Cars
Fronx and Furious
Suzuki’s bold new compact SUV, the Fronx, just crossed a major milestone, it’s now officially approved by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for use in the Philippines.
Based on LTO’s recently released memorandum circular (MC-GGP-2025-4565), the approved model is listed as the Suzuki Fronx GLX AT AD. This variant features a 1462cc gasoline engine, likely the K15B version, and sits on 16-inch alloy wheels with 195/60 tires. Measuring 3,995mm long, 1,765mm wide, and 1,550mm tall, it fits neatly into the subcompact SUV category. It also boasts a 2,520mm wheelbase and a ground clearance of 170mm — ideal for urban use and the occasional rough road.
The Fronx is being positioned to compete against the Toyota Raize and Kia Sonet. Now that it has received its LTO green light, the Fronx is one step closer to hitting local showrooms.
The Fronx brings coupe-inspired styling into the mix, combining SUV proportions with a sleek sloping roofline and bold double fenders. Inside, expect a sporty Black and Bordeaux-themed cabin with tech perks like wireless charging, smartphone-linked navigation, and an electric parking brake. Suzuki also boasts improved sound insulation and rear legroom.
If Suzuki Philippines opts to introduce both engine variants, buyers might get more options in terms of pricing and performance. But with LTO approval now confirmed, it’s only a matter of time before the Fronx rolls into showrooms across the country.
Although the full specs for the Philippine version haven’t been officially released, the GLX badging suggests that this could be the top-of-the-line model. Internationally, Suzuki offers the Fronx with two engines: the K15B and the newer K15C paired with its SHVS mild-hybrid system and a 6-speed automatic. However, it’s unclear whether local units will get the hybrid setup or stick with the standard 1.5L engine and possibly a 4-speed automatic transmission.
With its mix of style, practicality, and a likely competitive price tag, the Fronx could be Suzuki’s next breakout hit in the local crossover segment.
Honda Cars Philippines Inc. kicked off 2026 with a familiar name but a very different lineup. The refreshed Honda CR-V has officially landed in the Philippines, unveiled at the Glorietta Palm Drive Activity Center, and the big headline is simple. The CR-V is now mostly hybrid.
After its regional debut in Thailand late last year, the new CR-V arrives locally with three variants. Two are now e:HEV hybrids, while only one keeps a pure turbo gasoline setup.
Three Variants, Two Hybrids
The range opens with the V Turbo HuNT CVT. It runs a 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo engine paired with a CVT, sending power to the front wheels. Output stands at 190 PS at 6,000 rpm and 240 Nm of torque from 1,700 to 5,000 rpm.
The big shift happens in the middle. The VX e:HEV e-CVT now goes hybrid. It combines a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle VTEC engine producing 148 PS and 183 Nm with a dual-traction electric motor rated at 184 PS and 335 Nm. Power flows to the front wheels through an e-CVT.
At the top sits the RS e:HEV AWD e-CVT. It uses the same electrified setup as the VX but adds Real-Time AWD, giving the CR-V hybrid traction on all four wheels for the first time in the local lineup.
Same Shape, Sharper Details
Visually, the 2026 CR-V keeps its familiar proportions. Updates are subtle but noticeable. New 18-inch alloy wheels wear wider 235/60 tires, while exterior trim pieces and blacked-out accents freshen the look.
The HuNT styling package, exclusive to the V Turbo variant, adds copper accents on the grille and fog lights, silver highlights on the lower bumper, black wheel arch cladding, and silver running boards for a tougher stance.
Safety and Tech Go Standard
All variants come loaded with Honda Sensing, the brand’s full driver-assist suite. This includes adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, collision mitigation braking, lane-keep assist, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, auto high-beam, and lead car departure notification. Blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert are now standard across the board.
Inside, every CR-V gets a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus Google built-in, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, leather seats, a wireless charging pad, power front seats with driver memory, a power tailgate, and Honda Connect. The head-up display is now available on the VX, no longer limited to the RS.
The RS keeps its premium edge with a panoramic sunroof, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, red contrast stitching with RS logos, and a hands-free power tailgate.
Hybrid Warranty and Colors
Both e:HEV variants come with an 8-year or 160,000-km battery warranty for added peace of mind.
