Automotive

2019 Mazda 6: Not your ordinary mid-size sedan

Fast, furious, and full of features

Published

June 4, 2019

Mazda’s premium sedan has received another refresh. The Japanese company further improves on the aesthetics inside and out, and aims to make the vehicle more a part of the driver in terms of performance and functionalities.

There are currently two variants of the Mazda 6 sedan available in the Philippines — a 2.2-liter diesel engine and a 2.5-liter petrol engine. What we have here is the former with its 2.2-liter SKYACTIVE-D configuration.

Inspired by a masterpiece

A new model means a new look. The Mazda 6 goes for a more aggressive presence and it’s conveyed well through its new front grille and headlamps. If it looks familiar, it might be the fact that it was inspired by Mazda’s Vision Coupe. It won the “Most Beautiful Concept Car of the Year” award last year so there’s no doubt the Mazda 6 is a looker.

With a commanding grille up front flanked by thin LED headlamps, the Mazda 6 channels the Vision Coupe

The front has that shark-nosed design which gives it an illusion of moving forward

The company knows how to play with lights through the accents on the exterior; look how the lines add shadows and detail to the overall appearance of the Mazda 6

The rear also saw a redesign with sleeker taillamps and a refreshed bumper

Rounding up the exterior are a batch of new 19-inch alloy wheels

Available color options are Jet Black, Machine Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, and Sonic Silver Metallic

Premium all around

One can easily see the company’s craftsmanship inside the vehicle. There are certain hints of class and detail everywhere you look. It was not only pleasing to the eyes, but it also felt premium — from the Nappa leather used in the seats to the suede running through its interior.

Buttons for audio and cruise control are comfortably placed on the leather-wrapped steering wheel

This touch of suede blended with Sen wood really adds a premium feel to the vehicle’s interior

Just below the dash are controls for its Dual-Zone Climate Control

The rear seats split in 60:40 fashion and passengers have access to two USB ports for charging

Popping the trunk reveals a large space for your baggage; simply fold the rear seats for more storage space and to fit longer items

Not only is the Mazda 6 a looker inside and out, but it’s also got creature comforts to make long rides more enjoyable. For starters, the two front seats are both ventilated while the driver’s seat has lumbar support. The interior is also equipped with a total of 11 Bose speakers for an immersive listening experience while Bluetooth connectivity comes standard.

These aren’t your ordinary front seats — they are ventilated just for your comfort

From controlling music to making calls, and even accessing its own navigation system, an 8-inch infotainment display is the main hub. It’s touch-enabled but only when the car is not moving.

In between the two front seats is this center control knob for navigation through the menu. The knob itself performs well and is very tactile. The system’s UI, however, is a different story.

It has Dynamic Stability Control, Lane Departure Warning, i-STOP that automatically turns off the engine when the car is idle, a 360-degree view camera, and proximity/parking sensors

A seven-inch TFT display shows important information while driving

But if you want to avoid taking your eyes off the road, a heads-up display (HUD) is projected right at the windshield

A quiet performer

As mentioned earlier, the two variants available locally come in either the SKYACTIVE-D or SKYACTIV-G for its petrol counterpart. For the specs buffs out there, our 2.2-liter diesel engine outputs 190PS of power and 450Nm of torque. Power is then mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Mazda says these numbers not only translate to more power but also results in a more fuel-efficient performance.

Being what it is, we were already expecting it to make the usual rumbling noise of a diesel engine as soon as we pushed the ignition button. To our surprise, while it has that whirring sound, it isn’t as loud as one would normally expect. The sound of the engine actually disappears when you’re outside and a few feet away from the vehicle.

It’s the same story when you’re inside the car and driving. Mazda dampened the interior so effectively that it almost sounds like you’re cruising on a gasoline vehicle.

In terms of power, the four-cylinder DOHC engine doesn’t easily tap out. It’s got a responsive jolt of power on tap and a medium to light handling so it feels agile while being in control whether you’re in the city or winding through the mountains.

With a starting price of PhP 1,930,000 for the 2.5L gasoline variant and PhP 2,250,000 for the diesel model, the 2019 Mazda 6 sedan comes with a sleek and aggressive stance, an interior wrapped in premium materials, features that make driving more enjoyable, and an engine that is subtle but packs a punch. It’s not your run-off-the-mill mid-size sedan in a way that it almost acts like a family SUV if not for its more compact body.

The new Mazda 6 would be a great everyday car with its efficient fuel consumption, and is also equipped enough to go for those long drives over the weekend with the gang.

Related Topics:2019 Mazda6 Diesel Mazda Mazda6

Automotive

VinFast updates battery subscription policy for large upfront savings

Up to 20% upfront savings with a battery subscription model

Published

January 29, 2026

GadgetMatch

VinFast has updated its battery subscription policy for the Philippine market, offering consumers up to 20% savings in upfront costs.

In addition to the traditional vehicle purchase with battery included, customers can own a VinFast EV under a battery subscription model.

This option offers a more attractive initial investment, with upfront costs reduced by up to 20% — depending on the model.

Battery subscription fees are applied flexibly, starting from PhP 1,600 per month, based on actual distance.

