GAC Philippines recently invited us to a track day event to test the 2024 GAC Empow to showcase its sporty capabilities. The event was held at the Batangas Racing Circuit (BRC), where we could safely try the sedan. The automaker lined up several tests that covered the car’s handling, acceleration, braking, and traction control system. GAC also let us hot-lap the Empow on the short course layout of BRC. ALSO READ: FULL REVIEW: 2023 GAC Empow GE -- A Honda Civic rival in the making, but with a few

Hybrid vehicles are becoming popular in the Philippine market, with more and more automakers bringing their examples to the car-buying public. We have recent entries into the segment from the Chinese such as the Haval Jolion (Specs | News) and Haval H6, and even more from the Japanese, such as the Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, RAV4, Zenix, Yaris Cross, and Nissan Kicks, each trying to get a piece of the lucrative pie, especially with the ever-increasing fuel prices. While many are curious about

The all-new Toyota Agya (known in the Philippines as the Toyota Wigo) has been on sale in ASEAN since it was launched on February 2023. However, all of these models (including its siblings, the Daihatsu Ayla and the Perodua Axia) are in right-hand drive – until now. Toyota launched the all-new Wigo in Vietnam on June 2023. Because they also drive on the right-hand side, this makes it the first version of the subcompact hatchback to be sold in left-hand drive. 1.2-liter engine Much like the Agya

The BMW 3 Series has long been the benchmark for compact luxury sedans, combining superb driving dynamics with German refinement and quality. But in the Philippines, one rival beat out the 3 Series in the sales stakes. And it comes from Japan. Lexus Philippines said in a February 2023 press statement that the Lexus IS was the country’s best-selling model in its class in 2022, according to data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI). “Since the debut of its f

Mazda always amazes me with their stunning exterior designs as I have also never seen a model of theirs that isn’t good-looking. I have asked myself before, “Is Mazda a luxury car?” as the brand was already registered as a pretty model in my head. Its car models are always sophisticated and elegant-looking as if they were for executives and celebrities. When I saw the BT-50 pickup truck, it was as good-looking as its other sibling sedan models. I wondered if it can perform beastly like its compe

According to Japan’s BestCarWeb, the next-generation Lexus IS will be a pure-electric (EV) model. It will reportedly make its debut in 2025. Recall that late last year, Toyota announced its range of EV models to be launched by 2030, which includes Lexus’ EV models. Amongst them is the Lexus Electrified Sedan and BestCarWeb believes that it is the basis for the next-generation Lexus IS. Further details are scarce and entirely speculative, but BestCarWeb claims that the next-generation Lexus IS wi