Cars
MINI Victory Edition lands in PH
The Philippines has received its only allocation of the MINI 1965 Victory Edition, but the one-off model was already claimed before its official local launch.
Based on the MINI John Cooper Works, the special edition carries a retail price of P4.649 million. It pays tribute to MINI’s victory at the 1965 Monte Carlo Rally, where Timo Mäkinen and co-driver Paul Easter won aboard the classic Mini Cooper S.
The original rally car competed under number 52, which now appears as a large white graphic on both sides of the Victory Edition. Its Chili Red body also gets a white stripe that runs from the bonnet across the roof and down the rear.
A Glazed White roof, panoramic sunroof and 18-inch JCW Lap Spoke two-tone alloy wheels complete the exterior treatment. Floating center hubs and color-matched JCW tire valve caps add smaller references to the brand’s motorsport background. A “1965” marking on the C-pillar identifies the model as a commemorative edition.
The Victory Edition retains the performance hardware of the current MINI John Cooper Works. Its 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo engine produces 231 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque, which goes to the front wheels through a seven-speed Steptronic transmission.
MINI claims a zero-to-100-kph time of 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 250 kph. Average fuel consumption is listed at 7.0 liters per 100 kilometers.
The cabin follows the traditional John Cooper Works color scheme with anthracite and red finishes. White “1965” lettering appears on the door sills, the lower spoke of the steering wheel and the center console storage box.
Each door also carries information about the historic rally victory. The key cap features the number 52, another reference to the winning Mini Cooper S.
“Winning in Monte Carlo in 1965 wasn’t just a victory, it was also a milestone that shaped MINI’s identity,” MINI Philippines president Willy Tee Ten said. He described the model as a combination of that racing history and the performance of a modern MINI.
The local distributor also confirmed that three more MINI special editions will arrive in the Philippines before the end of 2026.
Nissan Philippines has launched the all-new Kicks e-POWER with introductory prices starting at ₱1.499 million.
The new-generation subcompact crossover is available in three variants. The VE carries a launch price of ₱1.499 million, while the VL costs ₱1.649 million. The range-topping LE Plus is priced at ₱1.749 million. These prices are valid until 30 September 2026.
The latest Kicks follows the original model introduced locally in 2022 and retains Nissan’s e-POWER system. A 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine generates electricity for the battery, while an electric motor drives the wheels.
This setup produces 136 PS and 280 Nm of torque. It delivers the quick response of an electric motor without requiring the vehicle to be charged from an external power source.
Nissan has also updated the exterior with a revised V-Motion grille, triple-arrow daytime running lights and hexagon-shaped rear lamps. Improved headlights provide wider and longer illumination.
The cabin gains Zero Gravity seats, anti-heat leather upholstery and a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Rear occupants get a revised seatback angle and an armrest.
A 12.3-inch Display Audio system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. NissanConnect Services is included with a three-year subscription.
The LE Plus adds Nissan ProPILOT, which assists with steering, acceleration and braking. The system includes Intelligent Lane Keep Assist, Intelligent Cruise Control and Traffic Jam Assist.
Other driver-assistance features include forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot intervention, rear automatic emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert and an Intelligent Around View Monitor with moving object detection.
Four exterior colors are available: Aquamarine Metallic, Gun Metallic, Pearl White and Moon Pearl Gray. The LE Plus may also be ordered with a black roof and Moonstone interior.
Each unit comes with a complimentary one-year Nissan Protect+ package that covers prepaid maintenance using genuine Nissan oil and parts.
Reservations are open at Nissan dealerships nationwide and through the company’s website. Customers may also see the new Kicks at the Nissan Intelligent Mobility Tour at the Glorietta Palm Drive Activity Center until August 30, 2026.
The Volvo XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid has been named Best Seven-Seater Car 2026 at the Auto Trader Drivers’ Choice Awards in the United Kingdom.
