It’s the first BYD model to introduce an ‘Essential’ variant
by Billy Caluag
They don’t build them like this anymore
In March of this year, the conflict in the Middle East between Iran and the US-Israel coalition resulted in the fourth oil shock in modern history. Pump prices for diesel tripled up to P155 per liter, resulting in a surge of
Is it still a contender in 2026?
In 2025, the Changan Nevo A05 arrived as one of the earliest competitors to the popular BYD Seal 5 DM-i. The tale of the tape was clear: Both were well-equipped plug-in hybrid sedans priced at under P1.2 million.
by Billy Caluag
What do you think of the new look?
The future is here for the Hyundai Elantra-or the Avante, as it goes by in the Korean market. The eighth generation of the compact sedan was revealed last week at the 2026 Busan International Mobility Show, and it's a vastly
by Angelo Nieto
BYD could be going for a deeper undercut with the ‘Essential’ variant
A new BYD has made its appearance on the Department of Energy's list of certified electric vehicles, and it's called the Seal 05 DM-i. That zero digit is an important distinction-this is meant to be an updated version
by Angelo Nieto
The GR-S remains the range topper, with new G HEV and E HEV variants below it
A few months ago, we reported on rumblings of a reshuffled lineup for the Toyota Corolla Altis that would see more electrified variants introduced, leaving just one purely gas option. Now, those rumors are quietly coming to fruition. As caught by TheAuto
by Angelo Nieto
Have you ever owned a Corolla?
The Toyota Corolla nameplate turns 60 this year. To celebrate, the Japanese carmaker has created 60th anniversary editions of its Corolla lineup in Japan. These special editions include commemorative badging, tuned suspension, new wheels, and a couple of other features.The Active
by Lije Martin
What do you think of the new design?
The facelifted Lexus IS is now in the Philippines, and all we can say is: finally. This version of the third-generation sedan launched in September 2025, and we've seen it travel around the world. Most recently, it made its regional
by Billy Caluag
Pretends to be shocked
Was anyone else told as a kid that if they sat too close to the TV screen, their eyesight would worsen? Well, perhaps that wasn't a common saying in Germany, because Mercedes-Benz continues to go all-in on monstrous infotainment
by Greg Potts
Changan aims to elevate the local compact sedan segment
Inchcape Philippines has just debuted the all-new Changan Eado Plus, a compact sedan that aims to set "the new standard of everyday driving." The Eado Plus enters the Philippines as one of the best-selling nameplates in China, vending around 168,
It is the “essence of the BMW brand”
In short, this is the electric version of the most important car BMW has and will continue to build. The very "essence of the BMW brand."It's the new BMW i3 sedan-essentially an electric, next-generation 3-Series.And yes,
by Vijay Pattni
You may know its electric sibling, the Eado EV460 electric taxi
Chinese carmaker Changan will be launching the Changan Eado Plus sedan in the Philippine market on March 25, 2026. Regular taxi users may recognize its fully electric sibling, the Eado EV460 (pictured below), as it was launched in 2025 as part of
More affordable hybrid variants could be on the way
A major overhaul could be coming to the Toyota Corolla Altis lineup this year. The latest generation of the compact sedan has not seen an update since the hybrid version was launched in January 2025, but the whole roster may be shifting
by Billy Caluag
A measured market response
It may be four years late, but the new Vios has finally landed. Only it isn't just a Vios. It's the Vios Ativ. As with the Corolla Altis before it, the name change signals a move upmarket; promising better features,
by Niky Tamayo
*In Thailand, that is...
The hybrid Honda Civic has gotten much more accessible through two new variants-not in our market, though, but in neighboring Thailand. Officially called the Civic e:HEV EL and EL+, these trims offer more basic styling and fewer bells and whistles
by Billy Caluag
It’s the closest thing we have to a Sentra Nismo at the moment
We were among those cheering on Nismo Nick when he announced his dream Nissan Sentra build in collaboration with an Arizona dealer of the Japanese brand. The concept he showed in January was very much Nismo-inspired-not surprising at all given
The hybrid sedan gets its recognition
It's that time of the year again for Top Gear Philippines. After our big anniversary celebration last year, we had an even bigger one for 2025. It's been quite the year for our team and for the automotive industry as
It’s not an STI, but it’ll do
Loud, raw, and fast-that's how I've always seen the Subaru STI. It's the sort of car that keeps you awake and demands every ounce of your attention, especially on spirited backroad drives. I've never actually driven one
It’s back to basics for BMW
The 2026 BMW 318i Professional is now available in the Philippines, capping off the nameplate's 50th year of production. This facelifted model arrives as the second Life Cycle Impulse or iteration in the current G20 platform.Retained in the same form
Hyundai takes two steps forward
In the Philippine motoring beat, there seems to be a shared sentiment that the Hyundai Elantra is still in its proving grounds. While the nameplate has been around since 1990-with a brief hiatus somewhere in between-it still hasn't inspired
by Billy Caluag
