AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup: A blast from the past and honoring a dearly departed legend

As we enjoy the last day of the (rather sudden) long weekend, it’s time for another edition of the AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup!

We pick the five stories that you enjoyed reading the most and “round it up” for our other readers who missed them.

These are what you chose from February 20 to 26, 2023.

The little taxi that could

Many of you waxed nostalgic about AutoFun Philippines contributor Francis Pallarco’s look back at the Isuzu Gemini (even I'm old enough to remember it, oof).

With its relatively crisp and modern styling, along with its venerable diesel engine, the Gemini made its name on and off the big screen as one of the Philippines’ most popular taxicabs.

Do you think Isuzu should manufacture a Gemini sedan for the modern era?

Rest in peace

If many of you cried over my tribute to the late racing legend Danny Santiago, imagine how I felt while I was writing it.

“Mang Danny” enjoyed a long and illustrious motorsports career, starting out as a rally driver in the late 1970s. He became a national icon after winning the National Slalom Series six consecutive times, a record that remains undefeated to this day.

Santiago also founded the Philippine Autocross Championship Series (PACS) in 2000. It is the farthest-reaching racing series in the country, having served over 30,000 drivers nationwide as of 2022.

Mang Danny was also my boss when I took over marketing and public relations for PACS. He passed away on Feb. 18, 2023 at the age of 65.

See you later, Mang Danny.

Electric scooter incoming?

Many of you were intrigued by AutoFun Philippines motorcycle editor Gilbert Chao’s report on the rumored arrival of the Yamaha Neo.

The electric scooter was showcased at the Indonesia International Motor Show 2023 in Jakarta and was also launched in Vietnam on December 2022.

Given that electric vehicles (EV) are beginning to pick up steam in the Philippines, perhaps something like the Yamaha Neo would work as a zero-emission urban runabout?

Is this mini EV worth it?

Speaking of electric urban runabouts, the Wuling Mini EV is available as a gray import in the Philippines.

Our resident EV tester Mark Policarpio got behind the wheel of the Macaron Edition, which combines cute looks with a tiny body.

Given that it’s one of the cheapest EVs in the market, would you be tempted to go all-electric, at least for short commutes?

The all-new Accent

The spiritual successor of the aforementioned Isuzu Gemini isn’t from Japan – it’s the Korean Hyundai Accent.

Before Hyundai Philippines' reorganization last year, the Accent turbodiesel was also a popular choice for taxi operators for its superb fuel economy and strong performance.

Now that official sketches of the all-new Hyundai Verna are out, it begs the question – when do we get it in the Philippines?

AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup runs every Sunday. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on TikTok and Instagram!

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