The real deal about choosing hybrids or electric vehicles

This is the second part of a series devoted to Electric cars and Hybrids that are slowly trickling into the local market. Here's a quick guide on how to choose one for yourself, if you're thinking of getting one! Just remember that it still has a carbon foot print and still has an environmental impact. The real deal about choosing hybrids or electric vehicles is vital for all motorist who need to know the "RAW FACTS". All the unedited and nitty gritty facts that everyone should know.

Top 6 reasons why you shouldn’t get a hybrid or Electric Vehicle in the Philippines

The shift to EV or electric vehicles is getting a push in the local market, this first! There is increased hype by local online car magazines that promote newer models of hybrids and electric cars from several car brands. In most countries, there are many EVs and hybrids running on their roads. China is making a push for EVs and similar hybrids to lessen carbon pollution. Basically, appealing to the cars buyers to be part of the second wave of cars to come. Primarily the electric vehicle revolution that promises to rid us of pollution caused by petrol driven cars. Tesla and a slew of foreign companies are making the move to wholly electric vehicles and the whole world is following suit. In the Philippines, there are some aspects of it that escapes the Filipino motorist who are obsessed with paying less for fuel! This article will show the top 6 reasons why you shouldn’t get a hybrid or Electric Vehicle, especially now.

Auto blog car of the week: 2019 Mitsubishi Strada GT 4WD AT

Pickups offer the best solutions for car-like drivability and multi-functionality. Lately, there has been updating of popular options. These mid-sized pickups from known brands like Toyota, Nissan, and Mitsubishi are the popular choice for most car buyers. One option is the 2019 Mitsubishi Strada GT 4WD AT pickup, that is updated from the 2018 version released last year! Why should this pickup stand out from the already crowded category that is situated in? Well, for starters this isn’t as powerful as the Hilux and does not have the fancy upgrades of the Ranger series, or the Mazda BT50 line from Nissan. What Mitsubishi decided to go for is a no-nonsense truck that has everything needed for a 4X4 SUV vehicle from, the moment it’s driven. It’s all about a premium truck that is high quality and with premium features that are practical and functional too. Everything about it is practical function and reliability as one of the top 5 brands, in the Philippines. A lot is going for it, despite it not sitting with all these newer designer trucks sold in showrooms. Go over these features that are simple and standard for most premium cars. Time to go over these characteristics and see how they stack up!

Performance Overall, the Strada offers reasonable performance for premium pickup truck when compared to pickups with the same displacement. Between the horsepower and torque that allows it to work in the highlands or the city. Though city driving wastes it’s strengths that can give the BT-50 or the Ranger a run for their money. Couple the acceptable suspension and brakes equipped on it. It’s a heavy hitter with the 2.4 –liter engine that comes with a turbo inter-cooler that gives it more kick. There’s a lag and it’s diesel but the important thing is the power to spare!  

Safety As a car brand that has stepped up all the features that are already standard for all premium cars and trucks. Safety is not taken for granted and it shows in how Mitsubishi has updated it further. All the safeties to make sure it keeps the passengers safe with its rigid ladder frame!

Interior Designing a passenger cabin that comes with everything in it, to allow the most comfortable interior for everyone! All the basic amenities that allow the best and relaxed driving experience. It even comes with a paddle shifter for easier shifting without touching it anymore. Equipped with an auto AC and infotainment that is a staple for most vehicles today. Complete with power features, steering wheel controls, and leather seats for a luxurious touch. For long trips, this car would be a good ride for five people too!

Exterior One of the biggest changes for the Strada is the redesigned face and other cosmetic changes which are different from the 2018 version. Equipped with halogen headlights that are adjustable which is a premium feature for most top of the line models. Other standard exterior features are front fog lamps that cut through low visibility at night. Other important exterior features are the third brake light, but no rain sensor which is unfortunate. The pickup is equipped with a side stepper and bed liner cover that is standard for pickups.

