Cars
Vios Ativ HEV Signals Toyota’s Boldest Launch of 2025
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has opened early reservations for the all-new Vios Ativ HEV, its most anticipated model rollout this year. The official launch is set for October 2025, marking a major step in Toyota’s hybrid expansion in the country.
While pricing has yet to be revealed, TMP confirmed that the Ativ HEV will be the brand’s most affordable hybrid. Currently, the entry-level hybrid in Toyota’s local lineup is the Corolla Cross 1.8 G at ₱1,514,000. Analysts expect the Ativ HEV to land around the ₱1.2 to ₱1.3 million range, possibly dipping lower to compete directly with rivals like the BYD Seal 5 Premium (₱1,198,000), Honda City (₱973,000–₱1,138,000), and Nissan Almera (₱845,000–₱1,195,000).
Official documents from the Department of Energy confirm that the vehicle will carry the “Vios Ativ HEV” nameplate. Its hybrid status qualifies it for perks such as number coding exemption and lower registration fees under the EVIDA law. Power comes from a 1.5-liter 2NR-VEX four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined output of 111 horsepower. The setup is mated to an e-CVT and powered by a lithium-ion battery pack, the same system found in the Yaris Cross HEV.
In Thailand, where the Ativ HEV has already been launched, the model features 16-inch alloy wheels, a 10.1-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control with rear vents, and Toyota Safety Sense driver-assist technologies.
Interestingly, TMP’s marketing approach raises questions about its positioning. While the DOE lists it as the “Vios Ativ HEV,” TMP has been spotlighting the “Ativ” branding in teasers. This echoes strategies used with the Innova Zenix and Avanza Veloz, suggesting that the Ativ may eventually stand as its own model line. Another possibility is that the Ativ HEV becomes the top-tier Vios variant, potentially opening the door for a hybrid GR Sport comeback.
Whichever direction Toyota takes, one thing is clear: the arrival of the Vios Ativ HEV will shake up the subcompact sedan segment. With electrified mobility now more accessible, Filipino buyers can expect a greener option in time for the holiday season.
Mitsubishi Motors is bringing back the Eclipse name for a new battery electric vehicle in North America, with the 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback set to go on sale in late summer or early fall 2026.
The all-new Eclipse Sportback will be sourced from Alliance partner Nissan Motor Co. and will be based on the next-generation Nissan LEAF. Mitsubishi said the model will receive design changes to separate it from its Nissan counterpart, including unique front and rear fascias, distinct lighting signatures, sporty alloy wheels and the brand’s Triple Diamond badge.
The vehicle will be positioned as a sporty electric subcompact SUV, marking another step in Mitsubishi’s electrification program in North America. The company released the first images of the model on June 9, ahead of its market launch later this year.
The Eclipse badge carries weight for Mitsubishi in the region. The nameplate made its North American debut in 1990 and became one of the brand’s most recognizable models. Its return as an electric sportback reflects Mitsubishi’s plan to use familiar names while expanding into new powertrain choices.
Mitsubishi’s electric vehicle work goes back to the 1970s, when it began developing EVs in Japan. The i-MiEV, described by the company as the world’s first mass-produced electric vehicle, went on sale in select markets in 2009 before reaching the United States and Canada in late 2011. The Outlander PHEV followed globally in 2012 and arrived in North America in 2018.
The Eclipse Sportback also fits into Mitsubishi Motors North America’s Momentum 2030 plan. The business program focuses on electrification, a renewed and expanded product lineup, modernized retail operations and a stronger dealer network.
Under the plan, Mitsubishi intends to launch at least one new or significantly revised vehicle each year through fiscal year 2030. After the Eclipse Sportback, the company is also preparing an all-new rugged, off-road derivative of the Outlander SUV for early 2027.
More details on the Eclipse Sportback, including technical specifications, pricing and final on-sale timing, will be released later.
Ford Philippines has extended its Employee Pricing Program until the end of June following strong customer response to its earlier run.
