Volvo child seat, Lexus IS & Honda prices

WHILE a moratorium on the children’s car-seat debate is on, I received a timely piece from Paolo Ella, a trusted lieutenant of Albert Arcilla, the Covenant’s eminent top honcho that handles Volvo among many other brands of note. Volvo has consistently won awards for safety features worldwide. Here:

An estimated 1.35 million people die in traffic accidents yearly. The World Health Organization (WHO) also says that children aged five and those under-29 figured prominently in such mishaps.

These figures add fuel to Volvo’s passion for finding solutions to minimize road injuries.

In 1964, just a few years after Volvo had unselfishly shared the three-point seatbelt with the world in 1959. Volvo also began testing rearward-facing child seats.

Since then, it has progressively improved on safety technologies explicitly designed for children in cars. Today, Volvo has some of the most advanced and comfortable child seats in the world.

Backed by decades of safety research, Volvo underlines the importance of using child restraint systems appropriate for children’s age, height, and weight. As a pioneer in child safety, Volvo’s testing and clear installation guidelines for parents and caregivers are unequaled.

Volvo’s unique approach to child safety has led to creating and carrying out tests based on real-life traffic situations. These tests enable Volvo to tailor car designs based on how each child seat performs in a real-life car environment. As a result of over 40 years of in-depth research, Volvo strongly recommends using rearward-facing child seats for children up to age four, simply because their neck is too weak to support the head.

For more information, visit https://www.volvocars.com/ph/whyvolvo/human-innovation/future-ofdriving/safety/child-safety.

Lexus IS 300h

JADE B. SISON, Raymond T. Rodriguez’s leading front liner, is my honored guest yet again.

“Through rigorous development and testing, the new IS was born and bred at the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama Test Track—where the toughest and most challenging roads in the world are found.

“The outcome was an IS lineup that is agile and provocative. First to be introduced locally were the pulse-pounding IS 350 F Sport (P3,808,000) and the IS 300h Premier (P3,328,000). now comes the IS 300h.

“It is powered by a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder mated to a lexus E-CVT intelligent transmission for optimum efficiency in every driving condition.

“The 16-valve DOHC dual VVTI petrol engine is paired with an equally powerful electric motor. When in tandem, power delivered to the rear wheels is a combined 220hp. Zero to 100kph happens in a swift 8.7 seconds. Maximum torque is an impressive 221nm. Even more noteworthy is the kind of fuel efficiency the IS 300h delivers. The EV Drive Mode lets you use the electric motor at slow speeds. This in turn reduces emissions and saves on fuel.

“Keeping drivers engaged and in full control is a suspension system that was tuned and refined in the Shimoyama Test Track. The doublewishbone front suspension and multi-link rear is complemented by ABS; Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill Start Assist (HSA); and a Traction Control System. The IS 300h will bring out the sporty driver in you—if you so desire.

“Passenger safety provides for eight sensor-controlled airbags.

“The IS 300h will slice through the air with its sculpted aerodynamics. It all begins with the low and imposing stance that’s a full 30 millimeters wider than its predecessor.

“Topping things off are fresh 18inch alloy wheels shod with 235/45 R18 tires.

“Considering it is equipped with sophisticated hybrid technology and with a Takumi-level of craftsmanship, its price of P2,978,000 undercuts its closest German rival— a model not offered with a hybrid drivetrain locally.”

Honda’s new prices

COLENE JALALON of Honda sent me the following new pricing for the following models:

The new price scheme was in response to the government’s provisional safeguard duties collectively hatched by the Department of Trade and Industry, Bureau of Customs and Tariff Commission.

Colene also said that other Honda buyers without the required cash deposit may enjoy the pre-safeguard duty stocks with limited volume available at their preferred Honda dealerships nationwide.

“Our dear customers continue to be Honda’s top priority at all times. We are hoping that with the aforementioned efforts, we will be able to extend a helping hand to our customers in addressing this challenge,” said Honda president Masahiko nakamura.

Visit www.hondaphil.com for more details.

PEE STOP I see another Toyota winner in the new Vios Gr-sports, which was unveiled to a smashing success just two days ago (Wednesday). Cheers!