exhibits on normal driving and road condition, Isuzu proves that Isuzu D-MAX and Isuzu mu-X are not just comfortable and safe, but also economical and environment-friendly, providing Filipino families more savings and opportunity to travel and spend more time on the road.
And to give customers a first-hand experience of these features, test drive units are available during the 4-day event for those who will register at the Isuzu booth.
Apart from the exciting vehicle line-up, Isuzu also gives guests a glimpse of the advantages of being part of the Isuzu Family with their equally extensive aftersales programs. In their Customer Lounge area, Isuzu reiterates that they are offering not just products, but rather their ‘business solution’ to customers with their extensive Aftersales service. During the show, Isuzu demonstrates the exclusive Isuzu Vehicle Health Report, Fleet Programs, Parts Support and Eco-Drive Trainings to convey that customer journey with Isuzu does not end on vehicle purchase. The continuous partnership between Isuzu Philippines Corporation, Isuzu dealers and customers lasts all throughout the customer’s life-time journey with Isuzu products.
