AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup: MG Philippines' electrifying debut, Toyota's Land Hopper

The weather seems to have improved this week!

All that smog seems to have lessened considerably, while the occasional rain showers help keep things cool in the day or night.

This week in motoring seems to have replicated that pleasant climate, with exciting new-car launches and even a rumored new Toyota in the works. Here are your five favorite stories from Oct. 2 to 8, 2023 in this edition of the AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup.

Toyota Land what?

The Toyota Land Cruiser is a name that is as sturdy and dependable as the vehicle itself.

This enormous sport-utility vehicle (SUV) has served everyone from UN peacekeepers to politicians well, ensuring that they get where they need to go, no matter how tough the terrain.

And now, there’s a rumor going around that Toyota is making a little Land Cruiser called the Land Hopper. The rather odd name aside, would this be an SUV you’d be interested in?

READ: Toyota is rumored to make a mini Land Cruiser dubbed the Toyota Land Hopper for 2024

Ready, aim, fire!

GWM Philippines has brought in the “big guns” in its battle to take on the local pick-up market.

AutoFun Philippines got the chance to try out the top-spec GWM Cannon, which combines sheer size with a truly plush interior.

Would you consider this Chinese upstart among the likes of the Toyota Hilux and the Isuzu D-MAX?

READ: FULL REVIEW: 2024 GWM Cannon SLux -- A pick-up that packs good value for money in its bed

A new Swift cometh?

The Suzuki Swift remains to be one of the finest subcompact hatchbacks on the market.

Produced by one of the world leaders in small cars, the Swift packs stellar driving dynamics, cute looks and superb fuel economy into a package that’s as easy to park as a shopping cart.

And now, the latest-generation Swift may be among us, with photos of a concept model released ahead of its global debut at the Japan Mobility Show. Do you think Suzuki Philippines should bring it in, too?

READ: Is a hybrid on the way? 2024 Suzuki Swift concept revealed ahead of Japan Mobility Show

Plug it in!

The GAC GS8 is a stylish large crossover that seats seven and is now available with four-wheel drive.

But in its motherland, the People’s Republic of China, the GAC ES9 PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) has a battery-only range of around 140 km and a claimed maximum range of 1,215 km.

Given that GAC Motor is also looking at bringing in its Aion EV sub-brand to the Philippines, maybe it could also bring in this super-long-range GS8?

READ: GAC GS8 PHEV launches in China. Will it enter the Philippines?

MG Philippines goes electric!

After mother company SAIC took over MG Philippines’ operations this year, one of the first items on the agenda was the introduction of new EVs.

The Chinese carmaker did just that by launching not one but two battery-electric models this week – the MG Marvel R and the MG4.

With generous equipment levels, funky looks and palatable price tags, do you think MG Philippines will win big by going electric? 

READ: More EVs! MG Philippines launches the 2024 MG Marvel R priced at ₱2,588,888 as its second EV model

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