EV
MG S5 EV joins PH electric crossover field at P1.408M


MG Philippines has officially launched the S5 EV, its newest and most affordable fully electric crossover, with an introductory price of P1,408,888.
The regular suggested retail price is P1,448,888. The new model expands an electrified lineup that already includes hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles.


A rear-mounted electric motor sends 170hp and 250Nm of torque to the rear wheels. The S5 EV shares its platform with the previous MG 4, excluding the newer Urban version, and uses independent suspension at both ends.
Power comes from a 49kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. MG claims a driving range of up to 415 kilometers under the NEDC testing cycle.


The battery supports Type 2 AC charging at up to 7kW and CCS2 DC fast charging at up to 120kW. Under fast charging, the battery level can rise from 30 to 80 percent in 26 minutes.
Vehicle-to-load capability also allows the crossover to supply electricity to compatible appliances and equipment.
The S5 EV has a rounded body with checkered-flag LED daytime running lights and matching taillight graphics. Its rear lighting extends across much of the tailgate.
A split front grille uses active shutters to help reduce air resistance. Black 17-inch alloy wheels come with aerodynamic covers. MG lists a drag coefficient of 0.28.


The cabin has leather-and-fabric upholstery, a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and a 12.8-inch infotainment display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, while physical controls below the screen handle the climate settings.
Passengers get four USB-C ports, along with a USB-A connection near the rear-view mirror.
The MG Pilot driver-assistance package includes adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assistance, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and lane keeping assistance. A driver monitoring system is also fitted.
The S5 EV enters a growing electric crossover field that includes models such as the BYD Atto 3 and Toyota Urban Cruiser. Its introductory price gives MG another option for buyers considering a fully electric vehicle below the P1.5-million mark.
Cars
Hyundai sets 100-model rollout and 600-mile EREV debut


Hyundai Motor Company will launch or update more than 100 vehicles worldwide by 2030 as it pursues higher sales, broader electrification and stronger profits.
The product campaign includes at least 18 entries into new products or market segments. Seven vehicles are scheduled to arrive within the next eight months, led by the all-new Elantra, IONIQ 3, Tucson and Tucson Hybrid.


Hyundai will also introduce its first extended-range electric vehicle in the first half of 2027. The Santa Fe EREV will target more than 600 miles, or about 966 kilometers, of total range.
An EREV primarily uses an electric motor to drive the wheels, while an onboard power source can replenish the battery during longer journeys. Hyundai said this gives drivers an EV-like experience while easing concerns about range and access to chargers.


The Santa Fe EREV will be assembled at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama in the United States. Genesis will add an EREV sport utility vehicle with a targeted range of more than 640 miles in early 2027.
Hyundai aims to sell 5.55 million vehicles annually and secure six percent of the global market by 2030. Electrified models are expected to account for 60 percent of sales, up from 23 percent in 2025.


The company will add 1.27 million units to its annual manufacturing capacity. North America will receive the largest increase at 500,000 units, followed by India with 320,000, completely knocked down production sites with 250,000 and Korea with 200,000.
Hyundai is also looking at categories where it currently has limited representation. These include body-on-frame vehicles, a midsize pickup and light commercial vehicles.


Its N performance division will expand with more models as the company targets annual sales of 100,000 units by 2030.
Genesis, meanwhile, is preparing the GV90 flagship SUV and its first hybrid, the GV80 Hybrid. The luxury brand aims to reach 350,000 annual sales across more than 40 markets by the end of the decade.


