Resurgence is the word that perhaps best characterizes how GAC Motor Philippines is doing nowadays. Ever since multinational automotive distributor Astara took over local operations on December 2022, the Chinese car brand’s image and vehicle lineup have gotten a huge boost amid the surge of new cars from the People’s Republic. GAC Motor Philippines’ improved fortunes are also being helped by the recent appointment of highly respected industry veterans Franz Decloedt and Timmy De Leon, who serve

GAC Philippines recently invited us to a track day event to test the 2024 GAC Empow to showcase its sporty capabilities. The event was held at the Batangas Racing Circuit (BRC), where we could safely try the sedan. The automaker lined up several tests that covered the car’s handling, acceleration, braking, and traction control system. GAC also let us hot-lap the Empow on the short course layout of BRC. ALSO READ: FULL REVIEW: 2023 GAC Empow GE -- A Honda Civic rival in the making, but with a few

Disclosure: This article is part of a paid campaign by GAC Motor Philippines. Test-drive events are par for the course with any car manufacturer. But when you have a hot new sports sedan like the GAC Empow, only a race track will do. GAC Motor Philippines announced in a press statement that potential buyers of the Empow can take it to the limit at the Batangas Racing Circuit on Sept. 30, 2023 from 12 noon to 4 p.m. “Attendees will have the thrilling opportunity to witness and experience the extr

Disclosure: GAC Motor Philippines lent us the 2023 GAC Empow GE for one week with a full gas tank and access to its loaded RFID cards. It's a bold statement to say that something from China can give the Honda Civic, an established nameplate, a run for its money. This might be the case for the 2023 GAC Empow GE, as it ticks all the right boxes for those looking for a sporty sedan. Hear me out, though, because I know there is still a lot of controversy over Chinese vehicles, especially with the re

One look at the landscape changes that have happened to our roads makes it clear that Chinese cars are here to stay, regardless of how many Filipinos try to resist. They’re affordable, powerful, well-equipped, and in many cases, quite stylish. But have you ever noticed how many seem so similar under the skin? Eagle-eyed buyers will note that many cars sourced from China have engines that rarely exceed 1500cc, whether in turbocharged or naturally aspirated guise. That’s not for convenience’s sake

Disclosure: The Covenant Car Company, Inc., which is the official importer and distributor of MG in the Philippines, lent us a 2023 MG GT Sport for 7 days. It arrived with a full tank of fuel and loaded RFID cards. AutoFun Philippines paid for additional fuel and RFID load. I must make a confession – I have never liked condiments. I don’t eat mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, tartar sauce and even gravy. Although many of you may feel light-headed at the thought of having a “plain” cheeseburger, I di