Manila Bulletin Drive

03/01/2026

While the transition appears to be the normal evolutionary path for Toyota’s MPV, it actually isn’t. The Zenix may still sport the ‘Innova’ badge at the rear, although I assume it won’t be for long. This is because it is an all-new model, with an all-new platform, and a new powertrain (shared with several Toyota and Lexus models). Except for a few design cues and the identical shape, it shares nothing else with a typical Innova.

Although it may not appear so, the Zenix is 20mm longer and 20-mm wider than the Innova, and the Q grade features LED headlamps, daytime running lamps, and fog lamps. It also distinguishes itself from the base model with chrome plating on the door handles and belt moldings, overfenders, 18-inch wheels (the Innova has 17s), and a power tailgate.

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03/01/2026

Motorists will face a divergence in pump prices as the 2026 trading year begins, with early market data suggesting a slight reprieve for gasoline users while diesel costs are poised to climb.

Based on the first four days of trading for the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS), the regional benchmark for refined products, diesel prices are projected to rise by ₱0.20 to ₱0.40 per liter next week. In contrast, gasoline prices may see a marginal adjustment ranging from a ₱0.10 per liter rollback to a flat trend. Kerosene, a fuel for households and the aviation sector, is expected to decrease by approximately ₱0.20 per liter.

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03/01/2026

The Omoda and Jaecoo brands in the Philippines are just a small slice of their larger stable of vehicles and products offered in their home country. To give Filipinos a better idea of what these two brands have to offer, Omoda and Jaecoo Philippines recently invited us to Wuhu, China to learn more about them.

As a follow up to our earlier feature on them, we continue where we left off. Right after sampling their vehicles in a performance handling course, we got a peek of what’s in store for the brand further in the future.

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29/12/2025

MG Motor Philippines has formally introduced the all-new MG HS Hybrid+ to the local market, just as the brand is expanding its presence in the local electrified vehicle market. The launch of the electrified SUV comes alongside a period of transition for the company, pairing the arrival of a new hybrid model with a change in leadership at SAIC Motor Philippines Inc., the official distributor of MG vehicles in the country.

The spotlight is on the new MG HS Hybrid+, a compact SUV sporting the brand's newer design language. The model uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged hybrid-dedicated engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 224 PS and 340 Nm of torque. Power is managed through a 2-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission and supported by a 1.83 kWh battery. The system allows the vehicle to operate across electric, hybrid, and gasoline modes without the need for external charging, designed to operate without requiring changes to established refueling routines.

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29/12/2025

Motorists may need to ease off the accelerator in the new year, as diesel and kerosene prices are set to increase this week.

Starting Tuesday, Dec. 30, diesel and kerosene prices will rise by ₱0.60 per liter; however, gasoline prices will remain unchanged. Seaoil, Shell Pilipinas, Petro Gazz, and Caltex will implement these price adjustments at 6 a.m., while Cleanfuel will follow shortly after at 4:01 p.m.

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29/12/2025

In the compact and subcompact segments, the importance of safety carries added weight to the discussion. Smaller vehicles operate in the same traffic environment as larger SUVs and pickups, yet they rely more heavily on structural design, restraint systems, and active safety technologies to manage real-world risks. Against this backdrop of rising safety expectations for smaller cars, the Suzuki Fronx has earned a five-star safety rating from the ASEAN New Car Assessment Program under its 2021 to 2025 assessment protocol.

The rating applies to the 2025 model year Suzuki Fronx manufactured in Indonesia. ASEAN NCAP testing awarded the vehicle a total score of 77.70 points, based on its performance in adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, safety assist technologies, and motorcyclist safety. Together, these categories measure how well a vehicle protects occupants during a crash and how effectively it supports drivers in avoiding collisions.

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27/12/2025

There is a learning curve when dealing with new vehicles, and with electrified models, the fewer common parts they share with a conventional car, the steeper the curve is. But don't get intimidated. Think of it like learning to use a new phone.

Take the battery-electric Model Y, for example. Instead of a key fob, it comes with a card. Simply tap on a specific surface to unlock and start the vehicle. A paired mobile device with the Tesla app installed will work just the same.

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27/12/2025

Fuel price relief may be short-lived by the last week of December, as geopolitical tensions persist in affecting supply transportation. Based on four-day trading at Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS), gasoline prices could remain at current levels or increase by ₱0.10 per liter, while diesel may rise by around ₱0.30 to ₱0.50 per liter. Kerosene prices are also likely to increase by more or less ₱0.10 per liter.

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27/12/2025

Buyers can now add the Suzuki Dzire and Fronx to their roster of fuel efficient vehicles to choose from. The two scored impressive results of 36.10-km/L and 24.69-km/L respectively at the recent Department of Energy Fuel Eco-Run.

Suzuki Philippines Incorporated (SPH) entered the Suzuki Dzire Hybrid GLX CVT and Suzuki Fronx Hybrid SGX AT. They were part of the recently concluded Department of Energy (DOE) CY2025 Fuel Eco-Run (FER) held on 24 September 2025 at the Tarlac–Pangasinan–La Union Expressway (TPLEX).

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23/12/2025

22/12/2025

2025 has seen one exciting model after another arrive. Yet possibly one of the best yet is set to arrive in just a few days. That car is the Toyota GR Corolla, a turbocharged, all-wheel drive, four door sporty hatch bearing the fruits of Gazoo Racing's learnings from its participation and recent Constructor's Title in the 2025 World Rally Championship.

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is set to launch the all-new GR Corolla on December 23. That date will be the start of retail sales. As the name implies, the GR Corolla will be the latest addition to TMP’s Gazoo Racing (GR) Performance vehicle lineup, which includes the GR Supra, GR Yaris, and GR 86.

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22/12/2025

EVOxTerra Inc., the official distributor of Hongqi vehicles in the Philippines, marks another milestone as it officially joins the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI), the country’s leading automotive association representing the industry’s foremost automotive brands and helping shape industry standards and advocacy.

This development reinforces the brand’s foothold in the local market and aligns with its commitment to responsible and sustainable mobility. Its entry into CAMPI reflects its intention to take part in initiatives that support the automotive industry’s progress.

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