The highly anticipated 2nd Car of the Year – Philippines kicked off with its first test fest held at the Forest Hills Golf and Country Club in Antipolo on January 13 and 14.  The weekend test fest featured the highly competitive compact car market.  With the support of more than 20 publications, the 45 member strong Car Awards Group, Inc. (CAGI) gathered five compact cars and one mini car for the weekend test.

CAGI is led by its new president, Manny N. de los Reyes, editor-in-chief of Speed Magazine.

Like last year, the testing has two phases.  The first is an instrumented test where the entries are subjected to an acceleration test followed by a braking test.  The times and distances required by each vehicle are then recorded in the latest model GTech meter and then tabulated on a computer.  The second phase is a qualitative test where journalists drive the vehicles back-to-back in the same predetermined route to gauge things such as ergonomics, ride, handling, ventilation, audio system, visibility and so forth.  This year, the qualitative route includes more realistic (and entertaining) tests such as turning radius, extensive gradient changes and speed bumps.

more >>>