The refreshed Toyota Innova has been launched in PH
“This is it. After weeks of waiting and speculating, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has finally launched the refreshed Innova. Let’s dive right in and take a closer look at the facelifted MPV.
“The tentative price list we released a while back actually checks out. For 2021, the Innova does get significant price bumps across the range. The gasoline variants, meanwhile, have indeed been cut from the lineup. In case you missed it, you can check out the updated price list below.”
2021 Toyota Innova
| Variant | Current SRP | New SRP | Price increase |
| 2.8 V Diesel AT* | P1,679,000 | P1,739,000 | P60,000 |
| 2.8 G Diesel AT* | P1,522,000 | P1,592,000 | P70,000 |
| 2.8 G Diesel MT* | P1,452,000 | P1,522,000 | P70,000 |
| 2.8 E Diesel AT | P1,320,000 | P1,355,000 | P35,000 |
| 2.8 E Diesel MT | P1,250,000 | P1,285,000 | P35,000 |
| 2.8 J Diesel MT | P1,146,000 | P1,186,000 | P40,000 |
*White Pearl color options are available for the V and G variants for an additional P15,000.
“The facelifted Innova gets only a few design tweaks, but they’re changes you’ll see right away. The front fascia has been made more macho thanks to a more pronounced grille, a bulkier bumper, and some added black plastic trim.
“In the top-spec V variants, the Innova gets a new gloss-black finish on the liftgate. However, only the G and E variants get the snazzy 16-inch two-tone alloy wheels. Other than that, no further changes can be seen on the exterior.”
The all-new Isuzu D-Max has been on PH shores
“Stoked for the upcoming launch of the all-new Isuzu D-Max? Well, here’s something to get you even more excited: The next-generation truck has been spotted in the Philippines.
“We recently came across photos of the pickup on cyberspace posted by a certain Cris Edward Khia. There were three trucks in the photoset, one of which was sporting a familiar maroon finish similar to the color option available with the current D-Max LS-A variants.
“The other truck had a gray finish, while the third one wore orange. The latter appears to be a new color option for the soon-to-be-launched pickup, and it’s also the one we’ve been seeing around the Internet ever since the vehicle made its global debut.”
Would the new Nissan NV300 be a good match for the Toyota Hiace?
“Look, the Nissan NV350 Urvan is one hell of a van. It’s capable, practical, and pretty established as a go-to people-hauler around these parts. But is it the top-of-mind-choice? Not really. That title still belongs to the Toyota Hiace. More so since the launch of the all-new version back in 2019.
“If Nissan wants to narrow the gap, we have an idea: The Japanese car manufacturer just revealed the new NV300 over in Europe, and it looks like the perfect van to take on the Hiace.
“Besides housing underneath it a 2.0-liter turbodiesel that can put out up to 170hp and 380Nm, the NV300’s hood also makes this Nissan look like a proper 2021 van. Don’t get us wrong—the Urvan isn’t ugly by any means. It’s just that the NV300, with its sleek, swept-back headlights, strong character lines, and modern overall appearance is much nicer to look at.”
Honda has fully unveiled the all-new HR-V
“If Honda Cars Philippines has plans on bringing this in, then the local crossover scene is about to get a lot more interesting.
“Honda has finally pulled the covers off of the all-new HR-V (unveiled as the Vezel in Japan), showing off some very clean styling decisions and a more rugged look versus the outgoing model.
“The first thing you’ll notice is a longer hood and a striking face featuring a minimalist— albeit large—grille flanked by aggressive headlights with daytime running lights. If this is a little too plain for your tastes, however, you have the choice of going with a more intricate mesh grille courtesy of the Urban or Casual style packs.”
Refreshed Ford Ranger variants have been launched in PH
“Ford Philippines has officially completed its first launch of the year: the refreshed Ranger. This is the same truck that was revealed in Thailand back in November 2020 alongside the new-look Everest.
“To be more specific, it’s the Ranger XLS, XLT, and Wildtrak variants that get the subtle design tweaks. The new trapezoidal grille—similar to the one fitted in the Ranger FX4—is now available in these variants.
“There are a few other changes, too. XLT variants get chrome accents on the grille along with some gloss black highlights on the mirrors, door handles, and fog lamp bezels. Wildtrak variants get ‘Saber’ accents on the grille and exterior gloss black touches all around. There are also new Wildtrak side decals and a 3D Wildtrak decal on the tailgate. The 4x4 Wildtrak variants, meanwhile, can be had with an OEM power roller shutter for the bed.”
Mitsubishi has revealed the all-new Outlander
“This is it: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has finally unveiled the all-new Outlander. Without further ado, let’s dive right in.
