The investment—which forms part of a larger commitment by shareholder L’IMAD, a sovereign investor of the Government of Abu Dhabi—will enable McLaren to build its new ‘performance SUV’ in the UK facility.

Sounds like that long-awaited SUV will get a hybrid powertrain, too, because we’re told that “for the first time in its history, McLaren Automotive’s future powertrains will be designed and built in-house, starting with two new engines and transmissions. This will support the company’s hybrid engine strategy.”

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

The number of cars that McLaren can build will increase thanks to the investment, with a doubling of the manufacturing workforce and a new assembly facility planned in the UK. Both the McLaren Production Centre in Woking and the McLaren Composites Technology Centre in South Yorkshire will also be expanded. The latter is where the company makes its carbon tubs, and will almost double in size. Oh, and it has recently opened the McLaren Creation Centre in Bicester (for design and innovation) and a testing facility in the Midlands, both of which were formerly Forseven sites before McLaren merged with the EV startup in early 2025.

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“This investment gives us the platform to grow, develop, and build on what makes us distinctive, while investing in the people, technologies, and products that will keep us competitive for decades to come,” said Nick Collins, big boss of McLaren Group Holdings and McLaren Automotive.

Added UK big boss Andy Burnham: “McLaren Automotive is doubling down on Britain, keeping the design, the engineering, and the building of every future car here, and taking on a thousand more people to do it.

“Their investment will create high-quality apprenticeships [and] jobs, and drive growth far beyond their factory gates. It is how you get skilled work, decent wages, and pride back into a place. It’s this kind of partnership between government and business that will help us reindustrialize communities and make every part of Britain better off. I want young people to see that and know there is a future for them in making things, wherever they grew up.”

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

PHOTO BY McLaren

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

And as you can see, it channels the spirit—and fairings—of the brilliant little XL1 from 2013. Where that car had the potential to squeeze out 127.5km/L from its teeny two-cylinder diesel, this one can cruise up to 210km/L. In very specific circumstances, naturally.

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

It’s based on the MEB+ front-wheel-drive platform that sits underneath that new electric Polo and the ID. Cross. It’s much longer and lower than an ID. Polo, offering four seats, the rearmost ones capable of storing passengers up to 5ft 3in.

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But the key here is the use of production-ready tech like the 54.9kWh battery and the 133hp e-motor that are already in use. Then comes the ID. Polo’s front suspension and hydraulic brake, with an electromechanical brake on the back axle.

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

To this existing tech, Volkswagen has built a living teardrop with a low, small front, lots of cooling air flaps, covered rear wheels, and a fully covered underbody. The doors are frameless and feature integrated handles. Just like the XL1, everything has been done so the Mission Efficiency can glide through the air. VW quotes a drag coefficient of 0.158.

“The shape of the body itself is committed fully to functionality and thus the laws of aerodynamics,” said VW design boss Andreas Mindt. “This has resulted in a state-of-the-art, efficient sports car in which the DNA of the legendary Volkswagen XL1 shines through.”

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

Ah, yes—gliding. VW did an ‘ideal’ economy run devoid of slopes, fixed at a constant 68kph, and with aircon and other parasitic things switched off, where it achieved an astonishing 15.4km per kWh.

The carmaker also did a proper test drive from Wolfsburg to Vienna, driving through Poland and the Czech Republic, charging the thing only once. Across the 1,278km journey, the Mission Efficiency recorded 13.3km per kWh, and when it reached its destination, it still had around 160km of range left.

VW estimates an average consumption of 14.5km per kWh, which means in ‘ideal’ conditions, this little hatch could theoretically hover close to 805km. Obviously, things would get in the way, but as a tech demonstration, it’s mighty impressive.

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

“Rather than using specialist technology, the vehicle set its three world records using affordable production technology from the ID. Polo and ID. Cross, based on the MEB+ platform with front-wheel drive,” said VW boss Thomas Schäfer.

“This shows how much potential efficiency we can add to the latest generation of our electric cars.”

VW, of course, could use a bit of good news—as we’ve documented here, it’s in a bit of a pickle.

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

And no, we’re not talking about a tiny little wireless charger on the dashboard for your phone. This is wireless charging for the whole Cayenne. Porsche first showed us the tech late last year, but it’s now available to order and includes two separate weatherproof pads—one bolted to the underside of the car, and one you place on your driveway or in a garage.

PHOTO BY Porsche

PHOTO BY Porsche

All you have to do to start charging is line yourself up using the infotainment screen and park in the right place. It’ll then automatically start providing juice at speeds of up to 11kW. Neat.

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Elsewhere on the expanded options list is access to the full Paint to Sample program, meaning you now get the choice of 105 different colors for your Cayenne or Cayenne Coupe. For a price, of course.

PHOTO BY Porsche

PHOTO BY Porsche

Should you wish, you can also now spec electrically operated doors that open and close at the touch of a button, and there’s a new ‘massage experience’ that combines the usual back and bum prodding with 4D audio via six sound actuators in each front seat.

It’s those lurid paints that you really want to play with right now, though, isn’t it? Head on over to the configurator and let us know what color combos you come up with…

PHOTO BY Porsche

PHOTO BY Porsche

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

And it has returned with something rather exciting, because what you see here is the brand-new Porsche 550 J. That final letter is pretty important, because it signals that this is a Junior Spyder. It’s actually built to 80% scale using original production drawings and a 3D scan of a full-size 550, all with Porsche’s officially official backing.

PHOTO BY Hedley Studios

PHOTO BY Hedley Studios

PHOTO BY Hedley Studios

So, underneath you’ll find a tubular spaceframe chassis (the first 89 examples of the 550 Spyder were built on a ladder frame before Porsche switched to the stiffer setup for the 550 A), while the body panels are now all hand-formed from carbon-fiber composite.

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There’s no flat-four engine, either. Like all of the little cars produced by Hedley Studios, this is an EV. It’s not registered for road use like the Bentley Blower Jnr, but it does come as standard with an 11hp motor, a top speed of 65kph, and a range of 48km. Or for braver kids, there’s an optional RS Pack that adds adjustable Bilstein dampers, drilled Brembo brake discs, and additional batteries. The latter allows for a top speed jump to 80kph and 80km of total range. Serious stuff.

PHOTO BY Hedley Studios

PHOTO BY Hedley Studios

We’re also told the wonderfully recreated cockpit can seat two adults, and that the placement of the battery pack and the electric motor behind the seats recreates the weight distribution of the original car. In total, the Junior weighs 330kg, or 350kg with the RS Pack. There’s also a Nardi steering wheel that replicates the original, while the choke lever has been repurposed as a drive mode selector.

Oh, and because it’s a Porsche, Hedley is offering a huge array of customization options, including the full suite of Paint to Sample colors and ‘historically appropriate liveries.’ That means not many of the 250 examples will likely leave the factory for the £69,500 (around P5.84 million before taxes) base price. 

