Car Profiles - Toyota Land Cruiser

TOYOTA LAND CRUISER

The one SUV which combines luxury and ruggedness packaged in the former way. There's a powerful V8 diesel and tons of off-road items to guide you. You can complain about the third row, but not the price.

The Good: Off-road ruggedness

The Bad: Tight third row

Price Range: P4,507,000-P4,930,000

Our Rating: ***

Last Update: March 11, 2017

OWNERSHIP DETAILS	Full Option	Standard
Price	P4,930,000 - Additional P15,000 for White Pearl	P4,507,000 - Additional P15,000 for White Pearl
Warranty	3 Years or 100,000kms	3 Years or 100,000kms
ENGINE SPECS
Engine	1VD-FTV 4.5 DOHC 32V V8 Intercooler Direct Injection	1VD-FTV 4.5 DOHC 32V V8 Intercooler Direct Injection
Horsepower	282hp @ 3,600rpm	282hp @ 3,600rpm
Torque	650Nm @ 1,600-2,800rpm	650Nm @ 1,600-2,800rpm
Fuel Type	Diesel	Diesel
Fuel System	CRD D-4D	CRD D-4D
Transmission	6-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic
Fuel Tank Capacity	93 Liters	93 Liters
DIMENSIONS
Length	4,950mm	4,950mm
Width	1,970mm	1,970mm
Height	1,905mm	1,905mm
Wheelbase	2,850mm	2,850mm
Curb Weight	2,665kg	2,665kg
Body Style	5 Door SUV	5 Door SUV
Engine/Drive Type	Front Engine/Four Wheel Drive, High and Low	Front Engine/Four Wheel Drive, High and Low
Seating	7	7
SUSPENSION & TIRES
Front Suspension	Double Wishbone with Coil Spring	Double Wishbone with Coil Spring
Rear Suspension	4 Link with Coil Springs and Lateral Rod	4 Link with Coil Springs and Lateral Rod
Front Brakes	Ventilated Disc	Ventilated Disc
Rear Brakes	Ventilated Disc	Ventilated Disc
Tires	285/60 R18	285/60 R18
Wheels	18 Inch Alloy	18 Inch Alloy
SAFETY
Airbags	8	6
Anti-Lock Brakes	Yes, With Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist	Yes, With Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist
Traction/Stability Control	Yes, Vehicle Stability Assist and Traction Control	Yes, Vehicle Stability Assist and Traction Control
Other Safety Features	Adds: None	Hill-Start Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control, Clearance and Back Sonar, Speed Sensing Door Locks
EXTERIOR
Fog Lamps	Front and Rear	Front and Rear
Other Exterior Features	Adds: Sunroof, LED Quad Headlamps, LED Fog Lamps, Pintle Hook, Illuminated Door Scuff Plates, Automatic Dim Lights, Rain Sensing Wipers, Front Bumper Overrider, Body Stripe	HID Bi-LED Headlamps with Dynamic Auto Leveling, Daytime Running Lamps, Headlamp Cleaner with Washer, Side Mirror Signal Repeaters, Side Step, Chrome Door Handles and Side Mirror, Door Side Moulding with Chrome, Mudguards, Roof Rail, Rear Spoiler, Rear Wiper
INTERIOR
Steering Wheel Adjustment	Tilt and Telescopic	Tilt and Telescopic
Steering Wheel Material	Leather	Leather
Seating Adjustment	Power, Driver and Passenger	Power, Driver and Passenger
Seating Material	Leather	Leather
Other Interior Features	Adds: Cool/Hot Box, Crawl Control, Multi Terrain Select	40/20/40 Split 2nd Row, 50/50 Fold 3rd Row, Silver Accent, Console Box, Inside Rear View Mirror, Glove Box/Personal/Door Courtesy Lamp, Push Button Start/Stop, Illuminated Entry System, Cruise Control, Meter Information Control, Front Accessory Power Outlet
CONVENIENCE FEATURES
Power Amenities	Steering, Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors with Fold, Heat, and Memory	Steering, Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors with Fold, Heat, and Memory
Climate Control	Automatic, Four Zone with Control and Vents	Automatic, Dual with Control and Vents
Audio System	AM/FM/CD/MP3/AUX/USB /Blueooth/Navigation	AM/FM/CD/MP3/AUX/USB
Speakers	6	6
Steering Wheel Controls	Yes, Audio and Multi Information Display	Yes, Audio and Multi Information Display
Alarm	Yes, with Immobilizer	Yes, with Immobilizer
Keyless Entry	Yes, Wireless Doorlock with Smart Entry and Push Start System	Yes, Wireless Doorlock with Smart Entry and Push Start System
RIVALS	Chevrolet Suburban, Ford Expedition, Land Rover Range Rover, Nissan Patrol Royale

See previous generation models of the Land Cruiser:

Toyota Land Cruiser (1993-1998)
Toyota Land Cruiser (2003-2007)

Car Profiles - BMW X6 (2008-2015)

2008-2015 BMW X6

The Good: Powerful engines, daring appearance

The Bad: Poor visibility, less practical

The Say: A choice that shouts image than practicality.

