AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup: A legendary Toyota returns, a new Toyota debuts

Missed our best stories from last week?

Don’t worry – Sundays are for the AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup!

We picked the five stories from February 13 to 17, 2023 that you all liked the most. 

Return of the Tamaraw

Like many of you, we were surprised to hear about the return of the Toyota Tamaraw following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s trip to Japan earlier this month.

Toyota Motor Philippines said it will invest ₱4.4 billion for the new Tamaraw’s production. And it may be based on a concept commercial vehicle showcased on December 2022.

What would you like to see in the reincarnated Tamaraw?

More powerful Wigo

The next-generation Toyota Wigo is coming soon to the Philippines!

Toyota launched the all-new Toyota Agya (known as the Wigo in the Philippines) on the day before Valentine’s.

Apart from fully revamped styling, the Agya uses a Daihatsu platform and is powered by a 1.2-liter inline-3 engine that delivers more power than the old 1.0-liter model. At least in Indonesia. 

It remains to be seen how Toyota Motor Philippines will spec the next-generation Wigo once it arrives here. Are you excited to see the new Wigo on our roads?

Sporty Wigo

For those who want a Wigo with more zest, Toyota has something for you.

The aforementioned all-new Toyota Agya also has a GR Sport variant that isn’t just a body kit and some decals. The little hatchback has also gotten handling upgrades, including sports tires.

Would you go for a hot Toyota Wigo?

Honda BR-V maintenance

The all-new Honda BR-V is one of the best seven-seater multi-purpose vehicles currently on the market.

But how much does maintaining one cost? AutoFun Philippines Writer Joey Deriquito goes through the numbers. 

Is the Honda BR-V’s running cost within your budget?

Perks for vintage-car owners

If you own a car that is at least 40 years old, there are new incentives for your classic ride in a few months.

The implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 11698 or the “Vintage Vehicle Regulation Act” take effect on April 2023. The law allows for the importation, exportation, and registration of vintage vehicles aged 40 years or older from their manufacturing date.

If owners choose to register these vintage vehicles, the Land Transporation Office will grant them a registration renewable every three years. Under the new law, owners can also request a special “vintage vehicle” plate for the car. 

Would this new measure make you want a car from your childhood years?

EXTRA: Farewell to a racing legend

Although this isn’t part of the top five stories from last week, it’s definitely worth mentioning.

The local racing community suffered a huge loss following the passing of Philippine Autocross Championship Series (PACS) founder and race director Danilo “Danny” B. Santiago on Feb. 18, 2023.

“Mang Danny” was a much-beloved racer and race organizer. He started his racing career by competing in stage rallies in the late 1970s and holds the record for winning the top title (known as the “Slalom King”) in the National Slalom Series six times in a row.

After founding PACS in 2000, he helped inspire and develop generations of Filipino (and Filipina) racing drivers, including myself, who later went on to win championships in various motorsport disciplines.

Thank you for everything and enjoy the racetracks in the sky, Mang Danny.

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

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