AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup: A new Innova and the return of an iconic Nissan

The recent “Undas” week gave us all the chance to reflect not only about those who have left us, but also about our own lives.

For those who stayed in Metro Manila, it has been a pleasant mix of clear roads, good weather and occasional rain showers. And for those who drove out of town, it was a chance to spend up to a week away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

It really makes you wonder about what the Philippines would be like if economic development were spread all throughout the archipelago.

Besides that, there have been plenty of interesting stories from October 30 to November 5, 2023. Here’s your top five in this edition of the AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup!

Innova with all the basics

PHOTO FROM TOYOTA MOTOR PHILIPPINES.

Seating for seven, a powerful turbodiesel engine and an automatic transmission.

These are the key ingredients in the newest variant of the venerable Toyota Innova called the XE. Much like the 1990s Corollas that used this model grade, you get “all power” equipment and not much else.

Do you think that the Innova XE will be a hit?

READ: Matic only! Toyota Philippines introduces new Toyota Innova XE variant at Php 1,375,000

Tito Gilbert’s Mio Fazzio getaway

PHOTO BY GILBERT CHAO (AUTOFUN PHILIPPINES).

AutoFun Philippines Motorcycle Editor Gilbert Chao has plenty of out-of-town coverage.

In the case of the Yamaha Mio Fazzio, this super stylish two-wheeler brought him to Davao, where he encountered a raving crowd of kids and the country’s hottest new acts.

What do you think of the Yamaha Mio Fazzio’s new colorways?

READ: Confuse the titos: New Yamaha Mio Fazzio colors debut in Davao via GenZ fashion show and live concert

Nissan’s comeback coupe

PHOTO FROM NISSAN.

There is certainly no shortage of sports cars at Nissan, with the likes of the new Z and the R35 GT-R still keeping drivers thoroughly entertained.

But for those looking for an alternative to the Mazda MX-5, Toyota GR86, and Subaru BRZ, Nissan may also have something in store. The Japanese carmaker is mulling over resurrecting the mighty Silvia, which has been out of production since the 2000s.

Are we at the precipice of a new golden age of Japanese sports coupes?

READ: Watch out, GR86/BR-Z! Nissan may revive Silvia nameplate as entry-level sports car

The ‘new’ tricycle?

PHOTO BY GILBERT CHAO (AUTOFUN PHILIPPINES).

Tricycles in the Philippines offer “last mile” mobility.

Put another way, these brightly colored contraptions are what bring you from the main road to your doorstep, often using buzzy two-stroke motorcycles. But Bajaj is eyeing to take the tricycle crown with RE three-wheeler, which offers greater comfort and superb fuel economy.

Do you think these more upright tricycles will beat the iconic Pinoy tricycle?

READ: New King of TODA: Can the Bajaj RE dethrone the traditional tricycle?

The electrified Triton

PHOTO FROM AUTOFUN THAILAND.

The all-new 2024 Mitsubishi Triton is one of the most highly awaited new models to come to the Philippines.

And even before its official launch here, there are already plans to keep it relevant in our electrified future. The Japanese carmaker is planning to create an all-new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) for the pick-up truck.

Do you think a Triton PHEV would be a good companion to the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?

READ: Electrified, too! Mitsubishi confirms the all-new 2024 Triton will get gasoline PHEV powertrain

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!

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VJ Bacungan

Senior Writer

An award-winning multimedia journalist, editor, and host for online and TV who has written in-depth stories on road safety an...

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Toyota Innova

The R35 Nissan GT-R has been around since I was in first-year high school. Despite having its “Sweet 16” on December 2023, the latest iteration of this iconic Japanese supercar still has what it takes to stick it to the likes of what Europe has to offer. Indeed, the R35’s long-time rival has been the Porsche 911 Turbo, which has been revamped over three generations (997, 991 and the current 992). But the latest scoop from Japanese car magazine BestCarWeb may see a completely new rival for the ne
Nissan has stated that it plans to make an entry-level sports car that could rival the likes of the Toyota GR86/Subaru BR-Z. While the brand already has two sports cars at its disposal, namely the Nissan Z and the legendary R35 GT-R, these are typically out of reach for most younger buyers. The plans come from an interview with Top Gear UK, where Nissan senior vice president of global product planning Ivan Espinosa said he has a dream plan for the Japanese automaker to introduce an all-new model
The Toyota FJ Cruiser, which is no longer with us, was created as a spiritual successor of the legendary FJ Land Cruiser. The Japanese carmaker has once again paid tribute to the beloved FJ at the SEMA Show 2023. But this time, its new creation is more than just chunky looks and a V6 engine. Toyota unveiled the FJ Bruiser concept at the annual U.S. custom auto show, sporting a Toyota Motorsports Garage full tube frame and roll cage under the classic FJ45 pickup body. Perhaps the most dramatic ch
Toyota Motor Philippines has added a new variant to its venerable Toyota Innova. A quick look at the brand’s official website reveals that the new model is called the Innova XE. It sits just below the Innova E model in terms of pricing and specifications. On the outside, the new XE variant looks similar to the J model as it ditches the 16-inch alloy wheels from the E variant and replaces them with steel wheels with plastic covers. However, despite the shift to steel wheels, the tire sizing remai
Mitsubishi Motors has just confirmed that a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain is coming to the all-new 2024 Mitsubishi Triton, but will not use its diesel engine. Instead, the Japanese automaker said it would use a gasoline motor, as a diesel version would be too costly to manufacture. This was confirmed by a senior Mitsubishi Motors engineer to the media outlet Carsales Australia. “Mitsubishi Motors are researching and developing such a [PHEV] system, but at this moment, launchi

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