Lest we forget, the dry season is officially here, hence the sweltering heat we’ve been having this past week.

It’s almost as hot as our stories for March 20 to 26, 2023, which all generally shared one theme – “big” cars.

Here’s a look back at the five stories you loved the most in this edition of the AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup.

CR-V Hybrid coming soon?

The first big car we have on the lineup is the all-new Honda CR-V, which debuted at the Bangkok International Motor Show 2023.

For the Thai market, this compact crossover is available in five variants, with either a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine or a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter inline-4 hybrid unit.

Given that Honda Cars Philippines Inc. is planning to reintroduce a hybrid model in 2023, could we see the next-generation CR-V on our roads soon?

Here’s the next Strada!

This black monster may be a concept car, but it previews the next-generation Mitsubishi Strada.

The Mitsubishi XRT Concept was also showcased at the Bangkok International Motor Show, sporting mean graphics, big tires and some heavy-duty underplating.

This leviathan also has a sustainable streak, with a plug-in hybrid version expected to join the 2024 Strada line-up.

What do you think of this wild Mitsubishi?

A Tank without guns

Our third large car comes from Chinese carmaker Great Wall Motor and carries one of the most intimidating model names.

The GWM Tank 500 may sound like a hard-charging war machine, but it is totally the opposite. Lined with plush Nappa leather and sporting hybrid powertrains, this tough brute cossets you while reducing its harm to the environment.

However, the Tank 500 can easily handle the tough stuff with its ladder-frame chassis and locking differentials.

Would the Toyota Land Cruiser face a serious threat if this Tank were brought to the Philippines?

Diesel Ranger Raptor lives on

The biggest Ford Ranger made this list, largely because of a unique engine option for the Thai market.

Unveiled at the Bangkok International Motor Show 2023, the next-generation Ford Ranger Raptor arrives in Thailand with a familiar component – the old twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 diesel powerplant of the old model.

It produces 210 PS and 500 Nm of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

In other markets, the Ranger Raptor has made waves for having a powerhouse of a motor – a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter, twin-cam, 24-valve V6 gasoline engine that produces 397 PS and 583 Nm of torque.

Which engine do you think would be a hit for the Philippine-market Ranger Raptor?

Big little cars

These two subcompact sedans may not be dimensionally large, but they are “big” in a different sense.

The Toyota Vios and the Honda City are among the best-selling cars in the Philippines. So every time there’s a new model, the news always grabs attention.

AutoFun Philippines Writer Joey Deriquito takes a look at how the next-generation Vios, which has yet to arrive in the Philippines, stands up to the fairly new City.

Which camp do you fall in – Toyota or Honda?

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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