THIS MONTH
November 2025 | Volume 12
4 In This Issue Neil Pagulayan
6 Windshield Watcher Anjo Perez
8 Opposite Lock Binky Siddayao
12 VinFast’s Bold Leap Into the Philippines
14 Beyond the Finish Line: Ernie Gawilan and Toyota’s Drive Toward a Cleaner Future
40 GAC Powers Forward: A New Charge in the Philippines’ EV Race
16 From Factory Floors to Mud Trails: Our Journey with OMODA and JAECOO in China
22 Silent Power: Driving the All-New Isuzu D-MAX EV in Hokkaido
48 Made in Japan, Meant for Us: How JMS 2025 Shapes Philippine Roads
26 Vios Electrified: The All-New Toyota Ativ Sparks a New Era
34 All-New BYD Tang DM-i : The Dynasty’s Pragmatic Alter Ego
38 Kia’s Next Charge: EV5 to Lead Brand’s Affordable Electric Push in 2026
44 Up the Hills, Down to Earth: The Ford Territory Hybrid Conquers Baguio
ROAD TRIP 16
COVERSTORY 26
52 Filipino Racing Drivers Dominate 2025 APMC in Sri Lanka
54 From Sim to Glory: Filipinos Shine in TGR eSports GT Championship 2025
Windshield Watcher
The Road Rules We Often Forget
A veteran motoring journalist’s reminder that professionalism travels with you — or it doesn’t
A Legend Reborn
EDITORIAL TEAM
IRA V. PANGANIBAN Editor-in-Chief
ANJO PEREZ Associate Editor
NEIL PAGULAYAN Executive Editor
JACOB OLIVA Managing Editor Digital
EGGAY QUESADA Editor At Large
OLSON CAMACHO Technical Editor
RONNIE TRINIDAD Visual Technical Director
ADRIAN RAYNES IT and Digital Consultant
MATT PRIOR | KRIS LIM | BINKY SIDDAYAO Columnists
JOHN REY SAN DIEGO Staff Writer
WILLIAM HERRERA | LUIS GERONA | RANDY PEREGRINO Contributors
BONG BOADO | KEITH MARK DADOR | LOUIE CAMACHO
MARK QUESADA | ALAN RANCH SEVILLA | RANDOLPH DE LEON
ARNOLD RIODEQUE | BOBS JEROME | MEMERT MONTELOYOLA
Photographers
RAYMUND RAVANERA Graphic Design
SPECIAL THANKS TO
Toyota Motor Philippines
Masando Hashimoto President
Jose Maria M. Atienza Executive Vice President of Marketing and Vehicle Logistics
Elvin G. Luciano Vice President of Marketing Services
Mixie Nicholli D. Flavier Public Relations Head
EDITORIAL TEAM
ANJO PEREZ Editor-in-Chief
RICA SISON, JOSEPH BAUTISTA, LARA CAMACHO Contributors
WILLIAM HERRERA, NEIL PAGULAYAN
MARK QUESADA Photographer
JOHN REY SAN DIEGO Staff Writer
RAYMUND RAVANERA Graphic Designer
Contact us at info@wheelsph.com
Wheels Magazine is published monthly, a registered trademark of Asian Media Ventures, Inc. in cooperation with Gulf News. Copyright 2015.
IN MEMORIAM
Alan Ranch Sevilla • Earl Manalansan • Dino Ray Directo III • Edward Dangan II
The original car magazine, published since 1895 ‘in the interests of the mechanically propelled road carriage’
Editor Mark Tisshaw
Editor-in-Chief Steve Cropley
Magazine Editor Rachel Burgess
Acting Managing Editor James Attwood
Digital Editor Murray Scullion
Editor-at-Large Matt Prior
Deputy Editor Felix Page
Road Test Editor Matt Saunders
Deputy Road Test Editor Richard Lane
Road Tester Illya Verpraet
News Editor Will Rimell
Autocar magazine and the Autocar logo are trademarks of Haymarket Media Group Limited, United Kingdom and used under license by Autobrands Media Ventures, Inc. Content reproduced from Autocar magazine © Haymarket Media Group Limited 2011 all rights reserved.
The views and opinions expressed within Autocar PH magazine are not necessarily those of Haymarket Media Group Limited or those of its contributors.
