AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup: Crossover to the wild side!

And just like that, it’s the first week of April!

As the Holy Week long weekend approaches, many of you are already finalizing your travel plans. Make sure that you and your car are in tip-top shape for a trouble-free journey.

And because it’s Sunday, it’s time for another edition of the AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup!

From last week’s focus on big sport-utility vehicles, this week is pretty much all about the beloved crossover. Here are our top five stories from March 27 to April 2, 2023.

Hybrid Chery ahead!

Chery Auto Philippines already has one of the most sophisticated hybrids in the market with the Chery Tiggo Pro 8 PHEV (or Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle).

This big sport-utility vehicle is about to have a smaller companion with the facelifted Chery Tiggo 7 Pro HEV, which will officially debut at the 2023 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS).

Can Chery finally take down the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid?

All-new Territory

The Chinese-built Ford Territory has been a runaway success for Ford Philippines.

It combines a stylish, roomy interior with good performance and crossover practicality. The Territory is about to get a major update, with the latest version slated for a public unveil at this year’s MIAS.

Do you think the all-new Territory can continue Ford’s local success?

A new Chery brand

Back again to Chery – and yet another one of its brands is making its way to the Philippines.

Aside from the Chery mother brand and Jetour, Exeed is also poised to make its way in the country. Its opening salvo may be the Yaoguang crossover, packing dramatic styling and a powerful turbocharged engine.

Should mainstream Japanese brands be worried by this second Chinese wave?

Battle of the fully loaded trucks

The only story that breaks the crossover theme is my Spec Showdown of the local Toyota Hilux GR-S and the upcoming Ford Ranger Raptor.

The old Ranger Raptor set the bar high for buyers who wanted the ultimate pick-up. Although the Hilux GR-S is not short on performance goodies, there are some things that still make the next-generation Ford the top truck.

Which of these behemoths would you pick?

An upstart emerges

Just a few years ago, it was Chinese brands like Geely that shook up the market by taking on established Japanese marques.

But now, it’s China against China with the fledgling Jetour taking on the Geely Okavango Urban Plus  with its upscale X70 Plus. Can the new kid on the block undercut and outspec the big Geely?

And if you need a seven-seater, which of the two would be your best choice?

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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