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Just more photos of the gorgeous Diablo restomod from Eccentrica Motors

Vijay Pattni — Sat, 02 May 2026 18:47:00 +0800

There is nothing more to add to what we discovered last year. That Eccentrica Cars, makers of the glorious Diablo restomod you’re currently drooling over, has given its glorious Diablo restomod a track pack and sent it packing.

To Italy, and no less a destination than the splendor of Lake Como for the FuoriConcorso show during Como Car Week. So, big, hearty, remade Italian V12 with a cute little rear wing, hanging out in Italy on the banks of a glorious lake.

PHOTO BY Eccentrica Cars

Time to stick on some soothing lake music and stare at these fresh images.

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For those who missed it the first time around, said track pack—dubbed the ‘Pacchetto Titano’—introduces a new, reprofiled carbon fiber rear wing said to generate a bit more downforce, along with stiffer springs, recalibrated adaptive dampers that “bring out the chassis’ wilder side”, and a remapped ECU.

PHOTO BY Eccentrica Cars

Said ECU apparently doesn’t “chase headline horsepower figures” but adds a bit more urgency to the rev range. Elsewhere on the car you’ll find lightweight forged alloys, a new steering wheel, and a few more track-friendly mods like better brake cooling ducts and carbon fiber componentry.

“This example of Eccentrica V12 is equipped with an exposed carbon-fiber body,” it said. And your only job is to stare at it.

More photos of the Eccentrica V12 Lamborghini Diablo restomod:

PHOTO BY Eccentrica Cars

NOTE: This article first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.

Mansory has gotten its hands on Chinese luxury brand Zeekr

Greg Potts — Sat, 02 May 2026 18:36:00 +0800

Be careful out there folks, because clearly nobody is safe. Yep, your car could be Mansor-ified at literally any moment. Just take a look at that thing up above.

That was once a Zeekr 9X—the Chinese firm’s latest flagship that’s larger than the massive Merc GLS and has more than a hint of Rolls-Royce Cullinan crossed with a Range Rover in its design.

PHOTO BY Mansory

We’re not actually sure what it is now that Mansory has “refined” it. There are the usual lashings of carbon fiber, two rear spoilers, a hefty diffuser, a new hood, wide arches, supercar-spec side skirts and even rear-hinged coach doors. Perhaps Mansory thought it was working on a Cullinan that had its doors put on wrong at the factory?

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With two separate paint colors and all that exposed carbon it’s hardly subtle on the outside, but step inside and it’s even more of an assault on the eyes with the brightest white leather covering “every conceivable element”.

PHOTO BY Mansory

Have to say though, we do like those forged wheels. Absolutely no need for them to be 24-inch items, but apparently they’re a new design and they do look excellent.

One thing that Mansory has left untouched is the big Zeekr’s powertrain. Probably for the best given it already has a plug-in hybrid setup with a 2.0-liter petrol engine and three electric motors making a total of 1,362hp. We’re told that even as standard 0-100kph takes just 3.1 sec, although you’ll be able to hear that erm… turbo four-pot better thanks to a new flap-controlled Mansory exhaust.

More photos of the Mansory’s modified Zeekr 9X:

PHOTO BY Mansory

NOTE: This article first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.

‘Assetto Corsa Rally’ is now an FIA-recognized title for a global tournament

Phil Iwaniuk — Sat, 02 May 2026 18:26:00 +0800

Words feel a rather blunt instrument to express how good Assetto Corsa Rally is, though we’ve tried to wield them many times to make that point. Meaty and meticulous, it feels convincing to drive in a way that actually instills primal fear. It’s the perfect platform, then, for professional esports competition.

The FIA agrees. And so it comes to pass that the game’s publisher 505 Games announces that the motorsports organization has chosen Assetto Corsa Rally as the official title for its new FIA Esports Global Rally Tour competition—think F1 esports, only with (hopefully) fewer server dropouts and even more discarded bumpers.

The new competition “will include both online qualifiers and regional shootouts," says the announcement, “and marks a major milestone in the global evolution of rally esports aligning with FIA’s commitment to inspire future generations while doubling global participation in motorsport."

In other words, they’re hoping it’s a rung on the ladder to real racing, as well as a spectator sport and cultural moment in its own right.

That’s certainly not unrealistic. We’ve seen plenty of virtual racers cross over into real motorsport and thrive, not least one Jann Mardenborough, the subject of Sony’s 2023 Gran Turismo biopic.

What happens next? Well, a series of regional comps designed to find the best rally drivers out there.

“Beginning on May 12,” says the announcement, “a global online qualifier hosted on Assetto Corsa Rally will select 56 top drivers worldwide: 16 from Europe (combined North and South) and 8 from each of the other five participating regions MENA, North America, South America, Asia-Pacific, and Africa.”

From there, a long and quite complicated succession of knockout events runs right through the year, finally culminating in a grand final at the FIA Awards on 12 December, in which the very best two of those initial 56 battle it out onstage. The prize, you ask? “International recognition, prestige, and a place on the global esports stage.” The conspicuous lack of any money mentioned may give the established esports drivers pause for thought.

Given that we’ve yet to travel more than 10km in Assetto Corsa Rally with an intact windscreen, it’s unlikely you’ll see us on that stage. Though, never say never.

NOTE: This article first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.

China just built a rocket-powered 1,900hp hypercar concept

Greg Potts — Sat, 02 May 2026 18:18:00 +0800

Chinese tech company Dreame Technology spends most of its time building robot vacuum cleaners, coffee machines and hairdryers, but at CES earlier in the year it unveiled an all-electric hypercar concept called the Nebula NEXT 01, with claims of nearly 1,900hp.

‘Yeah right’ was the gist of what we thought back then, and that didn’t really change when Dreame followed it up with the Nebula NEXT 01X—a related SUV version shown just last month. Still just a concept, of course.

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

Now though, things have gone completely and utterly insane, because just the other day Dreame held an event in San Francisco where it unveiled the Nebula NEXT 01 JET Edition. Yep, it’s an all-electric hypercar with rocket boosters.

At least, that’s what it’s claiming to be. There’s a brilliant disclaimer at the bottom of the promo video on YouTube that says the JET Edition is “not yet available for sale” and that the “final production version is subject to the actual product.” Erm, right.

Helpfully, the same disclaimer also reminds us to “remain alert while driving to ensure safety.” But yeah, we reckon a 1,900hp electric hypercar with added rockets would keep us alert. Dreame is claiming that its two solid rockets can fire up in 150 milliseconds and produce 100 kilonewtons of thrust, which would apparently mean a 0-100kph time of 0.9 seconds. Of course it would.

We’re also told the Nebula NEXT 01 would use a solid state battery and electromagnetic active suspension. And that both its braking and steering would be by-wire. Then again, the video also shows a driver mashing the throttle with their left foot, so we’re not entirely sure whether to trust any of the info it’s trying to convey.

Of course, Elon Musk also claimed back in 2024 that the long, long, long-awaited Tesla Roadster might also incorporate some Space X tech for a 0-100kph run in less than a second. Because of course it would.

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

NOTE: This article first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.

You can’t just buy this range-topping Range Rover SV Ultra at a dealership

Vijay Pattni — Fri, 01 May 2026 18:54:00 +0800

Welcome to the summit of Mount Range Rover. At this heady height, you will find the Range Rover SV Ultra, a car its maker claims is no less than the “pinnacle of Range Rover luxury.”

It’s the toppiest, highest-spec, ahem, range-topping Range Rover ever, offered as a 3.0-liter straight-six plug-in hybrid with a P550e badge on the back (able to travel around 92km on e-power alone), a 526hp 4.4-liter pure V8 in P540 guise, or—later in 2026—as a fully electric SUV with, probably, enough battery power to recharge Brazil.

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

But the drivetrain is secondary. Despite being named after a particularly keen brand of footballing enthusiast, the SV Ultra is instead all about the audio, the materials, the finishes—and of course, the fact that it’s available by invitation only.

