Cars
Subaru Powers Into the EV Game
Subaru unveils its first compact electric crossover, the 2026 Uncharted—sporty, spacious, and surprisingly quick
Subaru has pulled the wraps off the all-new 2026 Uncharted, its latest all-electric crossover designed to take on daily drives and weekend getaways. While launched globally, there’s still no confirmation on its arrival in the Philippine market.
The Uncharted is the latest child of the Subaru–Toyota alliance, sharing roots with the next-gen Toyota C-HR but sporting Subaru DNA in design and performance. It’s shorter than the Solterra by about seven inches yet manages to pack over 25 cubic feet of cargo behind the second row.
Outside, it wears black cladding, Subaru’s six-star illuminated badge, and a distinctive lighting signature seen on models like the Solterra and Trailseeker. GT variants even get a contrasting two-tone roof and sleek 20-inch wheels.
Inside, a large 14-inch touchscreen anchors a tech-forward cabin with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and dual wireless chargers. Rear passengers get USB-C ports and generous legroom—comparable to the Crosstrek. Sport and GT trims add StarTex® upholstery and heated rear seats.
Performance-wise, the Uncharted is no slouch. It uses a 74.7-kWh lithium-ion battery and comes in three trims: Premium (FWD), Sport (AWD), and GT (AWD). The front-wheel drive Premium delivers 221 PS with a range of over 480 kilometers, while the AWD trims offer up to 338 PS and hit 0–96 kph in under 5 seconds, with a range of about 466 km.
Charging is convenient with a Tesla-style NACS port supporting fast-charging from 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes, thanks to a built-in battery preconditioning system. At home, an 11-kW onboard charger supports Level 1 and Level 2 charging.
True to Subaru form, the AWD variants come equipped with X-MODE and Grip Control for better traction off-road and in tough conditions. Engineers also fine-tuned the suspension and structure for better handling and stability, whether you’re in the city or climbing slippery terrain.
Safety tech is fully loaded with Subaru’s EyeSight system: pre-collision braking, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane assist, traffic jam assist, and even a DriverFocus® distraction mitigation system. The GT trim sweetens the deal further with ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and Harman Kardon audio.
No pricing has been released yet, and its Philippine release remains uncertain. But with local interest in EVs rising and infrastructure improving, Subaru fans may want to keep their eyes on this one.
Subaru has officially brought in the sixth-generation Forester, marking the compact SUV’s debut as a full hybrid in the Philippine market. Motor Image Pilipinas, the brand’s exclusive distributor, hopes this launch will reenergize its presence among family SUVs.
At the core is the second-generation e-Boxer system, Subaru’s first strong hybrid setup. It pairs the familiar 2.5-liter Boxer engine with two electric motors. The gasoline unit generates 164 hp and 209 Nm, while the motors contribute up to 122 hp and 270 Nm, combining for a maximum 197 hp. That makes it the most powerful Forester since the turbocharged XT. A 1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery enables short stints of all-electric driving, while a 63-liter tank helps stretch range to 1,000 km.
Despite the hybrid tech, Subaru sticks to its roots. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a Lineartronic CVT come standard, with off-road aids like Dual X-Mode, Hill Descent Control, and Active Torque Vectoring intact. The SUV also benefits from the tougher Subaru Global Platform, which is now 10 percent stiffer thanks to a full inner frame design. Steering precision improves with a dual-pinion system adapted from the WRX.
Design-wise, the new Forester looks sharper and cleaner but remains recognizable. The Philippine-spec 2.5 i-S e-Boxer Hybrid wears 19-inch alloys, roof rails, and C-shaped LED headlights with cornering lamps. A panoramic sunroof and a hands-free tailgate are standard. A Forester-exclusive shade, River Rock Pearl, joins the color palette.
Inside, Subaru blends rugged with refined. Scratch-resistant panels meet suede-and-leather seats, both front units equipped with power adjustment. Comfort and convenience come from dual-zone climate control, rear vents, wireless charging, and a 360-degree camera. The centerpiece is an 11.6-inch portrait-style touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired with an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
Safety tech takes a leap with EyeSight 4.0. It uses three cameras to provide nine driver-assist features, including lane centering, adaptive cruise, and emergency steering. A new Driver Monitoring System adds facial recognition to warn against distraction or drowsiness and can store profiles for five drivers. The system can even stop the vehicle if the driver becomes unresponsive.
Priced at P2,498,000, the Forester 2.5 i-S e-Boxer Hybrid comes with a five-year bumper-to-bumper warranty and eight years of coverage for the hybrid battery. For buyers looking at hybrids, it now stands as one of the few with a standard all-wheel-drive system, keeping Subaru’s identity intact while embracing electrification.
Volkswagen’s sales operations in the Philippines wind down this month as Ayala’s Automobile Central Enterprise Inc. ends its distribution deal with Volkswagen AG after a 12-year run. The last dealership in Bonifacio Global City is set to operate until September 30, 2025.
Vehicle servicing, maintenance, and warranty support will continue to be available through the Alabang Service Center, Pampanga Service Center, and other authorized service touchpoints. Customers may book service appointments via this volkswagen.service@acmobility.ph. For Pampanga customers, please contact 0918 8542379 or email hbsicat@lausgroup.com.ph.
The move follows Ayala’s exit from Maxus distribution in August, signaling a portfolio shift while customer care stays in place for Volkswagen users.
Volkswagen under Ayala began in 2013, bringing in nameplates from the Jetta and Tiguan to the Golf GTI, then pivoting in 2018 to China-built models like the Santana and Lamando, and later the T-Cross, Multivan Kombi, and Tharu.
Public posts from Volkswagen Philippines and multiple outlets confirm the closure timeline and aftersales arrangements.
BYD has officially brought the Tang DM-i to the Philippines, marking another step in its electrified lineup. The grand launch took place today, September 17, 2025, at the SPACE in Ayala One.
The Tang DM-i enters the local market at ₱2,098,000, offering Filipino buyers a premium plug-in hybrid SUV that blends luxury, versatility, and sustainable technology.
BYD first introduced the all-electric Tang in 2024, showcasing a global-standard SUV that combined comfort, technology, and performance. The DM-i version builds on that success by answering customer requests for flexibility. “Our mission is not just to introduce vehicles, but to listen, respond, and deliver solutions that fit Filipino needs,” said Bob Palanca, Managing Director of BYD Philippines.
Palanca explained that while many drivers are eager to shift fully to EVs, others want the reassurance of hybrid capability during the country’s transition to clean mobility. The Tang DM-i is designed precisely for that balance, powered by BYD’s advanced Super DM-i technology, which allows drivers to enjoy electric driving while still being equipped for longer-distance travel.
The SUV carries over the luxury, comfort, and advanced features of the original Tang, but now with an added layer of adaptability. From everyday city commutes to long family drives, the Tang DM-i positions itself as a versatile choice for Filipinos seeking both sustainability and practicality.
BYD emphasized that this launch is part of its larger mission to make advanced mobility accessible in the Philippines. “The Tang DM-i is not simply another SUV in our lineup. It is a smarter and more adaptable choice, reflecting our belief that sustainable mobility must also be practical and flexible,” Palanca added.
With the new model, BYD hopes to further strengthen its foothold in the country and bring more Filipinos closer to the future of mobility.
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