Autocar magazine is published in China, Greece, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Poland, Singapore, Thailand, and United Kingdom. www.haymarket.com
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The views and opinions expressed within Autocar Magazine are not necessarily those of Asian Media Ventures, Inc. or those of its contributors. While every care has been taken in the preparation of this magazine, the publishers cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information herein, or any consequences arising from it. In case of all product reviews, judgements have been made in the context of the product based on hili i es rices at the ti e o review which are s ect to ct
VINFAST’S BOLD LEAP INTO THE PHILIPPINES
Vietnam’s homegrown automaker takes on the region’s toughest market with confidence and a clear electric vision.
IRA V. PANGANIBAN
Beyond the Finish Line
Ernie Gawilan and Toyota’s Drive
Toward a Cleaner Future
A ilipi opara wimm r a ocac forcl a oc a fi a kindredspiritinToyota’squestforsustainablemobility.
“Every swim is a tribute to the family and community that lifted him from the shores of Samal Island to the world stage.”
JACOB OLIVA
ROAD TRIP
From Factory Floors to Mud Trails
Unforgettable Adventures and Epic Scenic Escapes
Journey with OMODA and JAECOO in China
“Chery’s brands aren’t chasing trends anymore—they’re creating them.”
NEIL PAGULAYAN
Silent Power
NEIL PAGULAYAN
Testing in the Extreme
SKID PAD
CROSS COUNTRY ROAD
“ Every Isuzu that rolls out of Hokkaido is more than tested — it ’s proven.”
HIGH SPEED CIRCUIT
VIOS ELECTRIFIED
THE ALL-NEW TOYOTA ATIV SPARKS A NEW ERA
Toyota transforms its best-selling sedan into a gateway to electrified mobility. The all-new Ativ blends hybrid power, safety tech, and premium comfort— redefining what everyday driving means for the Filipino motorist.
The 1.5-liter hybrid electric engine of the Vios ATIV HEV
AT A GLANCE
Platform: Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA)
Length x Width x Height: 4,425 mm x 1,740 mm x 1,480 mm
Wheelbase: 2,620 mm
Engine (HEV): 1.5L 2NR-VEX + Electric Motor
Combined Output: 111 PS
Transmission: e-CVT
Drive Layout: Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel Type: Gasoline / Hybrid Electric
Tire Sizes: 195/60 R16 (E, HEV) / 205/50 R17 (G)
Platform Sharing: Avanza, Veloz, Yaris Cross
VARIANT SUMMARY
1.3 E MT / CVT 1NR-VE 1.3L
Transmission: 5MT / CVT
Key Features: LED lamps, 7” digital cluster, rear A/C vents 1.5 G CVT 2NR-VE 1.5L
Transmission: CVT
Key Features: 17” alloys, LED DRLs, 9” touchscreen, Blind Spot Monitor 1.5 HEV CVT 2NR-VEX + Hybrid Motor
Transmission: e-CVT
Key Features: 10.1” display, leather interior, TSS, wireless charger
JOHN REY SAN DIEGO
FIRST DRIVES
ALL-NEW BYD TANG DM-i
The Dynasty’s Pragmatic Alter Ego
BYD Philippines has added another member to its growing DM-i lineup — and it’s not a new nameplate. From the existing “Dynasty Series” comes the all-new Tang DM-i, the plug-in hybrid version of the brand’s luxury SUV. According to the Chinese EV maker, this latest version is positioned as a sevenseater midsize SUV within its expanding electrified range.
At P2,098,000, the Tang DM-i comes significantly lower than its full-electric counterpart. So, what exactly sets it apart from the EV version aside from the powertrain?
The BYD Tang DM-i Looks Visually, the most apparent distinction lies in the fascia’s pronounced grille, which closely resembles that of the Sealion 5. It also retains the familiar horizontal bar with the BYD logo. Apart from that, the keen-looking full LED headlamps with integrated DRLs and the bumper design remain unchanged. The flanks and rear styling are also largely identical.
Other familiar exterior features include LED tail lamps, power-adjustable and folding side mirrors, a power tailgate, roof rails, and rain-sensing wipers.
Gone, however, are the Brembo brake rotors and calipers, along with the front drilled discs and 21-inch alloy wheels. The DM-i version now comes with all-around disc brakes with standard calipers and 20-inch wheels wrapped in 255/50-series tires.
Dimension-wise, the Tang DM-i measures 4,870 mm long, 1,950 mm wide, and 1,725 mm tall, with a 2,820 mm wheelbase. The EV version is only 100 mm longer and 20 mm taller.
