AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup: Zenix fever has hit the Philippines!

It is the last Sunday of June!

This means we are about to cross the halfway mark of 2023 – how time flies!

Indeed, even the Toyota Innova’s successor is now finally in the Philippines, now called the Zenix. The two models will be sold alongside each other, with the new multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) promising a roomier and more refined driving experience.

The new Toyota forms part of your top five favorite stories from April 19 to 23, 2023. Here’s your AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup!

Old vs. New

The Spec Showdown that really counts – do you buy a new base-model Zenix or a top-spec Innova?

I break down the differences between these two similarly priced models. The conclusion is rather surprising.

Which would you rather take home?

READ: SPEC SHOWDOWN: 2024 Toyota Zenix V CVT vs. Toyota Innova G A/T

‘Innova’ no more?

As you may have gathered by now, Toyota’s new large MPV is just called the Zenix.

This is a departure from markets like Indonesia, which call it the “Kijang Innova Zenix.” Why the shift to this new yet rather catchy name? AutoFun Philippines Content Head Mikko David shows you why.

What name do you prefer?

READ: What's in a name? Why the all-new Toyota Innova will be called the Zenix

What’s new until July?

The Toyota Zenix is one of many highly awaited new cars that are coming to the Philippines.

For those who don’t need a seven-seat MPV, there’s a new version of a familiar hatchback, a possible hybrid variant of a long-time crossover, and something rather special from the brand with a “three-pointed star.”

Which of these upcoming models are you most excited about?

READ: It's Launch Season! New cars to look out for this June and July in the Philippines

Is the Geely Coolray in trouble?

Ever since Astara took over GAC Philippines, the Chinese brand has been absolutely on it.

From the all-new GS8 crossover to the stylish Emkoo sports sedan, the carmaker has been throwing new cars at us left and right. And now, it wants a slice of the juicy subcompact crossover market with the GS3 Emzoom, which will launch locally on June 30, 2023.

Will the sub-₱1 million price and eye-catching styling make you look away from the likes of the Geely Coolray

READ: 2024 GAC GS3 Emzoom confirmed: Launches on June 30 with a starting price of ₱998k

Goodbye, Strada! Hello, Triton?

The current-generation Mitsubishi Strada has been around since I was in college in 2014.

But its replacement is due to arrive soon, named after the Greek god of the sea. It will be based heavily on the Mitsubishi XRT Concept and will launch globally on July 26, 2023.

Do you think the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton will wash away its competition?

READ: The XRT Concept comes to life: 2024 Mitsubishi Triton teasers revealed ahead of its global July 26 launch

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