For instance, the VinFast VF3 can be purchased at PhP 590,000 under the battery subscription model rather than PhP 745,000. The monthly subscription fee then starts at PhP 1,600.

Meanwhile, for the VF6 and above variants, the monthly costs start at PhP 2,350. Customers can also save more than PhP 1.5 million on the VF 9 Plus.

Flexible financial tool

Positioned as a “lifetime battery warranty” solution, the battery subscription policy is a flexible financial tool that optimizes cash flow. It is likewise a long-term commitment to consumers.

VinFast assumes full responsibility for battery performance throughout the subscription period. This includes maintenance, repairs, and free replacement when battery capacity drops below 70 percent.

In the event of battery damage caused by an accident, VinFast will handle the issue under the battery subscription policy. This helps minimize financial risks for customers.

The pioneering policy reinforces VinFast’s customer-centric commitment, advancing green mobility in the market.

Meanwhile, customers who opt for the traditional vehicle purchase with battery included, VinFast can still offer comprehensive aftersales benefits. This includes a battery warranty of up to 10 years or 200,000 kilometers.

The dual approach allows interested consumers to be in control of the ownership model that best suits their needs and personal financial capabilities.

Automotive

BYD expands PH presence with entry of DENZA luxury EVs

4 initial showrooms planned

Published

January 20, 2026

GadgetMatch

BYD Group premium sub-brand DENZA is officially entering the Philippine market.

The move marks a strategic shift to capture the luxury “new energy vehicle” (NEV) segment, beyond the company’s existing mass-market offerings.

This expansion follows a period of rapid growth for BYD in the Philippines under its distributor, ACMobility.

By introducing DENZA, the group aims to offer a tiered ecosystem of electrified transport that ranges from budget-friendly options to high-output luxury ones.

The sub-brand’s initial lineup could possibly include the high-end MPV, DENZA D9.

It features a triple-motor system and high-capacity batteries that provide significant electric-only range before the gasoline generator engages.

Potentially, SUVs DENZA B5 and DENZA B8 will also be introduced locally, positioned as plug-in hybrid EVs.

Offerings under the DENZA sub-brand will be distributed locally by BYD Philippines Corp.

Advanced technology, comfort

DENZA’s entry focuses on “passenger-centric engineering” rather than traditional luxury excess.

The vehicles will feature two of BYD’s flagship technologies: the DiSus system and e3 platform.

The first is an intelligent body control system that manages vehicle motion to balance executive-level ride comfort with sharp handling.

Meanwhile, the e3 Platform is a high-performance architecture utilizing a three-motor drivetrain.

This setup lets drivers pull off advanced maneuvers such as “crab-walking” and “compass turns,” while enhancing stability during high-speed travel or emergency situations.

Strategic presence

DENZA will establish a dedicated retail network separate from standard BYD showrooms to support its positioning.

The sub-brand is planning four initial locations in Makati, Greenhills, Alabang, and Cebu.

Once it officially rolls out, DENZA expects to compete against luxury vans like the Toyota Alphard and Lexus LM.

Automotive

Ford Philippines kicks off the year with Drive Now, Pay Later

Get offers up to three months of free amortization!

Published

January 8, 2026

GadgetMatch

Ford Philippines opens the year with a strong push for drivers ready to start fresh. Introducing Drive Now, Pay Later, the program is designed to make stepping into a new Ford feel lighter and more timely.

At the center of the offer are two of Ford’s most in-demand nameplates. Customers can take home the Ford Everest Trend today with three months of free amortization.

Meanwhile, the Ford Ranger lineup brings even more flexibility. The Ranger Wildtrak 4×2 comes with four months of free amortization, and the Ranger Sport 4×4 is offered with three months free.

These offers allow buyers to drive their new vehicle now and begin bank financing only after several months. This eases the transition into ownership at the start of the year.

More ways to save this January

Beyond deferred payments, Ford Philippines is extending a wide range of January offers that focus on value and flexibility.

The Ford Everest comes with cash savings of up to PhP 95,000 this month, alongside an all-in option priced at PhP 69,000 on select variants for customers seeking simpler entry costs.

Across the Ranger lineup, buyers can enjoy cash discounts reaching up to PhP 155,000 or opt for a PhP 69,000 all-in down payment on select variants.

The Ranger XLS AT remains one of the most accessible ways to enter the lineup, with a starting price of PhP 1,379,000.

Performance-focused customers can also take advantage of extended January offers for the Ford Raptor. Options include cash discounts or bundled savings with the 5-Star Care Package, depending on the variant.

Electrified and premium options

For drivers ready to explore electrified mobility, the Territory Hybrid Trend starts at PhP 1,399,000. This January, customers may choose between a PhP 20,000 discount or a complimentary three-year Scheduled Service Plan.

Ford’s larger SUVs are also part of the month’s offerings. The Ford Explorer is available with a PhP 99,000 all-in option or 0 percent interest with 20% down payment for 60 months. The Ford Bronco carries the same flexible choices, too.

Availability

The Drive Now, Pay Later program runs across all Ford dealerships nationwide until January 31, 2026. Customers can visit Ford Philippines’ official website or social media channels to explore the full details.