Disclosure: Astara Philippines, the official importer and distributor of GAC Motor in the Philippines, took us on a two-day media drive with the all-new GAC GS8 4WD. The company paid for all our meals and accommodation. GAC Philippines recently invited us to test the all-new GAC GS8 4WD on a media drive. However, as a point of comparison, they also brought two units of the sport-utility vehicle's (SUV) two-wheel drive (2WD) version to showcase the differences between it and the new variant. Our

Great Wall Motor (GWM) Philippines officially inaugurated its first dealership in the country, with plans to expand nationwide. The fledgling Chinese carmaker held a ceremony at its U.N. Avenue dealer in Manila on Aug. 3, 2023. This was nearly four months after the showroom had held its soft opening on April 2023. GWM Philippines marketing manager Tonette Lee told AutoFun Philippines in an interview at the sidelines of the event that it was imperative for the brand to have a presence in the coun

Disclaimer: Mitsubishi Motor Philippines very kindly lent me a 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross for one week. It came with a full tank of gas and an Autosweep RFID card with load. AutoFun Philippines paid for additional fuel, toll fees and a car wash. Family recipes are always interesting. These are often passed down from generation to generation, with some minor tweaks along the way. For instance, my family has a magnificent recipe for “Food for the Gods,” a crumbly, cake-like pastry made with but

The last time we reported on Spanish-based car distributor Astara, it was finalizing its plans to enter the grueling 2023 Dakar Rally. But the company announced more relevant news in a December 1, 2022 press statement following its formal contract signing with Chinese carmaker GAC Motor in the Philippines. Astara began operations locally on January 2022 and distributes the French car brand Peugeot. The firm also distributes GAC Motor in Peru and Chile. “We are truly honored to continue GAC Motor

The Honda WR-V subcompact crossover, which was launched in Indonesia on Nov. 2, 2022, seems like a logical move for Honda Cars. Using the platform and the proven mechanicals from the all-new Honda BR-V multi-purpose vehicle, the WR-V is expected to attract young professionals (whom Honda Cars Indonesia calls the “hustlers”) and small families that want to move up from a regular subcompact sedan or hatchback. However, the Honda seems a little late to the party, especially since the Toyota Raize a

Instead of making a Nitpicker’s Guide, I’ll just tell you about the three things I like, and probably don’t, about the Corolla Altis. (Images from Toyota PH) The Toyota Corolla Altis is one of the iconic cars from Toyota that has made a huge impact in the Philippines as Corolla and as Altis. As the middle child of the Vios and the Camry, the Altis offers both the versatility and class of the two siblings. The Corolla Altis offers more than a mid-range option in the sedan market, and even if peop