Cars
DOUBLE DUTY
Toyota Motor Philippines has started retail sales of the ninth-generation Hilux, introducing a redesigned diesel lineup alongside the nameplate’s first battery-electric 4×4 variant.
The all-new pickup adopts Toyota’s “Cyber Sumo” design, combining the Hilux’s familiar muscular proportions with sharper details. C-shaped LED headlamps frame a wider honeycomb grille, while the rear receives updated lighting and a deck-side step for easier access to the cargo bed.
Each grade carries its own styling. The Conquest gets a rugged front bumper aimed at buyers who use their pickups for outdoor trips and overlanding, while the Hilux BEV uses an enclosed grille to improve aerodynamics and distinguish it from the diesel models.
All internal combustion engine variants retain Toyota’s 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV turbo-diesel engine. It produces 204 PS, with torque rated at 420 Nm for manual versions and up to 500 Nm for automatic models.
Toyota continues to use independent double wishbones at the front and a rigid rear axle with leaf springs. Higher variants gain ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, while the entry-level versions pair front discs with rear drums.
The V and Conquest grades now use electric power steering to reduce effort during parking and other low-speed maneuvers. The G and E variants retain hydraulic steering, which suits their more work-focused character.
At the top of the diesel range, the Conquest adds Multi-Terrain Select with settings for Dirt, Rock, Sand, Mogul and Mud. It also comes with an electronic parking brake, Auto Hold, a Panoramic View Monitor, seven airbags and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0.
The cabin receives a more modern dashboard and updated technology. Conquest and V models feature a 12.3-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while G and E variants use an 8-inch unit with wired smartphone connectivity.
Synthetic leather upholstery and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat give the Conquest a more SUV-like cabin. Similar equipment appears in the BEV, which also gets wireless charging and a Panoramic View Monitor.
The electric Hilux uses a dedicated ladder-frame chassis with added protection for its high-voltage battery and electric axle. A dual-motor system delivers a combined 196 PS, with 200 Nm from the front motor and 269 Nm from the rear.
Permanent electric all-wheel drive distributes power between the axles, while a 59.2-kWh lithium-ion battery provides up to 315 kilometers of range under the NEDC standard.
Owners receive a complimentary wall charger with home installation. The pickup supports AC Type 2 and DC CCS2 charging and can also use Toyota dealerships equipped with EV charging facilities in Metro Manila, Pampanga, Laguna, La Union, Batangas and Cebu.
Ground clearance reaches as much as 312 mm for the diesel variants and 287 mm for the BEV. Both powertrain choices are designed to preserve the Hilux’s ability to handle work, recreational driving and rough terrain.
Prices start at ₱1.772 million for the Hilux 2.8 4×2 E automatic and rise to ₱2.631 million for the 4×4 Conquest automatic with premium color. The sole Hilux BEV variant costs ₱2.990 million.
The expanded range gives buyers a choice between the long-distance flexibility and towing capability of diesel power and the quieter operation and immediate response of a fully electric drivetrain.
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.
