AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup: 5 must-read stories before Valentine's Day

It is Sunday once more, so we’re back with another edition of the AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup.

Valentine’s Day is just a few days away and many of you will likely have some fun dates with and/or great gifts for a special someone (sanaol talaga).

For those who want to take their mind off February 14, 2023 (which we single people call Tuesday), here are five of your favorite stories from February 6 to 11, 2023.

Tasty EV treat?

We start off with something sweet (unlike my love life).

AutoFun Philippines contributor Mark Policarpio got behind the wheel of the Ice Cream Sundae, a mini electric vehicle (EV) by Chinese carmaker Chery and imported by SuperCharged Motors Inc.

Its funky styling and bright colors may seem delectable, but will its ₱888,000 price tag leave a bad taste in potential buyers’ mouths?

Electrified Alphard coming soon?

The Toyota Alphard van has become the de facto shuttle for high-end casinos all over the country.

Offering great comfort and stellar Toyota reliability, these luxury vans are perfect for hauling high-rollers to their exclusive tables, along with providing refined and spacious transport for VIPs (gambling or otherwise).

But the next-generation Alphard could also add good fuel economy to the mix, with rumors buzzing about the new model’s 340-PS hybrid drivetrain. It is expected to debut on May 2023.

Will Toyota’s upcoming high-end van be another jackpot?

Are you the next Toyota Wigo?

Moving on to the other end of the Toyota spectrum, the all-new Perodua Axia was previewed last week.

It rides on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture, which will likely be used on its sibling, the next-generation Toyota Wigo.

Uncamouflaged photos of the Axia have also come out, along with its less-than-perfect ASEAN NCAP crash-test results. Our colleagues at WapCar Malaysia have also been able to drive the all-new Axia.

Do you think this more refined Axia/Wigo will be a hit in the Phillippines?

An old fling returns?

The Filipino's love story with the Toyota Tamaraw is the stuff of legend. So when news broke out from Japan that President Bong Bong Marcos and outgoing Toyota Motor Corporation President and CEO Akio Toyoda were discussing the possible return of the famous nameplate, it got us thinking. 

With the pending arrival of the all-new Toyota Innova this year, is it still possible for the Tamaraw to find a spot in the Japanese brand's local lineup for 2023? Well, stranger things have happened. 

All this time?

The Volkswagen Cross Santana has been sitting in the Volkswagen Bonifacio Global City showroom since December 2022.

Nonetheless, it's better late than never after Volkswagen Philippines officially launched the model last week.

The Cross Santana is a more rugged version of the Volkswagen Santana GTS wagon, complete with black-plastic body cladding and black alloy wheels.

Given your reception for this story, is Volkswagen Philippines on to something with this spruced-up, little station wagon?

Advanced Happy Valentine’s Day (or Advanced Happy Tuesday) to you all!

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

And don’t forget to rate all of our stories using the stars below each article. It will help us develop stories that you enjoy.