Motoring Today Column

Feb 23, 2022

We may have been among the first homegrown motoring journalists to have a first-hand look or, perhaps a even a drive, of the Toyota RAV4.

It's been more than two decades now and we can't remember the particulars, but we're sure it was during one of our first invites to the Tokyo Motor Show.

Back then the term Sport Utility Vehicle, or SUV, didn't exist to define what is now among the biggest-selling segments of the global automotive industry.

We can't honestly say that we predicted that the RAV4, short for Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive, would be the big bang that created the SUV universe.

After all it was a small quirky-looking three-door vehicle that resembled a high-top sneaker with big wheels.

Our thinking was, at best, the RAV4 would create a good niche for itself among those looking for fun daily and weekend drives.

We were certainly proven wrong after, as Toyota describes it, "singlehandedly created the compact sports utility vehicle segment, bridging what was then a gap between traditional off-road and regular passenger vehicles."

Toyota reported 54,000 units the first year the RAV4 was launched in Japan and a number of other countries in 1994.

Since then sales doubled, then tripled, and grew more over the years till it breached the 10 million mark in 2020.

Over the years, the RAV4 also morphed and evolved even as its market also widened and matured from adventurous singles and couples, to young families, mature families, and perhaps now empty nesters.

Early on, 2WD and five-door doors variants were also introduced, and later on RAV4s were only offered with five-doors.

With each generation, the RAV4 introduced upgrades from design to technology all, again as Toyota says, "driven by the principle of Kaizen, or continuous improvement" and "to achieve quality, performance, and practicality."

The latest evolution of RAV4 incorporates the latest in hybrid powertrains.

Toyota Motor Philippines has announced that the New RAV4 Hybrid has arrived, equipped with exciting upgrades, including aHybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) system as well as Toyota Safety Sense.

In adding another model to Toyota's local hybrid lineup, Sherwin Chualim, TMP first vice president for vehicle sales operations , says: "Filipinos are ready for energy efficient mobility options with less emissions, and Hybrids offer choices that are practical and ready to use in our existing infrastructure and road conditions."

TMP says adoption of HEV products is a priority and is aligned "with Toyota President Akio Toyoda's mission to contribute to the preservation of the environment, producing happiness to everyone."

Build Your MX5

Mazda Philippines is now offering the MX-5 with a fresh round of color and trim changes, and still with the option for buyers to personalize their ride.

Mazda says buyers can use the Build Your MX-5 portal on its official website to order their MX-5 with preferred specifications from preferred dealerships.

Steven Tan, president and CEO of Mazda Philippines , says "we believe there is still room to involve the driver even more and enhance the emotional bond with his car."

"That is why we are continuing to elevate this already unique driving experience with the introduction of new features and owner-initiated options that will make future MX-5 owners even happier and fulfilled," he adds.

Mazda says there are 76 possible combinations for customizing the2022 Mazda MX-5 which comes with either a six-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic or manual transmissions, and are available in Soft-Top and Retractable Fastback body styles.

Grand Carnival

Grand Utility Vehicle. That's the new tag Kia Philippines has come up with for the All New Carnival.

Explaining the new tag, Kia says the all-new Carnival is a vehicle for VIPs and their families looking for a premium and versatile ride.

During the launch, Kia Philippines president Manny Aligada said: "The all-new Carnival delivers first-class treatment worthy of a VIP.

"Each key feature of the latest model supports his daily drive towards his avenues of inspiration."

The new Carnival will be offered in two variants, the EX 8AT and the SX 8AT, both of which are seven-seaters.

Priced at P2.998-million, theCarnival SX 8AT is now available at Kia dealerships. The P2.5- million Carnival EX 8T, is arriving this coming March.

Skyway Extension

Motorists experiencing smoother traffic at the Alabang viaduct and surrounding areas should thank the completion of the final segment of the P14-billion South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) Elevated Extension project .

The last segment of the extension project was soft-opened to motorists back in December of 2021, effectively connecting the Skyway in Sucat to SLEX at Susanna Heighs in Muntinlupa, bypassing the Alabang viaduct and improving direct access to both the Alabang area and the Alabang-Zapote Road.

Says Ramon Ang, SMC president: "Since we soft-opened the southbound SLEX Extension last December 10, motorists in the south have seen a major improvement in the traffic situation. It has provided relief to thousands of motorists who go home every day to Muntinlupa, Las Pinas, Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas."

Happy Motoring!!!

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