More photos of the Hedley Studios Porsche 550 J:

PHOTO BY Hedley Studios

PHOTO BY Hedley Studios

PHOTO BY Hedley Studios

PHOTO BY Hedley Studios

PHOTO BY Hedley Studios

PHOTO BY Hedley Studios

PHOTO BY Hedley Studios

PHOTO BY Hedley Studios

PHOTO BY Hedley Studios

PHOTO BY Hedley Studios

PHOTO BY Hedley Studios

PHOTO BY Hedley Studios

PHOTO BY Hedley Studios

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

Because this is a Ferrari born from racing—spun off the 296 GT3 Evo and successor to the equally unhinged 488 Modificata—but bins all the bits that make that GT3 eligible for fair racing. Hence why this Modificata is now much more powerful: 720hp versus the GT3 Evo’s puny 590hp. That’s a very healthy, lightly scary increase.

PHOTO BY Ferrari

So scary, in fact, that it’ll lap Fiorano three seconds quicker than that GT3 car. Fiorano is a short, sharp track. Three seconds here is an eternity.

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Changes over the GT3 car include new interior componentry for the 2.9-liter V6’s turbos, a new fuel system and additional low-pressure pump, new exhaust, and revised ratios for the six-speed sequential gearbox. So Ferrari.

PHOTO BY Ferrari

PHOTO BY Ferrari

There’s more ‘Ferrari’ in the new 296’s aero. This one gets new wings front and back, a new hood for better heat dissipation, plus more vents. And more powerful brakes. And an actual passenger seat to scare the wits out of your willing co-pilot. And many sensors to display many racing things.

And of course the option to spend much more money on options.

“Over the years, the Maranello-based marque has chosen to create extreme versions of some of its existing race or production models,” said Ferrari. “Where these are intended for track use only, as they are not bound by the constraints of any technical or motorsports regulations, they can unleash their full potential for performance.

PHOTO BY Ferrari

“However, there have also been a number of road-going ‘Modificata’ models throughout the history of the Prancing Horse.”

This isn’t one of those road-going models, because it’s limited to the track and only for drivers in the Ferrari Club Competizioni GT. Which means buying this thing grants you access to 12 rounds/two years of racing tracks around the world.

Price and build numbers? Well, if you have to ask...

More photos of the Ferrari 296 GT Modificata:

PHOTO BY Ferrari

PHOTO BY Ferrari

PHOTO BY Ferrari

PHOTO BY Ferrari

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

And that left the fast version of VW’s next electric car up, the ID.3, in an awkward position.

If the carmaker continued calling it ‘GTX’ (which literally no one understands), it would be admitting that the car wasn’t worthy of being a GTI. Hardly screams ‘BUY ME,’ does it?

PHOTO BY Volkswagen

But if VW was going to badge an ID.3 as a GTI, it would need a colossal heap of improvements to stop the die-hard fans from storming the factory with flaming tartan seats and exhaust pipes sharpened into lances.

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So, the brand has chosen the second option. And the first bit of good news is the new Volkswagen ID.3 GTI is based on the new ID.3 Neo. So there are buttons galore on the steering wheel and amid the center console. It’s no longer made out of plastics that Lego rejected for being too hard and shiny. And it’s got VW’s latest battery tech, meaning it has more range than a robo-hoover.

PHOTO BY Volkswagen

The second bit of good news is it’s the most powerful GTI that Volkswagen has ever made.

Okay, it’s only pipping the Golf GTI 50 by a measly 1hp, but still, that’s a statement. In the Golf’s half-century year of hot-hatch legendariness, it’s being usurped by a battery-powered box. Rude!

In fact, the ID.3 GTI’s 326hp goes to the back wheels, like no Golf GTI ever. Despite weighing two tons (ugh, but doesn’t everything these days?), it scampers to 100kph in 5.6sec, which is almost as quick as the most potent gasoline-powered GTI. Top speed is respectable-for-an-EV, at 201kph.

PHOTO BY Volkswagen

As you can see, VW has thrown many GTI badges at the problem. Possibly too many. Plus Polo GTI-like 20-inch wheels, red fangs in the front grille to ape race-car towing hooks, and lazy fake mesh around the back. It’s...not exactly sleek, but fair to say it’s the best-looking ID.3 so far?

Inside, there has been no escape from the GTI badge machine gun. The one on the steering wheel is actually a button to shortcut into the GTI driving mode, in which the suspension stiffens, the accelerator pedal is ticklish, and you get a sportier sound up to 50kph instead of 25kph.

PHOTO BY Volkswagen

But it must be said, proper hot-hatch misbehaviour is AWOL. Volkswagen hasn’t bothered with the multi-mode fake engine sound, pops, and crackles of a Hyundai N EV.

It hasn’t borrowed Porsche’s fake gearbox ‘eShift’ tech. And there’s no Drift Mode or any such tomfoolery. This is a sporty hatch, not a silly one. Which is why there are 30 colors of ambient lighting instead.

PHOTO BY Volkswagen

Official range from the 79kWh battery is up to 601km, which is enough to make you think you might indulge in that power and GTI-ness often enough to make it worthwhile.

So, this is finally an ID.3 we might want to drive. But as VW’s world collapses around it, is this late showing of badging royalty too little too late?

More photos of the Volkswagen ID.3 GTI 2027:

PHOTO BY Volkswagen

PHOTO BY Volkswagen

PHOTO BY Volkswagen

PHOTO BY Volkswagen

PHOTO BY Volkswagen

PHOTO BY Volkswagen

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

As we’ve mentioned before, though, budget is everything these days. And with an asking price of P1,498,000, segment leaders like the BYD Sealion 6 and the Ford Territory will have you asking just how important carrying two extra passengers in the rear is to you.

So, is this lighting in a bottle, or just another addition to an increasingly competitive hybrid crossover market?

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Styling

PHOTO BY Drei Laurel

On the last day of the review period, I walked by to the unit in the grocery parking lot and came across a couple admiring it. “Ang ganda niya, o,” the guy whispered as they walked past—and I have to agree with him.

It’s a sharp-looking vehicle, with an aggressive front end that features a massive grill tucked between a pair of sleek LED headlights that vaguely remind me of Dwayne Johnson’s iconic raised eyebrow. The look calms down a bit towards the sides—which feature door panels with a bold angular design—and caps off in bold fashion at the rear with a futuristic unified taillight.

I’m a particular fan of the X70 Lightning’s tapered appearance compared to offerings like the Ford Territory and BYD Sealion 6, which both carry a larger presence on the road. Frankly, you won’t be mistaking this for any other hybrid available.

Interior

PHOTO BY Drei Laurel

Long story short? I have a love-hate relationship with this hybrid’s cabin. On one hand, it looks great, albeit kind of typical for a modern crossover, with plenty of angular components and a driver’s side that nicely separated from the rest of the interior. I’m rarely a fan of brightly colored seat materials, but the treatment is subdued enough in here.

But on the other, it simply feels like the cabin’s trying to doo too much—something that ends up hurting its practicality.

PHOTO BY Drei Laurel

The central console, for example, features a large touchscreen display that features a mix of touchscreen controls and tactile dials. While the whole setup looks nice on paper, it takes up a ton of space up front. And we’ll get to just how confusing the vehicle’s control schemes are later on.