“The next-generation Outlander debuts with a more stylish front end featuring Mitsubishi’s signature Dynamic Shield design. Frankly, it now looks a lot more like the refreshed Montero Sport, which also gives the SUV a more uniform Mitsubishi-like design.
“Overall, it gets a more muscular appeal thanks to its boxier physique. It also gets more pronounced fenders and new (optional) 20-inch wheels that add to its brooding stance.
“The Outlander also boasts a premium interior with a dark cabin accentuated by a good dose of snazzy orange trim. All seven seats also sport orange contrast stitching. Other variants are available with an even classier white-clad interior with white quilted leather seats and a clean-looking dash.”
Kia has revealed the new K8 sporting the brand’s new logo
“Did Kia really need to revamp its brand? Chances are, some of you didn’t think so. Sure, overhauling a company’s look every once in a while is pretty standard practice in any industry. But, as they say, why tinker with something that ain’t broke?
“Well, the South Korean car manufacturer has just revealed the first product under the rebirthed Kia brand, and it should be more than enough to silence any doubters.
“This is the K8. It’s the first new model to sport the brand’s fancy redesigned logo, and Kia says it’s a sign of things to come—good things if we’re going by the look of it.
“If you aren’t a fan of the brand’s signature tiger-nose grille, look away now because the K8 features one of the most massive ones yet. It’s frameless and integrated with the front bumper, too, and flaunts a diamond pattern meant to showcase the light bouncing off the front end. Maybe it’s just the choice of color, but we see shades of Aston Martin here. Does anyone else agree?”
Check out the new Chevroley Bolt EUV and Bolt EV
“General Motors is finally done with all the teasers and has now pulled the wraps off the new Bolt. Or Bolts, rather.
“See, GM has unveiled two Bolt models: the Bolt EV and the Bolt EUV. The former is a redesigned version of the popular electric hatchback, while the latter is essentially the said hatchback in compact SUV guise.
“The EUV is six inches longer than the EV. But while the two use a similar architecture, GM says the designs are “unique” because no exterior sheet metal parts are shared between the two. The Bolt EUV has a more SUV-like physique with a center crease line that runs from the front fascia through the hood as well as roof rails up top. The Bolt EV has a more upright front fascia than before, plus some new front and rear lighting signatures.
“The differences here are merely aesthetic, though, because the specs and features of these two are basically the same. Both are powered by a single-motor drive unit that generates 200hp and 360Nm of torque. With a 65kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the Bolt EV boasts a maximum range of 416km on one full charge. The Bolt EUV can reach up to 402km with the same setup.”
Roush can get your Ford Mustang up to 775hp
“This is the most powerful ‘Stage 3’ Ford Mustang ever offered by storied modifier Roush Performance. It is big, mighty and really quite fast.
“There’s 750hp and 907Nm of good things, generated from a very supercharged 5.0-liter V8. Indeed, the supercharger has been upgraded, along with lots of professional cooling—bigger rad, auxiliary coolers, heat-extracting vents—along with a nice new performance exhaust. So applied, this Roush ’Stang is capable of accelerating from 0-60mph (97kph) in 3.6sec, cruise through a quarter-mile sprint in 11.2sec, and generate 1.07 g through the corners, “as measured on the skidpad.”
“‘But wait,’ we hear you cry, ‘the headline says 775hp!’ On top of this Stage 3 upgrade, there is the option of upgrading more, to get a sort of upgradiest ’Stang. There’s an optional power upgrade that slots in a direct-injection fuel pump and a high-flow intake system to liberate the additional 25 ponies. Boom. 775hp.”
Ford will go fully electric in 2030
“Ford is going all-in on electric. Who’d have thought it. A mere two days after Jaguar announced its master plan to only build electric cars by the end of the decade, Ford announces it’s plotting to do the same in Europe.
“We know, right? Mad coincidence. It’s almost as if massive CO2 fines are hanging over carmakers that don’t slash emissions, and internal-combustion bans loom on the horizon in Europe (and particularly the UK). Still, this is a bit of a ‘remember where you were when you heard the news’ moment in motoring history.
“If you’re in the US of A, your pickup trucks and Mustangs can rest a little easier, as Ford is only electrifying its European lineup. But this is still a major strategy shift. So far, the Mustang Mach-E is the carmaker’s sole electric offering. The wild seven-motor Mach-E 1400 isn’t in showrooms. Boo.
“Already, many of Ford’s core hatchbacks—like the Fiesta and the Puma—are sold with mild-hybrid 48V boosters. This momentum is only going one way: Ford says by mid-2026, 100% of its passenger vehicles in Europe will be zero-emissions capable, all-electric, or a plug-in hybrid.”
