Cars
Kia Seltos Takes the Lead
Kia has unveiled the all-new Seltos, a second-generation version of its subcompact SUV, through an online world premiere themed “The Protagonist.” The company said the new model brings a sharper SUV look, more cabin space, and added tech aimed at daily use across different lifestyles.
Kia President and CEO Ho Sung Song said the Seltos built its name on value, and the next generation builds on that legacy with a richer set of features aimed at a wide range of customers.
On design, Kia highlighted a wider stance, signature “star map” lighting with a welcome light sequence, and flush door handles. The rear now features vertical tail lamps that extend across the tailgate to emphasize width. X-Line and GT-Line trims were also confirmed, with X-Line taking on a more rugged look and GT-Line leaning toward a sportier character.
Kia said it focused on visibility and space through a low and wide dashboard layout and a more open center console, enabled by a column-type Shift-by-Wire system. Comfort and convenience features include a panoramic sunroof, 64-color mood lighting, second-row reclining seats, and premium audio options.
For performance, the all-new Seltos moves to Kia’s latest K3 platform. The brand listed three engine options depending on market, along with available all-wheel drive and Terrain Mode settings for Snow, Mud, and Sand. A hybrid variant is scheduled to arrive in 2026, adding Vehicle-to-Load capability and an updated regenerative braking system.
Safety and driver-assist technology includes Highway Driving Assist 2, Lane Following Assist 2, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2, Surround View Monitor, and parking collision-avoidance support. The Seltos also gets a head-up display, a panoramic digital layout with dual 12.3-inch screens, an AI-powered voice assistant, over-the-air updates, and Digital Key 2.
Kia said global production will begin in December 2025 in India, with rollouts across Korea, North America, Europe, and China continuing through 2026.
Ford Philippines has brought back its annual “March Madness” promotion, offering a week of discounts, trade-in support, and service deals for customers across its vehicle lineup and aftersales network. The limited-time campaign runs from March 9 to March 15 at Ford dealerships nationwide.
Ford describes the program as one of its most anticipated retail campaigns of the year. The company says the return of March Madness expands beyond vehicle offers and now includes savings on maintenance services and accessories.
Ryan Lorenzo, Retail Product Marketing and Business Growth Director of Ford Philippines, said the campaign aims to make Ford ownership easier for both new buyers and existing customers. He said the program now includes after-sales offers to improve the ownership experience alongside vehicle promotions.
Customers who reserve a vehicle during the March 9 to 15 promo period can receive discounts of up to P200,000 on select Ranger Sport variants. Ford is also offering a P30,000 trade in subsidy for customers who plan to replace their current vehicle with a new Ford model. An additional P20,000 discount applies to the Everest, Territory Hybrid, and other Ranger variants during the same period.
The promotion also covers service appointments. Customers who schedule a periodic maintenance service during the campaign can receive a 10 percent discount on Ford parts and labor. Genuine Ford accessories are also offered with a 10 percent discount.
Ford added a raffle incentive for service customers. Those who spend at least P10,000 on parts or services during the promo period can join a draw for service vouchers worth up to P10,000 or a Ford dashcam.
Beyond the one week campaign, Ford continues its month long offers across several models. The Ranger Sport 4×2 comes with an all in deal starting at P59,000, while the Ranger XLS is available with a P99,000 all in financing package.
SUV buyers also receive financing options for the Territory Hybrid Titanium X with a P99,000 all in offer. The Everest Trend is available with a P79,000 all in package, while Everest Titanium 4×2 and 4×4 variants carry P99,000 all in financing deals.
Ford also introduced a new service bundle for Everest owners called the 5 Star Care Package. The package includes a five year scheduled service plan, five year warranty, and five year emergency roadside assistance. Ford estimates the benefits represent around P50,000 in savings. Buyers who select the package can receive a P60,000 discount on the Everest Titanium 4×4 or a P45,000 discount depending on variant availability.
The brand’s premium models also receive promotional offers. The Mustang Mach E electric SUV is available with a P500,000 discount or zero percent interest with a 50 percent down payment for 60 months. The Explorer 2.3L Limited EcoBoost carries a P1,000,000 discount or zero percent interest with a 20 percent down payment for 60 months. The Bronco Outer Banks with Sasquatch Package is offered with a P1,370,000 discount or zero percent interest under the same financing terms.
