Cars
Meet the Mitsubishi Destinator
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines is adding a new player to its SUV lineup this November with the arrival of the all-new Destinator—a turbocharged, seven-seat crossover designed to bridge the gap between the Xforce and the Montero Sport. The official launch happens on November 20 at Ayala Malls Manila Bay, followed by a weekend test drive event at the Aseana City Concert Grounds.
First seen in LTO documents and now confirmed by Mitsubishi, the Destinator will be offered in two variants—GLS and GT—both powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged MIVEC engine that makes 163 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. This engine uses an Atkinson combustion cycle and a water-cooled intercooler for better fuel efficiency. Power is sent to the front wheels through a CVT, with Mitsubishi’s Active Yaw Control system offering five selectable drive modes: Normal, Tarmac, Wet, Gravel, and Mud.
The new SUV measures 4,680mm long, 1,840mm wide, and 1,780mm tall, riding on a 2,815mm wheelbase. It borrows design cues from the Xforce, including the upright Dynamic Shield front fascia, T-shaped LED lighting, and 18-inch wheels wrapped in 225/55R18 tires. A first for Mitsubishi in this segment, it also features a panoramic sunroof and a layered honeycomb grille topped with a transparent acrylic panel. The rear styling continues Mitsubishi’s new design language with its Hexaguard Horizon motif.
Inside, Mitsubishi has yet to detail the local specs, but global models feature an 8-inch fully digital gauge cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, dual-zone climate control with roof-mounted vents, 64-color ambient lighting, and USB ports all the way to the third row. The cabin also includes a Yamaha-tuned Dynamic Sound Premium audio system, an electronic parking brake with auto hold, and a power tailgate.
Perhaps the biggest highlight is the debut of Mitsubishi Connect, the brand’s in-car telematics platform that allows owners to monitor and control select vehicle functions through a mobile app—marking its first use in the Philippine market.
Mitsubishi is positioning the Destinator as a stylish yet practical SUV for Filipino families who want tech-driven comfort with a touch of sportiness. Interested buyers can get a first look at the Destinator at the Ring Garden in Ayala Malls Manila Bay starting November 20, and take it for a spin during the public test drives running until November 23.
Nissan Philippines will launch the all-new Kicks e-POWER on August 28 at the Glorietta Palm Drive Activity Center in Makati City.
The electrified crossover will headline a three-day public event where visitors can inspect the vehicle and take it for a test drive. Activities will run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The launch follows the Kicks e-POWER’s public preview at the Philippine International Motor Show. Nissan also opened reservations for the new model last month.
The latest Kicks receives a redesigned exterior, new cabin technology and updates to its electrified powertrain. Nissan has yet to release the complete Philippine specifications, variant lineup and prices. These are expected to be announced during the launch.
Its e-POWER system uses a gasoline engine to generate electricity for the battery. An electric motor drives the wheels, which gives the Kicks acceleration and response similar to a battery electric vehicle without the need for external charging.
“At Nissan, our current focus is on expanding our powertrain lineup to provide options that fit the different lifestyles of our customers,” Nissan Philippines President Yoshinori Kanazawa said.
“Following its public debut at the Philippine International Motor Show, we are excited to give even more customers the opportunity to experience it up close and discover its features, technology and electrified driving experience for themselves.”
The new Kicks will appear as part of the Nissan Intelligent Mobility Tour. The event will also feature the Patrol, Terra, Navara and X-Trail e-POWER.
Visitors may test-drive the participating models, including the recently introduced X-Trail e-POWER. Nissan will also offer event-exclusive deals, although details will be announced at the venue.
The Kicks e-POWER entered the Philippine market in 2022 and became one of Nissan’s main electrified models in the country. Unlike a conventional hybrid, its gasoline engine does not directly power the wheels.
Prices and final specifications for the new model will be among the main details to watch when Nissan formally unveils it on August 28.
Mazda Philippines has launched the all-new 2027 Mazda CX-5, with the third-generation compact SUV entering the market as a hybrid for the first time.
