Thoughts and Non Thoughts

The bicameral committee of the Senate and Congress has finally approved a reconciled proposal for the excise tax beginning 2018. For cars, the committee approved a four-tier scheme as follows 4%   - for cars costing up to PhP 600,000 10% - for cars over PhP 600k up to PhP 1 Million 20% - for cars over PhP 1 Million to PhP 4 Million 50% - for cars over PhP 4 Million It's a simpler scheme than the current one with fixed and marginal taxes. The more important question is : how will it impact car prices? Below is a graphical summary, showing increases (or decreases) based on current retail prices (as of Dec 18, 2017). If  you're in the market for a car in the PhP 2.5 Million to PhP 7.0 Million range, it might be worth waiting for January. Otherwise, there's a few more days in 2017 if you're eyeing a car outside this range.

Philippine International Motor Show World Trade Center

Found a simple and effective way to maintain the paint of my new white car. Since it is brand new, the first "treatment" was - a washing with Microtex Car Wash - waxing with Pure Carnauba Wax (Mothers) - topping up with (Mothers) FX Spraywax. Microtex Wash cleans grime without polishing (or removing any previously applied wax). Carnauba Wax provides protection (it lasts longer than synthetic polymers). The Spraywax (I think this is silicone-based) enhances the sheen of the Carnauba wax and adds another protective layer. For subsequent maintenance, this is the routine 1. Weekly car wash with Microtex, then FX Spraywax after each wash 2. Every 4-6 weeks clean and wax with Carnauba Cleaner Wax (Mothers, Meguiars, or Turtle Wax), and FX Spraywax after waxing 3. Every 4-6 months a (Mothers) Clay bar treatment. See the sheen!

Good looks, but does it perform as well as it looks? It does not pretend to be a big sedan, but is it a tame passenger car or a sporty urban compact? From the rumbling growl of the engine when one steps on the pedal, it immediately gives the impression it wants to race. The 1.5 L model does deliver that feeling upon acceleration. Though its gear ratio is aimed at fuel economy one does not feel the engine holding back as it chalks up the rpm. There is no doubt that the City can pass other cars as it navigates the city lanes. Steering is responsive and the handling is surefooted. It is perfect for the city, but it can hold its own on the way to the suburbs too. It can cruise at 100 kph on the highway and easily summon another 20 kph for overtaking. Trunk space is generous, too, for those out of town trips. One can directly link an ipod and control it from the stereo system for uninterrupted sonic thrills through the superb sound system. It's ride is typical ...

D5 AWD Good looks. Comfortable, car-like ride. Lots of conveniences, including hands-free sync with your mobile phone and full ipod connectivity. Not to mention City Safety (the car stopping itself when it senses you are about to hit the car in front of you). Handling is excellent and steering is responsive. The 205 hp D5 diesel engine is powerful and quick. Has that true SUV character yet has the comfort of a mid-size sedan. It's a winner from Volvo.