When the opportunity for a long weekend presents itself, you take it as a break from your busy work week. It's a great time to go on a road trip or catch up with friends. That’s precisely what I did with my recent Hyundai Stargazer test unit on loan. It was the perfect opportunity to test if the South Korean 7-seater had what it took to be the ultimate “barkada” mobile and if it had what it took to be a proper multi-purpose vehicle. The road trip we would embark on would start in Quezon City and

Hyundai Philippines had quite the surprise for October 2023 as the South Korean automaker launched not one, but two new vehicles. The first is the latest variant of the Hyundai Stargazer called the Stargazer X, while the other is the all-new 2024 Hyundai Custin 7-seater MPV. The new vehicle will position itself under the Hyundai Staria for those who want a more premium offering, but don’t want to pay the ₱3 million price tag of the full-size van. Minivan styling with just a hint of SUV On the ou

Mitsubishi will launch a hybrid version of the Mitsubishi Xpander, as mentioned during the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton launch. The mention of the Xpander hybrid was seen earlier on during the launch program for the Triton as Mitsubishi President Takao Kato quickly glossed over the brand’s plans for upcoming vehicles in the ASEAN region. He mentioned that aside from the Triton, Mitsubishi would launch a new compact SUV, which will likely be the Mitsubishi XForce, and that the automaker will also launc

For many, Metro Manila’s increasing pace to "Carmageddon hell" means that relocating or moving permanently outside the capital is proving to be a better and much more refreshing solution. That can mean settling in an urban center, not within Metro Manila, and retaining your work orientation there. That can also mean putting up your own farm and being self-sustainable by growing the food needed for personal consumption. The latter option has been a go-to choice for many an urbanite. And putting u

For a good chunk of the late-2000s until the mid-2010s, the safety features of the Philippine market entry-level multipurpose vehicle (MPV) were pretty much spartan. There was little more beyond front windshield wipers, headlights, brake discs for the front wheels, brake drums for the rear wheels, a parking brake with a handle, an anti-lock braking system and a driver’s side airbag. Fancier variants got things like electronic brakeforce distribution, foglights, a front passenger airbag, and a re

Let's get it straight. There is no word to describe what Toyota Innova highlights other than 'affordability'. It is this MPV's edge among its competitors in the class and its charm to practical Filipinos. Everything that this vehicle offers comes down and is related to affordability. That is why it is still the best-selling in its category and one of the best-selling models in the country. But what entails its affordability? Every Filipino has a soft spot for affordable stuff, and to be honest,