Disclaimer: Jetour Auto Philippines paid for my airfare, transportation and accommodation for a week-long trip with other media practitioners to China, including a visit to Auto Shanghai 2023. Everybody in the Philippines is familiar with the Chery QQ from the mid to late 2000s. The dinky urban hatchback became the symbol of everything that was wrong with China-made cars. With shabby workmanship, questionable aftersales (if there were any) and non-existent warranties, the QQ was China’s first ma

In case you missed it, the iconic MINI brand has a new showroom at Bonifacio Global City. Inaugurated last December 2022, the 753-square-meter facility houses up to four display cars, a receiving lounge area, a quick service section, and a roof deck for social functions and events. As with other MINI showrooms around the world, the signature lifestyle-oriented layout of the new BGC dealership lets owners of the cars live and breathe the brand. A wide variety of merchandise is available for purch

Learning to drive “stick” is not really unusual in the Philippines – every driving school has a course on that. But in the United States, where automatics have ruled the roost for decades, driving a manual gearbox seems to have become a dying art, to the point that MINI has opened a special program for its American clients. The British carmaker announced in a November 2022 press statement that it will open the MINI Manual Driving School, in light of the brand’s decision to offer three pedals in

You may have noticed that a certain MG ZS has been selling since 2018. And if you're into automotive history, MG is a well-loved British brand. But since the late-2000s it has been British only in name. Now owned by SAIC, MG’s Asian operations primarily make their cars in China. So it’s a Chinese car in a British tux. Does that make it any less of a great deal? Would it surprise you that MG isn’t the only manufacturer that makes its cars in China now? Well, let us share some information, shall w

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

Ever wanted the ultimate Porsche 911 for the track, but don’t want to shell out for a full-blown grand touring race car? The all-new 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS may just be what you’re looking for. Style-wise, the GT3 RS carries over many design cues from the 992 GT3, such as the round headlights, the full-length taillights and the large rear wing. But with the RS, you get huge cooling vents on the front lid, the fenders and air intakes on the rear fenders, much like in the 911 Turbo. In addition, i