Cars
Subaru Powers Into the EV Game
Subaru unveils its first compact electric crossover, the 2026 Uncharted—sporty, spacious, and surprisingly quick
Subaru has pulled the wraps off the all-new 2026 Uncharted, its latest all-electric crossover designed to take on daily drives and weekend getaways. While launched globally, there’s still no confirmation on its arrival in the Philippine market.
The Uncharted is the latest child of the Subaru–Toyota alliance, sharing roots with the next-gen Toyota C-HR but sporting Subaru DNA in design and performance. It’s shorter than the Solterra by about seven inches yet manages to pack over 25 cubic feet of cargo behind the second row.
Outside, it wears black cladding, Subaru’s six-star illuminated badge, and a distinctive lighting signature seen on models like the Solterra and Trailseeker. GT variants even get a contrasting two-tone roof and sleek 20-inch wheels.
Inside, a large 14-inch touchscreen anchors a tech-forward cabin with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and dual wireless chargers. Rear passengers get USB-C ports and generous legroom—comparable to the Crosstrek. Sport and GT trims add StarTex® upholstery and heated rear seats.
Performance-wise, the Uncharted is no slouch. It uses a 74.7-kWh lithium-ion battery and comes in three trims: Premium (FWD), Sport (AWD), and GT (AWD). The front-wheel drive Premium delivers 221 PS with a range of over 480 kilometers, while the AWD trims offer up to 338 PS and hit 0–96 kph in under 5 seconds, with a range of about 466 km.
Charging is convenient with a Tesla-style NACS port supporting fast-charging from 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes, thanks to a built-in battery preconditioning system. At home, an 11-kW onboard charger supports Level 1 and Level 2 charging.
True to Subaru form, the AWD variants come equipped with X-MODE and Grip Control for better traction off-road and in tough conditions. Engineers also fine-tuned the suspension and structure for better handling and stability, whether you’re in the city or climbing slippery terrain.
Safety tech is fully loaded with Subaru’s EyeSight system: pre-collision braking, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane assist, traffic jam assist, and even a DriverFocus® distraction mitigation system. The GT trim sweetens the deal further with ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and Harman Kardon audio.
No pricing has been released yet, and its Philippine release remains uncertain. But with local interest in EVs rising and infrastructure improving, Subaru fans may want to keep their eyes on this one.
Vingroup contributed VND 148.773 trillion to Vietnam’s state budget in 2025, the highest amount recorded from a private company in the country.
The figure rose 165 percent from more than VND 56.2 trillion in 2024, according to a ranking published by Vietnamese financial news platform CafeF. It also made Vingroup the first private-sector company in Vietnam to exceed VND 100 trillion in state budget contributions within a single year.
Its contribution averaged more than VND 407 billion per day throughout 2025.
The record came as the Vietnamese conglomerate posted sharp growth across its automotive, property and service businesses. Vingroup generated more than VND 332.808 trillion in revenue during the year, up 76 percent, while profit after tax increased 111 percent to more than VND 11.146 trillion.
Growth continued during the first six months of 2026. Consolidated net revenue climbed 72.5 percent to VND 222.3 trillion, while profit after tax rose 4.5 times to VND 20.375 trillion. The six-month profit accounted for 58 percent of its full-year target.
VinFast contributed to the expansion as it held the top position in Vietnam’s electric vehicle market. The automaker delivered 115,916 electric vehicles in its home market during the first half, a 72-percent increase from the same period last year.
Global deliveries reached 128,662 vehicles, up 78 percent. VinFast also sold nearly 429,175 electric motorcycles, or 3.7 times the volume recorded a year earlier.
The company had 474 showrooms worldwide by the end of the period, with most located in key Asian markets.
Vingroup’s property arm Vinhomes recorded VND 134.2 trillion in equivalent revenue during the first half, three times the previous year’s figure. The group is also developing businesses in infrastructure and green energy.
Its Thien Tam Fund has allocated VND 35 trillion to healthcare, education, livelihood, disaster relief and other social programs. Another VND 11 trillion was recently committed to projects supporting people who have contributed to Vietnam.
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.
The recognition was based on a survey of more than 160,000 UK motorists, with vehicle owners rating their cars according to their actual experience.
Hariphil Asia Resources Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Volvo Cars in the Philippines, said the award highlights the flagship sport utility vehicle’s mix of space, safety, comfort and performance.
The XC90 T8 PHEV seats seven passengers across three rows and offers flexible cargo space for family trips and everyday use. Its cabin follows Volvo’s Scandinavian design approach, with a clean layout and technology designed to be easy to operate.
Its Safe Space Technology System includes collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert and Run-off Road Mitigation.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain can travel up to 77 kilometers using electric power alone before switching to hybrid operation. This gives owners the option to complete shorter drives without using the gasoline engine while retaining the range needed for longer journeys.
“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 recognition reflects the SUV’s ability to offer safety, comfort, versatility, technology and refined performance in one model.
The award also comes as HARI marks its 25th anniversary. The distributor handles Volvo passenger vehicles, Chevrolet passenger cars and Hyundai commercial vehicles in the Philippines.
Customers interested in the XC90 T8 PHEV may also avail themselves of an exclusive BPI zero-interest financing offer until 31 August 2026, subject to the promotion’s terms and conditions.
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) and the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) have introduced free 24/7 roadside assistance for eligible Toyota owners nationwide.
The program covers new Toyota Tamaraw and Lite Ace units sold beginning August 2026. Membership is valid for one year from the vehicle release date.
Customers must activate their membership through the QR code included with their membership card.
The package covers flat tire replacement, battery boosting, minor mechanical repairs at the breakdown site and emergency fuel delivery. Towing assistance is also included for one intervention or up to 25 kilometers to the nearest Toyota dealership.
The service gives Tamaraw and Lite Ace owners access to roadside help at any hour. Both models are commonly used by entrepreneurs, small businesses and families, which makes an unexpected breakdown more than a minor inconvenience.
The Tamaraw is locally assembled at Toyota’s manufacturing plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna. The Lite Ace, meanwhile, is available in several body configurations for commercial and personal use.
“AAP has been recognized for its commitment to road safety, a mission that Toyota deeply shares,” TMP President Masando Hashimoto said during the ceremonial contract signing on July 20.
“Through this program, we want our customers to know that help is available whenever they need it,” he added.
AAP President Augustus Ferreria said the partnership also supports the organization’s work in driver education and road discipline.
“It is our hope that every Toyota Tamaraw and Lite Ace owner will not only have peace of mind through AAP’s roadside assistance, but also become better and more disciplined drivers,” Ferreria said.
Toyota and AAP have previously worked together on road safety programs and the Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup. The roadside assistance program extends that partnership directly to vehicle owners.
Eligible customers may contact an authorized Toyota dealership for registration and complete program details.
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