THE fabled Vios Cup is coming back this year loaded with impact-laden newbies. For example, it will be star-studded all the more, what with the addition of celebrities Gretchen Ho, Dominique Roque, Ella Cruz and Aubrey Miles. They will be joining resident celebs Jericho Rosales, Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Fabio Ide, among several screen stars who regularly race in what is widely considered now as the No. 1 motorsports event in the country.
Said Satoru Suzuki, the president of Toyota Motor Philippines, during the Vios Cup launch last week: “For Toyota, nothing communicates Waku Doki, or the fun in driving, more than the exciting world of motorsports—this was realized in the first three seasons that started in 2014. The Vios has proven that, aside from its features of quality, durability and reliability, it is also a car designed for fun.”
I can’t wait to see the fourth season roar off on April 28 and 29 at Clark in Angeles, Pampanga, in the first of four legs calendared for the year. The second leg is on June 10 and 11, also at Clark, followed on September 15 and 16 at a venue still to be announced. Clark gets the final crack on November 10 and 11.
There will now be a record 70 cars competing, with the super sporting class also drawing 25 racers—also a new mark as Toyota also puts the Vios Cup into the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR), a global effort integrating into the likes of the Dakar Rally, World Rally Championship and 24-hour Le Mans.
Suzuki added: “TGR focuses mainly on developing human resources, making even better cars and expanding the motorsports fan base.”
New menu, new tableau. Wakuuu!
All-New Civic 1.8 E CVT
THE 2017 Honda All-New Civic 1.8 E CVT is now in its 10th generation. Wow! This highly praised compact sedan I first tested in New York, when my uncle picked me up at the cramped La Guardia airport following a nonstop flight from Brussels. Was that in 1981 or 1982?
“This is the most fuel-efficient car in the market today,” my uncle (may his soul rest in peace) boasted.
He didn’t drive me straight to his home in the suburbs of the Big Apple, which was what I would have wanted done. Instead, he drove to a house where a birthday party was going on.
“Meet my nephew, an international sportswriter,” my uncle began. “He just came in from Switzerland by way of Brussels in Belgium.”
Applause.
I whispered to myself, “International sportswriter? What’s that?”
My uncle provided the answer—sort of. “He was in Switzerland because he covered the World Chess Olympics in a city there by the Alps called Lucerne,” he said.
Uh-oh. Alps? No idea.
Lucerne was near the world-famed Mount Pilatus, where the wife of Val Abelgas slipped and fell. Val laughed and he got a harsh scolding for that from Mayuy, his wife.
“You can afford to laugh at my misery?” the wifey scowled. “Thank God I didn’t sprain my ankle or I would have shooed you home right this minute!”
Now, back to New York.
My uncle told the party guests: “Oh, by the way, my nephew can also sing.”
“Sample!” yelled the one playing the piano, who had just finished singing “As Time Goes By”.
Reluctantly, I did “When I’m Sixty-Four”. But not after quickly downing a double of cognac—make that Remy Martin X.O. There was applause. But it was discernible that it came out of politeness. I knew I didn’t do so well. Jet lag and all.
The 2017 All-New Civic 1.8 E CVT has come a long way, indeed, nearly 35 years since its birth.
OK, let us give the floor to Honda’s drum-beater. “Today, the All-New Civic 1.8 is now equipped with power-folding side mirrors that gives the driver the ability to control and fold the side mirrors in different driving situations and road conditions.
“It also now comes with a speed-sensing auto door lock that conveniently bolts all doors when the driving speed reaches 15 kph [kilometers per hour]. These features not only provide convenience to the customers, but also improve their ownership experience through added safety. Along with this, the All-New Civic’s smart key is equipped with advanced features, such as the Remote Engine Start Function, which starts the vehicle engine from the outside, and turn on its Auto Climate Control System, which allows the vehicle to cool even before the passengers enter the vehicle.”
It also consists of a walkaway auto-lock feature that automatically locks all doors after sensing the smart key’s distance from the vehicle by approximately 2.5 meters.
“It is now powered by a 1.8-liter engine that produces a maximum torque of 17.4 kg-m at 4,300 rpm, and a maximum power output of 141 PS at 6,500 rpm. This engine yields a powerful driving performance with uncompromised fuel efficiency, with its Continuously Variable Transmission developed under Earth Dreams Technology.”
PEE STOP I missed that one—the inauguration of Toyota Matina Davao, the latest dealership of esteemed friend Boyet Lim, a dear buddy of Dan “Sir John” Isla. Vivered Boyet: “The epitome of simplicity himself, President Rody was there, and chose to be with small-time friends like us (Ken Angeles present, too) for over four hours! And, of course, the inevitable singing followed. Wish you were there, partner.”