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So, the audio. Hoo boy, the audio. It comes fitted with what RR is calling the ‘SV Electrostatic Sound’ system, featuring 21 lightweight “thin-film transducers” integrated within the headrests, the seatbacks, the headlining, and the existing speaker holes.

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

Then come an additional five bass speakers—because this Ultra be all about dat bass—that amount to an “immersive, crisp, and detailed sound stage normally experienced in a studio or through the finest headphones.”

A sound stage that’ll be experienced through your body, too, because the SV Ultra gets the “body and soul” seats that pulse to the riddims escaping that sound system, while even the floormats get in on the action, too—there’s haptic feedback. None of this is an April Fool’s gag, either.

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

About those materials. The transducers are just 1mm thick, apparently respond 1,000 times faster than a regular, puny Earth speaker, are 90% lighter, and require 90% less power. Elsewhere, you’ll find two-tone ‘Ultrafabric’ upholstery, rattan palm veneer, a new exterior paint option (‘Titan Silver’, which we’re guessing is...silver?), and 23-inch alloys.

“Range Rover SV Ultra is one of the finest expressions of Range Rover luxury we have ever created,” said Range Rover’s global managing director Martin Limpert. As such, expect to pay a steep premium for it. The price isn’t being made publicly available, but consider the regular, now puny Earth-bound Range Rover SV starts at £160,000 (around P13.4 million before taxes), and you’ll get some idea how high this SV Ultra peaks.

More photos of the Range Rover SV Ultra:

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

NOTE: This article first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.

The AUDI E7X makes a loud entrance with up to 671hp and 750km of range

Greg Potts — Fri, 01 May 2026 18:17:00 +0800

Remember when Audi—sorry, AUDI—was shouting about its E5 SPORTBACK for China last year? Well, it’s time to warm up those vocal cords again, because the caps-lock brand is back with the new AUDI E7X.

As you can see, this time around, the ‘Audi and SAIC Cooperation Project’ has come up with...an all-electric SUV. A big one, too, because the E7X is just over five meters long and just under two meters wide. Around the same size as a full-fat Range Rover.

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

Unveiled at the recent Auto China 2026 in Beijing, this thing has been “tailor-made for China” and will be built in Shanghai. Two variants will be available, with a 402hp rear-wheel-drive version and a 671hp quattro. Hang on, shouldn’t that be QUATTRO?

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Anyway, that all-wheel-drive version will do 0-100kph in 3.9sec, and all E7Xs will get all-wheel steering, adaptive air suspension, and a 900-volt architecture for rapid recharging. The battery packs on offer are 100kWh or 109kWh, with a 10% to 80% charge apparently taking just 13 minutes. A max of 750km of range on the CLTC cycle, too.

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

There’s also lidar-based driver-assistance tech, while inside, you get a 27-inch panoramic display across the width of the dash and a 21.4-inch screen for rear seat passengers. As you might imagine, there’s a proper cinema mode to make the most of that rear screen, plus a 26-speaker Bose sound system and an AI voice assistant. You do still get some old-school luxury materials, including open-pore chestnut, oak trim, and napa leather. Heck, you can even have a four-seat layout rather than the traditional five if you want to go full luxury.

On the outside, the styling is very much as you’d expect if you’ve seen the E5 SPORTBACK. AUDI describes it as “monolithic” and “defined by simplicity, reduction, and precision.” Apparently, this E7X will be on sale before the middle of this year, and then another shouty AUDI sedan will arrive next year.

More photos of the 2027 AUDI E7X:

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

NOTE: This article first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.

The electric Volkswagen ID. Polo is refreshingly traditional and recognizable

Ollie Kew — Fri, 01 May 2026 16:53:00 +0800

It’s a Polo. Recognizably, even if you peeled off all the badges, a Polo. That’s what’s important about the new Volkswagen ID. Polo. This is an all-new electric supermini, but VW hasn’t made it a streamlined future-box like it tried with the ID.3.

The ID. Polo has a hood. A face. A normal Polo shape. Yes, there are plastic curtains around the back window to help it cut through the air neatly, but this isn’t an ‘aero’ car. And VW’s engineers tell us that’s thanks to progress in battery and motor efficiency, meaning it’s no longer necessary to build eco-blobs like the ID.3.

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

Bodes well for the new ID. Golf…

Anyway, the ID. Polo. It’s a front-wheel-drive five-door that’s a little taller than the Polo you know because it has to sandwich a battery under the floor. But the proportions look good. The car has a friendly face and a slightly Hyundai Ioniq 5-vibe to its backside. There’s an LED light bar on high-end versions. Big balloon tires and a white plastic smile on the base car. It looks polite and charming, and not at all alienating.

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Inside, the ID. Polo carries on with the ‘we’re sorry, please have some buttons’ apology VW started with the ID.3 Neo. The squircle steering wheel is free of haptic nonsense. The main touchscreen is complemented with physical toggles for the heater, hazards, and so on. You get the correct number of window switches. The world continues to heal.

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

And because there’s no exhaust under the rear quarter of the car, the middle-seat rear legroom is impressive, and the cargo area is so deep, you half expect to find Australians living in the bottom.

So, to the numbers. Every single ID. Polo has a top speed of 100kph. Oh, sorry. Relevant numbers? Well, the 37kWh battery can be had with either 114hp or 133hp. The bigger battery, a 52kWh unit, is treated to 208hp. There will, in due course, be an ID. Polo GTI with more power—look out, Mini Cooper S EV...

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

The bigger battery can charge at up to 105kW and impressively only makes the car a claimed 8kg heavier than the smaller battery, which can charge at up to 90kW. But this isn’t a light car—all versions of the electric Polo are more than 1.5 tons.

Final range calculations aren’t yet confirmed, but VW reckons on around 328km with the ickle battery and 454km for the bigger one. If it’s a second car—and an urban one at that—probably enough?

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

The main takeaway here is that VW has applied a ‘classic’ name to a very new car, and made it look traditional inside and out. That shows a very different company attitude to when the ID. journey first began, and feels like a company setting course back on the right track.

But against the talented likes of the Renault 5, the Hyundai Inster, and the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 3, the Polo can’t just be safe and traditional. It also needs to be very, very good indeed.

More photos of the 2027 Volkswagen ID. Polo:

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

NOTE: This article first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.

The droptop version of the 1,000hp Denza Z electric supercar is here

Greg Potts — Fri, 01 May 2026 16:17:00 +0800

Been warming up to the Denza Z supercar? Surprise—aside from the coupe form, it now has a droptop convertible version, too!

Here it is, fresh from its local market unveiling at Auto China 2026 in Beijing. We’ll get more pics and details soon, but for now, we know that its output will be around 1,000hp (perhaps the 952bhp tri-motor setup from the Z9 GT), that it’s claiming 0-100kph in less than 2sec, and that the retractable roof here is a fabric soft top.

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

Actually, we also know the Z will get an ‘intelligent magnetorheological body-control system’ that’s essentially fancy active suspension, and that it’ll get BYD’s 1,500kW ‘Flash Charging.’ Side note: those bonkers quick chargers are also coming to the UK. Hurrah!

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And of course, the styling has been penned by former Alfa Romeo and Audi design boss Wolfgang Egger. Looks pretty sleek.

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

Denza’s BYD overlords say the Z has already commenced “testing and lap-record runs at the legendary Nürburgring,” and that a public competition is underway to provide a name for each of the three variants that will eventually reach production. Those variants are the standard coupe, this convertible, and a track-focused Z. Tracky McTrackface is right there, people.

Nürburgring lap-record runs. Track-focused Z. Things are about to get serious, so watch this space.

NOTE: This article first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.

The Ferrari Purosangue’s new ‘Handling Speciale’ package makes it more fun around corners

Vijay Pattni — Fri, 01 May 2026 12:01:00 +0800

If you’re a fan of the Purosangue, but are of the opinion that Maranello’s first-ever four-door, four-seat V12 needs a little...more—Purosangue-er?—then we have welcome news. This is the Ferrari Purosangue Handling Speciale. No, it’s not that kind of speciale.

