2020 Jeep Wrangler Tips Over During Crash Test

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler tipped over during its safety certification test. It happened during the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)’s driver-side small overlap front crash test and is clearly seen in the lead photo above (see video below). This results in the Wrangler earning a “marginal” rating for the test.

The Wrangler, which was redesigned in 2018, was evaluated three separate driver-side small overlap crash tests, one by Jeep as part of the Institute’s verification test program, and two at the Institute’s Vehicle Research Center. In both tests conducted by IIHS, the Wrangler rolled onto its passenger side after striking the test barrier.

The Wrangler performed well by the normal metrics used to evaluate performance in the driver-side small overlap test. The driver’s space was maintained well, and the dummy’s movement was well-controlled. However, the partial rollover presents an additional injury risk beyond what the standard criteria are intended to measure. A vehicle tipping onto its side is not an acceptable outcome for a frontal crash, and as a result, the Wrangler’s overall rating was downgraded to marginal.

Rollovers are especially dangerous crashes, in part due to the risk of complete or partial ejection. This is a particular concern in the Wrangler, which has a roof and doors that can be removed. The Wrangler also lacks side curtain airbags designed to deploy in a rollover to keep occupants inside. It is not required by regulation to have side curtain airbags because of its removable roof.

After the vehicle tipped over in the audit test, Jeep questioned whether this outcome was related to the method that IIHS engineers had used to attach the vehicle to the crash propulsion system. IIHS agreed to conduct a second test using a different method, which was approved by Jeep. The second test also ended with the vehicle tipping on its side.

The Wrangler earns good ratings in the moderate overlap front, side, roof and head restraint evaluations.

This is the second “black eye” for the Wrangler after the European New Car Assessment Program or Euro NCAP slapped it with a one-star safety rating. It did receive a four-star rating from the NHTSA.

The Chery Tiggo 8 is Fitted with One of the World's Best Gearboxes

The Chery Tiggo 8 received recognition for its Getrag 7-speed wet-type dual clutch transmission with the China Auto Evaluation Institute selecting it as one of the “World Top 10 Transmissions.”

Using internationally recognized transmission evaluation metrics, the Chery Tiggo 8’s gearbox was tested for its efficiency, vibration, and noise. In the end, it managed to beat not just homegrown Chinese brands, but even some imported transmission systems as well.

The selection, a first of its kind in China, reflects Chery’s increased technical achievements. They were the first Chinese automaker to have independently developed engine, transmission, chassis, engine management system, and platform technologies.

In the field of transmission technology, Chery started to independently develop CVT technology in 2003, and completed a full process of independent design, validation and mass production in 7 years. During its CVT R&D, Chery applied for and obtained over 40 patents in areas such as product design, processing, assembly and testing, breaking the monopoly of multi-national companies in high-end automatic transmission technology.

By late 2019, Chery had applied for 18,601 patents and obtained 12,012 patents, including 3,540 patents for invention (30 percent of all authorized patents), ranking top in China's auto industry.

Its flagship SUV, the Chery Tiggo 8 is highly favored and trusted by consumers with sales of over 100,000 units in 2019 alone.

Geely is Now Making Their Own 7-Seater SUV with the 2020 Haoyue

Geely has just unveiled their first three-row SUV: the 2020 Haoyue. With a name that literally translates as “Auspicious” it has just been launched online for its home market of China.

Measuring in at 4,835 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width, and 1,780 mm in height (wheelbase is at 2,815 mm), the Geely Haoyue slots well into the mid-sized SUV category populated by the likes of pickup-based passenger vehicles like the Toyota Fortuner and some unibody offerings like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Mazda CX-8.

While it’s dimensionally unremarkable, Geely says the Haoyue’s a “space magician” (their words, not ours). Equipped with a sliding second row that moves fore and aft by 40 mm, passengers seated there can enjoy up to a meter in leg space. Meanwhile, third row passengers enjoy 886 mm of leg space, while also being able to comfortably accommodate tall passengers (up to 1.9 meters or more than 6 feet, according to Geely).

The Haoyue’s “high quality” platform also boasts of a flat second and third row giving it up to 2,050 liters of luggage space. Putting that into perspective, it can swallow appliances such as refrigerators or LCD TVs. In fact, Geely says it can easily accommodate a double bed-sized mattress. The clever design continues to its sheer number of cubby holes—42 spread around the cabin.

Like the Geely Coolray and the Azkarra, the Haoyue features a double-layer interior design. Front and center is a “floating” 12.3-inch infotainment cluster. The driver also enjoys full digital instrumentation as well.

Outside, the Haoyue features a more mature take on Geely Design with a large number of straight lines to emphasize its size. Upfront are active matrix LED headlights that can adjust lighting both horizontally and vertically giving drivers the best visibility depending on road and traffic conditions, while at the back are “Wings of Light and Shadow” LED taillights. Ground clearance stands at 190 mm. It also debuts the new brand logo which replaces the black and blue checkered design for an all black one.

In terms of powertrain options, the Haoyue is available with two turbocharged gasoline engines. The first is familiar because it’s the same one found in the Coolray and Azkarra. With that, it makes 177 horsepower and 255 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, there’s also a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder version making 183 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque. Both come with a 7-speed dual clutch automatic.

When asked about its potential launch in the Philippines, Geely’s official distributor, Sojitz G Auto Philippines says that given the popularity of 7-seater SUVs in the country, Haoyue is being seriously considered for local sale. If ever it will be sold here though, it won’t be in the immediate future. Like the Azkarra and the Coolray, it will likely carry a different name once it reaches Philippine shores.

With the Trailblazer Ending Production in Thailand, Should Chevy PH Bring in the Chinese Blazer?

With Chevrolet completely discontinuing production in Thailand, the question now is where will Chevy Philippines source their vehicles? Well, North America is the safe bet for high-value vehicles such as the Camaro, Corvette, Tahoe, and Suburban; but what about more mainstream ones?

Well, China looks like a safe bet. Chevrolet has a joint-venture there with SAIC (yes, the same group responsible for MG), and one of their newest products is this: the mid-sized Blazer SUV.

With an overall length of 4,999 mm, a width of 1,953 mm, and a height of 1,736 mm, the 7-seater Blazer seems like a shoo-in in the mid-sized SUV segment replacing the aging Trailblazer. Unlike the Trailblazer though, the Blazer isn’t a pickup-based SUV but rather a unibody crossover.

The Blazer adopts the newest Chevrolet design cues such as the dual-port X-shaped grille, sharp-split LED headlights, and Y-shaped LED taillights.

The same “sportscar-inspired” styling continues inside with the “flying-wing” dual cockpit design, 8-inch LCD digital gauges, and 10-inch floating center touchscreen. And like most SUVs in China, it has a large panoramic sunroof that measures over one square-meter in size.

Powering the Blazer is a turbocharged 2.0-liter Ecotec engine making 236 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. Mated to a 9-speed automatic with idle start/stop tech, Chevrolet says it goes from 0-100 km/h in 9 seconds, while just sipping just 13.51 km/L.

An available all-wheel drive system can switch between front- to all-wheel drive in as little as 0.12 seconds, while also being able to split torque between left and right wheels.

If Chevrolet Philippines does decide to bring in the Blazer to replace the Trailblazer, expect it to retail at roughly the same price: P 1.86-million to P 2.36-million.

Subaru Evoltis PH Launch May Get Delayed Due to Plant Closure

Heads up, Subarists—if you’re waiting for their first three-row SUV, the Subaru Evoltis, you may have to wait a bit longer.

Known as the Ascent in the U.S., the carmaker confirmed that it’s temporarily shutting down Subaru of Indiana Automotive, the lone plant assembling it due to the spread of COVID-19. From March 23-29, 2020.

While no worker there has tested positive for the sickness, the Japanese carmaker is taking extra precaution to ensure the health and safety of its workers, and also due to falling market demand there.

Originally scheduled for a launch in the third quarter of this year (alongside the Forester E-BOXER), news of the temporary plant closure will entail a longer wait for Subaru’s 7-seater SUV.

Feast Your Eyes on the 2021 Kia Sorento (w/ 21 Photos, Video)

Kia was supposed to give the world a better look at its all-new 2021 Sorento. Sadly, COVID-19 got in the way, and now we just have to settle at this deluge of photos and videos from the Korean carmaker.

Shot at what looks like their design studio in Korea, the Sorento rides on Kia’s new-generation midsized SUV platform. Details such as its powertrain were already released beforehand. This includes a new Smartstream Turbo Hybrid that pairs a 1.6-liter direct injected turbo engine with a 60-horsepower electric motor for a combined 230 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque and a brand-new 2.2-liter Smartstream diesel with 202 horsepower and 440 Nm of torque mated to a wet-type 8-speed dual clutch automatic.

Among new details emerging about the Sorento include its interior which is a step-change in both quality and design for Kia. The carmaker says it has “one of the highest quality interior spaces found in any Kia to-date.” Features include a 12.3-inch digital drive instrument cluster twinned with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, haptic buttons for the climate controls, available mood lighting, wireless charging, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system.

Material quality is enhanced, with a cabin that blends metallic trim, leather upholstery, and embossed satin-effect surfaces. Applied throughout the interior and across the dashboard, the cabin boasts a more sophisticated appearance and ambience as a result. It’ll be offered with a choice of black cloth, leather (grey or black single-tone, or black-and-grey two-tone), or black quilted Nappa leather (at least in Europe).

The new platform compacts the engine bay and shortens the overhangs while boosting the wheelbase by 35 mm. As a result, it offers generous space for up to 7 adults with the largest cargo capacities in its class: 821 liters for 7-seat models and 910 liters for 5-seat models. In seven-seat models, with all seven seats in place, cargo space is up 32 percent compared to its predecessor, to 187 liters. Controls in the side wall of the boot also let users fold down the second-row seat backs remotely at the touch of a button.

For passengers, the new platform maximizes space in all three rows, offering more head-, leg- and shoulder-room than ever. In particular, the new platform has created a significant amount of extra legroom for first- and second-row occupants, as well as more headroom for third-row passengers.

Aided by the platform’s longer wheelbase, the second-row seats now slide up to 45 mm further, creating a wider point of entry to the third row with more space for feet and legs. There is also a new grab handle built into the interior trim inside the C-pillar, giving third-row passengers something to hold on to as they climb aboard. Once seated, the third-row armrest has also been extended by 100 mm for greater elbow support, while incorporating a cupholder and smartphone tray.

Like its predecessor, the Sorento will be built at Kia’s Hwasung manufacturing facility in Korea. The car will also be built for North America at Kia’s West Point, Georgia, USA production plant. Sales are due to commence in global markets during the third quarter of 2020.

2021 Kia Sorento Key Specifications

• Overall Length: 4,810 mm
• Overall Width: 1,900 mm
• Overall Height: 1,695 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,185 mm
• Ground Clearance: 176 mm (174 mm for Hybrid)
• Curb Weight: 1,757 kg (FWD, diesel), 1,819 kg (AWD, diesel)
• Front Suspension: Independent, MacPherson Strut
• Rear Suspension: Independent, Multi-Link
• Standard Wheels & Tires: 235/65 R 17 (Option: 235/60 R 18, 235/55 R 19, 255/45 R 20)
• Engine: 2.2-liter SmartStream CRDi Diesel 
• Maximum Output: 202 horsepower @ 3,800 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 440 Nm @ 1,750-2,750 rpm
• Transmission: 8-speed DCT

Isuzu PH Upgrades mu-X for 2020 at No Added Cost

Aside from quietly launching the D-Max Boondock 4x4, Isuzu Philippines Corporation did an equally quiet update to its 7-seater mu-X SUV.

This 2020, the mu-X receives two exterior aesthetic changes: a redesigned grille and two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels. These design changes are then complemented by a new 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The rest of the mu-X package remains the same, but it’s worth noting that these 2020 changes are applicable only for the 3.0 LS-A model thus far. 

In fact, their announcement is a bit too early that only the 2020 3.0 LS-A 4x2 is currently available at P 1,795,000—no price difference from 2019. The 2020 3.0 LS-A 4x4, priced at P 2,145,000 (also no difference from 2019) will arrive at a later date.

Colors available for the 2020 mu-X are: Cosmic Black, Titanium Silver, and Silky White Pearl.

Ford PH to Add New Sport Variant to Everest Line-Up This Month

After the re-introduction of the Trend variant, Ford Philippines is set to add yet another variant to the Everest family this 2020: the Everest Sport. Arriving in two weeks’ time, the Everest Sport is expected to become the top-grade 4x2 trim in Ford’s mid-sized SUV line-up.

Expected to pick up where the Titanium 4x2 leaves off, the Everest Sport will get a more menacing-looking exterior package, if the Thailand market version is any indication. It will replace all the chrome with high-gloss black ones. Additionally, the trademark three-bar grille will be replaced by a mesh-type one, and the hood with get embossed lettering that spells out, “Everest.” Capping off the changes are 20-inch high-gloss black alloy rims fitted with 265/50 tires and the usual door and trunk badging.

Inside, the Everest Sport is expected to receive a similarly sporty theme. The leather seats and dash topper with feature “Raceway Blue” contrasting stitching, while the seats will have the words, “Sport” embossed on it. And like the Titanium 4x2, the Everest Sport is expected to feature the SYNC 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat, and a power-folding third row among a long list of standard features.

Given its positioning as a top-trim 4x2 variant, the Everest Sport will likely share the Titanium 4x2’s 2.0-liter single-turbo diesel engine. This will give it 180 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. The sole transmission will be a 10-speed automatic with cruise control.

Along with the introduction of the Everest Sport, Ford Philippines is also expected to refresh the Everest Titanium line-up to give it technologies first seen in the 2020 Ranger. These include new LED headlights that offer 17 percent better lighting penetration (20 percent on the high beam), as well as a windshield-mounted USB port for dash cams. If Ford opts to copy the Ranger’s playbook, expect these changes not to cost a single cent.

And on the subject of the price, Ford hasn’t revealed any details yet. However, it can be inferred based how the Everest line-up is currently positioned. Currently, the Everest Titanium 4x4 tops out at P 2,299,000 while the Everest Titanium 4x2 is at P 1,995,000. This leaves a P 304,000 gap which Ford Philippines can easily plug the Everest Sport into. Our hunch is that Ford will price it at around P 2,080,000. Did we get it right? Let’s see in two weeks.

5 Functions the Chery Smartwatch Key Can Do That the Apple Watch Can't

Smartwatches are now, officially, a thing. Once dismissed as a mere fashion thing, more and more people are buying them so much so that the Apple Watch has practically outsold the entire Swiss watch industry.

It was only a matter of time for carmakers to get into the act, combining the usual smartwatch functions with those that can control their respective vehicles. And the first one to come up with such a tech in the Philippine market? Chery. That’s right, Chery.

Chery considers this a game-changer—and it’s a surprise because it’s not something you find in a car’s design, or cabin, or powertrain. Instead, it is an alternative to carrying a bulky car key that you keep in your pocket the whole day.

Much like how modern smartwatches can sync wirelessly with your smartphone, the Chery Smartwatch Key does the same with the brand’s top-of-the-line model, the Tiggo 8. With that, it offers five functions which an Apple Watch can’t give you:

1. It locks and unlocks the car
2. It enables remote engine start/stop
3. It opens and closes the car windows
4. It remotely turns the climate control on
5. It remotely opens the power tailgate

Aside from these vehicle functions, the Chery Smartwatch functions like a typical smartwatch with functionalities that include an activity/fitness tracker with heartrate monitor, sleep tracking, and incoming call reminders.

Oh, and unlike other car keys, the Chery Smartwatch Key is waterproof up to 3 ATM (30 meters). The rubber strap and robust thermoplastic urethane (TPU) construction means it can be used for activities such as swimming or surfing.

The Chery Smartwatch Key is a standard feature on the Cherry Tiggo 8 7-seater crossover which retails starting at P 1.280-million for the Luxury variant. Prices top out at P 1.340-million for the Luxury EX variant. Both are powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 145 horsepower and 210 Nm of torque.

Bring Home a Chery For as Low as P 15k Downpayment or P 6k Monthly

Chery Auto Philippines is starting 2020 with low downpayment and low monthly amortization payment schemes on its entire line-up.

For a down payment of P 15,000, you can take home the Cherry Tiggo 2 or 5X M/T transmission variants. This goes up to P 35,000 for the Tiggo 7, and P 85,000 for the top-of-the-line Tiggo 8.

Apart from this deal, there are also low monthly amortization schemes available.

Assuming a 50 percent downpayment and a 60-month payment term, the Tiggo 2 is available for as low as P 6,073 per month. For the Tiggo 5X, it comes with a monthly amortization of just P 7,419 per month, while for the Tiggo 7, it’s at P 10,997. The 7-seater Tiggo 8 tops out at P 12,584 per month.

For those considering the Tiggo 8, all purchases until April 30 will automatically get a Chery Smartwatch Key for free. Aside from the usual fitness tracking and incoming call notification, the Chery Smartwatch offers functions such as passive keyless entry, remote engine start, power window control, and trunk lid opening.

All vehicles in the promo are entitled to a free 3-year Preventive Maintenance Service (PMS) package on top of a 5-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, and an industry leading 10-year / 1 million kilometer powertrain warranty.

Confirmed: the Subaru Outback is No More

You really, really, really wanted a Subaru Outback? You do? Huh? Well, that’s too bad. You shouldn’t have waited so long because Motor Image Pilipinas just confirmed: they’ve got no stock left. Zero. Zilch.

The last Subaru to be powered by a creamy 3.6-liter flat-6, the Outback sort of had a segment to itself—especially if you ever thought that an executive wagon/SUV was a thing. Sure, it had fuel economy that’ll give you nightmares, but my goodness, the engine was just buttery smooth. Plus, because it had real ground clearance and 500 mm of water wading, it can go where Accords and Camrys feared to tread. Pour one out as this old fashioned Subie heads off to the great wilderness park in the sky.

Fear not though, this isn’t the end of the Outback name. Motor Image Pilipinas has confirmed that they are indeed bringing in the all-new Outback. Though they didn’t mention any specifics, the all-new model pretty much sticks to the same proven recipe, only it sports a brand-new platform and, at least in other countries, a turbocharged motor. Sadly, it’s going to be a long wait. It’s understood that Subaru’s Gunma plant isn’t scheduled to run the all-new Outback until the third quarter of 2020 at the earliest.

Apart from the Outback’s demise, the entry-level Forester 2.0i-L is also gone. Though there are still some old stocks available, officially for MY2020, the Forester line-up gets the EyeSight driver assist system as standard equipment along with the Superview Around Recognition (SAR) 360-degree camera system. Meanwhile, for the Subaru XV, the base 2.0i is still offered with a traditional backup camera, but for P 20,000 more, it’ll also get the SAR 360 system.

Check out the latest prices below:

• BRZ 2.0 A/T – P 2,158,000
• Forester 2.0i-L EyeSight SAR 360 – P 1,888,000
• Forester 2.0i-S EyeSight SAR 360 – P 2,018,000
• Levorg 2.0 GT-S EyeSight – P 2,098,000
• WRX 2.0 EyeSight – P 2,158,000
• WRX STI 2.5 – P 2,848,000
• XV 2.0i – P 1,588,000
• XV 2.0i SAR 360 – P 1,608,000
• XV 2.0i-S EyeSight SAR 360 – P 1,858,000
• XV 2.0i-S EyeSight SAR 360 GT Edition – P 1,938,000

Ford PH Brings Back Everest Trend This 2020 for P 1.738M

Ford Philippines is boosting its SUV lineup with the addition of a new Ford Everest variant, the 2020 Ford Everest Trend, offering customers a new mid-size SUV variant that offers great value with enhancements in its smart and safety features.

The 2020 Ford Everest Trend, like the rest of the Everest line-up, has a new front grille design while also adding a rear view camera, power lift gate, LED projector headlamps with daytime running lamps, and additional driver knee airbag (bringing total number of airbags to seven).

“We are expanding our SUV lineup to provide customers with another reliable Ford Everest variant that suits their diverse needs and lifestyles. The new Everest Trend comes with features such as seven airbags, LED headlamps, power liftgate, and leather seats that make it one of the most competitive and feature-packed mid-size SUVs for its pricing,” said PK Umashankar, managing director, Ford Philippines.

The new Everest Trend is powered by Ford’s proven 2.2-liter TDCi diesel engine which delivers up to 160 horsepower and 385 Nm of torque. Coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission, it promises power and smooth acceleration while staying fuel-efficient.

Aside from the new front grille design and smart and safety feature enhancements, the new Everest Trend comes in 18-inch alloy wheels, rain sensing wipers, power folding and power adjustable mirrors with side turn indicators, side steps, roof rails, and front and rear splash guards. The Everest Trend also comes with leather seats, giving customers a more refined seating experience.

For driver comfort, the new Everest Trend comes with an 8-inch color touchscreen, USB ports, as well as SYNC 3 with Apple CarPlay and Android compatibility. SYNC is Ford’s proprietary voice-activated system that allows ease of access to the vehicle’s entertainment system and connected devices while driving on the road.

As a highly advanced technology-led SUV, the new Everest Trend is equipped with several driver-assist technologies that make it a perfect match for driving in the city while remaining a formidable force in off-road environments. These include cruise control, ABS with EBD, stability control with roll stability control, and hill launch assist.

The 2020 Everest Trend is available in all Ford dealerships nationwide now with a starting retail price of P 1,738,000. It comes in four (4) colors: Absolute Black, Aluminum Metallic, Arctic White, and Meteor Gray.