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

New EV player XPENG to launch in the Philippines in September

XPENG to unveil two models in the market

Published

August 13, 2026

GadgetMatch

AI-driven mobility company XPENG is launching in the Philippines next month, adding to the list of smart electric vehicle (EV) players in the market.

XPENG Philippines will commence operations as the country’s direct subsidiary, as well as national sales and marketing company.

As part of the launch, XPENG will launch two smart EV models: the XPENG X9 and XPENG L03.

The XPENG X9 is the brand’s flagship intelligent seven-seater. It is positioned as an EV for executive-class comfort, featuring AI-powered technologies and a premium cabin for modern families, businesses, and professionals.

Meanwhile, the XPENG L03 is an intelligent SUV coupe that brings together a contemporary design, AI-powered innovation, and software-defined mobility. It promises to deliver a smarter, more intuitive driving experience for today’s car owners.

Additional pricing details, variants, and complete specifications of each model, as well as their availability, will be unveiled soon.

XPENG is a global AI technology company based in Guangzhou, China. It specializes in smart EVs, driven by a mission to shape the future of mobility through innovation.

The company designs, develops, manufactures, and markets such vehicles, supported by its in-house, full-stack, advanced driver-assistance system, smart in-car OS, and core vehicle technologies.

The brand has a presence in more than 60 countries and regions across Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Oceania, and Latin America.

Automotive

VinFast debuts two-wheeler models, opens 21 e-motorcycle showrooms

Evo, Feliz II, Viper officially launched

Published

August 3, 2026

GadgetMatch

VinFast is pouncing on its growing presence in the Philippines, expanding with 21 electric motorcycle showrooms housing its new two-wheeler offerings.

The electric vehicle company just launched three two-wheeler offerings in the market: the VinFast Evo, Feliz II, and Viper.

Such milestone marks an important step in VinFast’s expansion in one of Southeast Asia’s largest two-wheeler markets.

The introduction of the three VinFast two-wheeler models offer drivers a modern, cost-effective, and sustainable mobility alternative.

Evo, Feliz II, and Viper each offer distinct characteristics designed to meet a wide range of mobility needs and riding styles.

Evo has a top speed of 80 km/h and a range of up to 150 km with two fully charged batteries. The Feliz II emphasizes practicality and versatile performance, with a top speed of 90 km/h.

Rounding out the lineup is Viper, featuring a sporty design, maximum power output of 5,200W, and a top speed of 90 km/h.

The aforementioned 21 pioneer dealerships will begin operations in major cities nationwide. This allows VinFast to offer products and authorized services directly to consumers.

The network is expected to grow further in the coming period, progressively expanding with VinFast’s presence in the country.

Just over a month ago, VinFast’s early booking program drew thousands of customers nationwide.

The strong market response can be attributed to VinFast’s battery-swapping approach, contributing to the appeal of the e-scooters.

Following the launch, the public can expect immersive experience activities across the new dealerships throughout August 2026.

Customers will be able to see and test ride the three models. They can also learn about battery technology and sales policies, and explore flexible ownership options.

Automotive

Xiaomi debuts SkyNomad Series featuring new Kunlun platform

Intelligent, reconfigurable large-space SUV

Published

August 1, 2026

GadgetMatch

Xiaomi EV is ushering in a new era with the launch of the Xiaomi SkyNomad Series in China, the first model built on the new Xiaomi Kunlun Platform.

The new EV is positioned as an intelligent, reconfigurable large-space SUV built around on three core strengths: expansive interior space, completely flat cabin floor, and reconfigurable seating.

It is paired with the Xiaomi Kunlun HyperRange, Xiaomi Armor Scale Battery, and Xiaomi Kunlun Total Safety.

The SkyNomad’s cabin electronics run on a four-in-one domain control model built on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 platform. It features Dual 5G and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity.

The launch unveiled two models: the first is the flagship 7-seater extended-range SUV Xiaomi SkyNomad N90 Max (RMB 299,900) while the other is the 5-seat AWD SUV Xiaomi SkyNomad N70 Max (RMB 259,900).