For those seeking a sportier aesthetic, the Moon Stone Grey color option features an exclusi e dark trim finish. ll chrome and metallic accents from the standard trim have been blacked out. With its dark grille, rims, and detailing, the vehicle projects a distinctly athletic character. Meanwhile, the Pearl White and Silver Sand
Black colors remain elegantly sleek, highlighted by their metallic accents.
New Interior Color Scheme
Inside, the overall layout remains familiar, featuring piano-black panels and ambient lighting. The most notable change is the cabin’s new black-and-grey two-tone leather finish paired with so touch surfaces for a fresher, more relaxed ambience.
While the Nappa leather upholstery, massage, memory/ lumbar support, and leg-rest functions have been omitted, the seats retain their excellent bolstering and comfort, now wrapped in smooth leather.
The front seats continue to offer heating and ventilation, with eight-way driver and four-way
passenger adjustment controls.
The 60:40 split-fold second-row and fold-down third-row seats remain, though the third row still offers limited space — ideal for children rather than adults. Entry to the rearmost seats also remains somewhat tight.
The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen remain key cabin highlights, offering Bluetooth connectivity (including hands-free telephony and audio streaming), pple ar lay and ndroid uto. lso retained are the oice assistant loud ser ice T updates connecti ity dual-zone climate control, and a 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system.
Other features include a panoramic sunroof, coat hangers, ambient lighting,
footwell illumination, map lights, charging ports, a center console compartment, and multiple cup and bottle holders.
In terms of convenience, the Tang DM-i also features a keyless system, push-button start/stop, smart entry ollow e ome lights a wireless charger Type and Type ports and a volt socket.
Super DM-i Technology
Powering the Tang DM-i is BYD’s advanced Super DM-i system — an electric first hy rid powertrain that seamlessly lends electric propulsion with a high e ficiency generator. It drives the front wheels via an E-CVT transmission, producing a com ined hp and 315 Nm of torque.
The system ena les a top speed o km h and accelerates rom km h in . seconds. . liter tur ocharged gasoline engine acts as a range extender, helping deliver an impressive total dri ing range o up to km.
electa le dri e modes include Economy, Normal, and Sport. nergy comes rom a . k h Lithium Iron Phosphate Blade attery o ering up to km of pure electric range (NEDC standard).
Charging is straightforward: with charging k the attery charges rom to ull in around three hours. ith ast charging k it reaches rom in ust minutes. nother con enient eature is ehicle to oad capa ility allowing the Tang DM-i to power external devices and appliances — perfect for outdoor trips or
seamless and quiet that it went almost unnoticed. On provincial roads o ertaking slower vehicles was effortless, while the hy rid system continued to recharge. On the uphill sections, switching ack to mode made clim s more e ficient using ero fuel.
teering eed ack was precise, and handling remained composed on tighter ends. During descents, regenerative raking set to high helped recover energy effectively. By alternating etween and modes, the group completed the drive smoothly.
hen results were tallied the assigned ehicle achie ed . liters per kilometers . km impressi e or a large seven-seat SUV. To demonstrate its practicality, one display unit even powered the evening’s event lights and DJ setup via its unction.
emergencies. Charging equipment includes a porta le ca le wall mounted charger and adapter.
Convincingly Fuel-Efficient
e ore its o ficial launch o ility organi ed an experiential drive for select motoring ournalists. The route spanned o er kilometers rom olaire orth in ue on ity to n aya o e in ataan mixing freeways, provincial roads, and winding mountain stretches.
One of BYD’s advantages lies in the Super DM-i system’s consistent dri ing eha ior. en in Eco mode, performance feels refined and responsi e while uel economy remains exceptional.
During the initial leg, with more than attery charge the convoy ran purely on EV mode. The ca in am iance was serene complemented y entilated seats dual one climate control and the lighter ca in moti . hen power was needed, the Tang responded with smooth yet eager acceleration, even without cruise control engaged.
Midway through the freeway leg, the system automatically switched to mode at attery. The transition was so
DM-i Power and Off-Road Tests
A separate exercise showcased the Tang’s powertrain on straight stretches and winding curves. Even in Eco mode, the strong electric torque could induce torque steer, but switching to Sport mode eliminated it completely.
An off-road test followed, consisting of a short, controlled run on dirt and mud. While
not a traditional environment for a front-wheel-drive SUV, it effectively demonstrated the Traction Control System, which minimizes wheelspin by regulating torque.