And since we’re in the business of dials, they’re simply flimsy—they feel light and rattly, and frankly, don’t feel very solid. Another component with suspect build quality is the speaker grilles, which feel sharp, rough, and could do with much better refinement. Rear passengers also complained of that it felt warm overhead on account of a lack of insulation around the panoramic sunroof.

These are qualities I can forgive in much smaller entry-level models, but not at this price point—especially with how the entire segment is stepping up in this regard.

Engine performance

PHOTO BY Drei Laurel

The Jetour Lightning i-DM comes packing a hybrid setup comprised of a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and dual electric motors for a combined 267hp and 395Nm. Jetour claims a full tank of gas and 100% battery should be good for up to 1,200km of range—85km of which is purely electric.

Our unit arrived with around 80% of charge and, based on our initial time with the hybrid, that range holds true. We managed about four days running on EV mode in heavy Manila traffic before the Lighting’s battery hit 20%.

Speaking of traffic, the vehicle’s performance in stop-and-go situations did leave a bit to be desired, with occasional delays between pedal input and acceleration. It’s not something that can’t be remedied with a more careful foot on the gas, so no alarm bells here (unless you’re still learning the ropes of city driving).

As I hit the North Luzon Expressway during a weekend drive to Bataan, acceleration suddenly ground to a snail’s pace and the engine began to moan. It came to a point where I had to stop at the side of the road to figure out what was happening.

PHOTO BY Drei Laurel

I had little luck addressing the issue after digging through the vehicle’s confusing settings menu and equally-convoluted manual. But I observed driving performance would return to normal whenever the hybrid’s battery level would climb to the mid-20s. It turns out the Lightning’s regenerative braking gets unnervingly aggressive when the battery level gets low.

I had to deal with this hiccup a handful of times during my stint with the unit, and the experience is not something I’d enjoy dealing with on a regular basis. I recommend charging the battery before long drives to avoid this. Perhaps there’s a way to fine-tune the vehicle to lay off a bit when the battery dwindles down, but I couldn’t pinpoint exactly how.

Overall, performance was pretty hit-or-miss. I did end up averaging a decent enough 16.4km/L in mixed driving conditions, and the X70 Lightning could get up to speed pretty quick when conditions permitted—but consistency comes a long way here, and my experience behind the wheel showed anything but.

Ride and handling

PHOTO BY Drei Laurel

This vehicle’s steering wheel is definitely on the lighter side, and while the ride can be floaty, it doesn’t wallow to the point of discomfort. In fact, I have to say the X70 Lightning managed itself quite well around corners—provided you aren’t throwing the vehicle around them like a sports car, of course.

Those steering dynamics mean this hybrid is relatively easy to maneuver through tight areas, too. And in case you’re having trouble, there’s an exterior camera available for just about every angle—though their image quality leaves a lot to be desired. Which brings us to…

Extra features

PHOTO BY Drei Laurel

The Sony sound system isn’t bad at all, with eight speakers scattered throughout the cabin and decent audio quality. USB-C charging ports are available in both the front and second-row passenger area, and the large panoramic sunroof helps give the interior a pretty premium ambiance. And, of course, it comes with seven seats.

Those are the positives. Now on to the less stellar qualities.

Simply put, the instrument cluster is a hassle to control. It isn’t just that the interface is trying to display way too much, it’s that the controls can be a headache as well. You see, instead of normal buttons, the vehicle features tiny navigational touch pads akin to what you’d find on now-extinct Blackberries. Their performance, to put it bluntly, could be pretty frustrating. I kept registering unintended swipes, and when I actually needed to use them, a lot of times they wouldn’t work.

Also, the vehicle’s horn stopped working. At the start of the lend out period, I noticed that it would take a decent amount of effort to get it to sound; by the end, it wasn’t registering anything outside of violent slams on the steering wheel. Oh, and no Apple CarPlay, too. Might be a dealbreaker for some of you.

Verdict

PHOTO BY Drei Laurel

The Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM is pretty on the eyes and offers decent hybrid performance, but at this price point? Some of its faults can be forgiven with a lower cost, but even then there are just too many question marks. It’s just a very hard sell—especially if you consider what else is available.

SPECS: Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM 2027

Price: P1,498,000
Powertrain: 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine + dual electric motors
Power: 267hp
Torque: 395Nm
Transmission: 2-speed dedicated hybrid
Layout: front-wheel drive
Seating: 7
Score: 6.5/10

More photos of the Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM 2027:

PHOTO BY Drei Laurel

PHOTO BY Drei Laurel

PHOTO BY Drei Laurel

PHOTO BY Drei Laurel

PHOTO BY Drei Laurel

PHOTO BY Drei Laurel

PHOTO BY Drei Laurel

PHOTO BY Drei Laurel

PHOTO BY Drei Laurel

PHOTO BY Drei Laurel

PHOTO BY Drei Laurel

PHOTO BY Drei Laurel

PHOTO BY Drei Laurel

Off the bat, these mark significant improvements over what we get locally. Here, the Atto 2 is equipped with a 45.1kWh pack and rated for 380km of range. While estimates from China should be taken with a grain of salt, these differences are hard to ignore.

PHOTO BY BYD

Also, China’s Atto 2 gets a fresh set of wheels, a slightly different fascia, and a more pronounced roof rack. Inside, the steering wheel now sports a two-spoke layout, while the gearshift has been moved to the right-side stalk. The 12.8-inch infotainment screen stays as is, though.

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Interestingly, we’ve seen a similar pattern before with the Seal 5 DM-i. The plug-in hybrid sedan locally debuted in November 2024, and then two months later, BYD rolled out a newer model in China. That, too, was offered with more range and a different style.

PHOTO BY BYD

It took about a year and a half for that Seal 5 DM-i to make it to the Philippines, coincidentally launching alongside the Atto 2. If the pattern stays consistent, we shouldn’t expect new versions any time soon.

What we can (or would like to) expect instead is the supersized Seagull, which is set to enter the Chinese market later this year. Both here and abroad, BYD’s subcompact EV is facing a mountain of new competition this year, and a new-generation model could keep it in the fight. Hopefully, we won’t have to wait a year or so to see this new Great Seagull.

PHOTO BY Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China

In case you didn’t know, Pirelli has a boat range in partnership with SACS Marine. The former designs and builds boats, which are later branded as Pirelli Speedboats. The Pirelli 44 Ducati Edition takes the regular Pirelli 44 model and adds Ducati’s signature styling. It’s also powered by three Mercury Racing engines, producing 500hp each, a configuration reserved exclusively for this project. 

PHOTO BY Ducati

The speedboat has the Centenary livery designed by Centro Stile Ducati and inspired by the Superleggera V4 Centenario, which Ducati calls “the most extreme and technologically advanced road-legal motorcycle ever.” The aerodynamic appendages on the engines were inspired by tail sections of the brand’s MotoGP bikes, while the pattern on the tubes was sculpted to mimic the look of the Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tire. 

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Other features include a sporty double-step hull, a carbon-fiber hardtop, a black steel pack, an Alcantara-finished dashboard and pilot seats, and a commemorative plaque. To top it all off, each of the 26 units comes with a customizable number plate.

