AutoDeal Weekly News Recap July 11-15: a rundown of the last 120 hours

For the last 120 hours, we have published a number of local and foreign automotive news. In case you were too busy last week, here’s a quick recap of the latest in the automotive industry.

Local News Recap

Honda PH introduces CR-Z Final Edition

Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) introduced the CR-Z Final Edition, a limited-run model. With this, HCPI says interested individuals should already make reservations as the company will only accept orders until July 31, 2016.

The CR-Z Final Edition is powered by a 1.5L i-VTEC engine and an Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) Hybrid System. It is mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CR-Z with manual transmission is priced at P1,440,000 while the CVT has a price tag of P1,530,000.

Mitsubishi PH launches refreshed Lancer EX

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) launched the refreshed Lancer EX boasting a more aggressive fascia and new features for the 1.6L GLS and 2.0L GT-A variants. The vehicle also has new alloy wheels, which comes in 2-tone color scheme. The GLS sits on a set of 16-inch alloy wheels while the GT-A is fitted with 18-inch.

The interior of the Lancer EX is equipped with a new multimedia entertainment system that has a built-in GPS and can connect via USB and Bluetooth. In terms of what lies under the hood, the GLS variant is powered by a 117 hp 1.6L DOHC engine and it is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. On the other hand, the GT-A variant comes with a 150 hp 2.0L engine, connected to a CVT with 6-speed Sportronic Shift mode.

Foreign News Recap

Isuzu to build new pickup for Mazda

Mazda announced that they have reached a basic agreement with Isuzu to develop a next-generation pickup truck. Under the said agreement, Isuzu will produce next-generation pickup trucks for Mazda. It will be based on Isuzu’s pickup truck model, the D-MAX. However, Mazda and Isuzu have yet to release more details about the pickup truck but the model will be sold globally except in North America.

Mazda updates the ‘3’ with new SkyActiv tech

Mazda has released the updated Mazda3 featuring new SkyActiv technologies that bind the control of the car enhancing the Jinba Ittai experience. With this, the Mazda3 now comes with the G-Vectoring Control (GVC) feature, a motion control feature that adjusts the vehicle’s torque depending on the steering inputs of the driver. Mazda says the GVC yields better handling in most conditions such as wet, snowy, and on the unpaved roads. The 2017 Mazda3 SkyActiv is now available in Japan and goes on sale in the U.S. later this year.

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