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.
XPENG will enter the Philippine market in September with two electric vehicles that form part of a wider technology ecosystem built around artificial intelligence.
The Chinese automaker will introduce the X9, its flagship seven-seat model, and the L03 SUV coupé. Philippine specifications, variants, prices and availability will be announced during the official launch.
The X9 is positioned for families, executives and professionals who want a spacious cabin with intelligent features. The L03 offers a sportier design and is aimed at customers looking for a more contemporary daily vehicle.
Both models will carry XPENG’s approach to what it calls AI Mobility. The company wants to distinguish itself from other electric vehicle brands through technology that helps a vehicle understand its surroundings and respond to the needs of its occupants.
“XPENG’s arrival in the Philippines is not simply about introducing another electric vehicle brand,” XPENG Southeast Asia General Manager Sam Chu said.
“We want to help establish AI Mobility as a category in its own right and show Filipino motorists how artificial intelligence can make every journey safer, more intuitive and more responsive to their needs,” he added.
XPENG develops its advanced driver assistance technology, in-car operating system, powertrain and electrical architecture in-house. At the end of 2025, the company employed 8,845 people in research and development, which accounted for more than 40 percent of its workforce.
Its research covers AI, software, robotics, vehicle engineering and other mobility technologies. This work also supports products outside its passenger vehicle range.
Among them is IRON, a humanoid robot designed to move, communicate and interact with people. XPENG plans to deploy the robot as a guide in its retail locations as development moves toward mass production.
The company is also involved in low-altitude mobility through ARIDGE. Its Land Aircraft Carrier pairs a road vehicle with a detachable electric aircraft. The technology remains under development and will still depend on supporting infrastructure and regulation.
XPENG also uses automation, connected production systems and AI-supported quality controls in its factories to improve consistency and manufacturing precision.
Founded in 2014, XPENG is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Its Philippine debut comes as more Chinese brands compete locally on range, equipment, design and price. The company is betting that software and artificial intelligence will give the X9 and L03 a clearer identity in an increasingly crowded market.
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.
