Autofun News

Kia has announced the pricing for its 2025 Kia K4 sedan in the USA. With a starting price of USD 23,145, it is not only cheaper than the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla, but is also one of the cheapest cars in the country. Two engine options are available: a 147 PS/178 Nm 2.0-liter inline-4 for the base models and a 190 PS/265 Nm turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-4 for the GT-Line Turbo variant; both of which come with an 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The K4 will start arriving

Robert

Aug 22, 2024

Following the passage of Executive Order 62, Toyota Motor Philippines and Lexus Philippines have slashed prices of their Japan-made hybrid models. Executive Order 62 has slashed tariffs on hybrids and plug-in hybrids made in countries not covered by existing free trade agreement. For Toyota and Lexus, only imported-from-Japan hybrid models are seeing price cuts. Hybrid variants of the Corolla Cross, Camry, Yaris Cross, and Innova Zenix, which are sourced from neighbouring Southeast Asian countri

Robert

Jul 25, 2024

This is the Mazda EZ-6, a rear-wheel drive D-segment sedan developed in partnership with Changan. It looks like a successor to the Mazda 6, but it’s not, as this is a China-only model. Available either a battery EV (BEV) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model, the EZ-6 will go on sale in China by the end of this year. The BEV will have a 66.8 kWh battery while the PHEV will pair a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired to either a 19.4 kWh or 28.4 kWh battery. The BEV will have a claimed driving range of 600 km

Robert

Apr 25, 2024

Honda just showed off their new, sleeker logo. It's going to start popping up on their electric vehicles from 2026. You know that classic 'H' logo that's been around since 1981? It's been on every Honda car for the last 50 years. Well, they've given it a cool makeover. Honda's really pushing into the future with a plan to go all-in on electric and fuel-cell vehicles by 2040. They dropped the news about the fresh 'H' logo at CES 2024 in Vegas. It's more than just a new look, though. It's all abou

Robert

Jan 11, 2024

Though it's never been zipping around in the Philippines, chances are you've spotted this adorable electric chariot in a photo or two. It's been the talk of the town in Japan and Europe, but now, Honda Japan's dropped a bit of a news bomb: they're wrapping up its production in January 2024. So, it's adios to the Honda e! Built with love at the Saitama plant, the Honda e's European vacation is coming to an end too. Honda Europe spilled the beans to Top Gear, saying "No more orders for this electr

Robert

Dec 13, 2023

DISCLOSURE: Chery Auto Philippines kindly lent me a 2023 Chery Tiggo 5x Pro Hybrid for eight days. It arrived with a full tank of fuel and loaded RFID cards. Hybrid vehicles are on the rise in the Philippine market, with more and more automakers bringing in electrified models to get a piece of this increasingly lucrative pie. Chery Auto Philippines is riding on this trend by introducing the Chery Tiggo 5x Pro Hybrid. It is the most affordable “hybrid” the automaker has in its lineup that offers

Joey Deriquito

Nov 30, 2023

DISCLOSURE: Nissan Philippines Inc. kindly lent me a 2023 Nissan Terra Sport for one week. It arrived with a full tank of fuel and loaded RFID cards. Special-edition vehicles typically bring something fresh to the market. They often have features previously unavailable with the nameplate to differentiate them from the standard model. This is what Nissan Philippines did with the Nissan Terra Sport as it reignites the nameplate with a few aesthetic additions that give the vehicle a new lease on li

Joey Deriquito

Nov 30, 2023

December is upon us, and Chery Auto Philippines is set to offer attractive deals this Christmas season until December 31, 2023. Together with partner banks BDO, BPI, China Bank Savings, Eastwest Bank, Genesis Capital Financing Inc., Maybank, PNB, PS Bank, and RCBC, Chery Auto Philippines is offering new special promos for all its models. Customers who will purchase Chery models can choose from the following deals: MODEL ALL-IN LOW DOWNPAYMENT SAVINGS LOW MONTHLY* Tiggo 2 Pro Php 15,000 Php 145,0

Mikko David

Nov 29, 2023

When the opportunity for a long weekend presents itself, you take it as a break from your busy work week. It's a great time to go on a road trip or catch up with friends. That’s precisely what I did with my recent Hyundai Stargazer test unit on loan. It was the perfect opportunity to test if the South Korean 7-seater had what it took to be the ultimate “barkada” mobile and if it had what it took to be a proper multi-purpose vehicle. The road trip we would embark on would start in Quezon City and

Joey Deriquito

Nov 29, 2023

The Philippine distributor of GAC and Peugeot vehicles, Astara, officially announces that it is adding Chinese commercial vehicle brand JMC to its local lineup. Astara has been appointed as the exclusive importer of JMC's pick-up vehicles in the Philippines, encompassing the distribution of new vehicles, parts, and services. This operation strengthens Astara’s relationship with China's JMC, after successfully operating the brand's business in Chile, Bolivia and Colombia since 2019. Astara’s dist