Go For: 3.0d
Avoid: X6 M

Price Range: P2,800,000-P5,000,000
Our Rating: ***

Related Reviews: None as of the Moment
Latest vehicle profile: BMW X6

See the different versions of this vehicle:

2008-2015

Car Profiles - Mercedes Benz R Class

MERCEDES BENZ R CLASS

The Good: Has the space and versatility of an MPV
The Bad: Heavy and bulky

Price Range: P5,880,000
Our Rating: *

TABLE TO BE ADDED SOON

Used Car Review - Mercedes Benz M Class (2006-2012)

A luxury SUV for the school year? Not impossible, says Myk Belmonte as he gives you a suggestion.

2006-2012 Mercedes Benz M Class

History
Ok, so you would be criticizing me for featuring a second luxury SUV during the time when the kids troop back to school. Two years ago, we reviewed the E53 X5 in which people can choose between that or a brand new Montero Sport if given a chance (the results when I asked some people they'll go for a brand new Montero). While the used car world gives you lots of opportunities to drive those creatures without costing your image, there is a part of you which shouts maintenance costs without giving up your kids college funds.

Replacing the W163 M Class that was heavily criticized for its dubious quality is the W164 that was first made available in April 2005 as a 2006 model. Everything in the vehicle was totally new including the 7G-Tronic transmission, active curve illuminating lights, and more dimensions translating to more interior space. For the first time, AMG and hybrid engines debuted in this generation to provide consumers more options.

Locally, the W163 was launched by CATS Motors in December 2005 as a 2006 model alongside the W221 S Class and W245 B Class. Initially, the gasoline model was first made available with a diesel engine being available in 2010.

Value and Costs
Despite being an old model than the GLK, resale values of the M are identical to its small brother but then, the former has a cheaper price tag to begin with. As the drill, going with a pre-owned unit is the order of the day.

With this SUV packing tons of gadgetry inside, checking them one by one if they function well is a must. Also, maintenance costs between its European rivals are at par except for the LR which costs slightly more.

Exterior and Interior
Outside, the design just commands your attention with being overly styled that most competitors commit. The shape that is sculpted has better lines and a raked windshield that aids aerodynamics. AMG Sport models have the requisite AMG body kit with rear spoiler and 21 inch rims (as opposed to the 20 ones in the lower models).

Sad news for people who like placing their relatives at the back row: no more standard third row seat unlike the previous model, it has been relegated to the larger GL Class. Anyways, space inside the cabin is excellent and you'll love the comfortable aura provided by it. The interior is crammed with lots of toys including a button for the sunroof plus tons of hidden storage spaces (including the CD slot behind the COMAND screen). The biggest disadvantage is the shifter situated behind the steering wheel that is small (which you may mistaken it for a cruise control) and the cardinal rules: up to reverse, down to accelerate, and the middle is reserved for neutral.

Engine
Neither engine options that we will mention would disappoint you, so weigh in your requirements between the two. The sole gasoline option is the E35 3,498cc V6 having 272hp at 6,500rpm and 350Nm at 2,800-4,800rpm which provides you a smooth power delivery. On the other hand, picking the OM642 2,987 diesel with 224hp at 3,800rpm and 500Nm that is accessible at 1,600rpm which you will love for its available power and efficiency afforded by it.

Driving Impressions
Not anymore the agricultural tractor of the past, it now behaves as an E Class sedan which is a good thing. While we mention about the smooth power bandwith, its power steering is speed sensitive which means it is easily adapted. Apart from the smooth engine and transmission, all you have to do is to drive.

Verdict
There is nothing wrong with having a luxury SUV to school, unless you are receiving death threats in between. But if you are in the market for one (and you budget really dictates it), there is nothing wrong with the M Class, since this is a more improved model than the rushed replacement.


