AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup: Vietnam's electrified arrival and Mitsubishi's name game

We are officially in the second half of 2023!

And it seems both car and motorcycle manufacturers have not run out of steam – seemingly hurling out new models left and right. This week’s AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup looks at vehicles that are on their way and vehicles that have already made their way.

Here are your five favorite stories from July 3 to 9, 2023.

Little engine, little price

The all-new Toyota Wigo is making its Philippine debut on July 14, 2023.

After a little digging, we confirmed in an exclusive story that Toyota’s little hatchback will keep its 1.0-liter inline-3 gasoline engine, instead of the larger 1.2-liter motor that’s available in Wigos in other markets.

Nonetheless, the all-new Wigo starts at just ₱609,000, so it isn’t all bad news.

Do you think keeping the 1.0-liter engine was a sound call?

Pangasinan’s automotive toybox

If you happen to be up north and have plans to build an overlanding rig or a race car, there’s someone who can help.

Autoluxe, which recently held its grand opening, is a one-of-a-kind automotive accessories showroom, featuring premium brands for premium builds. Many of you enjoyed our exclusive take on this car lover’s hangout in Calasiao, Pangasinan.

Be sure to say hi to Autoluxe general manager Zebedee Jimenez for me!

Little engine, big price

The Toyota Wigo isn’t the only new car that’s getting a downsized powerplant.

From having a 1.4-liter inline-4 turbo motor, the all-new Chevrolet Trax now gets a turbocharged 1.2-liter inline-3 engine. Although the power and torque figures are largely similar, the new Trax is also considerably larger than the old model.

Something that’s also big is the price – the 2024 Trax starts at ₱1,793,888, putting it in the direct firing line of compact crossover stalwarts like the Honda CR-V and the Mazda CX-5.

Can the Chevy holds its own against such esteemed competition?

EVs from Vietnam

Vietnamese manufacturer VinFast has already made its name worldwide for producing electric vehicles (EV).

For instance, it started exporting its VF 8 EV crossover to the United States (which Vietnam was at war with over six decades ago) on November 2022. Now, the company is coming to the Philippines, starting off with electric motorcycles then, followed by its electric cars.

Makes you think – when can we have an export-competitive local car industry?

The Mitsubishi XFORCE?

The production version of the Mitsubishi XFC Concept compact crossover is expected to launch on August 2023 in Indonesia.

Although random letters and acronyms are often safe ways to name a new model, it’s possible that the production version of this new crossover may be called the XFORCE.

There are just too many clues on the model's latest teaser to make you think any other name is in contention.

Do you think the name of Mitsubishi’s new crossover will have the same recall as Pajero or L300?

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!