A hidden wonder from the slew of Toyota models old and new is the latest Hilux—the GRS 4×4. It is such a find that blew my mind. Two members of the family were also mesmerized, amazed by its performance as it stood out from even among its closest rivals in the market.
Here is Mayo Mendoza, a UP-Diliman scholar, on his take on the GRS:
“From the muddy trails of Tanay, Rizal, to the smooth roads of NLEX, the Toyota Hilux GRS did not disappoint. It was, indeed, the imposing workhorse that the Hilux is known for, and it drove and moved as easy and as stable as any likable Toyota ride, including a regular Toyota SUV.
“Sitting behind the wheel and driving the GRS 4×4 to its limits gave me the confidence that I could drive it everywhere and through any kind of road, including the toughest off-road terrain that I had crisscrossed in the hills and mountain bowels of Rizal’s Antipolo, Baras and Tanay.
“It was an experience like no other.”
From Dayong Mendoza, an assistant coach of San Miguel Beer in the Philippine Basketball Association:
“The striking red Toyota Hilux GR Sport is a winner!
“Engaging the 4×4 in a muddy uphill terrain proved to be a breeze for this modern, extra-powerful and superbly designed pickup.
“I love its race-inspired sleek steering wheel, whose looks is perfectly designed to maneuver the zigzags I had traversed and the bumpiest of trail rides up the hills and valleys of Rizal.
“Even Leo Austria, my head coach who had joined me in one trek to Tanay, had heaped praise on its performance—even as he was seated at the back!
“The GRS 4×4 is now my dream Hilux—after having bought one in 1997 that I had sold, grudgingly, after it had seen better days.”
Toyota Veloz
SPEAKING of Toyota, the world No. 1 automaker is again unveiling today, April 29, a new model named Toyota Veloz, a state-of-the-art sub-compact SUV to cater to the “ever growing need of Filipinos to move together.”
When it comes to vehicle production, pandemic or no pandemic, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has no equal, indeed.
“The upcoming introduction of the All-New Veloz marks another milestone for Toyota in the Philippines,” said Sherwin Chualim, TMP’s First Vice President for Vehicle Sales Operations. “Previously known as the top grade variant of the Avanza compact MPV range, the Veloz has evolved to become a new standalone brand ready to claim its position as a sub-compact SUV of choice for customers seeking new adventures.”
Price for the All-New Veloz starts at P1,185,000. Dealers have started accepting reservations on April 23.
Customers all over the country can witness the unveiling of the vehicle and see the full details of the new sub-compact SUV through a livestream of the All-New Veloz’ simultaneous nationwide launch on April 29, 11am, via the Toyota Motor Philippines Facebook and YouTube accounts. For a closer look of the All-New Veloz, customers may also join activities in the grand mall display at the BGC Amphitheater from April 29 to May 1, or check out the displays at their nearest Toyota dealership, also starting on April 29.
PEE STOP The All-New Honda HR-V S CVT Honda Sensing comes at P1,250,000 apiece and the V Turbo CVT at P1,598,000. Already, the 1.5L HR-V has sold 3.5 million or so units globally as of December 2021—a testament to the model’s endurance, dependability and reliability. It has sold 7,000 units locally since its inception in 2015…Welcome home to Danny “Sir John” Isla, who is finally visiting from his Auckland, New Zealand, base in the company of his beauteous wife, Joy, after nearly three years of absence. “Indeed, there’s no place like home,” says Sir John, the founding president of Lexus Manila in January 2009. Enjoy your pandemic-delayed vacation, lovebirds!