The CX-5 is initially available in a single 2.5L AWD HEV Premium Plus variant priced at P2.495 million. A front-wheel-drive hybrid version will follow next year.
Its new 2.5-liter e-Skyactiv-G engine works with Mazda’s hybrid system to produce 181 PS and 242 Nm of torque. Power goes through a recalibrated six-speed automatic transmission and the i-Activ all-wheel-drive system.
Mazda also revised the suspension with softer springs, retuned dampers and adjusted anti-roll bars. The steering and pedal response were recalibrated to give the driver lighter control and more predictable feedback.
The new CX-5 is 115 mm longer, 15 mm wider and 30 mm taller than the previous model. Its wheelbase has grown by 115 mm to 2,815 mm, which gives rear passengers an additional 64 mm of knee room and 29 mm of headroom.
Rear door openings are also 70 mm wider. Mazda extended the cargo floor by about 45 mm so larger pieces of luggage can be stored upright.
The exterior retains the CX-5’s familiar shape but adopts a higher nose, slim lighting units and a revised version of Mazda’s Signature Wing. Black metallic 19-inch wheels, gloss-black lower cladding, linear LED taillights and a hands-free power tailgate come as standard.
Buyers can choose from six colors, including the new Navy Blue Mica. The other choices are Soul Red Crystal, Rhodium White, Machine Gray, Jet Black and Aero Gray.
The cabin features Sports Tan Nappa leather seats, Japanese Sen wood trim, a panoramic sunroof and seven-color ambient lighting. Both front seats are powered and ventilated, while the driver’s seat has two memory settings.
A new 15.6-inch touchscreen controls the infotainment and several vehicle functions. It is paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a windshield-projected head-up display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.
Safety equipment includes six airbags, a 360-degree camera and Mazda’s i-Activsense driver assistance package. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring and front and rear automatic braking are included.
Mazda Philippines President and CEO Steven Tan said the larger cabin, updated technology and revised ride were designed to make the CX-5 more practical without losing the driving character associated with the model.
The P2.495-million price includes a three-year bumper-to-bumper warranty and a complimentary five-year service plan.
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. has returned to the plug-in hybrid segment with the launch of the all-new Outlander PHEV, its new flagship SUV.
The sole GT AWD PHEV variant carries a suggested retail price of P2.848 million. An introductory price of P2.749 million applies to reservations and vehicle releases made until 30 September 2026.
Its powertrain combines a 2.4-liter MIVEC gasoline engine with electric motors at the front and rear. The system produces 306 PS and 450 Nm of torque.
A 22.7-kWh battery gives the Outlander PHEV a claimed electric range of up to 100 kilometers. The gasoline engine and 53-liter fuel tank extend its combined driving range to almost 1,000 kilometers.
Owners can recharge through an AC Type 2 connection. The SUV can also continue operating as a hybrid when a charging station is not available.
Four EV control settings let the driver manage the powertrain. Normal mode balances engine and electric operation, while Save holds the current battery charge. Charge uses the gasoline engine to replenish the battery, and EV Priority favors electric power.
Its twin-motor layout works with Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control system. S-AWC coordinates the four-wheel-drive system, Active Yaw Control, anti-lock brakes, stability control and traction control.
Seven drive modes are available. Normal, Eco and Power adjust the vehicle’s response for regular driving, while Tarmac, Gravel, Snow and Mud tune power delivery and traction for different surfaces.
The exterior carries Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield front design, full LED lighting and 20-inch two-tone alloy wheels. The five-seat cabin gets light gray leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof and eight-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation.
A 12.3-inch infotainment display supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other equipment includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, head-up display, smart rearview mirror, wireless phone charger, triple-zone climate control and an eight-speaker Yamaha premium sound system.
Safety equipment includes seven airbags, a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, forward collision mitigation, blind spot warning, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning and driver attention alert.
The Outlander PHEV is now available through Mitsubishi dealerships nationwide in White Diamond, Red Diamond and Black Diamond.
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