Instead, it’s an optional goodie bag of treats that enhance the specification of the admittedly excellent Purosangue, making it sharper, a bit louder, and more engaging. It’s not the first time Ferrari has rolled out an HS pack, of course, because it gave the old California a pair of compression leggings a long, long time ago.

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

The headline here is a calibration tweak on the not-an-SUV’s active suspension—a very complicated setup that bolts an e-motor onto each hydraulic damper—reducing body roll by 10 per cent versus a non-HS pack-equipped Purosangue.

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The tighter suspension results in a car that, says Ferrari, delivers “a distinctly more compact feel” and “reacts more directly to driver inputs.” Better for when you’re slinging it around a few bends, basically.

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

Then come quicker “and more decisive” gear changes, especially in ‘Race’ and ‘ESC-Off’ modes, though we suspect the Purosangue’s eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox knows exactly what it’s supposed to be doing.

Still, the revised code inside that ’box now means that when in manual mode, the shifts apparently become “more sporting at medium-to-high engine speeds above 5,500rpm.”

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

Speaking of engine speeds, the gearbox tweak is coupled with a new dedicated setting that delivers more “pronounced” in-car sound when you fire up the 6.5-liter naturally aspirated engine, and when you floor it. This is a V12, remember, that uses the cylinder heads from the 812 Competizione.

There’s but a handful of visual aids on offer to distinguish HS Purosangues vs non-HS cars: new wheels, new carbon-fiber side shields, matte-black exhaust tips, a black Prancing Horse emblem at the back, and a satin-finished Ferrari ‘script’ and interior plaque.

We anxiously await the Ferrari Purosangue-est.

More photos of the Ferrari Purosangue Handling Speciale:

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

NOTE: This article first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.

Grab mobilizes P350-M to help drivers and delivery-partners sustain livelihood

Lije Martin — Fri, 01 May 2026 11:00:00 +0800

Grab has mobilized P350 million through its Bayanihan Fuel Crisis Support Program, a series of initiatives to help driver- and delivery-partners sustain their livelihoods amid ongoing economic disruptions. The initiatives include expanded incentives, spot bonuses, and commission rebates.

For Grab’s car services, the initiatives have collectively reduced commission rates to 15%. Driver-partners can earn rebates through Grab Turbo, a newly introduced driving mode that helps drivers optimize their earning potential and receive bonuses.

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

Drivers can also view their income through the Digital Earnings Tracker. Through this portal, they can access detailed earnings statements, including total fare, effective commissions, gross and net earnings, and incentives.

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For delivery-partners, Grab has rolled out spot delivery bonuses for completed trips, with total bonuses exceeding P50 million as of mid-April. A bicycle subsidy is also in place for riders who want to transition to bike-based deliveries.

PHOTO BY Anthony Tan

Both driver- and delivery-partners can avail themselves of platform rewards, including grocery credits, fuel subsidies, and medical vouchers, depending on their performance tier. In addition, partnerships with fuel companies provide pump discounts for both four-wheel and two-wheel partners. A similar arrangement is also available for Move It rider-partners.

Under the Seaoil partnership alone, Grab and Move It partners have claimed more than P2 million in fuel savings. Grab has also extended fuel support through Shell Fleet Cards, with March rebates reaching P1 million.

Rounding out the program, Grab also launched its Eco-Drive Initiative. Billed as Southeast Asia’s largest EV financing coalition for ride-hailing, the initiative brings together bank partners, car manufacturers, and automotive distributors to give driver-partners fast-tracked access to fully electric and hybrid vehicles.

Vietnam train travel: Taking the sleeper train from Sapa to Hanoi

Kara Santos — Fri, 01 May 2026 10:33:00 +0800

There’s something about long-haul train travel with scenic views that appeals to me as a traveler. Maybe it’s because it’s not something I regularly get to experience in our home country. While the Philippine National Railways (PNR) once operated the Bicol Express from Manila to Albay, the service has long been discontinued, and efforts to revive route segments like Naga to Legazpi have sadly been inconsistent.

PHOTO BY Kara Santos

Rail lines like the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) and the PNR South Long Haul Project are in the works, but it may take years before tourist-friendly train journeys become a reality in the Philippines.

In contrast, Vietnam, a favorite destination for Filipino travelers, has a rich railway system with over 140 years of history dating back to the French colonial era. Many visitors flock to Hanoi’s infamous Train Street to walk along the tracks and have coffee or drinks inches away from passing trains. But if you’re willing to splurge, you can also ride the train on a slow journey across the country.

PHOTO BY Kara Santos

On a recent Vietnam trip, we decided to try the Chapa Express Train from Sapa to Hanoi, as an alternative to the HK VIP Bus Line we took going there. More than just transportation, the ride turned out to be one of the trip’s highlights.

What is the Chapa Express train?

PHOTO BY Kara Santos

The Chapa Express is a boutique overnight train service operating between Hanoi and Lao Cai, the gateway to Sapa in Vietnam (among other routes). Its name comes from the old French name for the mountain town, home to Mt. Fansipan, Vietnam’s highest peak.

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Unlike normal commuter trains with upright seats, the Chapa Express offers comfortable sleeper cabins. Passengers can choose between air-conditioned four-berth deluxe cabins or more private two-berth VIP cabins for the eight-hour journey.

Train schedule and route

PHOTO BY Kara Santos

The train typically departs Hanoi around 10pm and arrives at Lao Cai around 6am, allowing for a full day in Sapa. From Lao Cai, Sapa is roughly an hour away by taxi or shuttle, which can be arranged in advance or easily booked once you get there.

Return trips usually leave Lao Cai at 9pm and arrive in Hanoi early the next morning. However, we chose a daytime departure at 11am, arriving at 7pm in Hanoi, so we could enjoy the passing scenery of rice fields, mountains, and small villages along the way.

Amenities and cabin experience

PHOTO BY Kara Santos

The train’s interiors evoke a vintage charm, with wooden furnishings, soft lighting, and classic decor. Cabins feature premium bedding, free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and storage space under the bed.

We stayed in a two-berth VIP cabin in the Tonkin Heritage Express, the first carriage near the main engine room, also operated by Chapa Express. The room was cozy and modern, with high-quality sheets, soft pillows, and surprisingly thick mattresses that cushioned the vibrations and rocking motions of the train.

PHOTO BY Kara Santos

It felt more like a compact hotel room than a train compartment. The cabin included complimentary snacks and drinks like instant noodles and bread, as well as local beer and fresh fruit. We could completely close the sliding wooden cabin door for privacy, or leave it open to have a better view of the window across the hallway.

The shared restrooms with toilets and sinks at either end of each carriage are modern, clean, and well-maintained. In case you’re wondering, there’s no bathing area.

PHOTO BY Kara Santos

While our experience was great, amenities can vary depending on the carriage. The furnishings in the main Chapa Express cart were even more luxurious and designed with H’Mong details. Some of the older cabins down the line under Vietnam Railways had basic and older-looking interiors. The two-berth twin rooms are basically the same as the four-berth cabins, with upper decks folded up. But solo travelers booking four-berth beds should be prepared to share the space with strangers, and upper bunks might feel cramped for taller passengers.

For families or small groups, booking an entire cabin is recommended, while couples and solo travelers may prefer the privacy of a two-berth cabin, despite the premium price tag.

Food and onboard experience

PHOTO BY Kara Santos

I was a bit disappointed to find out that there’s no dedicated dining car or cafe on the train itself. It’s best to have a meal before the trip. At Lao Cai station, before riding, there’s a VIP lounge for hot meals and lots of cafes nearby.

The train has a hot and cold water dispenser available for drinks. The complimentary snacks help tide you over, and a conductor occasionally passes with a cart selling more instant noodles, drinks, and chips. At some stops, vendors even hop on briefly to sell snacks like boiled eggs.

PHOTO BY Kara Santos

Compared to the bus ride, the train offers more freedom to move around. We were able to stretch our legs, get great views, catch up on some online work, and watch a movie. Train to Busan hits different if you watch it while on a moving train.

The best thing to do on a sleeper train is to sleep, which you can do so luxuriously here, to the rhythmic and soothing motions of the train.

