G L A N C E S
December 2003: Motion Blur 2004
By Jason Ang
Photos Courtesy of the Honda, Ford, Mazda, Toyota, BMW, Chevorlet, Volvo, Mitsubishi, Nissan

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2003 has been a good year for Philippine car buyers.  Manufacturers may still be struggling with tepid sales volumes, but the buyers have been given a multitude of new car choices, from at least three all-new subcompacts to seven new SUVs introduced in the past twelve months.  With new tax regulations that are more advantageous to buyers and car makers, and car companies now able to source products from multiple manufacturing sites, 2004 should also be an exciting year where new car introductions are concerned.  Here's a sampling of what we can hope to see on our shores next year.  (Please note that none of these predictions have been confirmed by car manufacturers, and of course, photo will vary from actual unit.)

Honda Stream.  Ferrying around a large family while still maintaining a semblance of style and performance has always been a challenge for the minivan class.  If you find Starex and Space-Gear-sized vehicles too large, Honda has a solution in the Stream minivan.  A stretched wagon with a capacity for 7 adults, the Stream will come equipped with a 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine mated to a conventional 5-speed automatic with manual override.  Wish list: The dolphin-like Stream may look agreeable, but bring us the new, mean-looking Odyssey instead.

Honda Jazz. The City broke the barriers of the subcompact class, bringing safety features, innovative interior package and creative engineering usually found in cars one class higher.  A welcome addition to the family will be the City’s hatchback sibling, the Jazz.  The 5-door Jazz will feature a 1.5 liter i-DSI dual-spark plug engine (86 bhp/ 131 Nm), CVT transmission and the versatile folding rear seat.  A great bonus is that it looks even slicker than the City.  Wish list: Eye-burning exterior colors.

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