More than 160,000 UK motorists took part in the survey, which draws its results from the experiences of vehicle owners. The recognition places the XC90 ahead in a category where cabin space, comfort, safety and everyday usability carry as much weight as performance.
Hariphil Asia Resources Inc., the official distributor of Volvo Cars in the Philippines, welcomed the award as recognition of the flagship SUV’s appeal to families.
The XC90 has three rows of seats and a flexible cargo area that can adapt to different passenger and luggage requirements. Its cabin follows Volvo’s restrained Scandinavian design, with an emphasis on space, comfort and controls that are easy to understand.
Safety equipment under Volvo’s Safe Space Technology system includes collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert and Run-off Road Mitigation. These features support the driver in city traffic and during longer journeys.
The T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain gives the XC90 an electric-only driving range of up to 77 kilometers. Once the available battery charge is used, the vehicle continues in hybrid mode through a combination of gasoline and electric power.
This setup gives owners the option to complete some daily trips on electric power while keeping the range needed for travel outside the city. Strong power output also helps the seven-seat SUV carry passengers and cargo without losing the refined performance expected from a premium model.
“We are pleased to see the Volvo XC90 T8 PHEV recognized by the drivers and families who experience its exceptional qualities every day,” HARI vice chairman, president and CEO Maria Fe Perez-Agudo said.
She added that the award reflects the XC90’s combination of advanced safety, comfort, versatility, technology and performance. The recognition also comes as HARI marks its 25th anniversary.
Volvo Cars Philippines is offering the XC90 through an exclusive zero-percent interest financing package with BPI until 31 August 2026. Interested customers may visit an authorized Volvo dealership or contact the distributor through (02) 8894 1051, 0908 891 4286 or inquiry@volvocarsph.com.
VinFast is putting the water and dust protection of the VF 6 at the center of its pitch to Filipino motorists during the rainy season.
The electric crossover uses a 59.6-kWh battery pack and powertrain components with an IP67 rating. VinFast says the rating protects critical hardware against dust and temporary water immersion for up to 30 minutes under controlled test conditions.
The added protection addresses a common concern among motorists who are considering an electric vehicle. However, an IP67 rating is not clearance to enter deep floodwater. Water depth, current and hidden road hazards can still place any vehicle and its occupants at risk.
The VF 6 has 170 mm of ground clearance, while its electronic systems provide support when traction becomes limited on wet surfaces. Electronic stability control, traction control and electronic brakeforce distribution help the driver maintain control under changing road conditions.
Heated side mirrors and defoggers improve visibility when rain and moisture obscure the windows. The VF 6 also carries driver-assistance features that can reduce some of the strain caused by poor visibility and slow traffic.
Adaptive cruise control adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain distance from the car ahead. A 360-degree camera gives the driver a clearer view when moving through narrow streets or parking spaces. Blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert monitor areas that may be difficult to see from the driver’s seat.
The Plus variant is fitted with eight airbags, while the Eco receives four.
Power comes from a single electric motor. The Eco produces 130 kW, while the Plus delivers up to 150 kW and 310 Nm of torque. The immediate response of the motor suits repeated acceleration and braking in city traffic.
VinFast lists a driving range of up to 480 kilometers under the NEDC cycle. DC fast charging can replenish the battery from 10 to 70 percent in about 25 minutes, although actual charging time and range depend on operating conditions.
The VF 6 is covered by a seven-year or 160,000-km vehicle warranty. Its battery warranty runs for 10 years or 200,000 km. Buyers also receive access to free charging at V-Green stations until 31 March 2029 under VinFast’s current program.
Prices for the VF 6 Eco start at P1.249 million with a battery subscription and P1.499 million with the battery included. The Plus starts at P1.409 million under the subscription plan and P1.699 million with the battery.
The IP67 rating gives the VF 6 an added layer of protection during wet weather. Sensible judgment, however, is still the most important equipment when floodwater begins to rise.