PHOTO BY Ducati

“With Pirelli and SACS Marine, we found a natural alignment in the way we interpret design, innovation and, above all, the pursuit of maximum performance: the Pirelli 44 Ducati Edition is the most tangible expression of this,” said Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali. “I have always loved everything that goes fast, in all its forms, and that is precisely why this project excites me in a very special way.”

“The Pirelli 44 Ducati Edition constitutes a new chapter in the journey we have embarked on with SACS Marine and brings to the water a wealth of experience, technology, and passion acquired on the road and the track,” shared Pirelli Design & Assets Conversion SVP Marco Maria Tronchetti Provera. “Pirelli has always collaborated with Ducati, supplying tires for every model produced in Borgo Panigale: a partnership that finds a new expression in this special edition, offering a distinctive experience also at sea.”

PHOTO BY Ducati

“This project brings together the best of the Pirelli Speedboats spirit with Ducati’s distinctive DNA, creating something unique that is destined to make history,” added SACS Marine chief growth officer Nicola Antonelli. “I have had the pleasure of working with Ducati in the past, and being able to do so again is deeply rewarding. It is a pleasure to work with a great team, driven by an intense passion and constant pursuit of the best performance and the best results.”

PHOTO BY Ducati

PHOTO BY Ducati

In anticipation of the new stop, the Department of Transportation released a series of renders of what the NAIA T3 Station could look like. From the photos shared, it looks like the main entrance and exit will be situated by the terminal’s open parking lot. With this, commuters will likely need to get out of the station and cross the driveway to get to the airport itself.

PHOTO BY Department of Transportation Facebook Page

Inside the station, the designs of the concourse and the platforms look bare, though they have distinct patterns on their respective ceilings. As these are just renders, the fit and finishes are subject to change as construction goes along.

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While the station and the overall subway are expected to open within the next six years, the department believes that as many as 70,000 commuters will use just the terminal link by 2035. Moreover, this particular ridership is expected to climb to 74,000 passengers in 2045.

PHOTO BY Department of Transportation Facebook Page

At the time of writing, the subway project is said to be 60% complete. When fully realized, the line will extend from Valenzuela City to NAIA T3, with end-to-end trips timed at around 40 minutes.

How does the NAIA T3 Station look so far? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section.

More photos of the Metro Manila Subway NAIA T3 Station renders:

PHOTO BY Department of Transportation Facebook Page

PHOTO BY Department of Transportation Facebook Page

PHOTO BY Department of Transportation Facebook Page

PHOTO BY Department of Transportation Facebook Page

In a report by GMA, Montenegro issued a statement saying the safety precaution is implemented to “minimize the risk of fire, explosion, thermal runaway, and other potential hazards associated with electric and hybrid vehicle batteries during vessel operations.” The shipping line is taking strict measures, coordinating with the operations department, terminal, ticketing, loading, and cargo personnel for proper implementation. 

PHOTO BY Philippine Coast Guard

However, according to the Department of Energy, the investigations have yet to confirm that the fire was started by the EV onboard the ship, stating: “There was an electric vehicle in the vessel in Coron. But there were also internal combustion engines. That’s why there’s no finding yet that the fire was caused by the electric vehicle.” According to the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), survivors said they heard two successive explosions before the fire erupted. 

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As of writing, the DOE and authorities are working to issue safety regulations specifically for the transportation of EVs. “We already coordinated with MARINA on the matter. There’s an ongoing review, at the interagency level, to update the rules and regulations with respect to the transport of electric vehicles,” said DOE Energy Utilization Management Bureau director Patrick Aquino. 

Kantar Philippines’ data showed 15.3% of new vehicle sales in the first half of 2026 were EVs—fully electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid—with 74% of survey respondents saying they would consider purchasing an EV as their next vehicle. GAC says that as the market enters the new energy era, the brand is emerging as a trusted choice for Filipino families. 

PHOTO BY GAC Philippines

GAC’s local product lineup consists of various models—both electrified and ICE-equipped—including compact options like the Aion UT and the Aion V, as well as larger, more executive offerings like the GN8 PHEV, the E8 HEV, and the GS8 HEV. The company says its recognition was primarily driven by strong consumer connection, brand differentiation, market relevance, and future growth potential. 

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Today, GAC supports customers through a nationwide network of 30 dealerships, a dedicated parts warehouse, and two years of free roadside assistance. The brand also includes tailored warranty packages with up to eight years of coverage on its electrified models. 

“Being named the 2026 Breakthrough Brand – Automotive reflects our rapid strides in the market and our commitment to empowering Filipinos with cutting-edge mobility technology through our new energy lineup,” said GAC Philippines general manager Calvin Cheng. 

PHOTO BY GAC Philippines

At a glance, the first thing you might notice is the double hood scoop. These are functional and, along with the two hood vents, provide better cooling and airflow to the engine bay. This variant retains the core plug-in hybrid system found on the standard G700, with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with dual electric motors hooked to a 34.13kWh battery. The system produces around 904hp and 1,135Nm of torque. 

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

Jetour has redesigned the G700’s chassis for the TopFire, making it stand 55.6mm higher and 94mm wider. For improved off-road handling and better impact absorption, the suspension now features racing-grade K-Man nitrogen shocks with eight levels of adjustable compression damping. 

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As for the wheels, the TopFire sits on new 20-inch aluminum-forged rims wrapped in 305/55R20 Atlas rough-terrain tires. Other modifications include multi-function heavy-duty bumpers, designed for added protection, towing, and fitting accessories like winches and auxiliary lights, as well as a one-piece roof rack for additional storage. Lastly, you also get TopFire decals on the sides so people know what you’re driving. 

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

The burly G700 TopFire stickers for P5,188,000, a P700k difference from the standard G700 priced at P4,488,000. Would you choose this new variant with its multiple factory-fitted modifications, or is the regular version good enough for you? 

More photos of the 2027 Jetour GAIA G700 TopFire:

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

That’s still a long way to go, though, so in the meantime, might we interest you in something that’s already been unveiled and waiting for you to have a gander: the DKR GR FC Hilux.

PHOTO BY Toyota UK

We’ve seen this one before, albeit covered in camo. Now, the Dakar-bound hydrogen-powered Hilux has bared its design, complete with all of Gazoo Racing’s partners for the upcoming 2027 rally. That includes Jameel Motorsport, Denso, Toyo Tires, and IAV.

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In case you missed the news, the hydrogen-powered Toyota DKR GR FC Hilux will compete in the Dakar Future Mission 1000, which is a category dedicated to experimental vehicles. This will also be the first time ever that Toyota “has combined hydrogen and fuel cell technology in its motorsports activities.”

PHOTO BY Toyota UK

The Toyota DKR GR GC Hilux is expected to run over 13 stages with a total of 1,000 kilometers. Unlike actual real-world testing, the Dakar Rally will be extremely grueling and significantly more taxing than even poorly-paved-but-still-asphalt-covered highways.

Work on this hydrogen-powered rally-ready truck is ongoing at Toyota’s European research and development center near Brussels, Belgium. The DKR GR FC Hilux will undergo a pre-Dakar Rally testing program, and when that commences, perhaps we’ll get more details about it.

Exciting times ahead, indeed. What do you guys think?

