It is the last Sunday of May!

And this time, we start with an important message – stay safe and stay home, if possible. This is amid the fly-by of Super Typhoon “Betty,” which is pouring heavy rains in various parts of the country.

While you’re staying nice and dry, here’s this weekend’s edition of the AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup, where we picked your five favorite stories from May 22 to 28, 2023.

A new boss is coming

SAIC, as many of you know, is the mother company of the Chinese car brand MG.

But in the Philippines, MG has long been handled by The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI), which also imports and distributes Volvo and Chevrolet locally. That’s about to change come July 2023.

With the help of some friendly sources and a little digging on LinkedIn, AutoFun Philippines content head uncovered that SAIC is setting up its own operation in the Philippines.

What will be the fate of MG Philippines and the TCCCI team that’s been handling it?

Japan vs. China hybrid face-off

The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid has become well-known for offering superb hybrid performance in a practical crossover shape.

But it now faces rather stiff opposition from GWM with its Haval Jolion Hybrid crossover. AutoFun Philippines Junior Writer Joey Deriquito compares the two in his Spec Showdown.

Which do you think would win?

Mini EVs galore!

As we push on with our Chinese car theme, we go to mini electric vehicles (EV).

China is not only one of the world leaders in EV technology, but also the largest producer of mini EVs on Earth. These include the equally adorable Jetour Ice Cream EV and the BAW Pony Mini EV.

I compare these two electric tots to see which is the most viable option for short commutes with zero emissions.

Do you think a mini EV would be an ideal extra car?

No substitute

Mikko may be a highly experienced touring car racer, but he was never really a huge fan of Porsches.

However, when he got to play around with some of the German carmaker’s hottest models, such as the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, it made him a believer. Read about his “conversion” and his fabulous trip to Singapore to test out these mighty machines.

Perhaps we’ll see Mikko in a 911 sometime soon?

The return of rallying

It’s been five years since the Philippines had a stage rally on dirt roads.

But that’s all changed with the first round of the 2023 Philippine Rally that was supposed to be held on May 27 to 28, 2023, in Tarlac. 

Drivers and co-drivers must take on over 60 km of treacherous paths, divided into 12 special stages.

However, the event has been postponed because of Super Typhoon "Betty."

Who will emerge victorious from the loose surfaces of the north?

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!