The 360-degree See-Through View camera also proved invaluable, providing a transparent, bird’s-eye perspective of the surroundings — making tight-path maneuvers easy and precise.
DiPilot ADAS and Then Some
Advanced safety remains a BYD hallmark, and the Tang DM-i retains nearly all of the EV’s cutting-edge driver assistance features. These include a 360-degree camera with See-Through Mode, eight radar sensors (four front, four rear), Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front and Rear Collision arnings ear ross Tra fic Alert and Braking, Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Assistance, Blind Spot Monitoring, Door Opening Warning, and Intelligent High Beam Control.
Standard safety features include six airbags (front, side, and curtain), ISOFIX, Traction Control, Hill Hold and Descent Control, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Anti-Rollover Control, and Brake
Override System.
The BYD DiSus Intelligent Body Control System — exclusive to the dual-motor EV — is not present in this model. Nevertheless, the extensive DiPilot ADAS suite provides more than enough safety and stability for the front-wheeldrive DM-i.
Verdict
The BYD Tang DM-i perfectly encapsulates the brand’s philosophy of practical innovation. It blends the comfort and prestige o a luxury with the e ficiency and intelligence of a modern hybrid.
Smooth, silent, and surprisingly frugal, it stands as the most pragmatic member of BYD’s Dynasty lineup — proof that you can have power, sophistication, and sensi ility in one electrified package.
RANDY PEREGRINO
KIA’S NEXT CHARGE
EV5 to Lead Brand’s Affordable Electric Push in 2026
Practical,progressive,andpoisedtochallengetheTeslaModelY, theEV5bringselectricdrivingclosertoFilipinoroads.
Kia Philippines is gearing up to electrify a wider market segment with the upcoming EV5, the brand’s nextgeneration compact electric SUV that blends forward-thinking design, advanced technology, and a more approachable price point. Previewed at the 13th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (PEVS), the EV5 is scheduled to arrive in local showrooms in the first quarter of 2026, poised to become Kia’s most affordable electric vehicle to date.
This launch signals Kia’s intent to make electric mobility more inclusive in the hilippines ringing the enefits of EV ownership to a broader
range of buyers while retaining the design sophistication and engineering uality that define its global lineup.
The Compact SUV That Bridges Two Worlds
Globally, the EV5 is positioned between practicality and progress. Slotting below the EV6, it enters the fast-growing compact EV SUV segment currently dominated by the Tesla Model Y and several strong offerings from China such as the BYD Song Plus and Atto 3.
Unlike the EV6, which sits on Kia’s dedicated E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform), the EV5 uses the N3 eK platform,
an electrified adaptation o a gasoline-based architecture. This decision keeps production costs lower without sacrificing space e ficiency or per ormance key factors that make the EV5 more attainable to new EV buyers.
The model also aligns with Kia’s wider global strategy: expanding electrification options at different price levels while maintaining the brand’s focus on innovation and design.
Design: Bold Yet Familiar
While its larger siblings, the and flaunt concept car curves, the EV5 takes a more grounded and approachable direction. The familiar SUV
silhouette gives it mass appeal, while Kia’s “Opposites United” design language is expressed through bolder surfaces and angular detailing.
The upright stance, short overhangs, and squared wheel arches con ey a solid confident presence. The Starmap LED daytime running lights—mirrored by matching rear LED clusters— give the EV5 a strong visual identity while flush door handles and 19-inch alloy wheels add to its modern appeal.
The result is a balanced design that looks sophisticated without being intimidating—exactly the kind of aesthetic that will resonate with Filipino buyers ready to move into electrified motoring.
Inside: Geometry Meets Sustainability
Inside, the EV5’s cabin mirrors ia s shi toward sustaina ility and minimalist luxury. The dash oard eatures clean geometric sur aces wrapped in a mix o sustaina le and recycled materials including io ased plastics and recycled T a rics. Dominating the interior are two . inch screens under a single glass panel housing ia s new connected car a igation ockpit cc operating system. The inter ace integrates in otainment na igation and ehicle settings seamlessly while retaining essential physical controls or climate and olume ad ustment ensuring ease o use. ear passengers en oy old out tray ta les ast charging ports dedicated air conditioning ents and a panoramic sunroo that enhances the sense of openness. The display model shown at ser ed as a
pre iew so the final local specifications are expected to e confirmed closer to launch.