Booking tips and price

PHOTO BY Kara Santos

Tickets can be booked directly through the Chapa Express website or via platforms like Klook. Because each carriage has limited cabins, it’s best to book early, especially during peak travel seasons (September to November and March to May) or holidays.

Ticket prices vary depending on cabin class and room type, but start roughly at $42 per ticket for a bed in a four-berth cabin or $180 for a two-berth cabin good for two. For comparison, the direct Hanoi-Sapa bus we took going to Sapa cost just P687 per person.

Verdict

PHOTO BY Kara Santos

While the Chapa Express train is slower (eight hours versus six hours) and more expensive than taking the bus, it offers a unique and memorable experience. We actually wouldn’t have minded if the journey had taken much longer. If you think about it, overnight trips can save you the cost of a hotel stay while traveling, making it a practical option for some tourists.

More than just a way to get from one city to another, the journey felt relaxed, nostalgic, and a bit romantic. It’s a great experience for couples, families, or anyone who wants to enjoy the charm of train travel—something we can only hope to experience more of in the Philippines in the future. Definitely a must-try for fans of railway travel and slow journeys!

Honda formally establishes presence in Eastern Visayas with Honda Cars Tacloban

Angelo Nieto — Fri, 01 May 2026 09:47:00 +0800

Honda Cars Philippines (HCPI) recently inaugurated its first dealership in Region VIII: Honda Cars Tacloban. With the dealership now operational, Tacloban residents can enjoy more accessible sales and after-sales support from the Japanese brand.

The facility sits on a 2,145sqm property, and comes fully equipped with a showroom for exhibiting Honda’s latest lineup, parts storage, and service bays for repair, maintenance, and painting.

PHOTO BY Honda

Honda Cars Tacloban is under Topcars Autoworld Corporation, which HCPI has commended as a “trusted local partner whose deep roots in Tacloban ensure Honda’s global standards of service are delivered throughout the region.”

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The inauguration ceremony on April 28 was attended by Leyte local government officials, HCPI leadership, and Topcars Autoworld Corporation representatives.

PHOTO BY TopGear.com.ph

HCPI president Hidekazu Arai, who assumed his post earlier this month, was at the ceremony and expressed approval of the brand’s new foothold in the Eastern Visayas market: “For many years, our presence in this market has been limited, and we have only been able to reach our customers in Tacloban through caravan activities. With the opening of Honda Cars Tacloban, we can now provide a more consistent, more accessible, and more complete customer experience that Honda owners truly deserve.”

The Honda Cars Tacloban showroom is open from Monday to Sunday, 8am to 5pm. The dealership’s service operations follow the same schedule.

Spec-sheet brawl: VinFast VF5 vs. BYD Seagull

Andrew Guerrero — Fri, 01 May 2026 09:21:00 +0800

Vietnamese carmaker VinFast has swiftly climbed up the electrified ladder and is now a major player in the Philippine market. One of its most popular models is the VinFast VF5, its most affordable five-seater model in the country. For this spec-sheet brawl, we’ll be pitting it against another popular small battery EV, the BYD Seagull. Let’s see how these two affordable electric vehicles stack up against each other.

Both BEVs have front-mounted motors. The VF5 makes 135hp, while the Seagull puts out 74hp. Interestingly, both electric motors produce 135Nm of torque. The VinFast has a larger battery and a manufacturer’s claimed range of up to 326km, or about 26km more than its BYD rival. Like most in this segment, both get the typical subcompact-car independent struts up front and a compact torsion beam setup at the rear, plus four-wheel disc brakes.

PHOTO BY Dinzo Tabamo

PHOTO BY TopGear.com.ph

The VF5 looks larger because it is. Measuring 3,967mm long, 1,723mm wide, and 1,579mm tall, it’s 187mm longer, 8mm wider, and 1mm lower than the Seagull. The VF5’s larger wheel-and-tire package and 40mm higher ground clearance help give it that athletic CUV stance. With the VinFast being a slightly larger vehicle with a bigger battery pack, it also carries an extra 180kg of mass over the Seagull.

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When it comes to practicality, the VF5 is a five-seater while the Seagull is a four-seater. The subcompact VinFast has a 260-liter cargo area, which is 30 liters larger than that of its BYD rival. It also has 60:40 split folding rear seats for added flexibility, while the Seagull has a single-folding full-length section.

Both have a long list of standard safety features, but the VF5 adds two more airbags and rear cross-traffic alert. When it comes to connectivity, both have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but the Seagull’s is wireless. As expected, the BYD has a larger touchscreen that rotates.

PHOTO BY Dinzo Tabamo

PHOTO BY TopGear.com.ph

How much are they? The VF5 costs P1,099,000, or P949,000 if you opt for the battery subscription. The smaller Seagull, on the other hand, carries a P938,000 price tag. While this is not exactly an apples-to-apples comparison, the VinFast being a slightly larger crossover and the BYD being a smaller hatchback, these two battery EVs are close enough in size and price to be cross-shopped.

What do you think of the VF5? Would you choose it over the Seagull? We know choosing can be difficult, so take a look at the side-by-side spec sheet we’ve prepared and let us know which BEV you’d rather drive in the metro.

	VinFast VF5	BYD Seagull
Price (Philippine peso)	P1,099,000 (P949,000 with battery subscription)	P938,000
Drive	FWD	FWD
Seating capacity	5	4
Motor type	permanent-magnet synchronous motor	permanent-magnet synchronous motor
Power (hp)	135	74
Torque (Nm)	135	135
Battery capacity	37.23	30
NEDC range (km)	326	300
Brakes (front/rear)	disc/disc	disc/disc
Wheels	17-inch alloy	16-inch alloy
Tires	205/55 R17	175/55 R16
Front suspension	independent MacPherson strut	independent MacPherson strut
Rear suspension	torsion beam	torsion beam
Seat material	leatherette	leather
Folding rear seat	yes (60:40)	yes
Infotainment system	8-inch touchscreen	10.1-inch touchscreen (rotating)
Connectivity	Apple CarPlay + Android Auto	Wireless Apple CarPlay + Android Auto
Speakers	4	2 + 2 tweeters
Airbags	6	4
ABS with EBD	yes	yes
Electronic stability control	yes	yes
Traction control	yes	yes
Cruise control	yes	yes
Hill-start assist	yes	yes
Rear cross-traffic alert	yes	no
Camera	yes (rear)	yes (rear)
Parking sensors	yes (rear)	yes (rear)
Dimensions (mm)	3,967 x 1,723 x 1,579	3,780 x 1,715 x 1,580
Wheelbase (mm)	2,514	2,500
Ground clearance (mm)	160	120
Cargo volume (L)	260	230
Curb weight (kg)	1,340	1,160

Foodpanda is doubling partner riders’ in-app tips to celebrate Labor Day

Angelo Nieto — Fri, 01 May 2026 08:32:00 +0800

This Labor Day, Foodpanda is showing its partner riders extra appreciation by doubling the tips they receive in-app. Whenever customers add a tip to their order, Foodpanda will match it, effectively giving the rider twice the original amount.

Partner riders receive 100% of in-app tips, with no deductions or commissions. Foodpanda describes the initiative as extra appreciation for the backbone of the Filipino digital economy.

PHOTO BY Foodpanda

“Our partner riders are the backbone of our business, and on Labor Day, we want their rewards to reflect their resilience,” said Patricia Jacinto, growth and marketing director of Foodpanda Philippines. “By doubling tips, we are joining forces with our customers to ensure that every Ka-Panda feels the full weight of the country’s gratitude.”

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The initiative is part of the Panda-Malasakit Project, a campaign to provide support for partner riders, businesses, and customers amid rising costs of fuel and essentials. Besides this tip-matching effort for Labor Day, the project also includes other on-ground initiatives that support different stakeholders.

Foodpanda has stated that they plan to roll out more initiatives like this in the future as they remain committed to supporting their community and business partners.

