Cars
Hyundai IONIQ 6 N Makes High-Voltage Debut

Hyundai shows off powerful electric IONIQ 6 N at Goodwood
Hyundai has officially launched the IONIQ 6 N, its latest high-performance electric car, during this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK. The new model is the second fully electric vehicle under Hyundai’s N lineup, following the IONIQ 5 N.

The IONIQ 6 N is built for both daily driving and race track fun. It goes from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds using its N Launch Control system and has a top speed of 257 km/h. With a total output of 650 PS and 770 Nm of torque from its front and rear motors, it’s one of Hyundai’s fastest cars yet.

The car also features a smart cooling system to keep the motors from overheating, especially during extended high-performance driving.
Hyundai focused heavily on handling and aerodynamics. The IONIQ 6 N has a reworked suspension system, electronically controlled dampers, and a lowered center of gravity. Wide fenders and a motorsport-style rear wing help improve downforce and stability at high speeds.

Inside, the cabin features ambient lights that flash during simulated gear shifts. There’s also a unique sound system called N Active Sound+ that lets drivers choose from different engine-like or futuristic sound profiles. For those missing the feel of a gas-powered car, the N e-Shift system mimics the feeling of gear changes.

For tech-focused drivers, Hyundai added an N Track Manager that records lap times and lets you race your own “ghost car” on a virtual track. The N Drift Optimizer adjusts the car’s settings for drift performance, letting users fine-tune throttle response and drift angles.

Hyundai is also releasing special N performance parts designed just for the IONIQ 6 N, continuing its motorsport-inspired personalization options.
The Goodwood Festival wasn’t just the launchpad—it also served as the track. The IONIQ 6 N joined other N cars on the famous Hillclimb course, including the IONIQ 5 N TA Spec, i30 N, RN24, and rally cars. The event also featured an “N Moment” run, showcasing the electric performance lineup.

Hyundai Motor Philippines has yet to confirm if the IONIQ 6 N will be sold locally. There’s no word yet on pricing or market availability in the region, but the international debut signals Hyundai’s strong push into electric performance cars.
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.
Cars
Final lap for Volkswagen PH

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.
Cars
BYD Tang DM-i Arrives in PH at ₱2.098M

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.