Conclusion The 2019 Mitsubishi Strada GT 4WD AT is good for those who need a mid sized pickup for the city or back-country. The features are good for those who don’t want to buy an expensive sport pickup which can be more expensive. Premium trucks like the Strada offer overall performance without expensive upgrades, that means fewer maintenance expenses. Car buyers looking for an excellent pickup will do well to choose this one for their everyday drive, with Mitsubishi’s recognized reliability. Plus, the exterior updates with the styling and other features make this an excellent option to get! 

Premium SUV versus Sport truck: Is the 2019 Toyota Fortuner better than the 2019 Ford Ranger Raptor?

SUVs are the rage for car buyers and it’s safe to say that Filipinos prefer them to passenger cars. But, is spending your hard earned cash on Raptor pickup? Most car buyers may buy into that and the 2019 Fortuner is better than the Ford Ranger Raptor for reasons that will be made obvious. Predictably, the qualities that were associated with the Ford F-150 large pickup are ascribed to the Ranger Raptor which gave a very good impression though. Now, what makes the Toyota Fortuner better without add-ons similar to the Raptor? Surely the Raptor would have the edge, but it boils down to these subtle differences that make anyone think twice. Despite the Baja truck factor of the Raptor which the Fortuner SUV doesn’t lag far behind in. Just remember that both are SUVs and share the same bolt-on, a ladder-type frame which is a very sturdy chassis too!

A. Body style,interior and chassis used. The two vehicles have their difference but both offer different advantages in regard to the chassis, differences in the body is quite obvious. One has truckbed and the other is wagon body,with significantly more room. Despite the sporty trim of the b-turbo raptor, it’s still no match for the refined interior of the Fortuner.Keep in mind that the interior of the Fortuner is for upper scale and semi-luxury appointments. Inside the Raptor are many improvements on the Ranger though it may not measure up to the Fortuner.

B. Engine and performance Engines used by the Raptor and Fortuner are both very different because of the displacement and type of turbo used by either SUV. Equipping the pickup is the two-litre-bi-turbo engine that is capable of two-hundred horsepower and five-hundred-foot pounds of torque. Unfortunately, the Raptor’s engine is only the two-litre option. Under the hood of the Toyota SUV wagon is either a two-litre or a two-point-eight engine which have a varying horsepower of 174 Ps and torque of 450. Naturally aspirated engines are better and don’t need extra piping for oil that is used to lub because of high heat! Though when it comes to the suspension systems , the Raptor is better than the Fortuner too. Just remember both are four-wheel-drive and can handle tough lumps and bumps. Is it necessary to have expensive suspension parts when driving on city streets? Add up the complex bi-turbo and suspension of the Raptor, compared to the supple layout of the Fortuner which is cheaper to maintain. Let’s not forget they are both four-wheel drive vehicles that are rear wheel drive, for better traction on any road surface.

C. Safety features Both are the top of their class for the sport pickup and the SUV category without a doubt. Standard safety features like stability control, hill start assist, Anti-lock brakes, brake assist, electronic brake distribution, and disc on disc brakes for the front and rear. Other high tech safeties include collision warning, with rear cam and front and back sonar for parking assist. Each is equipped with dual, side, curtain, and knee airbags for driver protection when in a collision. Extras that either has is Hill Descent Control and extra features that improve safety further and for everyone’s better peace of mind! Securing the driver and passengers is 3-pt. ELR seat belts,pre-tensioners and force limiters, last are the Isofix latches for car seats. All car brands have almost the same safety equipment, especially most premium models sold. Installing advanced sensors and other driving aids is standard for all car makers to get the most sold model!

D. Interior features and comfort features Inside the passenger compartment the Raptor has different trim from the Ranger, but almost the same layout and a few changes. Giving the upgraded Raptor a lifestyle truck vibe when contrasted with standard trim for the Ranger pickup. The Fortuner is far better because of passenger comfort and is made for city driving too. There might be some differences in the ride of either, because of the more advanced dampers of the Raptor. Not to make the Fortuner any less a performer with its premium dampers too. One main difference between the Raptor and the Fortuner is how many passengers can fit. But, go beyond that with each having auto ACs that are multi-zone, multi-function touchscreen with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for infotainment. Every amenity for the passengers like cup holders, pockets, plug-in power socket, and even one-touch start button for fast starts are included in top trims for both! Between the two vehicles, there isn’t much difference except for the truck bed!