PHOTO BY Toyota UK

After years of what we assume was about honing its craft, it looks like the Japanese automotive giant is now ready to bring this technology to more consumers. Through the Hilux, to be exact—and in Europe, to be more specific.

PHOTO BY Toyota

Toyota UK has confirmed that the Hilux FCEV will be introduced in 2028. Not a lot of details were shared, but Toyota says it’s targeting 400km of driving range and a towing capacity of up to 2,500kg. It appears that the goal here is to build a proper workhorse, not a sustainable lifestyle vehicle.

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This isn’t the first time we’ll be seeing a hydrogen-powered Hilux. The photo of the white Hilux with blue decals came from an article way back in 2022, when Toyota first revealed its FCEV pickup ambitions. At the time, the carmaker also confirmed that a production version was already in the works. Two years down the line, it unveiled details of its first prototypes, and fast-forward to another couple of years later, we’re finally here.

PHOTO BY Toyota

We don’t quite know yet what this Hilux FCEV will actually look like. What we do know is that Toyota’s decision to build the hydrogen fuel-cell electric Hilux is part of its intention to sell more light commercial vehicles across Europe, and it’s also in line with its multi-pathway approach to carbon neutrality.

Now, seeing as we eventually got the Hilux BEV in the Philippines, we’re also hoping that other electrified versions of one of our market’s most popular Toyotas make their way here, too. Do you guys reckon there’s room for a hydrogen-powered Hilux in the Philippines?

Despite the variety of bikes in the stable, it seemed as if Yamaha was looking for more. So much so that it decided to target a new portion of the market with an entirely new R-Series model: the YZF-R2.

PHOTO BY Yamaha

The Yamaha YZF-R2 is the Japanese brand’s newest introduction in India. It’s powered by a newly developed 204cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, four-valve engine that delivers 26.14hp at 10,000rpm and 19.1Nm at 8,000rpm. The R2’s horsepower figures, Yamaha claims, are the best in the 126-200cc class.

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The YZF-R2’s powertrain is mated to a six-speed manual transmission with an up-and-down quickshifter, something that you don’t always get with these small-segment motorcycles. It also gets front and rear disc brakes with dual-channel ABS. A TFT instrument cluster with YConnect functions, Yamaha Ride Control (with Street, Sport, and Rain modes), and an assist/slipper clutch are also available.

PHOTO BY Yamaha

Yamaha’s new sportbike—which it actually calls a ‘supersport’—borrows styling directly from the R1 and R9 with that striking front design. It sits on 17-inch front and rear wheels and gets a telescopic upside-down front fork. It weighs 149kg and has an 810mm (31.89 inches) seat height. It comes with a 12-liter fuel tank.

Given Filipinos’ reception of the YZF-R15, we don’t see how a bigger and, theoretically, more fun R2 (and R2M) wouldn’t be a fit in the market. What say you, riders? Would you like to see the Yamaha YZF-R2 in the Philippines?

As of the end of June this year, ACMobility officially held a 45% network share of all fixed charging locations across the country. The company had 222 of the 492 EV charging hubs. As for charging points, ACMobility accounted for 542 of the total 1,246, good for 43.5%.

PHOTO BY ACMobility

“Our goal at ACMobility is to help drive the Philippines’ shift to electric mobility by making EV charging accessible where people live, work, play, and travel,” said ACMobility head of mobility infrastructure Carla Buencamino. “Through the Philippine EV Spine, we are committed to connecting the archipelago with charging hubs that will enable Filipinos to charge anywhere, drive everywhere with EVs.”

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As BYD boomed in the Philippines, ACMobility capitalized by steadily expanding its charging infrastructure, a decision that has, in more ways than one, proven to be correct. It was also one of the reasons the company was able to push its ‘Drive Electric. Love Pilipinas.’ campaign.

“By making EV charging accessible to owners of all vehicle brands and types, we are optimizing our infrastructure to power the country’s growing EV community,” added Buencamino. “We hope to encourage more Filipinos to embrace electric mobility so they can enjoy a more cost-effective and sustainable transport option.”

PHOTO BY ACMobility

While this isn’t the craziest Modellista build we’ve seen, the kit offers an elevated look that is sure to catch a few glances. It doesn’t stray too far from the last dressed-up Land Cruiser we saw in 2021, but the devil is in the details.

Toyota Land Cruiser 2027: Modellista parts and accessories

PHOTO BY Modellista

Toyota Land Cruiser Modellista bodykit:

• Front spoiler
• Rear bumper spoiler
• Roof spoiler with a winglet
• Side-step metal plate
• Rear bumper step guard
• 20-inch forged alloy wheels
• IR protection film
• LED foot lights
• LED luggage lights

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The updated fascia looks almost similar to the build from 2021, albeit with a few more blacked-out touches. However, take a closer look around the sides, and you’ll notice the emphasized fender flares that give it a taller stance.

PHOTO BY Modellista

Right below them are those new 20-inch alloys, and they are probably our favorite part of the build. The six-spoke design with the black and polished finish is a bit tame for Modellista standards, but it still has a strong modern and futuristic impression. A similar finish can be found on the added side steps by the doors.

Rounding out the kitted Land Cruiser is a pair of new spoilers around the back. One is mounted above the tailgate while the other sits on the rear bumper. Together, they give the Land Cruiser some extra length, while adding a bit more substance to the rear end. Lastly, those additional lights should be helpful when parked in darker environments.

What do you think of the 2027 Modellista Land Cruiser? Sound off in the comments section.

More photos of the 2027 Modellista Toyota Land Cruiser:

PHOTO BY Modellista

PHOTO BY Modellista

PHOTO BY Modellista

PHOTO BY Modellista

PHOTO BY Modellista

PHOTO BY Modellista

PHOTO BY Modellista

PHOTO BY Modellista

As a refresher, the specific variant coming to our shores is the Monjaro EM-i Luxury. It has a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and dual electric motors (comprised of a permanent-magnet synchronous motor and an induction motor) producing a combined output of 410hp and 723Nm of torque, delivering power to all four wheels.

PHOTO BY Geely

The LTO papers confirm that the Monjaro can charge its battery from 20% to 100% in 4.2 hours using an AC charger, while DC charging can top up the battery from 30% to 80% in just 15 minutes. The documents also list a maximum speed of 190kph and an electric-only range of 116km. 

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This information matches the Monjaro’s specs abroad, which list the combined range at 1,095km. Furthermore, the e-AWD system packs some light trail capability with terrain and driving modes such as Off-Road, Sand, Snow, Power, Hybrid, and Pure—all of which can be selected depending on the scenario. 

PHOTO BY Geely

Meanwhile, driver aids to be expected include adaptive cruise control, intelligent cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, lane-change assist, blind-spot detection, and a 540-degree panoramic view. Additional things to look forward to are ventilated and massage seats for the first row. 

We’ll confirm more details when Geely officially launches the Monjaro EM-i in October. In the meantime, what do you think of this new PHEV offering? Let us know in the comments. 

