Sunlight, finally!

I never thought that I’d actually miss getting hot and sweaty from the searing heat. But I suppose that over a week of stormy weather (and alarming floods) makes the heart grow fonder of the Sun.

But the maelstroms don’t seem to have dampened your desire for the latest crossovers, which were among our five hottest stories from Aug. 31 to Sept. 4, 2023.

Here’s your AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup.

Bring on the XForce(?)

The dramatic-looking Mitsubishi XFC Concept always served as a preview for the Japanese carmaker’s upcoming ASEAN-market compact crossover.

And the equally stylish production version is finally coming – it will debut at the 30th GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show on August 2023. AutoFun Philippines will be there to get live updates on the event!

As for Mitsubishi’s new crossover, the company remains mum on what it will call the new model. Although one of the candidates, “XForce,” certainly sounds awesome.

What do you think of Mitsubishi’s upcoming model?

READ: Heto na! 2024 Mitsubishi XForce launching at 30th GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show

Let’s ‘Kicks’ it!

The Nissan Kicks e-POWER is a surprise hit for Nissan Philippines Inc. because it sells electrified motoring rather well.

The series-hybrid crossover runs solely on electric power, with a gasoline generator to charge the battery pack. This means low emissions and astounding fuel economy, all for a price that doesn’t make your eyes water.

An all-new 2024 Nissan Kicks is coming soon, with test mules and renderings showing a more upright yet stylish crossover.

Do you think Nissan is on the right path with the Kicks e-POWER?

READ: 2024 Nissan Kicks rendered, is an all-new model on the way?

Beware, Toyota Raize?

Chinese carmaker Geely made its mark in the Philippines with the Coolray subcompact crossover.

That model shook up the segment by offering tremendous power and good equipment levels, all for the price of a Japanese compact sedan.

The Coolray is about to get a little sibling – the GX3 Pro is going to take on the popular Toyota Raize. After extensive scoops from AutoFun Philippines, the new crossover will launch locally on Aug. 8, 2023.

Do you think Geely Philippines has another hit in its hands?

READ: 2024 Geely GX3 Pro to launch on Aug. 8 with 200 units for the first batch

Gotcha!

The all-new Toyota Yaris Cross is, perhaps, one of the Japanese carmaker’s worst-kept secrets.

Besides AutoFun Philippines’ superb sources, the company even managed to leak the prices and specs of its little crossover on its own website. And even before the official launch on Aug. 4, 2023, it’s been seen in droves all over the place.

And that’s how you turn what seems to be a marketing faux pas into the most-talked-about new car in the country, all without spending a single centavo.

Touche, Toyota!

READ: Toyota Yaris Cross: Details spotted from "spotted" photos

Electrifying your drive

Hybrid-electric vehicles offer considerable benefits, especially for car owners who are trying to manage their fuel costs.

The electric motor, at least in full hybrids, allows you to run on purely electric power for considerable amounts of time. And range anxiety is virtually non-existent because the gasoline engine can take over automatically.

AutoFun Philippines Junior Writer Joey Deriquito outlines why hybrids might be perfect for you, especially if you’re not keen on jumping onto the battery-electric bandwagon quite yet.

Would you drive around in a hybrid car?

READ: Hybrids: Why are they ideal for the Philippines?

Lest we forget...

Finally, we just can't do a roundup without the most talked-about launch this week - the global introduction of the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 250.

A new, leaner, more outdoorsy Land Cruiser 250 built on the TNGA-F platform is on its way to America and the rest of the world. Replacing the Prado, the LC250 combines retro styling with modern-day creature comforts along with what promises to be stellar on and off-road performance to showcase another SUV masterpiece.

Will the Japanese carmaker produce enough of them though?

READ: 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 250 Series launched: A return to its roots

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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