E. Price of the Fortuner and the Raptor Will you go for the more expensive Fortuner or a lesser cost of less than 245,000 for the Raptor? You get premium SUVs that are cost-effective for rain or shine. Power and performance are best for these options, with the best safety, interior features as trim which is a hard act to follow. Other similar models aren’t as full-featured, like them which is something to consider. Toyota has a good reputation for reliability and high standards and customer satisfaction. While Ford is not exactly on the level with Toyota’s reputation when it comes to reliability. Although Ford is known for advanced features and toughness. Maybe, the tie-breaker is the tag price or whatever is the car buyer’s taste!

1. Fortuner 4x4 2.8 V Diesel A/T ₱2,245,000 

2. Ford Ranger Raptor 2.0 bi-turbo 4X4 AT ₱ 1,998,000

Conclusion

Which is the better one? Is true that the 2019 Fortuner is better than the Ford Ranger Raptor or the opposite? The Raptor is just new when compared to the Fortuner and comparing both at this point is too premature. Will it be a fancy sport truck or a premium SUV to choose from? But, don’t forget the more complicated and expensive maintenance of a bi-turbo as well. Car buyers must decide, but the Fortuner is one of the best selling SUVs in the market now. What will be the better choice that will suffice should depend on choosing the best option.

Auto blog car of the week: 2019 Toyota Hi-ACE

One of the biggest news that made Toyota Hi-Ace owners very keen, is the release of the redesigned and refreshed 2019 Toyota Hi-Ace! This move took Nissan by surprise and created a new paradigm in the car market with the shock waves it sent. But, even with the new model out which is not to be without the 50th anniversary Hi-Ace Grandia! Toyota is giving owners of the best passenger van many reasons to get an upgrade to the new model and more!

Already in the showrooms with several variants to choose from. Here are the trims that are available now. Choose from the Commuter Deluxe, GL Grandia, GL Grandia Tourer as your main options. To make it easier here are the main differences of the three trims.

Basic specifications

Major changes for the Hi-Ace is a hood, giving it a longer nose. Inside there is significantly more room than ever! Making this the idea go-to van for families on road trips. There’s only the sliding door on the left side so far, one with sliding doors on either side may be coming soon. For everyone inside, there are cup holders and pockets to put drinks with snacks too. To keep all passengers chill is automatic multi-zone AC just like the box type version. If you’re thinking of trading up or getting your first family van. Consider the 2019 Toyota Hi-Ace as your first choice that equals comfort and reliability.

© Photo by Wikimedia Commons

The 8 features that will make electric cars different from the next generation of autos

The future is here, and we feel it! Car shows all over the world are putting the spotlight on the next generation of cars. With every manufacturer keen on developing EVs and getting the R and D with joint venturing, and sharing tech for the next best electric technology to come. All over the world, major car makers are adding more EV cars to compete in the newest category to come. All to be competitive and survive what gas-powered cars are not in use anymore.

Consumers initially will have to comprehend these changes and acclimatize to it. Most of the changes are for the better, but the range is still a thorny issue. Should it be realized, all 8 features that will make electric cars different will make every aspect of owning a car different. Especially for older drivers who might have to accept the fact that the gas engine is nearing its sunset very soon! Here’s are the core changes that will make EVs very different!

1. Electric cars do not overheat.

Traditional cars need a radiator to regulate the temperature of the car’s engine. Using electric motors that eliminate the need for an exhaust system, piping for the cooling system effectively make overheating a thing of the past. Though finding ways to cool down electric batteries is less complicated? But, not having to fill up the radiator with coolant and no overheat anymore is very welcome! 