Battery and Range Options
The s specifications ary depending on where it s uilt. ia produces the model in oth hina and outh orea each with distinct attery technologies. nits uilt in hina are e uipped with lithium iron phosphate atteries supplied y in reams a su sidiary. Two options are a aila le a . k h pack o ering a out km o range and an . k h pack deli ering up to km on the T cycle. sourced rom outh orea the will eature an . k h lithium ion attery good or approximately km o T rated range. nterestingly the hinese made ersions ha e a slight edge in range thanks to their higher capacity option. ia hilippines has yet to
confirm which ersion will arri e locally though sourcing will likely depend on actors such as trade tari s logistics and o erall pricing strategy.
Positioning and Pricing
ia has made it clear that the will ser e as the rand s most attaina le in the country. The remains a premium halo model while the upcoming will cater to the upper segment. The howe er aims to ring electric mo ility to the mainstream.
To gain traction it will need to undercut the Tesla odel which currently dominates the compact segment with a starting price elow . million. ia can price the competiti ely while le eraging its reputation or relia ility and a ersales support it could open the floodgates or a new generation o ilipino adopters.
A Strategic Step Forward
The represents more than a new nameplate it s a strategic milestone or ia s electrification roadmap. lo ally the company plans to transition to an all electric lineup in ma or markets y and achie e car on neutrality y . or the hilippines the will anchor ia s growing local range ollowing the and preceding the flagship . Together these models orm a clear pathway or customers allowing them to mo e rom com ustion to electrification without lea ing the rand. This laddered strategy reflects ia s elie that adoption must e gradual inclusi e and practical especially in emerging markets where charging in rastructure
and consumer confidence are still de eloping.
Verdict: Democratizing Electric Mobility
The ia distills the est o the rand s electric design and technology into a more accessi le amily si ed . t o ers the range refinement and usa ility that ilipino uyers demand without the high price tag that o en comes with going electric. y com ining amiliar proportions with a sustaina le interior and competiti e real world range the could ecome the country s most compelling entry point into the li estyle.
or ia it s more than ust another model launch. t s a statement o intent that the uture o mo ility should e or e eryone not ust the ew.
AUTOCAR EDITORIAL TEAM
Platform: N3 eK (electrified ICE-derived architecture)
Length x Width x Height: 4,615 mm x 1,875 mm x 1,715 mm
Battery Options: 64.2 kWh / 88.1 kWh (LFP, China) / 81.4 kWh (Li-ion, Korea) Range: (WLTP) 400–555 km (depending on variant)
Charging: Up to 128 kW DC fast charging
Drive Configuration: Front-wheel or All-wheel drive
Seating Capacity: 5
Expected Philippine Launch: Q1 2026
Expected Price Range: To be announced; expected below Tesla Model Y
Kia’s most a ordable EV yet
Available in two global battery configurations
Built on cost-e icient N3 eK platform
Combines traditional SUV practicality with modern EV tech
Expected to expand EV adoption in the mainstream segment
FEATURE
GAC Powers Forward
A New Charge in the Philippines’ EV Race
WiththreenewEVs,twohybrids,andaclearlocalizationplan, otori t ppi co fi tl i to outh a t ia l ctric futur tarti ri hth r i th hilippi .
“
We ’re not just introducing vehicles. We ’re building an electric future that ’s sustainable, inclusive, and proudly Filipino.”
Up the Hills, Down to Earth
The Ford Territory Hybrid Conquers Baguio
“After over 220 kilometers, our Territory Hybrid logged more than 17 km /L — proof that efficiency and excitement can coexist.”
RANDY PEREGRINO
Roads
Unforgettable Adventures and Epic Scenic Escapes
Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda unveils the Century Coupe Concept
Honda 0 α (alpha)
IRA V. PANGANIBAN
MOTORSPORTS
FILIPINO RACING DRIVERS DOMINATE 2025 APMC IN SRI LANKA
Unforgettable Adventures and Epic Scenic Escapes
JOHN REY SAN DIEGO
Inigo Anton captured Team Philippines second gold at the Karting Slalom event
Veteran Filipino racer Carlos Anton guiding Auto Gymkhana PH bets Inigo Anton, Richard Gallardo, and Rain Acejas
Karting champion Axel Nocom
Ricardo Montelibano finished 2nd place for the Cross Car event
Ricardo Dy-Liacco tackling the dirt course in a Cross Car
F FROM SIM TO GLORY
FILIPINOS SHINE IN TGR ESPORTS GT CHAMPIONSHIP 2025
JOHN REY SAN DIEGO
Sim racing rigs were also set up for guests to enjoy
