Cars
Wetter the Better: Kia’s Rainy Day Road Rules Every Driver Should Know
As typhoon season hits its peak in the Philippines, Kia is offering timely advice to help motorists navigate the wet roads safely. From practical safety checks to 24/7 nationwide roadside assistance, Kia Philippines wants drivers to feel prepared—rain or shine.
“Rainy weather adds risk to every journey,” said Kia Philippines Managing Director Jay Lopez. “We want to empower our customers with knowledge and dependable support to keep them and their families safe.”
Kia’s rainy season tips are broken down into three crucial phases: before, during, and after a typhoon.
Before the Storm Hits
Drivers are advised to move their vehicles to higher ground or covered parking to avoid flood damage. Kia also suggests taking photos of the car beforehand to help with any future insurance claims.
For EV owners, full charging is essential in case of power outages. All drivers should inspect their tires, brakes, wipers, lights, and battery. EVs need extra attention—charging ports and connectors must be dry and clean.
Emergency car kits are a must. Tools, first aid supplies, power banks, and important documents should be stored in waterproof containers. Kia also reminds its customers that their 24/7 roadside assistance hotline is available for any emergency.
During a Typhoon
The brand’s golden rule: never drive through floodwaters. Even six inches of water can immobilize a car. EVs, while generally more resistant, are still vulnerable to hidden hazards and electrical issues.
If flooding can’t be avoided, Kia advises to drive slowly and steadily through the center of the road where water is shallower. Avoid shifting gears midstream, and once clear, tap the brakes gently to dry them.
If water rises around a parked car, don’t start the engine. Turn off the ignition and disconnect the 12V battery—only if it’s safe and the driver knows how. Otherwise, wait for professional help.
After the Rain
Inspect the vehicle for visible damage like water lines, debris, or mud, especially around the engine and undercarriage. Never attempt to start a flooded vehicle. Doing so may cause severe internal damage.
Instead, call Kia’s 24/7 roadside assistance. Even if the car seems fine, Kia recommends taking it to an authorized service center for a detailed inspection. Water can leave behind hidden damage that affects long-term safety.
Kia’s 24/7 Roadside Assistance Program
Kia owners can rely on free nationwide roadside assistance that includes towing, flat tire replacement, battery boosts, fuel delivery, lockout help, minor repairs, EV towing to the nearest charging station, and even hotel support for stranded travelers.
Motorists can call (02) 5318-8464 for help. Make sure to have the plate number, conduction sticker, and VIN or chassis number ready.
For more updates and details, visit kia.com/ph or follow Kia Philippines on social media.
Subaru has officially brought in the sixth-generation Forester, marking the compact SUV’s debut as a full hybrid in the Philippine market. Motor Image Pilipinas, the brand’s exclusive distributor, hopes this launch will reenergize its presence among family SUVs.
At the core is the second-generation e-Boxer system, Subaru’s first strong hybrid setup. It pairs the familiar 2.5-liter Boxer engine with two electric motors. The gasoline unit generates 164 hp and 209 Nm, while the motors contribute up to 122 hp and 270 Nm, combining for a maximum 197 hp. That makes it the most powerful Forester since the turbocharged XT. A 1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery enables short stints of all-electric driving, while a 63-liter tank helps stretch range to 1,000 km.
Despite the hybrid tech, Subaru sticks to its roots. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a Lineartronic CVT come standard, with off-road aids like Dual X-Mode, Hill Descent Control, and Active Torque Vectoring intact. The SUV also benefits from the tougher Subaru Global Platform, which is now 10 percent stiffer thanks to a full inner frame design. Steering precision improves with a dual-pinion system adapted from the WRX.
Design-wise, the new Forester looks sharper and cleaner but remains recognizable. The Philippine-spec 2.5 i-S e-Boxer Hybrid wears 19-inch alloys, roof rails, and C-shaped LED headlights with cornering lamps. A panoramic sunroof and a hands-free tailgate are standard. A Forester-exclusive shade, River Rock Pearl, joins the color palette.
Inside, Subaru blends rugged with refined. Scratch-resistant panels meet suede-and-leather seats, both front units equipped with power adjustment. Comfort and convenience come from dual-zone climate control, rear vents, wireless charging, and a 360-degree camera. The centerpiece is an 11.6-inch portrait-style touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired with an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
Safety tech takes a leap with EyeSight 4.0. It uses three cameras to provide nine driver-assist features, including lane centering, adaptive cruise, and emergency steering. A new Driver Monitoring System adds facial recognition to warn against distraction or drowsiness and can store profiles for five drivers. The system can even stop the vehicle if the driver becomes unresponsive.
Priced at P2,498,000, the Forester 2.5 i-S e-Boxer Hybrid comes with a five-year bumper-to-bumper warranty and eight years of coverage for the hybrid battery. For buyers looking at hybrids, it now stands as one of the few with a standard all-wheel-drive system, keeping Subaru’s identity intact while embracing electrification.
Volkswagen’s sales operations in the Philippines wind down this month as Ayala’s Automobile Central Enterprise Inc. ends its distribution deal with Volkswagen AG after a 12-year run. The last dealership in Bonifacio Global City is set to operate until September 30, 2025.
Vehicle servicing, maintenance, and warranty support will continue to be available through the Alabang Service Center, Pampanga Service Center, and other authorized service touchpoints. Customers may book service appointments via this volkswagen.service@acmobility.ph. For Pampanga customers, please contact 0918 8542379 or email hbsicat@lausgroup.com.ph.
The move follows Ayala’s exit from Maxus distribution in August, signaling a portfolio shift while customer care stays in place for Volkswagen users.
Volkswagen under Ayala began in 2013, bringing in nameplates from the Jetta and Tiguan to the Golf GTI, then pivoting in 2018 to China-built models like the Santana and Lamando, and later the T-Cross, Multivan Kombi, and Tharu.
Public posts from Volkswagen Philippines and multiple outlets confirm the closure timeline and aftersales arrangements.
BYD has officially brought the Tang DM-i to the Philippines, marking another step in its electrified lineup. The grand launch took place today, September 17, 2025, at the SPACE in Ayala One.
The Tang DM-i enters the local market at ₱2,098,000, offering Filipino buyers a premium plug-in hybrid SUV that blends luxury, versatility, and sustainable technology.
BYD first introduced the all-electric Tang in 2024, showcasing a global-standard SUV that combined comfort, technology, and performance. The DM-i version builds on that success by answering customer requests for flexibility. “Our mission is not just to introduce vehicles, but to listen, respond, and deliver solutions that fit Filipino needs,” said Bob Palanca, Managing Director of BYD Philippines.
Palanca explained that while many drivers are eager to shift fully to EVs, others want the reassurance of hybrid capability during the country’s transition to clean mobility. The Tang DM-i is designed precisely for that balance, powered by BYD’s advanced Super DM-i technology, which allows drivers to enjoy electric driving while still being equipped for longer-distance travel.
The SUV carries over the luxury, comfort, and advanced features of the original Tang, but now with an added layer of adaptability. From everyday city commutes to long family drives, the Tang DM-i positions itself as a versatile choice for Filipinos seeking both sustainability and practicality.
BYD emphasized that this launch is part of its larger mission to make advanced mobility accessible in the Philippines. “The Tang DM-i is not simply another SUV in our lineup. It is a smarter and more adaptable choice, reflecting our belief that sustainable mobility must also be practical and flexible,” Palanca added.
With the new model, BYD hopes to further strengthen its foothold in the country and bring more Filipinos closer to the future of mobility.