PHOTO BY TopGear.com.ph

The Suzuki GSX-8T and GSX-8TT have won a Red Dot Award for Product Design

Lije Martin — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 18:01:00 +0800

The Suzuki GSX-8T and GSX-8TT were both recognized for the prestigious Red Dot Award: Product Design 2026. The neo-retro street bikes are the first of any Suzuki product to win a Red Dot.

Held annually, the Red Dot Design Awards is one of the world’s most respected design competitions. It has four categories, with entries evaluated on innovation, functionality, ergonomics, durability, ecological compatibility, and emotional content. The Product Design category is the most well-known, often featuring cars and motorcycles each year.

PHOTO BY Suzuki

The jury recognized both the GSX-8T and GSX-8TT for their “precise transfer of classic visual features into a clearly structured, modern aesthetic.” Both bikes feature neo-retro looks that pay homage to legendary Suzuki models while balancing contemporary finishes and modern-day tech.

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Both the GSX-8T and GSX-8TT share the same 776cc parallel-twin engine. In fact, they’re almost identical apart from design. The GSX-8T features more classic styling with the round headlight and naked design, while the GSX-8TT takes on a sportier look featuring a headlight cowl and belly pan, while still maintaining a retro vibe.

“We are honored that the GSX-8T and GSX-8TT have received the Red Dot Award,” said Suzuki managing officer and executive general manager for motorcycle operations Takashi Ise. “Suzuki upholds the corporate slogan of ‘By Your Side’ and will continue to make efforts to create products that satisfy our customers in both performance and design.”

Watch: Suzuki GSX-8T and GSX-8TT win Red Dot Award for Product Design 2026

Kia’s roadmap is set with 27 electrified models by 2030

Lije Martin — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:53:00 +0800

Kia just announced its four-year roadmap at the 2026 CEO Investor Day in Seoul, South Korea. The carmaker laid out plans to expand its EV lineup to 14 vehicles and its HEV lineup to 13 models by 2030. In total, Kia is investing 49 trillion Korean won (P2.03 trillion) to achieve its targets.

For hybrids, the investment includes strengthening its current lineup with the Telluride HEV and the Seltos HEV launching this year, followed by additional hybrid models, including the K4 HEV. Other models announced for development include a new body-on-frame pickup truck with HEV and extended-range EV variants.

PHOTO BY Kia

Kia plans to enhance its competitiveness in the EV market with 14 models: two passenger vehicles, nine SUVs, and three Platform Beyond Vehicles (PBVs). Key improvements include a 40% increase in battery capacity, a 9% improvement in motor output, and the introduction of fifth-generation batteries.

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The Korean brand is also strengthening its EV supply chain with models like the EV2 and the EV4 produced in Europe, the EV6 and the EV9 produced in the US, and locally optimized vehicles like the Syros EV and the Carens EV produced in India.

Meanwhile, charging infrastructure is being developed through Hyundai Motor Group’s E-pit, and partnerships with Electrify America, IONNA, and IONITY. Currently, Kia has secured approximately 240,000 chargers in North America, 1,000,000 chargers in Europe, and 480,000 chargers in South Korea.

PHOTO BY Hyundai Motor Group

PHOTO BY Kia

Part of the brand’s plans also includes autonomous driving. Through in-house technology and a partnership with Nvidia, Kia plans to introduce Level 2++ autonomous driving in its vehicles by early 2029. It also has its eyes set on completing its first software-defined vehicle (SDV) by the end of 2027.

In total, the carmaker is targeting 4.13 million vehicle sales globally by 2030, with one million annual EV sales and 1.1 million annual HEV sales. That’s a huge leap. But through its investments and strategies, Kia looks forward to competing with other automotive giants and soon-to-be giants in the coming years.

Wax vs. ceramic vs. PPF: Comparing every way to protect your car’s paint job

Angelo Nieto — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:17:00 +0800

For most Filipinos, car ownership is an investment—something achieved through plenty of hard work. So, it shouldn’t be a surprise that auto paint protection is a booming industry right now. Who wouldn’t want to protect and secure their investment, right?

Unfortunately, with the popularity of paint protection products comes a lot of information and marketing terms to comb through. That’s why we’ve put together this comparison of the general categories of paint protection products—wax, ceramic, and PPF—to help you decide what fits best for your needs.

Pros and cons of car wax

PHOTO BY Pexels

Wax is the old reliable that’s been around the longest. The premise is simple: The carnauba ingredient in the wax gives your car’s paint finish a more dramatic ‘warm’ sheen and imbues it with hydrophobic properties that make water bead up and slide right off the surface.

While some wax products claim to provide your vehicle with added UV protection, this isn’t entirely accurate. Waxes don’t carry enough UV protection on their own, but they can serve as a sacrificial layer for your car’s clearcoat, which already does the job of protecting the layers underneath.

PHOTO BY Pexels

Wax is also the cheapest form of paint protection, usually ranging from P300 to P1,500. It’s an easy DIY job to boot—just be sure to give your car a thorough wash first before applying anything to avoid debris from sticking on or scratching the finish.

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Unfortunately, wax also lasts the shortest among the options listed here. A car wax job typically lasts around six to eight weeks. While you can get away with waxing once a quarter, it just doesn’t last nearly as long as other options.

PHOTO BY Pexels

Car wax is also highly vulnerable to strong detergents like degreasers and non-pH-neutral shampoo. If you accidentally use something too strong to wipe off bird droppings or take your ride to a car wash that’s using alkaline shampoo, you can wave bye-bye to the wax job you just did.

As we get into the more advanced paint protection solutions, you’ll also notice that other products can offer protection against some scratches, swirl marks, and even highway debris. Wax can’t offer the same physical protection—any product claiming to be able to do that is an outright scam.

Pros and cons of ceramic coating

PHOTO BY Pexels

The next tier up is applying a ceramic coat. This is a silicon dioxide-based solution that’s meant to be applied on the car’s surface as a thin layer, which then fully cures into a solid protective coating. In terms of appearance, it has a different kind of effect versus car wax—without the carnauba ingredient, it lends a ‘cold’ gloss that doesn’t augment your car’s paint color, but does appear to reflect more light.

Ceramic is where physical protection comes into play. The coat can provide good resistance against light everyday scratches and dreaded swirl marks, as well as additional UV protection. It’s also resistant to chemicals that penetrate a waxed finish. All these pluses are on top of the natural hydrophobic properties it has in common with wax.

PHOTO BY Pexels

Technically, applying a ceramic coat can be a DIY job, but it needs a controlled environment. As with wax application, a clean surface is required to avoid trapping debris, but you also need to let the car sit for some time—at least 24 hours—away from water or dust that can affect how the ceramic cures. Even after the initial curing period, it’s recommended to keep the vehicle in the garage for a week to fully harden the solution.

Most people in the Philippines don’t have the space to ensure a clean working area. This is why ceramic coats are commonly offered by detailers, who can guarantee a clean ceramic application for you. Unfortunately, this does run up the cost.

PHOTO BY Ammo NYC on YouTube

A genuine bottle of ceramic solution is usually priced at P4,000 to P10,000, but a ceramic coating service from a detailer can cost you from P15,000 to P30,000. Granted, detailers usually fold in future maintenance and warranty, since ceramic coatings can last up to two years with proper care and regular touch-ups.

The maintenance of a ceramic coat isn’t optional, by the way—due to factors like weather and wear and tear, the paint below the coating can still chip, which can cause dirt and grime to build up. On an otherwise pristine-looking car, that’s going to stick out like a sore thumb.

Pros and cons of paint protection film (PPF)

PHOTO BY Pexels

At the top of the pyramid in all aspects is paint protection film, or PPF. A physical layer of clear plastic that goes on top of your car’s paint, it’s simply unmatched at protecting from phyiscal and chemical elements. A layer of ceramic coating on your car is around one or two microns, while an applied sheet of PPF is four or eight millimeters—about eight to 12 thousand times thicker.

So it’s no surprise it can handle the same scratches, swirl marks, chemicals, and road debris as well as (if not better) than ceramic. The self-healing properties of certain PPF variants further enhance durability and longevity.