2. The layout of the electric motors makes it an all-wheel drive.

To make any car an all-wheel drive needs a complicated gearbox, and differentials to get it done. With electric motors placed adjacent to each wheel. Should make it an effective all-wheel drive without the expensive equipment. Electric cars have linked driveshaft and differential that makes it either front or rear wheel drive. It would be safe to conclude that incidences of over-steer and under-steer are not a concern with power to front and back! 

3. There is more boot space in the hood and trunk.

Taking out the engine in the hood will free more space for a bigger front boot. With the hood now empty, even EV sub-compacts will have more space. Designers can make innovations for this particular empty space. There’s easy access to the electric gearbox and the wheel assembly. 

4. Placing the battery under the passenger compartment will give the car more balance.

One of the problems of rear or front mounted engines is weight distribution. For electric cars, the front and rear gearbox give a balance that eliminates over steer and under-steer. Batteries placed under the passenger areas give more balance to towards the middle of the vehicle. 

5. Lack of a driveshaft allows designers to revolutionize cabin design.

In older cars, the hump in the middle of the chassis housed the gearbox and driveshaft. Electric cars have a skateboard like chassis that allow the passengers' compartment to fit on top of the batteries a bit higher. Inside the passenger compartment without the driveshaft, allow a more streamlined design that is better than older generation cars. 

6. Without the need to have a front grille, the designer will design more aerodynamic shapes for the front fender.

When designing cars, older gas-powered cars need air scoops and grilles to let air into the IACV (idle air control valve) which is very important for combustion and fuel ignition. Electric cars don’t need an IACV or air, so the grille or air vents become decorative ornaments. From this standpoint, designers will make more aerodynamic designs with fewer limitations. Creating futuristic wedges with space-age materials that cuts the wind better. 

7. Electric vehicles will have easier access without the B-pillar. Door designs for easier entry are the next step!

One great thing about electric vehicles is that car makers could experiment with new designs for car doors and losing the B-pillar for easier access. Some automakers like BMW and expensive brands are creating better access designs like gull-wing doors and other interesting designs besides the traditional door types for entry into the cabin. 

8. Goodbye engine noise because electric motors are very quiet.

Do you know that electric cars are silent and upper-level car brands are offering designer engine noise? There are several options to choose from a designer sound bank, via the touchscreen! Silent engines mean less noise but older gear-heads will miss it, so it still an option for some brands to create designer noise and gear shift sounds as well. The future cannot be stopped, and these 8 features that will make electric cars different will be the core of future car design. We’ll miss loud engines and all the things that endeared the gas-power car for millions of drivers. Whether we like it or not the future is unavoidable, let’s say goodbye to our ageing gas-powered cars soon.        

© Photo by Maxpixel

Latest trend 2019

In 2019, there will be big changes that will be coming and the will be reflected by all the going ons in the first to the last quarter! All over the world vast changes are in the works. With every major and minor automaker trying to jockey into position to set up their respective companies for 2020! Now, here are the trends to look forward to and expect major shifts for customers and car manufacturers alike! 1. Production of more SUVs and crossovers, and pickups that will affect the production of sedans especially! Some companies are offering more sport activity based cars, which means less top line sedans in the showrooms. 2. Ramping up of plug-in hybrid EVs and electric vehicles and planned super electric cars in 2019, to 2020. 3. Increased research into self-driving cars and auto pilots, that are similar to Tesla. 4. The emergence of pickup and crossover EVs is on the rise and is the next phase for many car makers to cash in on. 5. Increased utilization of larger touch screens to replace the dashboard and integrate all cars functions. 6. More safety features will be standard like seven airbags, ESC, HSA, and more advance safety systems are coming. 7. Companies are joint venturing to leap frog technology and develop better technology, to make EVs cheaper and accessible alternatives too. 8. Development of alternative charging methods like wireless charging stops for cabs and next for roads, as well! More or less this is what to expect in 2019 and it's happening fast! What was new last year, is overtaken and more developments on the horizon are coming. All the latest trends 2019 will be big, but in 2020 you've got to expect more.