Color options include Canyon River Blue Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, and Platinum White Pearl, with a PHP 20,000 surcharge for the white finish.
Introductory Pricing
Honda is offering special launch pricing for early buyers:
- RS e:HEV AWD e-CVT – PHP 2,788,000
- VX e:HEV e-CVT – PHP 2,438,000
- V Turbo HuNT CVT – PHP 2,258,000
Regular prices are set PHP 50,000 to PHP 100,000 higher depending on the variant.
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation is bringing back a familiar name on Philippine roads with the return of the Mitsubishi Versa Van. Once a staple for families and businesses, the Versa Van is making a comeback as a modern people-mover aimed squarely at organizations that transport passengers daily.
The revived Versa Van carries a legacy that traces back to the Mitsubishi Delica platform. Filipino motorists first encountered it in 1987 through the L300 cab chassis, which later evolved into the original Versa Van. Over the years, it became known for durability, flexibility, and no-nonsense performance. Now, Mitsubishi has reintroduced the nameplate with updates that suit today’s transport needs while keeping the traits that made it dependable in the first place.
Designed mainly for passenger duties, the new Versa Van targets small to medium-sized businesses. It is positioned as a practical solution for tourism operators, school service providers, and companies that run employee or guest shuttle services. Mitsubishi is clearly pitching it as a workhorse for enterprises that rely on consistent, daily mobility.
The Versa Van is powered a 2.5-liter diesel engine producing 129 PS at 3,200 rpm and 356 Nm of torque from 1,400 to 2,000 rpm. Power is sent through a 5-speed manual transmission, a setup intended for frequent stop-and-go driving and fully loaded runs. With seating for up to 15 passengers, including the driver, the Versa Van allows operators to move more people in a single trip without sacrificing basic comfort.
The cabin offers generous room and straightforward access, with adjustable seating and steering for the driver. Foldable seats help improve passenger flow, making boarding and alighting easier during busy routes. Each seat row gets its own ceiling-mounted air outlet, which helps maintain airflow across the cabin during long or crowded trips.
The Versa Van provides ample luggage space, supported by a larger rear door opening that simplifies loading and unloading. This detail is especially useful for shuttle and tourism operations where bags and equipment are part of the daily routine.
Mitsubishi also highlights easier maintenance as part of the package. Key components are positioned for better access, which can shorten service time and help reduce vehicle downtime. For businesses, that translates to more days on the road and fewer interruptions.
The Mitsubishi Versa Van is offered in a single GLX MT variant, priced at ₱1,649,000. Buyers can choose between Silver Metallic and White Solid finishes. With this reintroduction, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation is reinforcing its focus on vehicles built for long-term use, aiming once again to make the Versa Van a familiar and reliable sight in everyday transport operations across the country
Toyota Motor Philippines has started work on a new dealership in Antipolo City, adding another service hub for customers east of Metro Manila. The project is being developed with Toyota Taytay, Rizal Inc. and is set to strengthen Toyota’s footprint in one of the country’s fastest growing cities.
The upcoming Toyota Antipolo, Rizal facility will rise along L. Sumulong Memorial Circle in Barangay San Jose. Designed as a full-service dealership, it aims to give local motorists easier access to sales and aftersales support without the long drive into Metro Manila.
Once completed, the dealership will cover a total floor area of 12,160 square meters across three floors and a mezzanine. It will feature a modern showroom that can display up to seven vehicles and a service area with 37 bays. Customers can expect express maintenance, periodic servicing, body and paint work, and general repairs under one roof.
Toyota Motor Philippines president Masando Hashimoto said the Antipolo site has long been part of the company’s hopes for network expansion. He shared that the new dealership will help Toyota serve customers in Rizal with greater convenience as the area continues to grow.
Toyota Antipolo, Rizal president Zellyn Lim Diaz highlighted the local impact of the project. She said the dealership will create jobs during construction and provide long-term employment once operations begin, while also supporting skills development and stable livelihoods for families in the area.
Antipolo City has seen steady growth driven by retail, real estate, tourism, and small businesses. Its close link to Metro Manila through major roads like Marcos Highway and Ortigas Avenue Extension has made mobility support an essential part of daily life. Toyota’s latest expansion places its services closer to motorists who rely on these routes every day.
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