AutoDeal Weekly News Recap Sept. 5-9: a rundown of the last 120 hours

For the last 120 hours, we published a number of local and foreign automotive news. Before you relax for the long weekend, here’s a recap of the notable news in the automotive industry.

Local News Recap

Mazda CX-3 makes early PH debut

Mazda Philippines couldn’t wait for the 6th Philippine International Motor Show to launch the CX-3. Set to rival the likes of the Nissan Juke, Chevrolet Trax, and the Ford EcoSport, the CX-3 enters the tightly contested local subcompact crossover segment.

Under its hood is a 2.0L SkyActiv gasoline engine that delivers 148 hp and 192 Nm of torque. It’s then mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and comes with an i-STOP engine (start/stop) system to yield better fuel economy according to Mazda. The top-of –the-line CX-3 is also the first subcompact crossover in the local market to feature an All Wheel Drive (AWD) system.

Nissan names top 6 finalists of GT Academy Philippines season 2

After months of recruitment stage, Nissan announced the top 6 Filipino virtual racers of the GT Academy Philippines season 2. The top 6 finalists who made the cut consist of Jan Millard Lacuna, Elysse T. Menorca, Richard Dean D. Jose, Mervin John Mallen, Kim Jiger A. Chong, and Francisco F. Adriano IV. Of note, Menorca is the first female participant that made the final 6 of GT Academy Philippines.

They will compete against other finalists from Australia, Indonesia, Mexico, North Africa, and Thailand at the Race Camp Week to be held in Silverstone, U.K. in October.

Foreign News Recap

Mercedes-Benz, Microsoft team up to develop In Car Office tech

Mercedes-Benz and Microsoft are working together to develop a new tech that can help you accomplish tasks while you’re on the road. Called the In Car Office, this technology preloads data such as directions to your business trips, meeting agendas, and other tasks into your car’s infotainment system. It can also make call suggestions based on your work calendar. The German automaker said that this tech will be integrated into its vehicles by the first half of 2017.

Peugeot redesigns the 5008 into a 7-seater SUV

The Peugeot 5008 has been redesigned into a 7-seater SUV, which is previously an MPV. It is now bolder and sports an authoritative demeanor. In terms of size, the all-new 5008 has a 2840 mm wheelbase, which makes the total length of the car 110 cm longer than the outgoing model. It will be globally released in 2017 with 5 trim levels to choose from, and will make its world debut at this year’s Paris Motor Show.

For more of the latest automotive news, visit the AutoDeal Blog section.