Hyundai is increasing its investment in batteries, autonomous driving and robotics. Its internally developed battery cells are claimed to provide more than twice the output of its previous high-nickel cells while cutting charging time by 40 percent.
A new battery protection system will debut in the Genesis GV90. Called Thermal Runaway Protection, it is designed to prevent heat from spreading between cells if a battery fire occurs.
Hyundai will also begin delivering IONIQ 5 robotaxis to Waymo in the fourth quarter of 2026. Its first mass-produced software-defined vehicle with Level 2+ driving technology is due in 2028.
The company raised its 2030 operating profit margin target to more than nine percent. It recorded 95.2 trillion won in revenue and delivered two million wholesale units during the first half of 2026.
EV
iCAUR Brings Boxy Pair


Another Chinese automotive brand is preparing to enter the Philippine market, with iCAUR scheduled to make its local debut in October.
Omoda & Jaecoo Philippines will distribute the Chery-backed marque, which will begin its local campaign with two electrified SUVs. The V23 is a fully electric compact SUV, while the larger V27 uses a range-extended electric vehicle powertrain.


Both vehicles follow the upright, retro-inspired design that has become iCAUR’s signature. The brand calls its approach “Classic Never Fades,” with clean lines and restrained proportions used in place of more elaborate styling.
The V23 will serve as iCAUR’s all-electric offering. Overseas versions are available with different motor and battery configurations, but Philippine specifications have not been announced. The model is positioned globally as a compact lifestyle vehicle with the squared profile associated with traditional off-roaders.


The V27 will offer an alternative for buyers who want electric propulsion without relying entirely on charging stops. Its Golden REEV system uses an onboard gasoline engine to generate electricity and extend the vehicle’s driving range.


iCAUR’s global website currently lists the V23 as its “Boxy Lifestyle” model and describes the V27 as an all-round hybrid SUV. Local variants may have different equipment, performance figures and driving ranges.
The marque traces its roots to a collaboration involving Chery and SmartMi Technology, a company within Xiaomi’s technology ecosystem. Its name uses the letter “i” to represent Inner Self, Intellect, Imagine and Interactive.
Although iCAUR will be a new badge in local dealerships, one of its vehicles already has a Philippine connection. The Jaecoo EJ6 electric SUV is based on the iCAUR 03 sold in other markets.
Prices, final specifications and the local dealer lineup are expected to be disclosed closer to the October launch.
Cars
Nissan Kicks e-POWER arrives from ₱1.499M


Nissan Philippines has launched the all-new Kicks e-POWER with introductory prices starting at ₱1.499 million.
The new-generation subcompact crossover is available in three variants. The VE carries a launch price of ₱1.499 million, while the VL costs ₱1.649 million. The range-topping LE Plus is priced at ₱1.749 million. These prices are valid until 30 September 2026.


The latest Kicks follows the original model introduced locally in 2022 and retains Nissan’s e-POWER system. A 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine generates electricity for the battery, while an electric motor drives the wheels.


This setup produces 136 PS and 280 Nm of torque. It delivers the quick response of an electric motor without requiring the vehicle to be charged from an external power source.
Nissan has also updated the exterior with a revised V-Motion grille, triple-arrow daytime running lights and hexagon-shaped rear lamps. Improved headlights provide wider and longer illumination.


The cabin gains Zero Gravity seats, anti-heat leather upholstery and a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Rear occupants get a revised seatback angle and an armrest.
A 12.3-inch Display Audio system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. NissanConnect Services is included with a three-year subscription.


The LE Plus adds Nissan ProPILOT, which assists with steering, acceleration and braking. The system includes Intelligent Lane Keep Assist, Intelligent Cruise Control and Traffic Jam Assist.
Other driver-assistance features include forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot intervention, rear automatic emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert and an Intelligent Around View Monitor with moving object detection.


Four exterior colors are available: Aquamarine Metallic, Gun Metallic, Pearl White and Moon Pearl Gray. The LE Plus may also be ordered with a black roof and Moonstone interior.
Each unit comes with a complimentary one-year Nissan Protect+ package that covers prepaid maintenance using genuine Nissan oil and parts.


Reservations are open at Nissan dealerships nationwide and through the company’s website. Customers may also see the new Kicks at the Nissan Intelligent Mobility Tour at the Glorietta Palm Drive Activity Center until August 30, 2026.









