Cars
Versa Returns
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation is bringing back a familiar name on Philippine roads with the return of the Mitsubishi Versa Van. Once a staple for families and businesses, the Versa Van is making a comeback as a modern people-mover aimed squarely at organizations that transport passengers daily.
The revived Versa Van carries a legacy that traces back to the Mitsubishi Delica platform. Filipino motorists first encountered it in 1987 through the L300 cab chassis, which later evolved into the original Versa Van. Over the years, it became known for durability, flexibility, and no-nonsense performance. Now, Mitsubishi has reintroduced the nameplate with updates that suit today’s transport needs while keeping the traits that made it dependable in the first place.
Designed mainly for passenger duties, the new Versa Van targets small to medium-sized businesses. It is positioned as a practical solution for tourism operators, school service providers, and companies that run employee or guest shuttle services. Mitsubishi is clearly pitching it as a workhorse for enterprises that rely on consistent, daily mobility.
The Versa Van is powered a 2.5-liter diesel engine producing 129 PS at 3,200 rpm and 356 Nm of torque from 1,400 to 2,000 rpm. Power is sent through a 5-speed manual transmission, a setup intended for frequent stop-and-go driving and fully loaded runs. With seating for up to 15 passengers, including the driver, the Versa Van allows operators to move more people in a single trip without sacrificing basic comfort.
The cabin offers generous room and straightforward access, with adjustable seating and steering for the driver. Foldable seats help improve passenger flow, making boarding and alighting easier during busy routes. Each seat row gets its own ceiling-mounted air outlet, which helps maintain airflow across the cabin during long or crowded trips.
The Versa Van provides ample luggage space, supported by a larger rear door opening that simplifies loading and unloading. This detail is especially useful for shuttle and tourism operations where bags and equipment are part of the daily routine.
Mitsubishi also highlights easier maintenance as part of the package. Key components are positioned for better access, which can shorten service time and help reduce vehicle downtime. For businesses, that translates to more days on the road and fewer interruptions.
The Mitsubishi Versa Van is offered in a single GLX MT variant, priced at ₱1,649,000. Buyers can choose between Silver Metallic and White Solid finishes. With this reintroduction, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation is reinforcing its focus on vehicles built for long-term use, aiming once again to make the Versa Van a familiar and reliable sight in everyday transport operations across the country
Honda Cars Philippines Inc. kicked off 2026 with a familiar name but a very different lineup. The refreshed Honda CR-V has officially landed in the Philippines, unveiled at the Glorietta Palm Drive Activity Center, and the big headline is simple. The CR-V is now mostly hybrid.
After its regional debut in Thailand late last year, the new CR-V arrives locally with three variants. Two are now e:HEV hybrids, while only one keeps a pure turbo gasoline setup.
Three Variants, Two Hybrids
The range opens with the V Turbo HuNT CVT. It runs a 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo engine paired with a CVT, sending power to the front wheels. Output stands at 190 PS at 6,000 rpm and 240 Nm of torque from 1,700 to 5,000 rpm.
The big shift happens in the middle. The VX e:HEV e-CVT now goes hybrid. It combines a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle VTEC engine producing 148 PS and 183 Nm with a dual-traction electric motor rated at 184 PS and 335 Nm. Power flows to the front wheels through an e-CVT.
At the top sits the RS e:HEV AWD e-CVT. It uses the same electrified setup as the VX but adds Real-Time AWD, giving the CR-V hybrid traction on all four wheels for the first time in the local lineup.
Same Shape, Sharper Details
Visually, the 2026 CR-V keeps its familiar proportions. Updates are subtle but noticeable. New 18-inch alloy wheels wear wider 235/60 tires, while exterior trim pieces and blacked-out accents freshen the look.
The HuNT styling package, exclusive to the V Turbo variant, adds copper accents on the grille and fog lights, silver highlights on the lower bumper, black wheel arch cladding, and silver running boards for a tougher stance.
Safety and Tech Go Standard
All variants come loaded with Honda Sensing, the brand’s full driver-assist suite. This includes adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, collision mitigation braking, lane-keep assist, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, auto high-beam, and lead car departure notification. Blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert are now standard across the board.
