A Window into the Soul: Mazda's KODO - The Soul of Motion Upclose

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Countless driving events have been done, each touting a specific aspect of a new car. However, none has emphasized the beauty of its design. Though certain makes and models could pioneer such an activity, none could be a more fitting subject as Mazda’s current line-up. Imbued with KODO – The Soul of Motion, the CX-5, Mazda6, and Mazda3 all share the sculpted look that evokes a sense of movement. It’s a visual representation of beauty and tension that’s seen in the split-second a predator pounces on its prey. In that frozen moment, it’s expressive, emotional, and strong—traits that tie in perfectly with Mazda’s heritage.
Continue »

First Drive: 2014 Isuzu mu-X LS-A 4WD

Photos by Ulysses Ang

For Isuzu, a lot is hinging on the success of the all-new mu-X. The mid-sized 7-seater SUV market is the country’s fastest growing segment and yet, their previous effort, the Alterra, barely made a dent in the market. After lessons were learned, they got back to the drawing board and pretty much re-designed, re-engineered, and even re-named their effort. Fast-forward years later and you have five Isuzu mu-Xs parked in a row in the scenic province of Palawan. The mu-X’s first drive just happens to be a road trip in paradise.
Continue »

First Drive: 2014 Ford EcoSport 1.5 Titanium

Photos by Ulysses Ang

UPDATE: We included a video of the Ford EcoSport in action.

UPDATE 2: Here is our Full Review of the EcoSport 1.5 Titanium.

HUA HIN, THAILAND – One after the other, Daft Punk, Lady Gaga, and Justin Bieber blared through the six-speaker system as the sixteen car convoy reached its first stop: a hole-in-the-wall mango and sticky rice shop. Then, everyone whipped out their smartphones and took a snapshot, sharing this newfound discovery with friends and followers through Instagram. This certainly doesn’t seem like your everyday test drive, then again, the Ford EcoSport is not your everyday car. It’s a pioneer in a segment all to its own; a vehicle crafted specifically for the urban warrior.
Continue »

Terrain Conquered: Isuzu D-Max LS 4x4 Visits Ilocos Norte

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Staring out into the distance, the landscape looks hot and barren as far as the eye can see. Amidst the midday sun, it sears the retina with an almost blinding effect. It’s a scene seemingly lifted straight out of the desert planet of Tatooine in Star Wars or Arrakis from Dune. It looks a desolate, foreboding place until your ears pick up the faint hint of an engine at full throttle; and before you know it, a mechanical beast comes into full view, drifting into a 180-degree spin, kicking up the powdery fine sand into the dry, arid air. This is no alien planet; this is the Paoay sand dunes, the personal playground of the Isuzu D-Max.
Continue »