The Good:

• High levels of quality
• Great amount of space
• High levels of engineering

The Bad: 

• You can't fit seven people in it
• Good luck on the shifter
• Maintenance costs will kill you

The Pick: ML350 CDI

THE SPECS

Engines: 3,498cc E35 V6 gasoline and 2,987cc OM642 V6 diesel

Power: 272hp @ 6,500rpm (gasoline), 224hp @ 3,800rpm (diesel)

Torque: 350Nm @ 2,800-4,800rpm (gasoline), 500Nm @ 1,600rpm (diesel)

Fuel Consumption: 4-8km/L (city), 7-10km/L (highway) (*estimated and varies)
Transmission: 7-speed automatic

Suspension: Front and rear independent multi-link

MORE INFO

Price (New): P5,000,000-P6,500,000

Price (Now): P2,500,000-P3,000,000

Rivals: Audi Q7, BMW X5, Land Rover Discovery, Volvo XC90

On Sale: 2006-2012

Resources:

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w164-m-class/

http://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w164-72/

Contacts:

CATS Pre-Owned - (02) 723-5808

Photos from http://olx.ph/43164796

Car Profiles - Chery A1 (2012-2014)

2012-2014 Chery A1

The Good: Practical to buy

The Bad: Quality is questionable

The Say: You can spend your money elsewhere.

Go For: A1
Avoid: Having high expectations

Price Range: Data Not Available
Our Rating: **

Related Review: None as of the Moment

Car Profiles - Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback

CHEVROLET SONIC HATCHBACK

Now purge your awful memories of the Aveo, here comes something competitive and ready to take the world. The Sonic Hatchback has lots of standard equipment including Chevy's MyKey system. While it is ready to battle, it wouldn't threaten the party.

The Good: Space inside the cabin

The Bad: Some cheap touches

Price Range: P788,888-P838,888

Our Rating: ***

Last Update: February 15, 2015

OWNERSHIP DETAILS	1.4 LTZ
Price	P788,888 (MT), P838,888 (AT)
Warranty	5 Years or 100,000kms
ENGINE SPECS
Engine	LDD 1.4 DOHC 16V I4
Horsepower	99hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque	130Nm @ 4,000rpm
Fuel Type	Gasoline/93 Octane
Fuel System	Sequential Multi Port Injection
Transmission	5-Speed Manual, 6-Speed Automatic
Fuel Tank Capacity	46 Liters
DIMENSIONS
Length	4,039mm
Width	1,735mm
Height	1,517mm
Wheelbase	2,525mm
Curb Weight
Body Style	5 Door Hatchback
Engine/Drive Type	Front Engine/Front Wheel Drive
Seating	5
SUSPENSION & TIRES
Front Suspension	McPherson Strut and Stabilizer
Rear Suspension	Compound Crank (Torsion Beam) with Double Walled V-Beam Design
Front Brakes	Ventilated Discs
Rear Brakes	Drum Brakes
Tires	205/55 R16
Wheels	16 Inch Alloy
SAFETY
Airbags	2
Anti-Lock Brakes	Yes
Traction/Stability Control	None
Other Safety Features	Rear Parking Assist, Central Lock, ISO-FIX Seats, High Mount Stop Lamp, Tire Pressure Monitor
EXTERIOR
Fog Lamps	Front and Rear
Other Exterior Features	Chrome Door Handles, Chrome Accents, Rear Wiper
INTERIOR
Steering Wheel Adjustment	Tilt
Steering Wheel Material	Urethane
Seating Adjustment	Manual
Seating Material	Fabric
Other Interior Features	Adds: 60/40 Fold Rear Seat, Assist Grip, Chrome Inside Door Handles and Gearknob, Graphite Silver Metallic Panel Center, Driver Armrest, Front Power Outlet
CONVENIENCE FEATURES
Power Amenities	Steering, Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors
Climate Control	Manual
Audio System	7 Inch Touchscreen with AM/FM/MP3/AUX/USB and MyLink System with Multimedia, Smartphone, iPod, iPhone Connectivity, Internet Browsing Support, Audio and Video USB/Aux with Clock, Thermometer, HVAC, and Bluetooth
Speakers	6
Steering Wheel Controls	Yes, Audio and Bluetooth
Alarm	Yes
Keyless Entry	Yes, with Immobilizer and Foldable Key
RIVALS	Ford Fiesta, Honda Jazz, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Mazda 2, Suzuki Swift, Toyota Yaris

See previous generation models of the Sonic Hatchback:

Chevrolet Aveo Hatchback (2003-2009)

Car Profiles - Mazda 3 Hatchback (2012-2014)

2012-2014 Mazda 3 Hatchback

The Good: Fun to drive

The Bad: The engine must be worked hard

The Say: Still has that fun to drive persona.

Go For: 1.6
Avoid: Anything that is questionable

Price Range: P520,000-P790,000
Our Rating: ***

Related Review: Used Car Review - Mazda 3 (2012-2014)
Latest vehicle profile: Mazda 3 Hatchback

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2012-2014