Mikko David

Nov 29, 2023

Disclosure: Hyundai Philippines lent us the Hyundai Tucson 2.0 test unit for seven days with a full gas tank and access to its RFID cards. If you have watched F1 recently and are a fan of Ferrari, then you will have probably encountered Carlos Sainz, Jr. singing Smooth Operator. While the song itself is self-explanatory in what it's about, it also applies to a recent test unit that we got in the form of the Hyundai Tucson 2.0 GLS. It may not be the fastest version of the vehicle available, like

Joey Deriquito

Nov 28, 2023

DISCLOSURE: AutoFun Philippines was lent a Porsche Macan for four days. Its RFID came pre-loaded with Php 1,000 of credit, and it had a full tank of gas. Trips in excess of the RFID load were shouldered by the author. HPG: “Ser, may rehistro po ba tayo para sa sasakyan niyo?” Me: Mayroon po. (Presents documents available in the loaner car) HPG: “Ser, wala po atang date of sale yung sales document niyo.” Me: Naku, yan lang po ang naisama sa oto, demo unit po kasi ito, kumpanya ang may-ari, 'di na

Mikko David

Nov 27, 2023

GAC Philippines recently invited us on a quick media drive with the 2023 GAC Emkoo. We took the brand’s latest compact 5-seater SUV on a road trip from P to P (Pasay to Pampanga) within one day. It was a great opportunity for us to test out the vehicle to see if it was really Emcool enough for us as a long distance road trip car. 360 Cam: Parking made easy Before the road trip started, we had a quick activity with the Emkoo to test its 360-degree camera feature, wherein we had to park the vehicl

Joey Deriquito

Nov 27, 2023

Well, no surprises here really as the next-generation Ford Ranger leads the American brand's lineup, with sales growing by 22 percent from a year ago to 9,113 vehicles sold. It also re-claimed its leadership in the 4x4 pickup segment with 4,396 units sold from January to September 2023, a whopping 38% market share. The American carmaker shared its sales numbers in a recent release, revealing it has risen by 42% over last year's numbers to the tune of 23,091 in 2023. Ford Philippines also reporte

Mikko David

Nov 22, 2023

Even luxury brands need some persuasion to get their messages across, and BMW is banking on its holiday offers to get you looking at the European brand this Christmas. Like the customary lighting of the Christmas tree, BMW is lighting up the Holiday Season with a unique opportunity for its customers to experience the ultimate driving luxury while saving some pesos along the way. The BMW Festive Deals makes new sales offers across the German brand's model lineup all the more accessible. And every

Mikko David

Nov 21, 2023

It's an all-woman-driven Dakar 2024 Astara campaign as the Spanish mobility company is set to field two entries in the treacherous desert race this coming January 5 to 19, 2024. Set to drive the Astara 02 Concept, Laia Sanz and Patricia Pita will have co-drivers Maurizio Gerini and Paolo Boggioni, respectively, to guide them through the 12 stages crossing the Saudi Arabian desert. Astara, for those who do not know yet, is the distributor of Peugeot and GAC in the Philippines. It also operates in

Mikko David

Nov 21, 2023

The ball is rolling for Omoda and Jaecoo Philippines as it held its first-ever Bank Preview and Dealer Investment Conference in the Philippines. The event was attended by key officers from 15 leading banks in the Philippines, along with principals from 34 Dealer Groups operating across the nation. Led by Chery International General Manager for Eastern Europe and Asia Pacific Jeff Liu, this event served as an avenue for the Philippine Team to present in detail what Omoda and Jaecoo are all about.

Mikko David

Nov 21, 2023

If you've been a car enthusiast back in the '80s until the '90s, chances are you hung out at the Creekside parking lot in Greenhills on a Saturday night. With Bass Hour blaring from custom car audio setups, moonglow underbody lights, and the occasional twin-side carburetor-equipped Toyotas and emerging B16 VTEC DOHC converted EG hatches prowling the lot for their next quarter-mile victim along Ortigas and later on, White Plains avenue, this was what Fast and the Furious Part One was like in the

Mikko David

Nov 20, 2023

SAIC Motor Philippines has taken over the operations of the MG brand in the country, and this includes setting up new dealerships. So when a new MG showroom pops up, you know it's going to be met with fanfare. That's just what happened when MG Taguig, under the Autohub Group, formally opened its doors last November 14th. The all-new showroom also sports a new service workshop with four workbays. Along with the new facility, MG Taguig's Sales Consultants, Service Advisors, and Technicians. Accord

Mikko David

Nov 20, 2023

Hyundai Philippines is a co-presenter of the 2023 Bonifacio Global City (BGC) Passionfest. The event is held from November 25 to 26 and is an outdoor celebration of fun, games, art, and culture. The unique festival returns after four years with a glocal theme, a nod to the area's citizens. The weekend celebration will see significant areas of Bonifacio High Street dressed up for the occasion with special activities that the South Korean automaker will be part of. At 5th Avenue, visitors will exp