Ford Philippines said the offers run throughout March, with additional dealer specific promotions available during the March Madness week. Financing programs are available through partner banks BPI and EastWest Bank, subject to standard approval and dealership conditions.
Ford Mustang Mach-E tops JD Power EV ownership study in the US
The Ford Mustang Mach‑E has earned the highest owner satisfaction score in the 2026 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience Ownership Study conducted by J.D. Power.
In the latest EVX Ownership Study, the Mustang Mach-E posted a score of 760 out of 1,000. The figure placed it ahead of other battery electric vehicles in the U.S. market, including the Hyundai IONIQ 6, which scored 748, and the Kia EV9, which received 745.
The study gathers feedback from EV owners after their first year of use. It looks at day to day driving experience, range accuracy, charging convenience, cost of ownership, vehicle quality and reliability, and the level of guidance customers receive when transitioning to electric mobility.
Results show that satisfaction is not based on specifications alone. Owners rate their vehicles on how well they fit into daily routines, how simple charging is, and how confident they feel behind the wheel.
Pedro Simoes, President and Managing Director of Ford Philippines, said the recognition reflects how owners experience the vehicle in real conditions. He added that the Mustang Mach-E represents Ford’s effort to deliver an electric vehicle that remains engaging to drive while offering practical usability and strong customer support.
The Mustang Mach-E is Ford’s all electric SUV that carries the performance character associated with the Mustang nameplate. It delivers quick acceleration, a spacious cabin layout, and a digital interface designed for everyday use. The model combines performance styling with SUV practicality.
The EVX study also highlights a broader trend. As electric vehicle adoption grows, customer experience plays a bigger role in ownership satisfaction. Ease of charging, clarity of information, and overall reliability now influence purchase decisions as much as power and range figures.
Ford said the ranking supports its global electrification push and reinforces its focus on building EVs that integrate smoothly into modern lifestyles. For markets like the Philippines, where interest in electric mobility continues to rise, such global recognition strengthens the brand’s position in the growing EV segment.
Ford Philippines secured two major segment wins in 2025, with the Ford Everest leading the 4×4 midsize SUV class and the Ford Mustang topping the sports car category, based on data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines.
Ford Everest
The Everest Titanium+ 4×4 claimed the top spot in the 4×4 midsize SUV segment, taking a 40 percent market share in 2025.
Ford positions the Everest as a blend of durability and comfort. The Titanium+ 4×4 variant comes with a terrain management system that offers six drive modes: Normal, Eco, Tow Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, and Sand. Drivers can switch modes through a Drive Mode Selector, while an electronic shifter supports optimized performance across varying road conditions.
Safety and driver-assist technologies are standard across the lineup. These include seven airbags, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go and Lane Centering, Lane Keeping System with Road Edge Detection, Forward Collision Warning, Evasive Steer Assist, and Reverse Brake Assist.
Ford Philippines said customer feedback played a key role in shaping the latest Everest, which targets buyers who need a vehicle that can handle rough terrain without sacrificing daily comfort.
Ford Mustang
In the sports car segment, the Mustang held the number one position with a 32 percent market share in 2025.
Ford Philippines introduced the seventh-generation Mustang in 2024. The model is available locally in two variants: the 5.0L GT Premium Fastback and the 2.3L EcoBoost Premium Fastback.
Both variants now come with the MagneRide damping system. The setup adjusts suspension performance to balance ride comfort and handling. The Mustang also features Brembo brakes, a quad chrome tip exhaust with active valve functionality, and 19-inch aluminum wheels with distinct designs per variant.
Inside, the sports coupe gets RECARO leather-trimmed sport seats and soft-touch materials. The GT Premium Fastback runs on a 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8 engine paired with a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. It produces 493 PS and 567 Nm of torque. The EcoBoost Premium Fastback uses a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, also mated to a 10-speed SelectShift automatic, delivering 319 PS and 475 Nm of torque.
Pedro Simoes, managing director of Ford Philippines, said the performance of both nameplates reflects strong customer demand in their respective segments.
With the Everest leading among 4×4 midsize SUVs and the Mustang maintaining its hold on the sports car market, Ford Philippines closes 2025 with two category leaders in its lineup.
