Cars
Meet the Mitsubishi Destinator
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines is adding a new player to its SUV lineup this November with the arrival of the all-new Destinator—a turbocharged, seven-seat crossover designed to bridge the gap between the Xforce and the Montero Sport. The official launch happens on November 20 at Ayala Malls Manila Bay, followed by a weekend test drive event at the Aseana City Concert Grounds.
First seen in LTO documents and now confirmed by Mitsubishi, the Destinator will be offered in two variants—GLS and GT—both powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged MIVEC engine that makes 163 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. This engine uses an Atkinson combustion cycle and a water-cooled intercooler for better fuel efficiency. Power is sent to the front wheels through a CVT, with Mitsubishi’s Active Yaw Control system offering five selectable drive modes: Normal, Tarmac, Wet, Gravel, and Mud.
The new SUV measures 4,680mm long, 1,840mm wide, and 1,780mm tall, riding on a 2,815mm wheelbase. It borrows design cues from the Xforce, including the upright Dynamic Shield front fascia, T-shaped LED lighting, and 18-inch wheels wrapped in 225/55R18 tires. A first for Mitsubishi in this segment, it also features a panoramic sunroof and a layered honeycomb grille topped with a transparent acrylic panel. The rear styling continues Mitsubishi’s new design language with its Hexaguard Horizon motif.
Inside, Mitsubishi has yet to detail the local specs, but global models feature an 8-inch fully digital gauge cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, dual-zone climate control with roof-mounted vents, 64-color ambient lighting, and USB ports all the way to the third row. The cabin also includes a Yamaha-tuned Dynamic Sound Premium audio system, an electronic parking brake with auto hold, and a power tailgate.
Perhaps the biggest highlight is the debut of Mitsubishi Connect, the brand’s in-car telematics platform that allows owners to monitor and control select vehicle functions through a mobile app—marking its first use in the Philippine market.
Mitsubishi is positioning the Destinator as a stylish yet practical SUV for Filipino families who want tech-driven comfort with a touch of sportiness. Interested buyers can get a first look at the Destinator at the Ring Garden in Ayala Malls Manila Bay starting November 20, and take it for a spin during the public test drives running until November 23.
XPENG will formally enter the Philippine market in September through a public launch event that will also introduce its first two local models, the X9 and L03.
The Chinese electric vehicle company said the event will give Filipino consumers their first close look at the brand and its plans for intelligent mobility. Details on the venue, activities and registration will be released through XPENG Philippines’ social media pages.
XPENG will operate through XPENG Philippines, a direct subsidiary that will handle local sales, marketing, distribution and retail operations. The company said the arrangement supports its long-term plans in the country.
The XPENG X9 will lead the initial lineup. The seven-seat electric vehicle is positioned as the brand’s flagship model, with a premium cabin, technology features and space aimed at families, business leaders and professionals.
It will be joined by the XPENG L03, an SUV coupe that combines contemporary styling with the company’s software-led vehicle systems and in-car technology.
Local specifications, variants, pricing and availability for both models will be disclosed at the September launch.
Founded in Guangzhou in 2014, XPENG develops electric vehicles along with its own advanced driver-assistance system, in-car operating system, powertrain and electrical architecture. It has expanded into more than 60 countries and regions, with over 380 overseas stores across Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Oceania and Latin America.
The Philippines will become part of that wider expansion as more EV brands look to establish a local presence. For now, XPENG’s September event will provide the first clear view of the vehicles and business structure it plans to bring to Filipino buyers.
Toyota Motor Philippines gathered local Toyota car clubs, collectors and aftermarket shops for the three-day Toyota Legacy Experience at Eton City Square, a weekend that put the focus on the owners who have kept the brand’s older and newer models active on the road and in their communities.
The event brought together enthusiasts from model-specific groups such as Hilux Club Philippines, Land Cruiser Club of the Philippines and FJ Cruiser Owners Philippines, as well as the broader Grupo Toyota community. Their vehicles ranged from modified pickups and SUVs to restored and customized cars, reflecting the different ways owners have made Toyota part of their lives.
