The convertible kei was released next to a slew of other compact cars
Exciting times for the world’s biggest automaker
Toyota is cooking up something pretty big. For the last few weeks, the world's biggest automaker has been releasing cryptic teasers with next to no context whatsoever. It's something different from the brand, and it's making us very curious.
More retro-inspired concepts for the work van
Yes, the Toyota Lite Ace is a commercial vehicle that isn't exactly designed with the family in mind, at least locally. We don't even get the passenger version that's available abroad, and that's despite clamor for it here.
Hot off the heels of the electrified Daihatsu Rocky launched at GIIAS 2025
At the ongoing 2025 Gaikindo Indonesia International Motor Show, Daihatsu unveiled its locally made Rocky subcompact crossover, now configured with an e-Smart Hybrid powertrain.For the uninitiated, the Daihatsu Rocky is sold as the Toyota Raize in our market, and as
by Billy Caluag
It’s got pretty interesting mods
The Toyota Wigo goes by many names. Its true origins lie in the Daihatsu Ayla, but it's also known as the Toyota Agya, and the Malaysian market even has its own version called the Perodua Axia. But regardless of the badge
Those sliding doors are a bonus, too
Despite not being sold outside of Japan, the appeal of the kei car to worldwide audiences has always been there. Sure, they're primarily for the tight streets of Japan, but these tiny cars are more sensible than they appear, as well
Is it still a surprise?
Even though total sales tallies from other automakers aren't in yet, Toyota is already at the top of the charts following its year-end review. With Lexus included, the Japanese automaker sold 10,159,366 vehicles worldwide.That doesn't even
Could it be?
At the moment, it's the Chinese who have the majority of the affordable electric vehicle market in the Philippines. There are the mini-evs such as Jetour Ice Cream, as well as subcompact models like the Dongfeng Nanobox and the recently
It rocks the off-roader look well, too
The Toyota Raize is a lot of things to a lot of people. For some, it's a great daily car that's great on fuel and light to drive. For others, they see its aftermarket potential.Toyota, along with its affiliate
A few familiar models in the list, too
We're pretty much familiar with the top-ten best-selling cars in the country. It's almost to a point wherein we can list them down in order without looking at a master file.But we're curious minds here at
Daihatsu-developed Toyotas include the Wigo, the Raize, and the Yaris Cross
You may have read about the issues Daihatsu was embroiled in several months ago, after a whistleblower report and subsequent investigation revealed 'procedural irregularities' in its conduct and reporting of crash tests. We have a full explainer of the saga here, but
A major shakeup
It's no secret that Daihatsu is facing a tough time right now. Over the course of a year, several procedural issues were uncovered. Some of these date back to the mid-'00s, also affecting models that have since been discontinued.A
It’s been rough for the budget brand
Now is not a great time to be in Daihatsu. The year 2023 saw Toyota's budget brand be hit with one 'procedural misconduct' issue after another. And if that wasn't enough, the company had to suspend production in Japan following
PH-spec units were marked safe from the start
As you may have heard by now, Toyota and Daihatsu have suspended production of models that use the DNGA (Daihatsu New Global Architecture) platform. It includes models such as the Wigo, Raize, Avanza, Veloz, and Yaris Cross.This is due to 'safety
Simple and boxy
Small utility vans aren't exactly what one would call sexy or head-turning, but it does have a certain appeal. A prime example of that is the Toyota Lite Ace. Sure, it's purpose in life is to carry light loads
Here’s a preview of the lineup
Daihatsu's lineup for the upcoming Japan Mobility Show 2023 will run the gamut from sporty cars to utilitarian vehicles, but they have one thing in common: They're all adorable. And we mean that as a compliment, because the brand-and
It’s an EV concept, too
Even through the revived Toyota Lite Ace is a relatively new product in the Philippines, this particular generation isn't exactly all-new. This version of the LiteAce is also known as the Daihatsu Gran Max, and it's been around since
When will it arrive here?
In the current range of Toyota's subcompact seven-seater lineup, the Toyota Rush is the oldest model in the group. The Avanza received a comprehensive redesign in late 2021, while the Veloz has moved upmarket. That leaves the Rush as the
The Daihatsu version will be first
Among Toyota's three-row people carrier offerings, the Rush is the senior citizen of the group. The Avanza and Veloz were given a comprehensive redesign, while the all-new Innova is a total reboot. So, where does that leave the Rush?
A certification authority will still have to verify
Toyota's affiliate, Daihatsu has had it rough the past few months. The rigged test results from the all-new Vios and Wigo cast a dark cloud over the DNGA-based (Daihatsu New Global Architecture) vehicles. If that wasn't enough, the
The DNGA platform is giving Toyota headaches
A few weeks ago, Toyota subsidiary Daihatsu reported that some cars received modifications in an effort to boost crash test safety ratings. It came to light after a whistleblower from the company reported the practice. The affected models all rode on the