PHOTO BY Pexels

There’s also a variety of finishes to transform your car’s look, in case a clean, ‘cold’ gloss is too boring for you. Satin and matte finishes are common alternatives to give your vehicle a completely different aesthetic.

The drawback? You could have guessed it by now: It’s the price. Having a detailer fully PPF-wrap your car starts at P80,000 and can go up to P200,000 depending on brand, features, and inclusions.

PHOTO BY Unsplash

Considering skipping the detailer and doing it yourself? Think again. PPF installation is a very involved process that requires time and a team of professionals to perform. To get a clean application all around the vehicle, body panels and bumpers often have to be detached so that the plastic can be cleanly tucked behind them. Not to mention, the cutting and heating of plastic is at least a two-man job.

A poorly applied layer of PPF will attract dirt and grime to settle under the surface. This can accelerate peeling and yellowing—not something you want to see on an upgrade you spent six digits on.

Detailers do include warranty and maintenance for the PPF’s lifespan of around five to 10 years. Critics of PFF have a valid point on that, however: Are you sure the detailer applying your PPF will be in business that long? As always, buyer beware.

PHOTO BY Angelo Nieto

All in all, what’s the best way to protect your car? That’s the thing: Everyone has different needs and resources, so you will have to find something that suits you best. Only you can answer that, and we hope this comparison helps you decide.

Our take, though? Most people will be happy waxing their cars every now and then. A car enthusiast who is more involved with their vehicle might find more value in going for a ceramic coat. And PPFs? Well, leave that to collectors with deep pockets.

Spanish bikepacker tours PH by cycling from Baguio City to Batad

Leandre Grecia — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:55:00 +0800

When it comes to touring the Philippines on two wheels, it’s almost always about motorcycles. Rarely do we see people embarking on journeys around the archipelago astride bicycles. That being said, bikepacking is gaining popularity here on our roads, especially after more people started picking up cycling during the pandemic.

It’s a healthier and more sustainable way to tour the country, and not to mention cheaper, considering fuel prices these days. It’s also arguably an entirely different and beautiful experience altogether, as recently shared by a certain YouTuber named Belle Toscan.

PHOTO BY BelleToscan on YouTube

Toscan is a cyclist from Spain, and she recently visited the Philippines with the intent to go around on two wheels. Her adventure started off in Metro Manila, where she was able to get a glimpse of the life of a cyclist in our city. She likened it to her previous experience in Vietnam. “You just need to go with the flow of the traffic and make sure you don’t put your wheel on a hole.”

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After visits around some historical landmarks in Manila City, Toscan boarded a bus all the way to Baguio City. She took her bike with her, and upon arriving in the City of Pines, she met up with Valerie, a fellow female cyclist who guides bikepacking trips across the Cordilleras.

The two rode together all the way to Bontoc, hitchhiking somewhere in the middle. They got to enjoy the scenery, the communities, and the local cuisine along the way. It was in Bontoc that they parted ways, but not before meeting with a local cyclist named Daryl.

PHOTO BY BelleToscan on YouTube

Toscan then hit the road on her own to Batad in Ifugao, where this first part of her journey ended. She did say at the end of the video that she was going to head south next, so we’re guessing she cycled to Bicol Region thereafter.

As of this writing, though, the next episode has yet to be uploaded, so we’ll have to wait and see what it’ll be like. For now, you can enjoy the entirety of the beautiful 37min48sec video below. Absolute cinema, I tell you.

Cycling The Philippines by Belle Toscan:

Geely launches Galaxy M7 PHEV in China with a starting price of under P1-M

Lije Martin — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:41:00 +0800

The Geely Galaxy M7 has officially launched in China, and in just 12 hours, it already received over 10,000 orders. That might be partially due to the limited-time starting price of CNY109,800 (around P987k).

The Galaxy M7 has four variants, with official prices ranging from CNY119,800 (P1.078 million) for the base to CNY147,800 (P1.330 million) for the flagship. It’s built on Geely’s GEA architecture, similar to the EX5 EM-i.

PHOTO BY Geely

Dimensions aren’t too far from the EX5 EM-i either. The Galaxy M7 measures 4,770mm long, 1,905mm wide, and 1,685mm tall, with a 2,785mm wheelbase. Styling adopts the same design language used by Geely for its other hybrid crossover SUVs, with sleek bodylines and horizontally swept headlights and taillights.

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Propelling the Galaxy M7 is a 1.5-liter gasoline engine paired with a single front-mounted electric motor and a 29.8kWh battery. The hybrid system delivers around 234hp and 262Nm of torque, while achieving 225km of electric-only range and 1,730km of combined range.

PHOTO BY Geely

The interior features a 15.4-inch display running a Flyme Auto 2 operating system. You’ll also find a 50W wireless charging pad, cup holders, crystal accents on the center console’s switches and rotary dial, and padded materials throughout the entire cabin.

Other features include rear-passenger A/C vents and a drop-down armrest with cupholders, a power liftgate, a heads-up display, and various driver-assist systems.

It isn’t confirmed whether the Galaxy M7 will be offered outside China. But with the growing global demand for competitively priced hybrids, we think Geely should give it a shot. Let us know, would you pick this over the EX5 EM-i?

More photos of the Geely Galaxy M7:

PHOTO BY Geely

The 2026 BYD Seagull gets up to 500km in driving range

Billy Caluag — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:37:00 +0800

BYD unveiled the latest iteration of the subcompact Seagull at Auto China 2026. While the aesthetic changes are subtle, the Chinese carmaker has given its electric hatch a much bigger battery, and therefore, a much longer driving range.

More specifically, the battery capacity has doubled to 60kWh, giving the subcompact EV up to 500km on a full charge. For context, the current-generation model utilizes a 30kWh battery, which is good for around 300km of driving.

PHOTO BY BYD Ho Chi Minh (from Autohome)

That’s not all, as BYD also equipped the new Seagull with LiDAR technology for more robust driver-assistance features. The sensor can be seen bulging on the car’s roof, parallel to the new front-facing parking camera mounted on the grille.

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Other exterior changes include a new design on the 16-inch wheels and a sharper overall fascia. BYD also says that this Seagull will be offered in more colors. The single-motor setup has also been bumped up to 80hp, a slight improvement from the 73hp found on today’s Seagull.

PHOTO BY BYD Ho Chi Minh (from Autohome)

Inside, drivers are treated to an improved 50W wireless charging pad and a redesigned steering wheel. A more traditional gear stalk has also replaced the shift-knob found on existing Seagull models. The climate control buttons are now flat, as the entire cylindrical design has been scrapped. The center screen also looks larger, but the digital instrument cluster doesn’t look new.

With all these improvements, it will be interesting to see how BYD prices the new Seagull. If this new model reaches the Philippines, do you think it will still come in at under P1 million?

PHOTO BY BYD Ho Chi Minh (from Autohome)

This custom Mercedes-Maybach S-Class might just impress Miranda Priestly

Billy Caluag — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:09:00 +0800

Now, here is a car fit for the likes of Miranda Priestly. The Devil Wears Prada 2 held its global premiere earlier this week, and Mercedes-Maybach rolled out the red carpet for a customized S-Class to celebrate the new movie.

Dressed in a two-tone black and gold finish, this S-Class is as chic as it is elegant. The carmaker also added a high-heeled pitchfork emblem by the driver’s door, and another one can be found on the rear armrest.

PHOTO BY Mercedes-Benz USA Instagram Page

Looking closer inside, the official movie logo has been printed onto the center console, while more pitchforks have been stitched onto the seat-head pillows. Those, however, are complemented by the number ‘2,’ in commemoration of this sequel.

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The cherries on top are the special license plates that read out Miranda’s timeless, ‘THTSALL,’ line. Those words that probably still send shivers down the spines of hopeful fashionistas and publishing interns.

PHOTO BY Mercedes-Benz USA Instagram Page

Fans of the first movie will also recall that a silver S-Class was one of Miranda’s vehicles of choice. It’s only fitting that even after 20 years, the editor in chief still prefers her German luxury cars.