These EVs have a battery capacity range of 52 to 76kWh. On CLTC, the N70 Max can reach up to 505 kilometers of EV-only range. Dual-motor all-wheel delivers 310kW of peak power.

Design born for space

The Xiaomi SkyNomad’s design philosophy is based on prioritizing function, while form complements it.

Every design feature traces back to a specific spatial need. And the spatial logic shows up directly in the body, through squared-off proportions.

Three lines define the upright stance: a flat roofline for maximized second and third-row headroom, a continuous waistline, and a rising sill line to lift the visual center of gravity.

A rounded-rectangle motif carries theough the headlights, taillights, door handles, and side cameras for a cohesive design language that features over 140 aerodynamic optimizations.

Smart electric doors open by touch or voice, while rear doors open to nearly 90° for easy passage.

Xiaomi Kunlun built for space

Where the Xiaomi Kunlun architecture comes in is for optimizing packaging across three axes to minimize structural intrusion in the cabin.

The front cabin integration includes a five-in-one EREV system, integrated water-cooling module, mid-mounted HVAC unit, and PTC-compressor two-in-one, compressing the front cabin length to just 1,265mm.

Springs and shock absorbers, on the other hand, are separated into a split layout. This releases 15mm of wheel-arch height for the third row.

Moving the shock absorbers outward optimizes the overall wheel-arch packaging for a full-cabin spatial experience.

Lastly, the rear electric drive unit comes with a highly integrated rear coaxial electric drive to free up 145mm of vertical space.

An integrated-linkage independent suspension uses an H-arm structure to lower the floor by an extra 37mm. Additionally, the large battery pack control module relocated inside reduces floor thickness by 180mm.

The N90 Max comes with 2,760mm of total occupant space and 1,831L of cargo space.

The cabin also includes 34 storage compartments, including an 18.4L front passenger glove box and extended door-panel storage.

Elevated cabin experience

Inside, the SkyNomad’s cabin has an elevated and homelike atmosphere. A cabinet-style center console extends 1,530mm horizontally for a wider visual and physical footprint.

Hidden mechanical air vents keep the dashboard clean while retaining precise manual adjustment. There’s also an accessory port for 27W fast charging, along with mounts for phones, action cameras, and more small devices.

There is a customizable head-up display, 25-speaker audio system, and 6.9-inch rear control screen for full control from the back seat.

Moreover, the front and second row backseats use a 12-layer comfort structure, with the front seats coming with 16-point massage ventilation and heating.

Built on a flat floor, every model comes with extra-long seat slide rails with up to 900mm of travel for both second and third rows.

These rails use aerospace-grade 7-series reinforced aluminum alloy, validated through 15,000 cycles.

The entire interior varries OEKO-TEX certification, applying to infant-grade safety standards.

Extensive personalization options

The Xiaomi SkyNomad comes in three colorways: Volcanic Gray, Mountain Green, and Valley Blue.

Meanwhile, owners can choose from Cream Beige and Mocha Brown for the interior.

The N90 Max wheel options include standard 21″ Prism-shaped Rims, plus optional 21″ Beam-shaped Rims, and 21″ Starbust-shaped Rims Stealth Black Edition for a sportier look.

The variable space inside is designed around real usage patterns. There are plenty of seating configurations, which can all be accessed through the Xiaomi HyperXiaoAi AI assistant.

The independent first and second row seats can face each other. The second and third rows can slide all the way back for even more leg room like a first-class cabin.

Moreover, one touch can turn the second and third rows into a bed. The front seats can be rotated as well to extend the bed’s length.

For transporting plenty of cargo, one touch can activate Ultimate Storage Mode as well.

Safety features

Through Xiaomi Kunlun Total Safety, the SkyNomad’s engineering comes with a system spanning materials, structure, airbags, battery, and the variable-space design itself.

Safety features include: