Honda is Launching the All-New 2021 Civic Soon Says Reports

It’s hard to imagine, but the current Honda Civic has been with us for five years now. Launched in 2016 to massive praise and success, it was refreshed just last year. That’s why when news came out that Honda’s launching the all-new 11th generation Civic very soon comes as a shocker.

Reports coming out of the now canceled Detroit Auto Show suggest that Honda would have used this as the venue to preview the 2021 Civic. True enough, when Honda’s product cycles are taken into account, a new-generation Civic is released typically after every five years, suggesting that the time’s ripe for the Japanese automaker to replace the highly-successful 10th generation model. Other reports suggest that Honda will wind down production of the current Civic, with end of production slated by the middle of 2021. It’s not known whether the current COVID-19 pandemic will affect these timelines.

The 11th generation Civic is not expected to be a large departure from the current 10th generation model. It’s said to ride on a carryover platform, and will even use the current model’s powertrain. Honda though will focus on the design. The new look is said to be sleeker and more understated than the current model. The solid wing front grille and C-shaped taillights are some details that may be changed in favor of something more subdued. Inside, it’s expected to benefit from a higher-quality interior with upgrades to the instrument cluster and infotainment screen. The push-button gear selector is also said to be under consideration.

Toyota Accidentally Confirmed a Subaru WRX Rivaling GR Corolla

After releasing the 272-horsepower GR Yaris to the world, Toyota is looking to expand its family of go-fast cars. The likely candidate? The Corolla.

The first bit of news comes from a Tweet by Toyota USA (see photo below). In it, they’ve revealed that while U.S. won’t be getting the GR Yaris, they’ll have a “hot hatch to call its own.” Now, given that there are only two hatchback models available in the U.S.—the Yaris (a re-badged Mazda2) and the Corolla, the money’s on Toyota building a hot hatch based on their compact model.

Further fanning the flame is the fact that Toyota’s moved to trademark the name, “GR Corolla.” Now, while the move may just be precautionary—to protect their IPs and all, but Gazoo Racing Chief Designer Toshio Kanei did confirm that high-performance version of the Corolla is in the works (he mentioned this during the launch of the Corolla GR Sport’s launch in Geneva last year).

Now, purists will be glad to know that Kanei-san also said that the GR Corolla will likely rely on the GR Yaris’s powertrain. With that, it’ll get a 1.6-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder making 272 horsepower and 370 Nm of torque. Furthermore, it’ll likely get the GR-FOUR all-wheel drive system as well which can vary power delivery between front and rear wheels using a multi-plate clutch. Putting all these tidbits together, and it seems that Toyota’s aiming squarely for the same segment occupied by the likes of the Subaru WRX and the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

While most see a market release date of 2023 (part of the current-generation Corolla’s swansong), Kanei-san did say that thanks to the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), development time is relatively short. This means that Toyota may actually find a way to fast forward the development of the GR Corolla for a potential 2022 or even 2021 release date.

Is the P 567k Geely Binrui Coming to the Philippines?

A quick look at Geely Philippines’s official website reveals that aside from the Coolray crossover and the Azkarra SUV, the Chinese car brand is looking to add at least three more cars to its line-up (see photo below). Based on their silhouette, the additions could be another SUV, an MPV, and a sedan. While the recently-launched 7-seater Haoyue seems like a no-brainer, what about the other two?

Like any other carmaker, Sojitz G Auto Philippines, Geely’s official distributor in the country, has been tightlipped when it comes to their future model plans. Having said that, a clue seems to have surfaced with the help of Geely Global.

The info provided by Geely actually talks about its monthly sales, particularly how they’ve registered total global sales of 105,468 units—a 44 percent month-on-month growth compared to March. But things get interesting when it comes to a quote given by Geely Auto’s President, An Conghui:

“Our overseas markets will also see the launch of Geely’s latest products such as the sporty Coolray SUV and Binrui sedan. We are confident in Geely’s performance for May and the second quarter.”

With that, it can be pretty much surmised that the Binrui is the mystery sedan on the Geely Philippines website.

For the curious, the Binrui is a compact sedan built atop the same BMA platform as the Coolray. Designed also for the “young and fashionable,” the Binrui adopts a rather peculiar design language: “The Aesthetics of Racing through Space and Time.” And while it does sound a bit Chinglish, what’s certain is that it takes on a fastback look, similar to the MG 6. Inside, the Binrui is styled similarly to other Geely models with the all-digital gauge cluster, large infotainment touchscreen, and flat-bottomed steering wheel.

Under the hood is where the Binrui gets interesting. It uses an all-turbo powertrain line-up, either in a 1.4- or 1.0-liter configuration. The lower trims are the ones that get the larger displacement engine with 133 horsepower and 215 Nm of torque—numbers not far off the Volkswagen Lavida which sports a similar engine configuration. This is mated to a 6-speed manual or a CVT. Meanwhile, the upper trim models get a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder which reduces peak torque to 205 Nm, but adds 3 additional horsepower. In this set-up, the choices are a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed dual clutch.

Being part of the BMA platform, the Binrui can be speced with all sorts of driver assist technology right off the bat including the brand’s Level 2 autonomous driving suite that combines lane departure warning/assist, intelligent cruise control, and automatic speed limit identification.

In China, the Binrui is priced anywhere from 79,800 RMB (P 567,000~) to 110,800 RMB (P 788,000~). By comparison, the MG 6 sells there from 96,800 RMB (P 688,000~) to 149,800 RMB (P 1.06 million~).

Toyota Making Corolla-based SUV to Battle Honda HR-V, Subaru XV, Mazda CX-30

It looks like Toyota is shifting its crossover ambitions to high gear as yet another SUV is expected to battle the likes of the Honda HR-V, Subaru XV, and Mazda CX-30. Best news? It’s been spotted testing in Southeast Asia, increasing the chances of it actually reaching the Philippines.

Snapped in the middle of Bangkok traffic (see photo below) is the rumored Corolla Cross. Unlike the European Corolla Trek, which is basically a raised Corolla Wagon (see lead photo), this new SUV will come with its own unique sheet metal. Like the Corolla though, it will ride on the TNGA-C platform (the RAV4 rides on the TNGA-K platform). And if the recent dealer presentation leak is accurate, this new SUV will slot between the newly launched Yaris Cross and RAV4, likely replacing the niche market C-HR.

Not much is known about its powertrain, but the likely bet is that it’ll use the C-HR’s 1.8-liter 2ZR-FBE making 141 horsepower and 178 Nm of torque, or the 2.0-liter M20A-FKS engine found in the North American Corolla putting out 170 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque.

Again, if the dealer presentation leak is accurate, the production version will bow in 2021.

Lexus to Produce New Flagship SUV Called the LQ

Lexus may be looking to expand its SUV line-up by introducing a brand-new model that’s supposedly its new flagship SUV—the Lexus LQ.

A Car and Driver report suggest that Toyota’s premium brand is looking to produce the LF-1 Limitless Concept which was shown at the 2018 North American International Auto Show. With that in mind, it’ll be transformed into the Lexus LQ (the name has been trademarked in several major markets including the US), and will slot above the upcoming Lexus LX in terms of positioning.

Likely, Toyota will position its upcoming Land Cruiser-based LX more as an upscale truck-based luxury SUV, while turning over unparalleled on-road riding comfort to the unibody Lexus LQ. The Lexus LQ is said to be powered by a V6 or V8 engine, producing anywhere between 420 to 660 horsepower.

The Lexus LQ is said to reach showrooms by 2022.

Someone Just Leaked How the 2021 Nissan X-Trail Looks Like

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Nissan’s still adamant to push through with several new production introductions this year, including the all-new X-Trail.

In what appear to be leaked brochure photos, the 2021 X-Trail (aka Rogue in the U.S.) dons a more angular body with a larger V-motion grille and re-designed headlights reminiscent of the Juke. It also gets a more upright greenhouse for a tougher-looking stance.

Thankfully, Nissan seems to be addressing the X-Trail’s biggest weakness by giving it a decidedly more upscale interior complete with quilted leather seats, a large tablet-like floating infotainment screen, and available all digital instrumentation.

Not much is known about the upcoming X-Trail’s powertrain and platform, but it’s understood that it’ll be available in a variety of 4-cylinder engines and what looks to be some sort of terrain management system for the all-wheel drive variant.

The X-Trail is supposed to bow in the third or fourth quarter of this year at least in other markets such as Japan and the U.S.

Source: WorldScoop Forum

Here's the First Proof that Nissan is Making An All-New Z Sportscar

We can’t wait for 2021. Despite increased pressure to adopt more zero emissions vehicles, Japanese carmakers aren’t forgetting enthusiasts. Aside from Toyota and Subaru firming up details on their next-generation 86 / BRZ sportscar, Nissan has just given us the first solid indication that an all-new Z sportscar is happening.

Rumors suggested that the all-new Z will get a heritage-inspired design, and now a patent filing done by the carmaker all but confirms this. This patent filing (link here) shows the iconic “Z” logo with a diagonal slash in the middle. Eagle-eyed enthusiast will also note that the font type is similar to the ones that were used on the Datsun 240Z.

Along with the new retro-inspired Z logo, Nissan also filed a patent separately for a new corporate logo (link here). It’s a tweak of what was shown with the Ariya Concept at the Tokyo Motor Show, it’s highly likely that the new Z will be the first to get the new minimalist logo.

Not much is known about the all-new Nissan Z at this point, but almost everyone is expecting it to pack a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (VR30). Now available in the Japanese market Skyline, it makes an even 400 horsepower and 675 Nm of torque. With that in mind, it’s likely that the Nissan will dub their new rear-wheel drive sportscar, the 400Z.

It could see its debut within the next 18 months. It’s likely Nissan will use the 2021 Tokyo Motor Show to showcase its all-new sportscar.

All-New Toyota 86, Subaru BRZ Coming in 2021 and Will Pack 255 Horsepower

With the current Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ nearing the end of its lifecycle, rumors are starting to swirl about its replacement. Confirmed that the collaboration between Toyota and Subaru will continue for the second-generation model, there are now reports that it’ll pack more power, ride on a new platform, and for Toyota, a brand-new badge.

Autoblog via Motor1 reports that the all-new Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ will debut sometime in the summer of 2021, possibly July for the U.S. market.

More than just the launch window, the leaks show that the second-generation sportscar will migrate to Toyota’s TNGA platform (the current one uses a Subaru platform), and will pack a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Power is said to be in the region of 255 horsepower—a 50 horsepower jump over the present model. It’s also understood that along with the new engine and platform, the twins will also benefit from an upgraded interior.

Meanwhile, Toyota is keen to extend the “GR” family with the 86 officially changing its name globally from “Toyota 86” to “Toyota GR86.” This naming convention is already in place in Japan.

Aside from the all-new Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ, the leaks also detail that the Camry will be refreshed sometime this year (as a 2021 model). In 2021, the carmaker will then release the all-new Tundra, a Corolla-based crossover (that’s not the RAV4), and a small high-performance hatchback (that’s not the GR Yaris). The RAV4 is also expected to be refreshed by this time.

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.

Forget the Nissan Leaf, the Kicks e-Power is What We Should be Excited About

Currently, Nissan is shifting its EV education campaign into high gear likely because of the impending launch of its first all-electric vehicle locally, the Leaf. Now, while that’s all good, my eyes are fixed squarely on what I think offers the best solution for our local road conditions: the Nissan Kicks e-Power.

If the Nissan Kicks sounds familiar, it should be. It’s the less funky, but more practical replacement to the sub-compact Juke. And given it’s been out globally since 2016, it’s also been a long time coming.

Well, patience is certainly a virtue. It’s been confirmed that Thailand will serve as the production hub for the Kicks for Southeast Asia, and get this: it’s launching there this March.

Now, it’s hard to imagine what gets me excited over a three-year old crossover, until the possibility of it being equipped with Nissan’s e-Power system.

I’ve tackled how the Nissan e-Power works before, but in gist:

The Nissan e-Power system differs from traditional hybrids or purely electric vehicles in that the system uses the gasoline engine solely as a power generator. This is then connected to an inverter, a battery, and an electric motor which drives the wheels.

Basically, it’s an EV without any plugging requirements or range anxiety. How cool’s that?

Now, Nissan hasn’t revealed much in way of mechanical details for the Kicks e-Power, but the likely candidate is the 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine (HR12DE) found in the Japan market Note e-Power. If that’s the case, expect the same electric motor—a 108 horsepower, 254 Nm of torque unit to make its way into the sub-compact SUV as well. If the Kicks e-Power performs the same as the Note e-Power, expect a fuel economy in the range of 37 km/L.

Along with the introduction of e-Power, Nissan is also giving the Kicks a mid-cycle refresh. This makes it a very opportune time for Nissan to bring it into the country.

As for pricing, because the e-Power system requires a much smaller battery than something in the Leaf (plus it’s sourced in ASEAN—free trade, anyone?), it could very well be positioned as the country’s most affordable “Electric Vehicle.” Sources say that the e-Power system adds about 17 percent to the cost of a similarly-priced version which could mean that the Kicks e-Power could come in at about P 1.2 million—the same price as the current Juke 1.6 with the NISMO body kit.

Subaru is Targeting Big Numbers for 2021 WRX STI

Subaru is setting a huge target for its all-new flagship performance sedan, the WRX STI when it debuts in 2021. A report from Forbes says that Subaru Technica International (STI) is setting output goals of no less than 400 horsepower and 490 Nm of torque.

Citing a source close to Subaru, Forbes says that the all-new WRX STI will continue to use a turbocharged engine. They said that the 2.4-liter FA24 engine, currently found in the 7-seater Ascent (Philippine market Evoltis) and Outback XT will be used.

However, to get the power rating from 260 horsepower up to an even 400 horsepower, STI will employ reinforced crankshaft and pistons, optimized timing balance, fine-tuned valves and intake ports, tweaked boost pressure, and enhanced brake capacity.

Along with the new powertrain, the all-new WRX STI will, like the rest of the Subaru line-up, shift to the Subaru Global Platform further enhancing its dynamic and safety performance. Furthermore, its design is said to be inspired by the Viziv STI Performance Concept which was showcased at the 2018 Tokyo Auto Salon.

If this report does come into fruition, expect the all-new WRX STI to outperform all other hot hatches in the market.

Source: Forbes

Suzuki's Ertiga-based SUV Spied at Indonesian Assembly Plant

Photo courtesy of OLX Indonesia

Suzuki’s Ertiga-based SUV, the XL6 is inching towards a possible Philippine launch with news that it’ll be launched for the Indonesian market in the next few weeks, six months after its global debut.

A couple of photos snapped supposedly at Suzuki’s Cikarang Suzuki assembly plant reveals that assembly of their 7-seater sub-compact SUV is in full swing. The photos taken by OLX Indonesia reveals a change in nameplate though from “XL6” to “XL7.” This indicates that Suzuki will swap the Indian market’s second-row captain’s seats to a more conventional second-row bench for the ASEAN market.

With the exception of the new badge and a more aggressive-looking alloy wheel design, the XL7 looks pretty identical to the XL6. It’s basically an Ertiga with a new fascia and added body cladding. Moreover, it’s expected to share the MPV’s powertrain: a 1.5-liter putting out 105 horsepower and 138 Nm of torque. The transmission options are a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic.

OLX also leaked what looks like the Suzuki XL7’s pricing. For the Indonesian market, it’ll be offered in three variants, all available in manual or automatic variants. Pricing starts at 230 million Indonesian Rupiah (~ P 860,000) and tops out at 267 million Indonesian Rupiah (~ P 1 million). By comparison, the Ertiga there starts at 224 million Indonesian Rupiah (~ P 840,000 and tops out at 249 million Indonesian Rupiah (~ P 930,000).

Applying the same formula to the local market Ertiga, the Suzuki XL7 would probably cost around P 1.050 million when it lands in the Philippines.

Source: OLX Indonesia

Nissan's Next-Generation Z Car May Pack a Turbocharged V6

In the perennial, “will they or won’t they” question regarding a next-generation Z car, it seems the latest answer from Nissan is now in the affirmative. Yes, there will be a next-generation Z car.

A report from Autoblog says Nissan is already hard at work on a next-generation Z car, and this one is said to have a heritage-inspired design. Sources who talked to the website said that while the silhouette and general shape is similar to the current Z, the front end will be 240Z-esque with a square mouth and rounded taillights. At the back? A more rectangular design that mimics the 300ZX from the 1990s.

Inside, it’ll finally have a modern infotainment system along with an interior that’s similar to the new Altima and Sentra.

Under the hood, it’s expected to share a version of the 3.0-liter VR30 V6 that’s currently in use in the Japanese market Skyline. In that guise, it makes 400 horsepower and 675 Nm of torque. With performance numbers very close to the GT-R, expect the engine to be de-tuned or even drop a turbo. A 9-speed automatic is said to be paired with it, though Nissan may offer a manual transmission as well.

Autoblog says that the earliest time the world will see a next-generation Z car would be in 18 months. It’s likely that Nissan could make this a star attraction at its Tokyo Motor Show exhibit in 2021.

Source: Autoblog

MG Philippines is Reportedly Going to Launch a Fortuner, Everest Fighter

Despite being beaten to the punch by Maxus in plans to introduce a pickup truck locally, MG’s not backing down. Apart from confirming that its MG Extender (a pickup based off the Maxus T70, which in turn, is based off the T60) is still a go, reports say they’re also introducing their very own 7-seater body-on-frame SUV some time this year.

This development makes a whole lot of sense for MG for two reasons: first, if they’re introducing a pickup truck already, why not go the whole nine yards and bring in the SUV based on the very same platform; second, everyone knows that mid-sized 7-seater SUVs are hot-sellers here—just ask Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Ford. Oh, and if these weren’t incentives enough, wouldn’t you want to beat Maxus in bring this SUV in?

See, the relationship between MG and Maxus with parent company SAIC is kinda weird. Both are sub-brands—the same way Volkswagen owns both Skoda and Seat. That being said, at least VW’s more subtle, opting to dress up the shared powertrain and platform with each brand’s respective corporate clothing. For SAIC, they simply slap on a different grille and call it a day. That’s why products like the Maxus V80 wear an MG badge in countries like Thailand.

The SUV that MG’s reportedly going to bring in is the D90—which is basically the Maxus D90 with a different grille; it’s an odd decision because SAIC does have a Roewe version of the D90 called the RX8 readily available (yes, the local MG RX5 is indeed, a Roewe). Still, fanning the flame is the existence of camouflaged D90 test mules wearing a different grille from the Chinese market version. These are understood to look like MG’s trademark stardust grille—the same one found in the MG ZS and MG 6.

Anyhow, if The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI) did manage to secure the rights to distribute the Maxus D90, they’ll essentially be getting the flagship SUV made by SAIC for its MG/Maxus/Roewe brand. Dimensionally, it’s closer to North American-style SUVs than they are to traditional pickup-based ones, especially with its 5-meter length and 2.950-meter wheelbase. However, its T60-based platform means a commendable 550-mm water wading depth and a generous 210-mm ground clearance.

The kicker though is the powertrain. Currently, in all markets where the Maxus D90 are sold, it uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine making 220 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a torque converter 6-speed automatic driving either the rear- or all four wheels (the 4WD has its own version of Terrain Selection). If MG really wants to make a dent in the market, they might have to consider plopping in the 2.0-liter diesel engine found in the Extender pickup. If that’s the case, they might as well take a page from Ford’s book and offer the 2WD variant with the single-turbo 161-horsepower engine, and the 4WD variant with the twin-turbo 214 horsepower one.

What about the price? In China, the Maxus D90 sells for 156,700 RMB to 263,800 RMB. Converted to Philippine peso, that’ll be around P 1.141 million to P 1.922 million—not bad considering the top-trim model in China comes with LED headlights, 19-inch wheels, power tailgate, smart key, sunroof, leather seats, 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, blind spot monitor, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and many more.

Do you think TCCCI is making the right move in bringing the Maxus D90 here as a MG?