EV
Forester Goes Hybrid
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.
DENZA brings hybrid off-road SUVs into PH market with B5 and B8 launch
DENZA Philippines has expanded its local lineup with the launch of the B5 and B8 electrified SUVs, following the brand’s appearance at the 2026 Manila International Auto Show.
Introduced under the “Adventure Electrified” campaign, the two sport utility vehicles target buyers looking for electrified powertrains combined with off-road capability and premium cabin features.
According to Adam Hu, the launch allows the brand to reach more SUV buyers in the Philippines, particularly those looking for new energy vehicles with both utility and lifestyle appeal.
The DENZA B5 enters the market as a midsize plug-in hybrid SUV that uses the brand’s DMO Super Hybrid system. It combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with a dual-motor setup that produces 425 kW and 760 Nm of torque.
The vehicle carries a 31.8-kWh BYD Blade battery and an 83-liter fuel tank, allowing a claimed combined NEDC driving range of up to 975 kilometers. DENZA said the B5 also comes with four-wheel drive and electronically controlled front and rear locking differentials for changing road and terrain conditions.
The B5 includes a large infotainment display, digital instrument cluster, head-up display, panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, and a 360-degree camera system. The SUV also gets massage and ventilated seats along with driver assistance systems.
The larger B8 arrives as a full-size SUV offered in Dynamic and Premium variants. It combines a 2.0-liter engine with a dual-motor setup that delivers 450 kW and 760 Nm of torque. DENZA said the SUV can accelerate from zero to 100 kph in 4.8 seconds.
The B8 uses a 36.9-kWh battery and a 91.5-liter fuel tank, giving it a claimed combined range of up to 1,040 kilometers under NEDC standards.
DENZA equipped the B8 with its DiSus-P Intelligent Damping Suspension system and electronically controlled locking differentials. The setup adjusts suspension damping based on road conditions and wheel movement to improve ride stability and traction on uneven surfaces.
Both SUVs include terrain response modes for mud, sand, rock, and water wading conditions. They also feature Leopard Turn technology designed to improve maneuverability in tight spaces and off-road trails.
The vehicles connect to the DENZA mobile app, which allows owners to monitor vehicle status, charging levels, fuel levels, and location remotely.
DENZA Philippines will hold the DENZA Arena customer test drive event from April 24 to 26, where potential buyers can test the vehicles on steep inclines, water wading sections, side slopes, and uneven terrain.
The B5 carries a launch price of P3.498 million, while the B8 is priced at P4.698 million for the Dynamic variant and P5.098 million for the Premium variant.
Toyota rolls out P179,700 entry deals and up to P100,000 savings this April
Toyota Motor Philippines has launched a month-long promo that highlights low entry costs, flexible financing, and cash discounts across select models. The campaign runs from April 15 to 30, 2026.
The offer centers on three payment options designed to fit different budgets. The Pay Low plan starts with a 15 percent down payment and a 60-month term. It includes one year of comprehensive insurance and three years of LTO registration. Some finance lease deals also waive chattel mortgage fees.
Under this plan, the Toyota ATIV 1.5 HEV CVT in two-tone is available from P179,700. The hybrid sedan posts fuel economy figures of up to 43.7 km/L in city driving and 26.3 km/L combined.
Buyers who prefer lower monthly payments can choose the Pay Light option. The plan spreads amortization over 60 months. The Corolla Cross 1.8 V HEV CVT is offered from P17,403 per month. It delivers 48.5 km/L in urban conditions and 23.6 km/L combined.
Customers ready to pay in full can take the Straight Cash option. Discounts vary by model. The Yaris Cross 1.5 S HEV CVT carries savings of up to P100,000. It returns up to 34.5 km/L in city driving and 27.8 km/L combined.
Toyota also bundles added ownership perks. Select models get free periodic maintenance service and service discount vouchers. Trade-in rebates reach up to P30,000. Some variants include one year of insurance. All new vehicles carry a five-year warranty.
The promo covers selected models and remains subject to approval and availability. Full mechanics and participating units are listed on Toyota’s official promo page.
The Manila auto scene steps into a new phase as Manila International Auto Show 2026 opened today at the World Trade Center Metro Manila and Philippine Trade Training Center, drawing industry leaders, officials, and car brands under one roof.
Organized by Worldbex Services International, the show carries the theme “Powering Mobility.” It highlights new energy vehicles, EV infrastructure, and transport solutions as the industry shifts toward electrification and smarter mobility systems.
The opening ceremony gathered key figures from government and business. Among those present were Joseph L. Ang, Dexter Lloyd Cuajotor, Augustus “Joe” D. Ferreria, Imelda “Emi” Calixto-Rubiano, Markus V. Lacanilao, and Ceferino “Perry” S. Rodolfo representing Department of Trade and Industry.
Ang said the event continues to support the industry’s growth despite ongoing challenges, with a strong focus on innovation and collaboration. The program also highlights commercial mobility and sustainable transport solutions as demand shifts.
More than 500 vehicles are on display across 25 car brands, covering a wide range from internal combustion models to hybrids and full electric vehicles. Visitors can expect product launches, test drives, and interactive exhibits throughout the venue.
Now on its 21st year, MIAS remains one of the country’s largest automotive gatherings. The show runs until April 12, with tickets available online and on-site.
