AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup: Hot models not yet in the Philippines and an EV price drop

Another weekend, another edition of AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup.

We’ve been seeing a lot of new models coming out in other parts of the world, many of which may find their way to our shores.

Check out the top five stories from March 13 to 17, 2023.

Bring it in, Honda!

The Honda WR-V is the strongest predator of the Toyota Raize.

And following its global debut in Indonesia, it’s now in Thailand, too. Sporting mechanicals from the Honda City and Honda BR-V, the WR-V is the littlest crossover in the Honda Cars lineup.

But will there ever be a left-hand-drive version for the Philippines? Maybe with enough clamor, there will be!

New car with a new name

The next-generation Subaru XV also made its ASEAN debut in Indonesia last week.

But it isn’t called the XV anymore – meet the Subaru Crosstrek.

The proven formula for the crossover hasn’t really changed, and it still gets a 2.0-liter flat-4 gasoline engine, a continuously variable transmission, and all-wheel drive.

However, this new model is more than just a facelift.

Do you think Crosstrek would be a catchier name in the Philippines?

Is a replacement incoming?

The Ford Territory has been a strong seller for Ford Philippines since its debut on August 2020.

But word on the street is that the next-generation version is coming soon, possibly making its local debut at the upcoming Manila International Auto Show on April 2023.

Besides new looks, the next-generation Territory also sports a power increase and a host of other upgrades.

Are you looking forward to the upcoming Territory?

New boss, old engine

The Toyota Agya (known locally as the Toyota Wigo) debuted this year with the larger 1.2-liter inline-3 gasoline engine from the larger Toyota Raize.

However, its Daihatsu Ayla sibling has retained the old 1.0-liter inline-3 for its lower variants in Indonesia. Daihatsu said some Indonesian buyers wanted the familiarity of the proven powerplant.

When the next-generation Wigo arrives in the Philippines, what engine would you like to have?

Nearly ₱900k off

Everybody loves a discount.

And for electric-vehicle (EV) buyers, the Nissan LEAF may get a whopping price drop soon due to an executive order that puts excise duties for EVs to zero.

Our sources, who asked to remain anonymous for lack of authority to speak on the matter, told AutoFun Philippines that the LEAF might go down from ₱2,798,000 to around ₱1,900,000. 

However, there has yet to be an official word on when the price cut will happen.

Would Nissan’s popular EV appeal more to you with its much lower price?

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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