It’s Sunday again, which means it’s time for the AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup!

You read this the day before Independence Day, which is the date when the Philippines was freed from the shackles of over three centuries of Spanish colonial rule (that was then followed by decades of additional colonial rule under the Americans and the Japanese).

It’s also the rainy season now – strong showers are now hitting various parts of the country as a counterbalance to the searing heat in the first half of the year.

Nonetheless, the weather has not dampened the excitement you’ve all had this past week, especially for models that have not yet arrived in the Philippines. Here are your top five favorite stories.

Angry baby

The Kia Picanto has long been known as a supermini that combines cute looks with surprising amounts of practicality.

Well, the latest Picanto is still small, but it’s got a face that can intimidate even large crossovers. No surprise given that it uses the design language of the fully electric, seven-seater Kia EV9.

Do you think a meaner-looking Picanto would be a hit among the sea of Mitsubishi Mirages and Toyota Wigos in the Philippines?

READ: Baby EV9? 2024 Kia Picanto facelift photos leaked ahead of official debut

Return of the comeback

The Chevrolet Trax, for those who still remember it, was a subcompact crossover that attempted to shake up the segment with its potent turbocharged engine.

Chevrolet Philippines announced that the Trax is coming back – it still gets a turbo engine, but it is not much larger than ever.

Will the “golden bowtie” have better luck with this bigger, newer Trax?

READ: TEASED: All-new 2024 Chevrolet Trax to launch in the Philippines soon

A legend in its own right

The Toyota Innova may seem like a hum-drum multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), but it has played a part in the lives of so many Filipinos.

From practical family hauler to “supercar photobomber,” the Innova has offered Filipinos an ideal package for their motoring needs over the last two decades. AutoFun Philippines Junior Writer Joey Deriquito traces the history of this ever-dependable MPV.

Will the latest-generation Innova live up to its family heritage?

READ: Newest model here by July 2023! A brief history of the Toyota Innova

Top of the heap

Speaking of MPVs, seven-seaters remain to be one of the hottest segments in the Philippines.

And no market is hotter than the small MPV, which has the likes of the Mitsubishi Xpander Cross and Toyota Veloz. Joey checks out why the latest Honda BR-V trumps the rest.

Do you think the BR-V can hold its lead for long?

READ: Why the Honda BR-V is at the top of the affordable 7-seater segment

Philippines next?

And finally, the all-new Toyota Wigo was launched in Vietnam.

You might think: “Big deal, it’s been in other ASEAN markets for a while.” 

But this is the first left-hand-drive version of Toyota’s popular supermini, so the Philippines could be the next to get it. It even has a more powerful 1.2-liter engine.

Should the Mitsubishi Mirage be quaking in its boots with this more powerful Wigo?

READ: Now in left-hand drive! All-new Toyota Wigo launches in Vietnam

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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