It’s been 20 years since the original Cars movie came out. If you remember, Dinoco was shown as the premier sponsor of the Piston Cup racing series, with reigning champion The King as the team’s veteran race car. In the film, McQueen dreamed of winning the championship to finally leave the Rust-eze camp and gain Dinoco’s sponsorship and the fame that came with it.

PHOTO BY Crocs

Ultimately, McQueen chose to stick with Rust-eze even though Dinoco’s boss, Tex Dinoco, offered him a deal at the end of the race. With this special release, Crocs gives McQueen an alternate reality where he gets to live out his old Dinoco dream...sort of. 

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The clogs feature a race-ready McQueen in Dinoco Blue. The brand’s dinosaur logo is placed on the front, while its name appears on the heel and the strap. McQueen’s racing number 95 can be seen on the side along with a blue lightning-bolt design outlined in red. The top halves of the wheels are also visible from the side, while the spoiler doubles as the heel strap. 

PHOTO BY Crocs

Based on the Crocband Clogs, the Lightning McQueen Dinoco edition is water-resistant and has holes that you can plug with Jibbitz (small rubber accessories) that let you further customize the shoe. The pair costs USD74.99 (around P4,704) and is available in both kids’ and adult sizes. As of writing, these clogs are only available in the US, Australia, and Malaysia, but stock could arrive in the Philippines soon, as it did with the previous Cars collaboration and the Oracle Red Bull Racing collaboration.

What do you think of this new collab? Is it a ‘Kachow’ or a Ka-don’t? 

More photos of the Crocs Lightning McQueen Dinoco Crocband Clogs: 

PHOTO BY Crocs

PHOTO BY Crocs

PHOTO BY Crocs

PHOTO BY Crocs

Organized by Red Bull in partnership with Disney+ and ESPN, the event took place on a purpose-built circuit in Silverstone. The 101-kart lineup was a sight to behold, and to capture all the action, drones were used along with the trackside cameras. The whole question of the challenge was “Can Max overtake all 100 drivers ahead of him?” And as you will see, it didn’t take long for carnage to ensue. 

PHOTO BY ESPN on YouTube

The challenge was set for 30 laps with a maximum duration of 75 minutes. To make things even more fun, a proximity chat feature was added to the drivers’ intercom devices, allowing Max to communicate with the other competitors and the commentary team. The entire setup gave the challenge a video-game-like feel, right down to the design of the leaderboard tower. 

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The Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 driver returns to the track on September 26 at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. If you want to watch his most recent go-kart outing, grab some popcorn and check out the full challenge below.

Watch: Max Verstappen vs 100 go-karts around Silverstone

PHOTO BY ESPN on YouTube

PHOTO BY ESPN on YouTube

PHOTO BY ESPN on YouTube

At the same time, the Chinese carmaker is including a couple of its newer offerings in the promotion, namely, the plug-in hybrid EX5 EM-i and the fully electric EX2. These offers are available until September 30, 2026, and interested buyers can visit their local Geely dealership to learn more.

Geely PH discounts: September 2026

PHOTO BY Geely

• Geely GX3 Pro S MT – P60,000 (savings); P669,000 (promotional price)
• Geely Emgrand Luxury – P250,000 (savings); P699,000 (promotional price)
• Geely GX3 Pro Comfort – P60,000 (savings); P739,000 (promotional price)
• Geely Coolray Comfort Plus – P200,000 (savings); P789,000 (promotional price)
• Geely Coolray Premium Plus – P200,000 (savings); P849,000 (promotional price)
• Geely EX2 Pro – P50,000 (savings); P888,000 (promotional price)
• Geely Coolray Sport Plus – P200,000 (savings); P949,000 (promotional price)
• Geely Coolray Sport Plus (LG) – P200,000 (savings); P979,000 (promotional price)
• Geely EX2 Max – P50,000 (savings); P988,000 (promotional price)
• Geely Okavango Elite – P280,000 (savings); P1,088,000 (promotional price)
• Geely EX5 EM-i Pro – P50,000 (savings); P1,238,000 (promotional price)
• Geely EX5 EM-i Max – P70,000 (savings); P1,398,000 (promotional price)
• Geely EX5 Max – P130,000 (savings); P1,669,000 (promotional price)

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Notably, the EX5 EM-i has been Geely’s most popular model this year. The electrified crossover has helped the carmaker solidify its spot as the second best-selling plug-in hybrid brand in the country as of June 2026, among members of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI).

In terms of overall sales, Geely sits in 12th place with 2,464 units sold so far. The data was taken from the CAMPI sales report for the first half of the year.

PHOTO BY Adrian Spencer Yu

To commemorate the nameplate, the Japanese motorcycle brand has revealed the new Honda RS 125 Final Edition. Only 20,000 units of these will be built, and they’ll only be available until March 2028.

PHOTO BY Honda Philippines

The RS 125 has been a staple in the Honda stable, amassing over 350,000 cumulative sales in the years it was sold in the market. Honda says the model continues to perform well, sales-wise, but axing it also marks the brand’s transition “into a new era of innovation, enabling a more efficient and future-ready lineup, optimizing resources for next-generation products, and creating greater opportunities for future model expansion to meet evolving customer needs and market trends.”

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This Final Edition model sees no mechanical changes, so it stil lgets a 125cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that puts out 9.55hp at 7,500rpm and 9.55Nm of torque at 6,500rpm. The fuel-injected, four-stroke powertrain is paired with a four-speed manual gearbox. The bike comes equipped with a front disc brake and rear drum brake, and has a 3.9-liter fuel tank.

Two color options for the Honda RS 125 Final Edition are available: Matte Axis Gray Metallic and Pearl Sylvestris Gray. Either color comes with the same P77,000 price tag. What do you think of this limited-run model, riders?

PHOTO BY Honda Philippines

Along with the two hybrid models, an ‘entry-level’ GX variant (pictured below) will also roll out; however, it will be equipped with a familiar diesel-powered 3.3-liter twin-turbo mill. Moreover, buyers can also configure the higher-end ZX and GR Sport with the same turbodiesel engine.

PHOTO BY Toyota

Overall, this Land Cruiser release should shape up into a healthy roster, and we can’t help but think that our market could also benefit from more variants. After all, it is an exciting time for the Land Cruiser nameplate. With the new hybrid version, the diesel-powered LC300 is still available, along with a pair of smaller FJ models. And we can’t forget about the Prado.

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While we already have five LCs to choose from, adding the hybrid LC300 GR Sport adds more flair to the lineup. Like the FJs, it wears an athletic Toyota grille on an imposing LC300 silhouette. At the same time, the blacked-out wheels and monochrome shell make it seem like the car is shuttling overlanders and adventurers, not just VIPs.

A meaner look also sounds more suitable for the most powerful production LC ever made. Remember, it sports a larger 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 to complement its single-motor hybrid system. Between 409hp and 650Nm of torque from the engine, and 48hp and 250Nm from the motor, this hybrid LC could definitely use another flavor. Alternatively, a more affordable diesel Land Cruiser wouldn’t be too bad either. Here’s to wishful thinking.