Inside, every CR-V gets a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus Google built-in, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, leather seats, a wireless charging pad, power front seats with driver memory, a power tailgate, and Honda Connect. The head-up display is now available on the VX, no longer limited to the RS.
The RS keeps its premium edge with a panoramic sunroof, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, red contrast stitching with RS logos, and a hands-free power tailgate.
Hybrid Warranty and Colors
Both e:HEV variants come with an 8-year or 160,000-km battery warranty for added peace of mind.
Color options include Canyon River Blue Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, and Platinum White Pearl, with a PHP 20,000 surcharge for the white finish.
Introductory Pricing
Honda is offering special launch pricing for early buyers:
- RS e:HEV AWD e-CVT – PHP 2,788,000
- VX e:HEV e-CVT – PHP 2,438,000
- V Turbo HuNT CVT – PHP 2,258,000
Regular prices are set PHP 50,000 to PHP 100,000 higher depending on the variant.
Toyota Motor Philippines has started work on a new dealership in Antipolo City, adding another service hub for customers east of Metro Manila. The project is being developed with Toyota Taytay, Rizal Inc. and is set to strengthen Toyota’s footprint in one of the country’s fastest growing cities.
The upcoming Toyota Antipolo, Rizal facility will rise along L. Sumulong Memorial Circle in Barangay San Jose. Designed as a full-service dealership, it aims to give local motorists easier access to sales and aftersales support without the long drive into Metro Manila.
Once completed, the dealership will cover a total floor area of 12,160 square meters across three floors and a mezzanine. It will feature a modern showroom that can display up to seven vehicles and a service area with 37 bays. Customers can expect express maintenance, periodic servicing, body and paint work, and general repairs under one roof.
Toyota Motor Philippines president Masando Hashimoto said the Antipolo site has long been part of the company’s hopes for network expansion. He shared that the new dealership will help Toyota serve customers in Rizal with greater convenience as the area continues to grow.
Toyota Antipolo, Rizal president Zellyn Lim Diaz highlighted the local impact of the project. She said the dealership will create jobs during construction and provide long-term employment once operations begin, while also supporting skills development and stable livelihoods for families in the area.
Antipolo City has seen steady growth driven by retail, real estate, tourism, and small businesses. Its close link to Metro Manila through major roads like Marcos Highway and Ortigas Avenue Extension has made mobility support an essential part of daily life. Toyota’s latest expansion places its services closer to motorists who rely on these routes every day.
Volvo Cars Philippines has rolled out a limited time promo on its two plug in hybrid SUVs, giving buyers a rare chance to step into electrified luxury with major savings.
Handled locally by Hariphil Asia Resources Inc. (HARI), the offer puts both the XC90 T8 and XC60 T8 Plug in Hybrid under the spotlight, each carrying a ₱500,000 discount from their respective sticker prices. The promo covers Volvo’s top tier electrified models and comes with a DTI Fair Trade Permit, making it a certified deal for buyers looking to move into hybrid ownership.
Leading the lineup is the XC90 T8 Plug in Hybrid, Volvo’s seven seater flagship SUV. With the discount applied, the model drops from its ₱5.45 million suggested retail price. Designed for families and long drives, the XC90 T8 can travel up to 77 kilometers on electric power alone before switching to hybrid mode for longer trips. This setup allows for emissions free city use while keeping fuel efficiency and performance intact on highways.
Alongside it is the XC60 T8 Plug in Hybrid, Volvo’s best selling SUV globally with more than 2.7 million units sold worldwide. Priced at ₱4.55 million before the discount, the five seater SUV offers up to 80 kilometers of electric only driving, making it suitable for daily urban use. Once the battery is depleted, the vehicle automatically shifts to hybrid operation to maintain efficiency without sacrificing responsiveness.
Both models highlight Volvo’s long standing focus on safety, comfort, and Scandinavian design, while giving buyers access to plug in hybrid technology without fully committing to a pure electric vehicle.
Interested customers can visit Volvo Cars Makati to check availability, learn more about the promo, and book a test drive. The offer is available for a limited time only, subject to terms and conditions.
