Filipino car buyers who want seven seats and a Honda badge right now can turn to the highly competent Honda BR-V. That’s because the current-generation Honda CR-V will officially be replaced on Sept. 13, 2023. AutoFun Philippines was the first to report that the latest version of the venerable crossover would arrive this year with an all-new hybrid engine. However, this means that the top-spec CR-V’s economical turbodiesel engine and (rather tight) third-row seat will also bid farewell. But it s

The 2023 Honda BR-V has proven to be a hit for Honda Philippines as the Japanese automaker has announced that its 7-seater SUV has reached over 5,000 units sold, claiming the top spot on its sales chart. The stellar sales figures highlight the nameplate’s exceptional qualities that have resonated with customers - its distinct SUV appeal that’s confident and classy, comfortable and versatile interior, powerful and fuel-efficient engine, advanced features, and safety. So, what makes the 2023 Honda

It looks like Suzuki Auto Philippines isn’t done electrifying its lineup. An anonymous source from the Japanese carmaker initmated at the Jan. 16, 2023 launch of the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid that the company is evaluating plans to bring in a mild-hybrid version of the Suzuki XL7. However, it did not mention a launch date or final specifications. The Ertiga and the XL7 are almost identical, with the latter sporting a more off-roader aesthetic. The XL7 gets a massive front grill and generous amounts o

Buying an electrified vehicle is going to be a whole lot easier, at least in Indonesia. Our friends from AutoFun Indonesia reported that the Indonesian government is finalizing a host of financial incentives for people looking to buy a hybrid-electric or fully electric vehicle (EV). As of press time, an estimated 80 million rupiah (₱283,000) discount may be given to full EV buyers, while hybrid owners may get 40 million (₱141,000) rupiah off. However, these will only be offered to models that ar

The first time the Nissan Grand Livina entered the Philippine market in 2008, it was a three-row hatchback based on the Nissan Tiida platform. It was ahead of its time in many ways, as it offered car-like handling and seating for seven. Typical of what crossovers provide today. As head of the marketing team of Nissan Motor Philippines, Inc (NMPI) at that time, I was tasked to find ways to slot such a strange vehicle concept into the MPV-crazy consciousness of Filipino car buyers. The 2008 Nissan

A lot were impressed when the 2022 version of the Toyota Avanza came to the Philippines, as the model has been enormously improved by its Japanese automaker - Toyota. However, it was noticeable that its top-of-the-line variant – Toyota Avanza Veloz wasn’t a part of the lineup. Little did we know, Toyota Motor Corporation was in the process of developing the Veloz to stand up on its nameplate. A few months later, Toyota Motor Philippines launched a more premium version of the subcompact MPV Avanz