AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup: A week of wonderful launches before the Lunar New Year

Gong Xi Fa Cai. Today is Chinese New Year!

And because it’s a Sunday, it’s also time for your weekly dose of the AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup. We take a look at all the stories we published last week and find the five that you loved the most. 

Here are our hottest stories from Jan. 16 to 20, 2023 as we welcome the Year of the Water Rabbit.

Cheapest mild-hybrid on sale

The Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid is a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with a multitude of superlatives.

It’s not only the cheapest mild-hybrid vehicle on sale as of press time, but it’s also the first electrified subcompact MPV in its class.

There are even plans to bring in a mild-hybrid version of the chunkier Suzuki XL7 MPV.

Will this hybrid revolution electrify Suzuki Auto Philippines’ sales figures?

Ready for rough roads

AutoFun Philippines contributor Jude Morte searched far and wide to find places where you can take the upcoming 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross.

With its generous ground clearance, you could theoretically take the small, seven-seater MPV anywhere from flooded Manila streets to the mountain roads of Iba in Zambales.

The updated Xpander Cross makes its Philippine debut on Jan. 26, 2023. Do you think it can take on fresher models like the all-new Honda BR-V?

Xpander vs. Ertiga

Another story that piqued all your interest is contributor Mark Policarpio’s showdown of the Suzuki Ertiga and the Mitsubishi Xpander.

Both MPVs offer plenty of practicality, with one taking top trumps over the other in certain categories. 

Which camp do you fall in, especially with the Ertiga now available as a mild hybrid?

GAC Motor’s turbocharged revival

GAC Motor Philippines is one of the first to ride the wave of Chinese carmakers that entered the country in recent years.

However, a fairly lackluster lineup, a small dealer network and rather insufficient marketing left the brand floundering in the water against the likes of Geely and MG.

But all that’s changed for 2023 – Peugeot distributor Astara Philippines is in charge and it led the unveiling of the Empow sedan and the all-new GS8 sport-utility vehicle last week.

Both offer superb levels of equipment and performance at prices that greatly undercut established rivals like the Honda Civic and the Ford Explorer, respectively.

Will the Year of the Water Rabbit provide great fortune for GAC Motor Philippines this time around?

The fastest Type R ever

The Philippines may mostly have congested roads, but it sure loves fast cars.

And few are quite as fast as the 2023 Honda Civic Type R FL5, which made a surprise debut at the Honda Cars Philippines Inc. Thanksgiving party.

Although Joey, Gilbert, and I didn’t really get the chance to wine and dine, we worked together to get the story out, along with making some great videos on the Type R (check those out soon).

Will this new Honda Civic Type R break front-wheel-drive records on our racetracks?

AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup runs every Sunday. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on TikTok and Instagram!