The program allows buyers to pay what Ford employees pay when purchasing select Ford vehicles. It covers cash discounts, all-in down payment options and zero-interest financing deals across several nameplates.
The Ford Ranger is available with savings of up to P340,000 or an all-in down payment of P59,000. The Ford Everest comes with savings of up to P180,000 or an all-in down payment of P69,000, with select Everest Titanium+ purchases bundled with the Ford 5-Star Care Package.
Ford is also offering the Mustang Mach-E with savings of up to P600,000 or zero interest at 50 percent down payment for 60 months. The Explorer 2.3L Limited EcoBoost carries P1 million in cash savings or zero interest at 20 percent down payment for 60 months.
For hybrid buyers, the Territory Hybrid Trend now comes with P40,000 cash savings or a P79,000 all-in down payment, while the Territory Hybrid Titanium X offers P50,000 in savings or an P89,000 all-in down payment.
Ford will also hold a Father’s Day Weekend activity in dealerships nationwide from June 18 to 21, with test drives, family activities, prizes and freebies. Its mobile showroom will stop in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental from June 15 to 18.
Toyota Motor Philippines is bringing music, new models, test drives and brand displays to the 2026 Philippine International Motor Show as Ben&Ben performs live at the Toyota booth on 5 June.
The 10th PIMS will run from 4 to 7 June 2026 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila. Toyota said the nine-piece band, which serves as its Toyota Choice ambassadors, will perform from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the second day of the show.
The brand’s booth this year will carry the Toyota Choice campaign, which focuses on giving customers more options based on their lifestyle, needs and daily mobility requirements. Toyota said visitors will be able to see upcoming models, learn more about its ownership programs and join public test drives.
The test drive activity will allow guests to experience Toyota’s fuel-efficient internal combustion engine models, practical hybrid electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles. The brand will also showcase the bZ4X BEV, RAV LTD HEV and Toyota Tamaraw GL Dropside, which appear with Ben&Ben in the campaign visuals.
Ben&Ben said Toyota has been part of the group’s journey since its early years.
“Toyota has been a core part of our story ever since the beginning of our band. Our first band car was a Toyota borrowed from the twins’ family, at pinagkasya namin kaming lahat doon kasama lahat ng mga gamit namin,“ shared Ben&Ben.
“A few years later, nagsimula ang partnership with Toyota at nagkaroon kami ng dalawang van! Nagkasya na kami nang hindi nagsisiksikan. Dumami na rin kasi ang mga gamit namin sa pagtugtog. Nine years of countless shows and travels later, we’re happy to still be choosing Toyota. Sa lahat ng biniyahe namin, at mga ala-alang nakapaloob rito, Toyota ang sakay namin.” added the nine-piece Filipino band.
Toyota said its partnership with Ben&Ben is built around shared values such as trust, connection, versatility and innovation. The company said the band helps make the Toyota Choice campaign more relatable to younger audiences and gives the brand a more human voice.
Aside from the main Toyota display, visitors can also check T-OPT, Toyota’s affordable auto parts brand. Toyota said the display will show parts options backed by the company and designed to support customers after purchase.
The Gazoo Racing booth will also be at the show. Guests can buy GR merchandise and view a modified GR Supra and GR Corolla.
“The Philippine International Motor Show has always been a great platform for Toyota to showcase our latest and future offerings of Toyota. We invite everyone to come to Toyota’s PIMS 2026 booth to see our upcoming models up close, test drive our latest vehicle lineup, and enjoy with their families and friends while watching our Toyota Choice Ambassadors, Ben&Ben, perform their songs,” said TMP First Vice President of Vehicle Sales Operations Elijah Marcial.
“Toyota is dedicated to ensuring our customers’ choice leads to a smooth ownership experience, and one that gives them a dedicated peace of mind. We hope that with Toyota’s PIMS 2026 booth, guests will be able to have the power of choice to choose what is best for their mobility needs.” she adds.
Toyota said the booth will combine live music, vehicle displays, test drives, ownership support and Toyota-backed services for PIMS visitors.
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