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Manila International Auto Show
Manila is no longer about flying jeeps
Dinzo Tabamo attends this year's Manila International Auto Show and finds that one line in Hotdog's Seventies anthem is already obsolete
Photography by Chino Acosta
FORD GT
Our very own Jeremy Clarkson is an avowed Ferrari lover. But when the Ford GT came out, he immediately ordered one. Now we really know why. There were two stunning Ferraris present at the motorshow, and it was hard to imagine a car trumping their sheer presence and style. However, the Ford GT at the Motul booth did just that. It's also hard to put into words the kind of effect the GT has on the eyes. It's like seeing a beautiful and powerful red beast capable of tearing you to shreds if you come any closer—yet you're still inexplicably drawn to it.
TOYOTA FORMULA 1 CAR
The car that Toyota actually highlighted was the all-new Previa, but all you wonderful, loyal readers bought our April issue, right? So instead, we're showing a replica of Toyota's 2005 Formula 1 contender, the TF105. Imposing in its red-and white-livery and complete with sponsor graphics, this vehicle just makes us wonder—what kind of super glue did they use to mount it on an 80-degree board? And can we get a photo riding in it?
NEW HONDA CIVIC
Fresh from its launch, the much-awaited new Honda Civic draws plenty of curious onlookers at the show. Seen here with Modulo accessories, the base 1.8 Civic starts at a segment-busting P767,000. There was also a Mugen-kitted car on display, and the presence of these aftermarket parts this early is not a coincidence. Honda realized the success of its 6th-gen EK line was due to aftermarket support. So they gave the specs away in advance.
FORD RANGER
We won't beat around the bush: We here at Top Gear love the Ford Ranger. We've driven it from one end of Luzon and back, and we just love the chassis, suspension, and diesel engine. The Car Awards Group also felt the same way because they awarded the Ranger Best Pickup two years in a row. We've never had a problem with its looks. We'll take fun over styling any day, but this body kit sure is sweet.
FORD FOCUS ST
This car shows what Ford can do if they really focus. Sometimes criticized as a carmaker who can only build huge, gas-guzzling SUVs, Ford's strongest answer has been the Focus sedan. Not content to rest on the accolades heaped on the Euro-styled compact, Ford has created the stunning Focus ST. Under its orange skin breathes a 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine that generates more than 220hp.
MITSUBISHI GRANDIS
Fresh from its win as MultiPurpose Vehicle of the Year from the auto_show-Philippines awards, the Grandis struts its stuff at the show. Rendered here in beautiful maroon, the Grandis offers to take the whole family out of town in style. Of course, having a 2.4-liter MIVEC engine doesn't hurt. Wonder why Clarkson didn't like this...
JEEP COMMANDER
Chrysler had the first press presentation of the day, and they didn't waste the opportunity. The media certainly stood at attention when surrounded by ‘soldiers' in sexy camo outfits. That was one time the press wouldn't have minded being seized by the military. There was a presentation mostly in audio, and then the covers were pulled off the centerpiece vehicle. The Commander here is revealed to the public for the first time. Of course, Top Gear has long seen and inspected the Commander, having shot the Commander for the June 2006 cover story. We liked the Commander for its commanding
view of the road and its hulking presence. It also has a
power sunroof with an industry-first CommandView dual
skylights for the second-row passengers. A powerful
4.7-liter V8 engine completes the package. Suddenly,
we didn't mind taking orders.
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Top Gear Philippines - July 2006
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