Joey Deriquito

Nov 20, 2023

After previewing the BYD Atto 3 at the Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit, the new electric vehicle has officially made its debut, entering the local market with two variants. The new model is the brand’s latest entry into the electric vehicle market, with a stylish design, decent power, and many attractive features. The Atto 3 is about the size of a typical compact crossover, measuring 4,455mm long, 1,875mm wide, and 1,615mm tall. It also has a wheelbase of 2,720mm and a minimum ground clearanc

Joey Deriquito

Nov 17, 2023

Not to be outdone, Ford Philippines has also announced its latest come-ons at the Auto Focus Pre-Christmas Test Drive Festival. If you don't know yet, a good number of car brands are at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds to display their latest models and allow visitors to test drive them. Ford is no exception, as it has on display the Territory Titanium X and the Ranger Wildtrak 4x4. You can also test-drive those two models plus the Territory Titanium, the Ranger Raptor, the Wildtrak 4x2, and

Mikko David

Nov 17, 2023

Hondas have remained a good buy all these years because of their quality, performance, and dependability. They're so good that sometimes it's hard to choose which one to get. Well, now is your chance to test-drive the Honda BR-V, Brio, City, Civic, HR-V, and the newly launched CR-V VTEC Turbo and e:HEV variants all in one place. Happening from November 16 to 19, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM at Block 16 SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds is the STV Auto Focus Pre-Christmas Test Drive Festival. Her

Mikko David

Nov 17, 2023

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation is already running a promotion for the all-new Mitsubishi Triton even before the pickup is officially sold in January 2024. This makes booking the all-new Mitsubishi Triton all the more exciting. The pre-booking period, which lasts from October 20, 2023, to January 25, 2024, now has compelling promotions and deals that go along with it. "This is the best timing to make the All-New Triton yours. Our exclusive promotions, which are available for a limited

Mikko David

Nov 17, 2023

Nothing quite proves the performance potential of a sports car more than the demanding Guia Circuit in Macau. With a solid 1-2 finish for the Lotus Emira GT4 in the Greater Bay Area GT4 race in the ongoing 70th Macau Grand Prix, it is safe to say that Lotus’ 75 years of motorsports heritage lives on. Decked in the ionic Lotus black and gold livery, the two Lotus Emira GT4 cars started from P1 and P2 after dominating the qualifying session. The TORO Racing pair led the race from the start with Ad

Mikko David

Nov 16, 2023

If you're in the market for the all-new Hyundai Custin or the Stargazer X, check out the brand's Hyundai Mobility Experience happening on November 25 to 26, 2023. This is in conjunction with the BGC Passionfest happening that weekend. Co-presented by Hyundai Motor Philippines, BGC Passionfest will play host to the brand's signature café, where you can pick up your favorite beverages with some snacks. Aside from the Hyundai Custin and Stargazer X, also on display that weekend will be the back-to-

Mikko David

Nov 16, 2023

A BDO car loan for your Omoda and Jaecoo purchase? This is what the delegation from BDO Unibank and executives of Omoda and Jaecoo agreed to as both parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding during the Filipinos’ visit to China last November 10th. The bank’s Senior Vice President, Joseph Lledo, led the Philippine delegation on a tour of the smart factory of Omoda and Jaecoo located in Wuhu, China. According to a statement from the Chinese carmaker, the delegation “unanimously praised the fact

Mikko David

Nov 15, 2023

A quick visit to the official website of Toyota Motor Philippines reveals something strange about the Toyota Corolla Altis. While its variants have been slimmed down to just three models, the GR-S, GR-S CVT, and the E CVT, the engine displacement has been changed. Previously, the sedan was only available with a 1.8-liter hybrid system or a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine for the other variants. However, that may change soon as the brand’s website reveals that all the non-hybrid models will

Joey Deriquito

Nov 14, 2023

Toyota Philippines has quietly dropped the Toyota Yaris from its local lineup of vehicles. Its official website reflects the same as the model is no longer available even on the price list page. While Toyota has been refreshing and adding new models to its local lineup, the Japanese automaker has also had to trim its offerings. Signs that the Yaris was on the way out showed when the Japanese brand started trimming down the hatchback's variant offerings, leaving only two remaining. From there, it

Joey Deriquito

Nov 14, 2023

It's that time of the year again when you can actually test drive the cars you've been considering all in one location! The Auto Focus Pre-Christmas Test Drive Festival is happening this weekend from November 16 to 19, 2023, at the SM MOA Concert Grounds. The four-day test drive extravaganza will feature the latest models from Changan, Ford, GAC, GWM, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, and Toyota. There will be sedans, SUVs, sports cars, multi-purpose vehicles, vans, and

Mikko David

Nov 14, 2023