AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup: Ford Everest recalled, new Toyota Hilux GR-S arrives

The weather has largely been very pleasant this past week – sunny days with only occasional rain showers.

This nice climate is also what’s been going around in the automotive industry, with exciting new models coming out last week.

We give you your five favorite stories from September 4 to 10, 2023 in this edition of the AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup!

What’s cooking at Hyundai Philippines?

Hyundai Motor Philippines has had a resurgence since it became a full subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company in June 2022.

Aside from bringing in the seven-seater Hyundai Stargazer to wage war with the Mitsubishi Xpander Cross and Honda BR-V, the Korean carmaker has ramped up its electric-vehicle offerings with the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6.

Now, the company is set to launch the Stargazer X and Custo minivan in October 2023.

Will more stars align for Hyundai in the Philippines?

READ: Hyundai Philippines to launch the Hyundai Stargazer X and Hyundai Custo in October

Self-shifting Ford Everests recalled

The next-generation Ford Everest Titanium 4x4 has a neat party trick.

Its e-shifter can change gear all by itself, whether it’s for the Active Park Assist system or for putting the car in Park when the engine is switched off while in Drive.

But Ford Philippines promptly released a recall notice for the top-spec Everest because it could shift itself into Park while the car is on the move. Owners can click here to check if their vehicle is covered.

Do you think e-shifters are useful, given that cars are becoming more automated?

READ: RECALL: See if your next-gen Ford Everest Titanium 4x4’s e-shifter could suddenly go into Park

Constant double-digit fuel economy

AutoFun Philippines is not the only publication under the AutoFun brand.

We are proudly part of a large, multinational media empire that spans Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. With the help of our friends abroad, we get comprehensive insights into the models that have yet to be launched locally.

In the case of the Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid, we learned more about its stellar fuel economy from our colleagues in Indonesia, who took it out for a long media drive.

Do you think Toyota’s newest electrified crossover will win big in the Philippines?

READ: Tested for over 500 km: How fuel-efficient is the 2024 Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid?

Toyota’s newest flagship

The Toyota Century luxury sedan is not that well-known outside of Japan, but it continues to be the Japanese carmaker’s flagship model, outranking even Lexus. 

And now, there’s an even bigger variant called the Toyota Century SUV, offering generous amounts of space, a serene cabin, and a hybrid V6 engine.

Would you go for this or the Century sedan?

READ: All-new Toyota Century SUV launched in Japan with V6 plug-in hybrid

Wish come true

Many of you went nuts over the Toyota Hilux GR Sport that was recently launched in Malaysia.

Sporting a hefty 224 PS and 550 Nm of torque, Toyota’s old warhorse easily shot back to the top of the pick-up power stakes, beating even the Ford Ranger Raptor. 

Perhaps someone at Toyota Motor Philippines was reading this because the company showcased the all-new Hilux GR-S, complete with fender flares and the more powerful 2.8-liter turbodiesel, at the second leg of the Toyota GAZOO Racing Vios Cup.

Is the Ford Ranger Raptor in trouble with the Hilux GR-S?

READ: Will the Philippines get it? 2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport now packs 224 PS in Malaysia

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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