It is also very timely. Mercedes-Maybach debuted its newest S-Class in March earlier this year, offering customers more than 150 exterior and over 400 interior finishes to choose from. Buyers can also opt between a 6.0-liter V12, a 4.0-liter V8 mild hybrid, and a 3.0-liter straight-six plug-in hybrid. That’s all.

PHOTO BY Mercedes-Benz USA Instagram Page

The LRT-2 Santolan Station will be getting a better parking lot*

Billy Caluag — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:02:00 +0800

Shortly after sharing my experience with the free parking service at the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) Santolan Station, the system’s operators reached out to acknowledge my observations. The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) also confirmed that it does have plans to improve the parking area, but it could take a while.

The agency further explained that it launched its free parking service without much funding, aiming to help motorists manage the rising cost of fuel. This comes after the Department of Transportation ordered a general 50% fare discount on the LRT-2 and MRT-3 in March 2026.

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

“We wish to emphasize that this free parking initiative is currently being implemented with limited resources,” said LRTA administrator, Atty. Hernando Cabrera.

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He continued, “We are maximizing what is already available within our system to offer this service to the public, with plans to improve and upgrade the facility gradually over time. Despite these constraints, the LRTA remains fully committed to enhancing the safety, accessibility, and convenience of our commuters.”

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

While the operator did not offer a timeline as to when these improvements will be made, this is still something motorists and commuters should look out for. As of April 29, 2026, the LRTA concluded its regular safety inspections on “key areas across the LRT Line 2 system, including structural conditions, safety systems, operational equipment, and emergency facilities.”

Hopefully, this included the parking lot at the Santolan Station. For those who haven’t heard, free parking is available to all passengers of the LRT-2 Santolan Station. The lot is open from 4am to 11:30pm, and drivers will need to have their vouchers validated at their alighting LRT-2 stop.

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

Looking to use the MMDA’s free shower facilities? Here’s what you need to know

Leandre Grecia — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:28:00 +0800

If there’s one thing keeping people from cycling to work, it’s the fact that if they do, they’ll end up looking like a mess by the time they get to the office. It’s only ideal for those who have the luxury of at the very least freshening up upon arriving at the workplace just before starting the day.

To help address this and to promote sustainable transport in the city, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), recently built new end-of-trip shower facilities that commuters can use. Now, the agency has released a few important guidelines.

PHOTO BY MMDA

To those who aren’t familiar, the free showers are located at the MMDA Motorcycle Riding Academy in Pasig City. The facility is free of charge and is open to all active commuters, both cyclists and pedestrians alike.

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The showers will be on a first-come, first-served basis, and each individual must present a valid ID before receiving a number for queueing. The agency has clarified that MMDA employees will be prioritized at these free showers.

Each person must bring his own toiletries and will be given 10-15 minutes maximum per use. All users must clean as they go and reminded to dispose of their trash properly. The end-of-trip shower facility is open daily from 5am to 8am and 6pm to 10pm only.

So, what do you guys think of this initiative from the MMDA? The agency plans to build more of these across Metro Manila, so expect to see similar facilities popping up in different key locations around the capital.

MMDA free shower guidelines:

YouTuber who built 1:2-scale GR Yaris rally car got flown in to the WRC in Monaco

Angelo Nieto — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 05:34:00 +0800

There are garage projects, and there’s the stuff that Justin White of the Garage Avenger channel on Youtube puts together. His projects see him put together go-kart sized vehicles made up of unlikely parts like wooden pallets and pushcart trolleys. His crowning achievement, however, has to be his 1:2-scale Toyota GR Yaris Rally1.

Without the context of people or other (full-sized) cars placed around it, it’s hard to fully comprehend just how small it really is in the real world. It’s just a bit larger than a go-kart, but the proportions and details are so spot-on that it could be mistaken for the real deal in some photos.

PHOTO BY Garage Avenger via Youtube

The half-sized GR Yaris has a 3D-printed body made up of 123 parts meticulously glued and sanded down to create the car’s silhouette. That shell was then mounted on top of a cross-kart chassis, which is exactly what it sounds like: a go-kart-sized chassis built for dirt racing. Perfect for capturing the spirit of the real GR Yaris, don’t you think?

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Given the super compact size of the vehicle, the doors don’t open. Instead, you hop in and out of the driver’s seat through the detachable roof. Other functional parts include sliding plexiglass windows as well as functioning head and taillights.

PHOTO BY Garage Avenger via Youtube

It’s a seriously impressive creation, so much so that Toyota itself flew out Justin and his team to the opening round of the World Rally Championship earlier this year in Monte Carlo to have it run at a rally stage in the French Alps and exhibit it alongside the real GR Yaris.

Beneath the bite-sized rally car’s plastic shell is a high-revving motorcycle engine that White says makes around 118hp—absolute rocket power for a machine of its size and mass. The way it barrels down tarmac and dirt is proof enough, but he’s specified that in testing he was able to reach speeds of around 94kph, but speeds of 150kph theoretically reachable with enough run-up.

PHOTO BY Garage Avenger via Youtube

The car was originally finished in matte black which gave it this lowkey prototype look, but it was eventually wrapped with this year’s official Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team livery. It’s the cherry on top to make it look even more like the real deal, and the perfect way to cap off a 13-month-long project.

Justin White of ‘Garage Avenger’ flies to Monte Carlo with his 1:2-scale GR Yaris rally car

GAC PH launches 2026 Emzoom with a P1,059,900 starting price

Leandre Grecia — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 20:00:00 +0800

GAC’s resurgence at the height of the pandemic can be credited to its lineup of stylish and value-for-money offerings. Its real bread and butter throughout those years, however, was the GS3 Emzoom.

The subcompact crossover made a name for itself as one of the more popular Chinese models in the market. Now, as GAC International Philippines takes over, it is now launching the updated version of this popular nameplate.

PHOTO BY GAC Philippines

Now being dubbed as just the GAC Emzoom, the 2026 version lands with familiar sleek styling but with a more striking and tech-loaded interior. The cabin features a standard black and blue finish, with a masive 14.6-inch infotainment system on the dash. Opt for the range-topping variant and you get an additional 50W wireless charging pad, parking-assistance features, and blind-spot video-driving assistance.

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Mechanically, the 2026 Emzoom remains unchanged. It still packs a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that puts out 174hp and 240Nm of torque. This comes mated to a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission that sends power to the front wheels.

PHOTO BY GAC Philippines

Two variants of the Emzoom are available upon launch, with lower GB variant priced at P1,059,900. The R-Style still sits as the top-spec trim with a P1,159,900 SRP. Exterior color options for both Emzooms are namely: Graphene Grey, Ivory White, Moonlight Grey, and Superstar Silver. You can check out the prices below.

GAC Emzoom 2026 Philippine prices

GAC Emzoom GB – P1,059,900
GAC Emzoom R-Style – P1,159,900

“The 2026 Emzoom is a vanguard of our Philippine lineup, embodying refined quality and dynamic performance,” said GAC International senior vice president Steven Wang. “We are deeply grateful to our Filipino customers for choosing this vehicle, and we remain dedicated to providing them with unwavering, long-term support as we uphold our commitment to engineering precision and everyday versatility.”

Your thoughts on the new GAC Emzoom, folks? Will this be able to keep up in the highly electrified crossover market?

PHOTO BY GAC

Mazda PH celebrates camaraderie with its first-ever Invitational Golf Tournament

Lije Martin — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 18:51:00 +0800

Mazda Philippines held its first Invitational Golf Tournament at the Mount Malarayat & Country Club in Lipa City, Batangas, on Friday, April 24. The event brought together Mazda owners, dealer partners, collaborators, and other members of the Mazda community for a day to build and strengthen connections while enjoying the lush landscape.

While the tournament focused on camaraderie, the players were also given the opportunity to compete for a chance to win a brand-new 2026 Mazda 3 fastback—the prize for anyone who could make a hole-in-one.

PHOTO BY Mazda Philippines

Outstanding players were also given recognition across divisions. In the Ladies Division, Isabel Delos Reyes was crowned Champion, with Carolyn Pedro as 1st Runner-Up, and Patricia Henson as 2nd Runner-Up.

