Autofun News

Disclosure: Astara Philippines, the official importer and distributor of GAC Motor Philippines, kindly lent me a 2023 GAC GS4 for eight days. It arrived with a full tank of fuel and loaded RFID cards. They always say, “Never judge a book by its cover.” But experience has taught me (and perhaps many of us) that carrying preconceived notions about people or things can actually be useful. In my work as a reporter, I generally talk to high-level officials when I want to discuss the intricacies and n

VJ Bacungan

Sep 17, 2023

Disclosure: The Covenant Car Company, Inc., the official importer and distributor of Chevrolet in the Philippines, kindly lent me a 2024 Chevrolet Trax Redline for seven days. It arrived with a full tank of fuel and loaded RFID cards. AutoFun Philippines paid for a carwash. When we watch a movie, we generally view it on its own. We soak in a new storyline, discover more about the characters, and (perhaps subconsciously) absorb the power of the scoring and cinematography. But things get a bit tri

VJ Bacungan

Sep 12, 2023

The weather has largely been very pleasant this past week – sunny days with only occasional rain showers. This nice climate is also what’s been going around in the automotive industry, with exciting new models coming out last week. We give you your five favorite stories from September 4 to 10, 2023 in this edition of the AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup! What’s cooking at Hyundai Philippines? Hyundai Motor Philippines has had a resurgence since it became a full subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co

VJ Bacungan

Sep 10, 2023

Disclosure: GAC Motor Philippines lent us the 2023 GAC Empow GE for one week with a full gas tank and access to its loaded RFID cards. It's a bold statement to say that something from China can give the Honda Civic, an established nameplate, a run for its money. This might be the case for the 2023 GAC Empow GE, as it ticks all the right boxes for those looking for a sporty sedan. Hear me out, though, because I know there is still a lot of controversy over Chinese vehicles, especially with the re

Joey Deriquito

Aug 29, 2023

Starting out as the Mitsubishi XFC Concept, the 2024 Mitsubishi XForce finally made its global debut in Indonesia. The crossover brings the brand’s latest styling, a futuristic interior and many new features that help make it ideal for the ASEAN Market. Our colleagues from AutoFun Indonesia gave the all-new XForce a quick drive and here are their impressions. They were able to take it for a spin in the test-drive area of the 2023 GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show located within the ICE

Joey Deriquito

Aug 22, 2023

Disclosure: Hyundai Motor Philippines accepted our request to have the Hyundai Stargazer (Specs | News) GLS Premium reviewed. It came with a full gas tank and an RFID car which we did not use. I paid for the carwash and other operating expenses during the seven-day lending period. Photos were taken at Parklinks C5 Pasig. Yays Easy to drive Adequate interior space Responsive powertrain Relaxing ride Nays Unfinished interior look Lane-centering disengages during tight bends Mixed-up design languag

Mikko David

Aug 19, 2023

Disclosure: GAC Philippines lent us a 2024 GAC GS3 Emzoom R-Style unit with a full gas tank for seven days. When GAC Philippines launched the 2024 GAC GS3 Emzoom, it set its sights on the very lucrative subcompact crossover segment. The new crossover would have to fight against established nameplates such as the Geely Coolray, MG ZS-T, and the Changan CS-35 Plus. However, the automaker was confident it could take on these established players thanks to the specifications it brought in with the ne

Joey Deriquito

Aug 18, 2023

There is a lot to take in when it’s your first time riding or driving a European luxury car. Certainly, premium Japanese cars like the Toyota Camry Hybrid offer refined progress. But when you’re paying for a car that costs as much as three Camrys, you best believe that European manufacturers will do everything to make you feel cocooned in sheer serenity. The Germans, in particular, have been in this game for a very long time. From the heavy doors that feel like they belong in bank vaults to the

VJ Bacungan

Aug 18, 2023

Disclosure: Honda Cars Philippines Inc. very kindly lent me a 2023 Honda CR-V SX Diesel AWD for 10 days. It arrived with a full tank of fuel and loaded RFID cards. AutoFun Philippines paid for additional fuel, toll, and a carwash. Sometimes, it doesn’t hurt to try something new in your life. In my case, I discovered the joys of dancing when I was a sophomore at the University of the Philippines Diliman. One semester of Aerobic Dance class and I was hooked – the evocative combination of hip-hop,

VJ Bacungan

Aug 17, 2023

The sun may have returned last week, but there are still those occasional downpours that make me always have an umbrella ready. Nonetheless, the last few days have remained hot as ever in the car scene, largely with the launch of all-new models in the most important automotive segments in the country. Check out your top five stories from August 7 to 11, 2023, in this Sunday’s edition of the AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup. Honey, I shrunk the Corolla Cross It’s been pretty much everywhere i

VJ Bacungan

Aug 13, 2023