PHOTO BY Toyota

After Mazda Philippines’ recent launch of the CX-5 HEV, its self-charging hybrid, the company seems to be looking to enter the plug-in hybrid crossover space next. The CX-80 PHEV uses an e-Skyactiv powertrain comprising a 2.5-liter inline-four gasoline engine and a single electric motor hooked to a 17.8kWh lithium-ion battery. The system makes a combined 323hp and 500Nm of torque, and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. 

PHOTO BY Mazda

The CX-80 carries over Mazda’s Kodo design language with smooth, flowing body lines throughout the exterior. The front fascia wears a large grille and the brand’s signature horizontal LED headlights, while the rear has a protruding, curved liftgate, similar to what we see on the CX-5 and CX-90. Size-wise, the crossover measures 4,990mm long, 1,890mm wide, and 1,714mm tall, and sits on 20-inch alloy wheels. 

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As for the interior, the CX-80 has three rows and seats six to seven occupants. The cabin is finished in Nappa leather upholstery and features ventilated seats for the first and second row. There’s also a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and depending on the spec, the crossover could have a 12-speaker Bose sound system. 

Mazda Philippines has not publicized an official launch date for the CX-80 PHEV. We’ll keep you posted as we learn more. In the meantime, what are your thoughts on the CX-80? Let us know in the comments. 

PHOTO BY Mazda

That’s something that the government is looking to (partially) address with its new project under the Department of Public Works and Highways: A water basin in Manila City.

PHOTO BY DPWH

Specifically, this water basin is located at Rajah Sulayman Park in Malate. To those familiar with the city’s layout but not with the said park, this is by the plaza between Malate Church and Roxas Boulevard.

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The water basin is in close proximity to Manila Bay. The DPWH says the amount of water this can hold is equivalent to one and a half Olympic-sized swimming pools, which, in theory, should help mitigate some of the floods in the area. The agency says it is also in the process of upgrading its drainage systems and pumping stations to further help with the recurring floods plaguing the city.

Thoughts on this project, readers? Do you think this will prove useful in the future?

PHOTO BY DPWH

Runners can take advantage of the watch’s Professional Running Coach feature, which monitors lactate threshold heart rate monitoring, pace targets, posture analysis, and real-time AI voice guidance. Meanwhile, racket-sport athletes can use the Badminton Professional Mode, which records and provides detailed information on your swing count, swing speed, shot power, stroke types, as well as forehand and backhand ratios. 

PHOTO BY Honor Philippines

For outdoor activities, the Watch 6 uses Honor’s AccuTrack System that has a new GNSS chip with dual-band GPS technology for precise location positioning. There’s also a 980mAh battery with up to 35 days of life for “long-endurance scenarios” in Power Saving Mode, and up to 17 days for normal use. 

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Other features include the 1.46-inch display with up to 3,000 nits of brightness, a Wet Touch Control feature to keep the screen responsive in the rain or when sweat builds up, as well as Body Energy Assessment, which analyzes heart rate, heart-rate variability, sleep, and stress to help assess exercise and recovery options. 

PHOTO BY Honor Philippines

“We designed the Honor Watch 6 to be a versatile companion for people who move in different ways, whether they are training seriously or simply staying active every day,” said Honor Philippines vice president Stephen Cheng. “With specialized features for different types of training, the Honor Watch 6 gives users more ways to track their performance and push their limits.”

The Honor Watch 6 stickers for P13,999, and is available in the brand’s physical stores or through official online channels. Do you see the Honor Watch 6 being your new daily fitness tracker? 

Like the RAV4, the CR-V, the Tucson, the X-Trail, and the Forester, the Sportage also has both heritage and a new electrified powertrain. We jokingly suggested that once we reveal the winner, the Korean crossover should make a grand entrance as a surprise competitor or a wildcard. We were kidding, but we knew the Kia’s hybrid crossover could be a heavy hitter.

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

Top Gear Philippines executive editor Sharleen Banzon got to try it out in South Korea, while fellow staff writer Angelo Nieto took it for a spin on local roads. On both occasions, it certainly showed promise. Cut to the present, and we finally have a chance to put the returning Sportage through its paces.

Styling

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

This generation of the Sportage debuted just as the nameplate exited the Philippines in 2021. While it’s now five years old, a 2024 facelift has kept it shiny and fresh, and will continue to do so for years to come.

With the Sportage, we see the benefit of more avant-garde designs. If the wider tiger-face grille and the sharper headlights looked a bit too niche in 2024, they fit right in right now. The sportier elements, too, are still in fashion, especially the slicked-back roofline and the curved spoiler.

The six-spoke 18-inch wheels are unmistakably Kia and further elevate the Sportage’s distinct look and feel. There are also metallic accents and the blacked-out garnishes, and it might sound like a lot on paper, but Kia has managed to keep the overall impression neat—while still looking fast, of course.

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Interior

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

Sadly, the interior doesn’t have as much personality as the exterior. This top-of-the-line SX variant is outfitted in muted blue-and-black leather, and the drab colors can’t match the beautiful Heritage Blue paint job on the exterior.

This is definitely where the Sportage shows its age—but with those years come wisdom. Ergonomics are deeply commendable, as the 12.3-inch display is angled ever so slightly toward the driver for optimal accessibility, while still giving the front passenger a decent viewing angle and easy access.

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

Under those gloomy colors are decent cushioning and support, which make the Sportage generally comfortable. It should remain that way on long drives, but I did feel a bit cramped in the driver’s seat. There isn’t much headroom, and the lack of a sunroof makes the cockpit feel a bit confined. Interestingly, that isn’t the case in the second row, where the roofline rises and passengers get more real estate.

The layout of the cabin is also notably intuitive. There are USB-C ports smartly positioned throughout, along with bag hooks behind the front seats. The two-spoke steering wheel is equipped with tactile buttons, while the control bar has all functions neatly laid out. While I generally do not like touch-sensitive controls, the ease of use made it forgivable in this case.

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

What is less forgivable is the huge rotary gear selector. It takes up an inordinate amount of space, and I can’t help but think that a traditional gearshift would’ve looked better—while also taking up less of the center console. And while we did have the range-topping SX variant, there was a row of blank buttons next to the rotary, which suggests some features didn’t make it to our market. It’s a bit of a disappointment to look at, but the lively eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system alleviates some pain points.

In terms of cargo space, the Sportage should be able to accommodate around 580 liters. That should be good for about three to four small pieces of luggage, or backpacks and duffels for all five passengers. The tonneau cover is a nice touch, too.

Powertrain performance

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

Dull cabin aside, the Sportage’s performance is a better match to its cool, sporty look. Its spirited hybrid powertrain comprises a single electric motor, a 1.49kWh battery, and a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine. While some may scoff at its lower displacement, it can deliver its 232hp and 367Nm of torque in a peppy fashion.

However, the Sportage needs some taming, as a heavy foot can incur a jerk or a worrisome rush of speed. After familiarizing myself with the six-speed automatic gearbox, it was mostly smooth sailing—until Sport mode beckoned and the drive hinted at how it could get responsibly reckless. The entire car feels much looser as power delivery quickens up with the lightest of taps on the throttle.

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

There’s even a polite roar from the 1.6-liter mill as you step on the accelerator with more urgency. This is not a common occurrence in an electrified vehicle, and it’s something that elicits a satisfied smile.