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In the Men’s divisions, Tyson Sy came on top of the Men’s Class C, followed by Steven Tan and Tristan Calixto. Men’s Class B was won by Roy Jeremiah Gonzales, followed by Nerwin Ordillano and Daniel Go. While in Men’s Class A, Benjamin Abalos Jr. emerged as Champion, followed by Javier Toledo and Grand Marvin Doria to complete the podium.

The Overall Gross Champion was awarded to Lawrence Celestino, while Raphael Tolentino secured the Overall Net title.

PHOTO BY Mazda Philippines

The tournament also welcomed Mazda clients who joined the the brand this year, giving them a closer look at the brand’s focus on community and shared experiences beyond driving.

“At Mazda, we’ve always believed that meaningful connections are at the heart of every journey,” shares Mazda Philippines president and CEO Steven Tan. “This tournament reflects that—bringing together our partners, clients, and community in a setting that encourages genuine interaction and shared experiences. It’s not just about the game, but about the people we journey with.”

PHOTO BY Mazda Philippines

Toyota + Tesla = Chery? The Chinese carmaker reveals its ‘Double T’ strategy

Billy Caluag — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:46:00 +0800

A report from Reuters shared that Chinese automaker Chery will aim to synergize the quality of Toyota and the innovation of Tesla, in what it calls its ‘Double T’ strategy. After unveiling an all-new Tiggo SUV at Auto China 2026, the brand returned to its headquarters in Wuhu to announce that 13 additional models are on the way.

In the background of all this is a floating European expansion plan that may see Chery debut in more markets and ideally grow its manufacturing operations. Ultimately, the Double T framework should ensure that the company, its sub-brands, and its products remain interesting to new customers while keeping current owners satisfied.

PHOTO BY Raymond Figuerres

Chairman Yin Tongyue further explained: “That means producing cars with both the quality to win over customers for the long term, and the advanced technology to attract younger buyers.” The Chery-operated Omoda and Jaecoo brands have recently breached the British market, spearheaded by the trendy Jaecoo 7 crossover.

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Chery likening itself to Toyota and Tesla is definitely a bold statement, but the brand had some strong momentum coming into 2026. The report also states that Chery sold 2.8 million units in 2025, marking an 8% year-on-year increase.

With 13 more vehicles in the pipeline, as well as a new manufacturing plant in South Africa, Chery may already have the assets to deliver on quantity. In the question of quality, we’ll need to wait and see how the Double T strategy affects its planning and global operations. For now, you can check out our reviews of the hybrid Tiggo Cross and the range-extended Tiggo rEV C-DM.

PHOTO BY Drei Laurel

Bilmola’s Liberty Walk helmets are now in PH priced at P11k each

Leandre Grecia — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:21:00 +0800

You’ve seen Bilmola’s Tomica helmets recently, and like many of us, you’re probably drooling and wishing those lids were for sale here in the Philippines. Unfortunately, they’re not, but there is something that’s already made its way to our shores that we reckon you’ll like.

Meet the brand’s Liberty Walk collection, just launched in our market under SEC Motosupply. The latter will now be distributing Bilmola helmets here in the Philippines, and they’ve brought in all four designs of the LBWK lineup.

PHOTO BY SEC Motosupply

Liberty Walk is a Japanese-bred brand known for its widebody kits, especially for JDM icons. Over the years, it has become a household name in the global car scene and has evolved into a full-on lifestyle brand. Collabs like these come as no surprise, especially considering how big the name has now become.

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These helmets feature different styling, all inspired by actual liveries of real-life Liberty Walk creations. The red, black, and yellow lids are derived from the different colorways of the LB ER34 Super Silhouette, which is a R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R. The black-and-white helmet, meanwhile, draws its design from Liberty Walk’s Harley-Davidson trike collab with Coboo.

PHOTO BY SEC Motosupply

All Bilmola x Liberty Walk helmets are now available for P11,000 each. The helmets will can be purchased from these SEC Motosupply stores:

SEC Motosupply – Noveleta
SEC Motosupply – Dasmarinas Cavite
SEC Motosupply – Las Pinas
SEC Motosupply – Batangas
SEC Motosupply – Tejeron Manila

As with most Bilmola collabs, however, stocks are limited. These helmets will also be available only until supplies last, so if you’re looking to buy one, you might want to do so soon.

PHOTO BY SEC Motosupply

So, with the LBWK collection now in the Philippines, does this mean we’ll be getting the Tomica next? Would you guys like to see it happen?

PHOTO BY SEC Motosupply

The local Jetour T1 lineup could welcome an ‘Executive’ variant soon

Billy Caluag — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 14:59:00 +0800

The Jetour T1 Lightning i-DM may be getting a new option in 2026, as the Land Transportation Office recently granted homologation papers for the ‘Executive’ and ‘Panther’ variants of the plug-in hybrid SUV.

Jetour Auto Philippines previously debuted the T1 Panther at the 2026 Philippine Outdoorfest in February. Outfitted with a blacked-out bodykit, roof-mounted lights, a side ladder, and an improved roof rack, the more rugged-looking T1 encourages buyers to do some plug-in hybrid overlanding. Priced at P2.098 million, it comes out to P300,000 more than the standard T1.

PHOTO BY Jetour Auto Philippines Facebook Page

While the Executive trim has yet to land on local roads, the T2 Terminator Executive suggests that this T1 will likely sport thicker garnishes and accessories for an even more commanding look. And as with other variants, the interior will probably remain as is with the standard.

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Notably, there are no powertrain differences between these variants and their stock version. If Jetour is indeed planning to launch the T1 Executive, then the same plug-in hybrid system will likely be utilized. This means the familiar 1.5-liter engine and 26.7kWh battery will be onboard, giving the T1 110km of fully electric driving range.

Currently, the plug-in hybrid SUV is offered in six distinct colors, but this new variant could add a tad more road presence. Would you want to see Jetour launch this version? Sound off in the comments.

PHOTO BY Aaron Pagador

Hot gear: The DJI Osmo Pocket 4 is now in PH starting at P28,990

Lije Martin — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:04:00 +0800

The featured product/s was/were independently selected by our editorial team, and this is not a sponsored article. When you purchase a product through the links below, we may earn an affiliate commission.

DJI has just launched the Osmo Pocket 4, the latest generation of the brand’s compact gimbal camera. It launches concurrently with the Lito Series, DJI’s new entry-level drone.

Gathering people from the local tech industry, DJI launched the Osmo Pocket 4 through an event in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The launch provided a comprehensive product presentation, including a comparison between the Osmo Pocket 4 and its predecessor, the Osmo Pocket 3.

PHOTO BY DJI

The Osmo Pocket 4 can shoot in 4K resolution at 240fps. It features a one-inch CMOS sensor, improved low-light performance with an f/2.0 aperture, 14 stops of dynamic range, and a 10-bit D-Log for richer cinematic color.

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It also has three-axis stabilization for smooth handheld shooting, advanced tracking capabilities such as ActiveTrack 7.0 and Subject Lock Tracking, built-in intelligent autofocus, and multiple tracking modes to deliver professional-looking content while keeping subjects sharp and centered even in motion.

Additional features of the Osmo Pocket 4 include the rotatable screen for instant recording, a dedicated zoom button, custom presets, and a new 5D joystick for improved precision and control. The device includes 107GB of built-in storage, an attachable fill light for low-light shooting, slow-shutter video, and gesture control. It also has fast charging and longer battery life compared to the previous model.

PHOTO BY DJI

The event also featured the global debut of the DJI Lito Series, a line of lightweight, portable drones capable of shooting in 4K resolution, with features such as obstacle-sensing and obstacle-avoidance systems.

The DJI Osmo Pocket 4 is available for preorders at DJI Philippines and authorized retail partners. It starts at P28,990 for the Standard Combo and P37,490 for the Creator Combo, which includes a DJI Mic 3 transmitter, a fill light, additional mounts, and other accessories.