When print, radio, and television were the only sources of information, this was how a person, a brand, or even a whole country was brought down. The relentless negative narratives pushed by agenda-driven personalities would ensure that all mass media was fed with the storylines crafted to shape public opinion for or against a target. In today’s age of social media, the same is true but on a magnified scale. News and information travel faster. More opinions are heard by a larger audience than ev

The all-new 2024 Toyota Wigo made a huge splash when it was launched in the Philippines on July 14, 2023. Aside from the new chassis, transmission, and styling, the pricing really grabbed people’s attention. Starting at ₱609,000, the all-new Toyota Wigo undercuts its major rivals, such as the recently refreshed Honda Brio and the rather dated Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback. But the base-model 2024 Toyota Wigo J also takes on one of the biggest names in small cars – Suzuki. And at this price, its ri

When it comes to practical and affordable seven-seater MPVs, the most popular choices that come to mind are the all-new Honda BR-V and the soon-to-be-launched 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross. This will surely make it difficult for buyers to choose which of the two they should get. But suppose the local spec 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross is close to being kitted out like the one launched during last year’s 29th GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show. In that case, there’s a lot to look forward

When it comes to small, seven-seater multi-purpose vehicles (MPV), you have as many choices in the market as there are stars. The segment remains highly popular in the Philippines because it combines the utility and practicality of seven seats with the size and ease of a compact sedan. There are established Japanese stalwarts like the Toyota Avanza (and its luxurious Veloz sibling), the Mitsubishi Xpander (and its rebadged Nissan Livina sibling), the Suzuki Ertiga, and the upcoming all-new Honda

The Hyundai Stargazer recently broke cover and became the latest model to enter the hotly contested subcompact MPV category. With the headstart enjoyed by the likes of the Toyota Avanza and Rush, the Honda BR-V, the Mitsubishi Xpander, the Suzuki Ertiga, and another newcomer, the Nissan Livina, Hyundai’s affordable seven-seater has a lot to prove to sway Filipinos toward its fold. During our brief afternoon with the Hyundai Stargazer, we noticed how some of its design, technical, and safety feat

Mitsubishi's obsession with retaining the L300 brand every year is akin to Filipinos' obsession with Voltes V. It's long-standing, occasionally feel-good, sometimes head-scratching, and full of nostalgia. Most local folks feel the same about the Japanese diamond star nameplate. However, the spartan sturdiness of the all-purpose hauler made it a hit (especially in the provinces), so why mess around with a swinging act? The L300 platform can be configured depending on business needs. A ladder fram