(Mobile) Lifestyle Check

President GMA started the trend of branding lifestyles of government officials when she asked her auditors to check the lifestyle of these public servants to see if some of them are living beyond their means (i.e.: straight-arrow, questionable or absolutely corrupt with a capital "C"). While some cried foul, many see these lifestyle checks as a positive step towards ridding the nation of grafters.

Now, Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) has added a twist to check the lifestyle of the up-and-coming, the successful and the rich-and-powerful members of the private sector with its "Toyota’s Mobile Lifestyle". TMP president Nobuharu Tabata said that after the government passed the new Excise Tax Law, his company saw the opportunity to excite the local automotive market by introducing new models to fit their customers’ lifestyles. And according to him, this is the first salvo of new and exciting products coming from Toyota.

If you’d like to qualify your lifestyle, please see which category you fit into.

If you are a young and aggressive Gen-X’er, becoming increasingly successful in your field of endeavor and willing to take risks in the name of fun and adventure, TMP says the updated and improved Toyota RAV4 is for you. The country’s favorite mini-SUV boasts of new features such as a new front grille with a square-shaped horizontal bar, a multi-reflector halogen headlamp with a housing that contains the oval turn signal with white lenses and new large front fog lamps set into the RAV4’s likewise new color-keyed front bumper while the new two-tone black-and-gray interior features white-faced meter gauges and improved dual SRS airbags. Power comes from the 1ZZ-FE 1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve engine with electronic fuel injection and Toyota’s exclusive VVT-i variable valve timing system that matches your need for speed and agility.

If you are family oriented but still consider style as an indispensable element of your life, then step up to Toyota’s new minivan, the Previa. This trend-setting model features 4-light type multi-reflector headlamps, electrical remote mirrors and an automatic sliding door closer in a sporty and futuristic minivan body. A multi-purpose seat layout, a 4-spoke steering wheel, front and rear A/C systems can be found inside the spacious interior while a 2AZ-FE 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve engine with VVT-i and an automatic transmission can be found under the hood. The Previa will be your perfect companion for long out-of-town trips, family excursions or even a short drive to the park.

If you are part of the Baby Boomer generation who made it big with a successful business network, and now commands the respect of your subordinates and the recognition of your peers, then the new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is your sport utility vehicle of choice, according to TMP. Powered by a 1KZ-TE 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine with electronic fuel injection, the Prado marks the return of Toyota to the high-end, premium 4-wheel-drive SUV segment. The Prado boasts of a distinctive headlamp and grille front end, large front bumpers, rear combination tail lamps and large power mirrors. Its interior is highlighted by the strong vertical theme of its instrument panel, the sculptured dashboard, large center cluster switches, 4-spoke leather steering wheel and power-adjusted and heated front seats.

TMP marketing honcho Danny Isla introduced the new Toyota Mobile Lifestyle models last Thursday (October 30) at an equally lifestyle-oriented venue (7th Note Jazz Bar and Makati Golf Club) with such a unique categorization that he had the local motoring media checking their lifestyles, too. However, his unique presentation (which he credited to the witty TMP PR head Ariel de Jesus, who jokingly disowned it) was justified when the new RAV4, Previa and Land Cruiser Prado were driven out from their covered areas and into the brightly-lit display areas accompanied by gorgeous and stunning models and pulsating beats of music and lights. The new vehicles are a category by themselves and are indeed reflective of their prospective ownerís styles and individual preferences.

The Toyota RAV4 is available in 4X4 with automatic or in 4X2 with 5-speed manual and comes in six rugged colors: Freedom White, Raven Black, Surf Blue, Thermalyte, Dark Gray Mica and Beige Metallic. The Toyota Previa 2.4 A/T is available in four elegant colors: Silver Metallic, Super Red Mica; White and Beige Metallic. The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado can be ordered with a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission and comes in five luxurious colors: White, Silver Metallic, Champagne, Black and Dark Gray.

The three new Toyota Mobile Lifestyle vehicles are now available at your favorite Toyota dealers. Visit them or log on to www.toyota.com.ph and get a lifestyle check without fear of the President’s auditor breathing down your neck. Unless of course, you work in government.