As I write this, a great haze has blanketed the whole of Metro Manila and various parts of Luzon.

That’s because Taal Volcano is once again spewing noxious ash clouds, similar to what it did in 2020 before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and  vehicle emissions according to PAGASA. Although a worldwide virus outbreak seems unlikely, it’s best to stay indoors and wear a strong N95 mask to keep your lungs safe.

And while you’re cooped up, you can read through the five favorite stories for September 18 to 24, 2023.

That’s right – it’s another edition of the AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup

Icon incoming

A refreshing change this week was the great popularity surrounding BSA Motorcycles.

The legendary British brand is coming to the Philippines courtesy of Hardcore Brothers, the former distributor of Royal Enfield.

What bikes do you think BSA will offer in the Philippines?

READ: Hardcore Brothers brings legendary BSA motorcycles to the Philippines, ends Royal Enfield distributorship

The ‘Special Forces’ Ranger

The Ford Ranger is already renowned for being a tough truck that can handle all sorts of terrain.

But its beefed-up sibling can even be used in warzones – the Ford F-GP has a bevy of features that make it perfect for security forces, including a “stealthy” mild-hybrid powertrain.

Would you go for a pick-up like this?

READ: Shhhhh! Specialized Ford Ranger hybrid debuts for 'stealthy' applications

The hydrogen Hilux

Unlike other carmakers, Toyota has not “put all its eggs in one basket” in terms of electrified mobility.

The Japanese brand is hard at work developing hydrogen fuel-cell technology, which combines the clean mobility of a full electric vehicle (EV), but is just as easy to fuel up as a regular internal combustion car.

One such model is the hydrogen-powered Toyota Hilux that is now available in the United Kingdom. Would such a vehicle also be popular locally?

READ: Hydrogen-powered Toyota Hilux launches in England for commercial vehicle use

3 EVs from the 'Three-Pointed Star'

Mercedes-Benz Philippines wants a cut of the local luxury EV market, which has become lucrative for rivals like Audi.

That’s why the German automaker launched a three-model assault with the EQA and EQB EV crossovers, as well as the EQE EV midsize sedan. You get all the panache of a Mercedes-Benz with zero tailpipe emissions.

Which of these three would you pick?

READ: It's EV time! Mercedes-Benz launches EQA, EQB, EQE in the Philippines

Jaecoo’s game-changer

Omoda and Jaecoo are due to launch in the Philippines in late-2023.

But the Chinese carmakers have gone all-out with showing off what’s in store for Filipino buyers. One of these is the Jaecoo 8 crossover that AutoFun Philippines Content Head Mikko David tried out while in China.

Do you think the Jaecoo 8 can snag sales away from established Japanese rivals?

READ: Jaecoo 8: A revelation in the making

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