Cars
Jaecoo J7 SHS Rolls Into PH With Hybrid Power and Competitive Price
The hybrid race in the Philippines just got more exciting as Jaecoo Philippines finally rolled out the J7 SHS, its new plug-in hybrid SUV, priced to undercut rivals. Available in two trims—Comfort (₱1,449,000) and Premium (₱1,549,000)—both variants are now offered at introductory prices of ₱1,399,000 and ₱1,499,000 until September 15, 2025.
At the heart of the J7 SHS is the brand’s Super Hybrid System (SHS), which pairs a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and an 18.3 kWh battery pack. Together, they deliver 275 PS and 365 Nm of torque through a dedicated hybrid transmission. On pure electric mode, the SUV can run up to 90 km, while tests by the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) showed it could stretch to 106 km. Overall, it achieved a verified combined range of nearly 1,500 km and a fuel economy of 24.4 km/L.
Charging is flexible: 2.5 hours on a 6.6 kW AC charger, 20 minutes from 30% to 80% on a 40 kW DC fast charger, or around 10 hours using a standard household socket. On top of that, the J7 SHS includes a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature, turning the car into a 3.3 kW power supply for outdoor gear or backup during blackouts.
The SUV is built with safety in mind. It recently earned a 5-star Euro NCAP rating and comes with six airbags, Bosch intelligent braking, a driver monitoring system, and a 360-degree camera with an under-chassis view. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) add adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, lane-keeping assist, and more.
On the outside, the J7 SHS features a bold grille, slim LED headlights, retractable door handles, and full-width LED taillights. Inside, it offers a premium feel with a 14.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sony audio, ambient lighting, ventilated leather seats, and a sunroof.
Globally, Jaecoo says the J7 SHS has already sold over 10,000 units in markets such as Israel, the UK, Spain, Italy, and Malaysia. Now, the question is whether Filipino buyers will embrace this new hybrid contender at its attractive launch price.
VinFast’s VF 5 keeps the EV switch simple for Filipino first-time buyers. Free public charging at V-GREEN stations until 2027 and zero excise tax under EVIDA lower running costs, while growing infrastructure makes daily charging easier.
Designed for tight streets and tighter parking, the sub-4-meter crossover sits a touch higher than a small hatch, so it feels SUV-confident without the bulk. Despite its compact footprint, the cabin is spacious enough for school runs and errands, with flexible cargo space for a quick grocery haul.
Power delivery is smooth and city-friendly from a 100 kW motor rated at 135 Nm. Range is listed at up to 326 km on NEDC, enough for several days of commuting or a quick out-of-town drive. Fast charging brings the battery from 10 to 70 percent in around 30 minutes, matching busy schedules and spur-of-the-moment trips.
Standard tech centers on an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Everyday convenience features include keyless entry, push start, and cruise control. Safety kit covers six airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a reinforced frame.
Styling comes from Italy’s Torino Design, with crisp lines, a bold face, and available two-tone finishes that suit city life from BGC to weekend stays out of town. The package targets new owners, young professionals, eco-minded drivers, and families looking for a practical second car that trims fuel and maintenance costs without trimming comfort.
The sound of playful barks and happy laughter filled Barkhaus Eastwood as Jetour Auto Philippines, Inc. (JAPI) hosted its second Annual Media Pet Day on August 20, ahead of International Dog Day. The gathering brought together media friends, their pets, and the Jetour family for an afternoon celebrating companionship and responsible pet ownership.
Far from the usual motoring affair, the event highlighted JAPI’s belief that family includes furry members as well. It also gave the company a chance to strengthen ties with the media in a relaxed and personal setting.
The celebration featured fun contests, interactive sessions, and plenty of activities for both humans and pets. With its pet-friendly setup, Barkhaus Eastwood proved to be an ideal venue for socializing, bonding, and sharing stories among fellow animal lovers.
For Jetour, the day reflected its wider mission: building connections and communities that go beyond cars. Marketing Director Cherry May Moreno-De Los Santos expressed joy at seeing both familiar and new faces return for what is becoming a beloved tradition. “Much like the lifelong relationship we have with our pets, we want Jetour’s bond with our customers to be one of trust, loyalty, and joy,” she said.
To extend the celebration to the public, Jetour also held a vehicle display at Eastwood Mall, showcasing its current lineup, including the sporty Dashing series, the family-sized 7-seater X70, and the rugged T2 4×4 SUV.
The event reinforced Jetour’s message: journeys are not just about destinations, but also about the bonds and memories made along the way. True to that spirit, all Jetour dealerships across the country remain pet-friendly, welcoming families to shop for their next car without leaving their furry companions behind.
The Mazda MX-5 has once again proven its timeless appeal, holding on to the crown as the world’s best-selling convertible. The two-seater roadster first earned its Guinness World Record back in 2000 and, 25 years later, remains unmatched. Global cumulative sales have topped 1.25 million units since its 1989 debut, all built at Mazda’s Ujina plant in Hiroshima.
In a shrinking market for drop-top sports cars, the MX-5 stands out even more. Data from Jato shows that in 2024 it outsold every other cabriolet worldwide, with 27,669 units delivered. The momentum continues into 2025.
UK and Global Appeal
In Britain, the MX-5 is the best-selling two-seater roadster and ranks second among all convertibles. More than 135,000 units have been sold there since 1990, including nearly 30,000 from the current fourth-generation model. So far in 2025, 859 units have been delivered in the UK, placing it ahead of mainstream rivals and just behind luxury badges like Porsche.
To mark the car’s impact, Mazda UK is displaying its 30th Anniversary MX-5 from the Heritage Fleet at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) headquarters in London until September 24. It’s a nod to the British roadsters of the 1960s that originally inspired Mazda’s open-top icon.
Philippine Market Strength
The Philippines has also become one of the strongest markets for the MX-5 in Asia outside Japan. As of June 2025, 1,563 fourth-generation ND models have been sold locally. Demand is split nearly evenly between the soft-top and retractable fastback variants, with 40 percent of buyers choosing the six-speed manual transmission.
The MX-5 set a new Philippine record in 2023 with 205 units sold, and current figures suggest 2025 could match or exceed that. To celebrate both the model’s popularity and the ND’s 10th anniversary, Mazda Philippines is hosting an exhibit at Power Plant Mall’s South Court until August 31. Limited-edition commemorative merchandise is also on offer for fans.
Still Driver’s Choice
Available as a fabric-roof Roadster or RF Retractable Fastback, today’s MX-5 continues to emphasize lightweight construction and sharp handling. UK Managing Director Jeremy Thomson described it as “one of the most exciting and satisfying cars money can buy,” adding that Mazda’s dedication to constant refinement over 35 years has kept the MX-5 engaging and accessible.
The current lineup offers eight variants split between Prime-Line, Exclusive-Line, and Homura trims, powered by either the 132ps 1.5-liter or the 184ps 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine. All units registered from September 1, 2025, will also carry Mazda’s new six-year, 100,000-mile warranty.
Over three decades, the MX-5 has collected countless awards, inspired passionate owner clubs worldwide, and become a fixture in grassroots motorsport. With its enduring mix of affordability, fun, and driver focus, it remains not just the world’s best-selling convertible but one of the most beloved sports cars of all time.