While that will definitely hurt fuel economy, the Sportage generally returned 14-15km/L in mixed use. Kia claims it is able to exceed the 20km/L mark, and that should be very doable with more highway driving in the mix. Overall, I can see most drivers just leaving it in Eco mode, as it is already very snappy in that setting and should also benefit fuel consumption.

Ride and handling

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

While I did say the cabin can feel cramped, truthfully, that also makes the driving experience much more immersive. Thanks to the compact space and great ergonomics, I felt integrated into the vehicle. I’ll even go out on a limb and say that the Sportage’s ride is almost luxurious.

With great power response comes great driving dynamics, and this is where the Kia’s crossover punches way above its weight class. Its most surprising asset is the suspension, which handles minor potholes and road imperfections with grace. While I wasn’t spared from the initial impact from a bad speed bump, the Sportage left little to no residual vibrations or oscillations. Body roll was also minimal in my experience, but I didn’t exactly go through any twisties.

Coupled with great NVH, the crossover delivers a planted and sturdy ride throughout the city and on the highway. Steering is also prompt and properly weighted, but Kia could improve overall visibility. On a few occasions, I found myself needing to stretch my neck to see over the lower corners of the windshield, and the side mirrors obstructed the A-pillar quarter windows.

Extra features

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

While we’re on the topic of visibility, now is probably the best time to mention that the top-spec Sportage Turbo Hybrid SX does not have front- and side-facing cameras. Yes, I am serious. Given that more affordable crossovers have surround-view cameras, the lack of one here is a massive letdown. That’s not to say that a 360-degree camera system is a necessity—it isn’t—but it’s weird not to have this feature on a top-of-the-line variant in 2026.

The Sportage does come standard with a rearview camera and additional parking sensors up front. Also included is a rather comprehensive suite of Kia DriveWise advanced driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot collision warning, and autonomous emergency braking. A wireless charging pad and Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto eliminates the need to use a phone cable.

There is also a spare tire tucked away in the rear cargo area. Some of you may argue that this is more important than 360-degree cameras, but that’s a debate for another day.

Verdict

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

The Kia Sportage Turbo Hybrid SX overdelivers on most aspects, but disappoints in a few crucial areas. This would have made it a very interesting competitor had it been included in our five-way comparo. I don’t doubt that it could issue a strong argument against any of the cars in that Big Test, especially with its price.

This particular Sportage stickers for P2.098 million, undercutting all other crossovers in our test group. At that asking price, it becomes easier to overlook some shortcomings (maybe except for those additional cameras), and suddenly, its superb ride and drive become more desirable.

Ultimately, the Sportage excels in the most important aspects—driving, efficiency, and design. At the same time, most of my complaints can be down to personal preference. I won’t judge anyone who likes the rotary shifter—we’re all just people with different tastes.

SPECS: 2027 Kia Sportage Turbo Hybrid SX

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

Price: P2,098,000 
Powertrain: 1.6-liter turbocharged engine + single electric motor
Power: 232hp
Torque: 367Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Layout: front-wheel drive
Seating: 5
Score: 9/10

More photos of the 2027 Kia Sportage Turbo Hybrid SX:

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

PHOTO BY Billy Caluag

In a recent statement, LTO chief Markus V. Lacanilao recommended that the driver of the 918 should have his license revoked, as he is still liable for operating a vehicle with illegal plates.

PHOTO BY Bureau of Customs PH Facebook Page

“Malinaw ang paglabag ng drayber ng supercar na ito. Mahigpit po tayo laban sa paggamit ng peke o hindi awtorisadong plaka,” said Lacanilao. “Ginagawa lang naman natin ito upang matiyak na tama at legal ang pagkakakilanlan ng bawat sasakyan sa kalsada.”

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If you recall, the 918 in question was first apprehended due to illegal plates, and its misdeclared importation was only uncovered later on. The vehicle was then turned over to the Bureau of Customs, where it is still impounded under a “held in abeyance” status.

PHOTO BY Bureau of Customs PH Facebook Page

The vehicle’s owner had already surrendered his license along with his car, but the driver was left out of the following proceedings. However, he has not been forgotten, and the LTO believes that he is also the owner of the fake plates, as they bear his initials.

Now, the owner and the driver are called to appear at the LTO to explain their side of the issue and submit other required documents. As for the 918 Spyder? Customs has yet to comment on the fate of this rare supercar.

Look: LTO recommends that Porsche 918 Spyder driver has license revoked

PHOTO BY Beep

We’ve seen various limited-edition beep cards featuring unique Philippine culture and art, from Baybayin-inspired designs and art prints of Juan Luna’s Spoliarium and Una Bulaqueña to recent collabs with the Supreme Court and One Ayala. The latest design for the transport card is a collaboration with Railfans PH, highlighting the different trains you can ride in Metro Manila. The limited-edition Railfans PH x beep Card is a special co-branded card designed for rail enthusiasts, regular commuters, and collectors alike who want to own a piece of railway history.

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Railfans of the Philippines is a nonprofit organization for railway news, advocacies, and commuter-focused updates for the Philippine railway transport community, according to the group’s Facebook page.

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

The new limited-edition beep card features a unique design inspired by the passion and community of Filipino railfans combined with the convenience of beep functionality. The design features various trains currently serving commuters. While we’re not 100% certain of the exact train models shown in the series, based on photos we’ve seen online and trains we’ve ridden, some are instantly recognizable. There’s the distinctive yellow-and-purple train of the LRT-2, while the middle train shows the original MRT-3 trains with royal blue, red, and white livery.

The unique design was originally launched in October 2025. Initially, only 1,000 cards were made available, with no second release expected. At the time, 30% of proceeds were meant to be donated to families affected by recent calamities.

In case you weren’t able to snag one then, the transport card recently made a comeback, with beep announcing its availability in online shops this September 2026.

Where can you use beep cards?

PHOTO BY Light Rail Manila Corporation

This works like any other regular beep card. You can use this for contactless fare payment on participating beep transport systems, including Manila’s elevated railways, P2P buses, and select PUVs nationwide. Beep cards can also be used to pay at participating retail establishments, like Uncle John’s and Lawson.

Where to buy the limited-edition beep card

The card is available on Beep’s official online stores:

• Lazada
• Shopee

Take note that stocks are limited and may sell out.

How much does the Railfans PH x beep Card cost?

You can get the Railfans PH x beep card for  P600 through Shopee and Lazada. However, like most limited-edition beep cards, these don’t come pre-loaded and will not be sold on-site at train stations. 

The card also seems to be available directly through Railfans’ website under the product section. It’s available for preorders at a slightly lower price of P500.

While you can easily ride the trains with single-journey tickets or regular beep cards, it never hurts to have a uniquely designed beep card that can be easy to spot and reload for seamless trips.

Personally, I like to collect reloadable transport cards when I travel abroad (like regional IC cards in Japan, Taiwan’s Easycard, and Singapore’s EZ-Link with unique designs), since I can always use them again for future trips. I’ve added a few unique Philippine-themed beep card designs to my beep card collection, and this looks like a worthy addition, whether or not I end up using it for commuting.