Hilux Club Philippines started in 2011 as a small group of owners and has since grown into one of the country’s active Toyota communities. Off-road trips and camping remain central to the club, but its members also organize outreach activities and travel with their families.
JC Diaz, a core member of the club, said the Hilux initially drew him in, while the friendships made him stay.
“Hilux Club Philippines is more than just a group of Hilux owners,” Diaz said. “We enjoy off-roading, camping, helping communities, and spending time together as friends and families.”
Club head Twyford Ong said the group’s activities extend from trail drives to helping communities. He said it is rewarding to see members form friendships, include their families and use their vehicles for a useful purpose.
The Land Cruiser Club of the Philippines also showed how a vehicle can become part of a family story. Club head Gerald Lim grew up around Land Cruisers, beginning with the 40 Series driven by his father. The family later owned models including the LC 70 FRP, BJ44 and 80 Series.
Lim said the Land Cruiser has come to represent reliability and resilience in his family. Through the club, it has also become a tool for charitable work and for reaching communities during calamities.
“I hope the next generation carries this legacy forward by understanding that a Land Cruiser is built for a purpose,” Lim said. “It is to explore the world, protect the family, and extend a helping hand to communities in need.”
For FJ Cruiser Owners Philippines, the club serves as a place where members exchange technical advice, maintenance tips, modification ideas and travel experiences. Francis Edward Ayala said its value comes from the relationships among owners as much as the vehicles themselves.
Grupo Toyota, meanwhile, connects owners across the brand’s lineup. Member Robert Tan said the group’s bond has developed through years of gatherings, outreach work and collaboration with other clubs.
Toyota also included aftermarket shops at the event, recognizing their role in maintaining, restoring and personalizing vehicles. Together with the clubs and collectors, they help keep older Toyotas running while giving newer models their own character.
The Toyota Legacy Experience showed that the brand’s history in the Philippines is not limited to the cars it has sold. It also lives in the people who drive them, repair them, take them on trails and pass them on to the next generation.
VinFast Marikina has expanded into a full-service dealership center, giving electric vehicle owners in Marikina and nearby areas access to sales, maintenance, repairs, spare parts and charging facilities in one location.
The 500-square-meter site at 8 Mayor Gil Fernando Avenue in Sto. Niño opened in May through VinFast’s partnership with Xentro Motors OPC. It has now been upgraded into a 1S Plus facility, a designation that covers sales, service and spare parts support.
The showroom carries VinFast’s battery-electric vehicle lineup, while its service section has three working bays, including one with a vehicle lifter. It also has tools intended for the brand’s EV models, a parts warehouse and charging equipment for customers.
VinFast said the facility can handle preventive maintenance, general repairs, detailing, body repairs, insurance claims and renewals. Owners can also source maintenance components, mechanical and suspension parts, body panels, coolants and brake fluids from its inventory.
Two wall chargers are installed inside the dealership, while six charging stations are available outside. The site gives VinFast owners in Marikina and Eastern Metro Manila another place to recharge as well as have their vehicles checked or repaired.
VinFast Philippines CEO Rhomel Franco said the upgraded facility is intended to make ownership support more accessible for customers in the eastern part of Metro Manila.
“VinFast Marikina reflects our commitment to making electric mobility more accessible while giving every VinFast owner the confidence that reliable support is always nearby,” Franco said.
Xentro Motors OPC CEO Noel Ignacio said the dealership responds to demand for a more complete EV service option in the area. Xentro Motors is supported by XRC Mall Developer Inc. and operates within a wider network in North and South Luzon.
The Marikina facility is part of VinFast’s growing local network, which now has 36 locations nationwide. The company said more openings are planned in Fairview, Cagayan de Oro, Pasay, Batangas City and Kawit, Cavite.
VinFast is also offering ownership programs such as battery subscription, a resale value guarantee and free charging through the V-Green network until 31 March 2029.
The showroom is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Its service center operates Monday to Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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