Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4x4 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4x4

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My first long drive with the Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4

My knees were in pain, but my heart is giddy from new memories made

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Many moons ago, I was an adorable passenger prince, providing food and entertainment to my designated drivers. I was happy being the navigator and staring at myself in the side mirror.

I guess life took a 180; I found myself taking the wheel, driving an enormous pickup truck across cities.

Having the Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 for a week gave me a fair amount of opportunities to try things for the first time.

Navigating an expressway alone (and not missing an exit), speeding up to 100km/h, crossing pitch-black roads at midnight, and being able to drive under heavy rain; It was euphoric to have sundry accomplishments for a few days.

But my biggest win was driving from East to South to North and back. It was my first long drive and boy, you never really forget your first. I was living on the road for a week!

Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4x4

Ready for battle

It wasn’t my first rodeo at the Next-Gen Ranger. I brought the XLT variant with me when I took part in a back-to-back Spartan race in the trails of Vermosa.

However, I didn’t take it past my set destination because, at that time, I was still afraid of hauling a gargantuan vehicle.

Having the Ranger Wildtrak was a game-changer, though. Being in the driver’s seat was so comfortable, thanks to the 8-way power adjustable driver seat. Having short legs didn’t bother me at all.

Driving didn’t feel like a chore then, so I volunteered to pick up my friends from their homes in Laguna and Cavite. (Who am I?)

With only a grande Starbucks cold brew and a Taylor Swift driving playlist from Spotify streaming via Apple CarPlay, along with a charged iPhone and highly responsive Maps appearing on the 12-inch Portrait Touchscreen, I felt armed enough to drive alone.

It was an adventure, navigating different types of roads under different conditions. I crossed a flooded street after a heavy downpour and it didn’t even reach half of the tires. (That’s what I like about driving huge, towering cars.)

Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4x4

I even took on slopes, curves, and dimly lit highways while raining. Not once did I feel scared knowing the vehicle I have sports C-Clamp LED headlamps on its grille. Some motorists even thought we were on high beam!

And in some occasions, we even had to navigate narrow streets that seemed one-way. My skills were tested as I had to make way for other passing vehicles.

I’m incredibly grateful for the 360-degree camera on how it helped me alight in tight spaces. I’m certain I would cry in panic if I didn’t have the technology with me.

When I became Mr. Overtaker

What gave me the confidence boost to take on my first long drive is how accustomed I’ve been to Ford’s Advanced Driver-Assist Technology.

Being familiar with its system assured me that the vehicle had my back, and sometimes, it could even do the brunt of the legwork for me.

On occasions when I speed up on the freeway, the Ranger often alerts me when it can’t feel my grip on the steering wheel, then automatically navigating and helping with lane centering. This is extremely helpful in the curves.

I was also dubbed ‘Mr. Overtaker’ by my friends, seeing how I easily maneuvered the vehicle on the freeway and national highways. The Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic helps me in overtaking slower cars and changing lanes

When vehicles in front of me abruptly stopped or slowed down, the Ranger was quick enough to issue a forward collision warning. The system worked even faster when there was a truck in front of me that suddenly hit the brakes, and I had a close call. The automatic emergency brake helped prevent a possible collision.

Moreover, it helps when reversing and passing motorcycles won’t just give way. I vividly remember how the Ranger prompted me to step on the brake because of incoming motorists and pedestrians as I was trying to reverse back to the highway.

Built for adventure

Everything about the Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 screams adventure, with its tough-looking exterior and sophisticated interior.

It felt apt for the Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 to be our vehicle of choice as we joined the staff of Spartan Race Philippines. We were part of the media team (and your boy is an official photographer) for the two-day race, where national athletes, top trail runners, and even celebrities competed.

The venue was situated on the hilly side of Bacnotan, La Union, making the roads steep, narrow, and a bit rocky.

Even the bypass roads between San Fernando and San Juan were cranky and muddy; I had to trail off and feel the power of the vehicle so we didn’t get stuck. On certain parts of our drive, I just had faith in the Ranger because I know it’s made for the great outdoors. Like yours truly, it can handle any obstacles you throw at it.

I’d like to think my passengers and I had a comfortable ride all throughout, knowing I haven’t heard any complaints since then.

At some point, they were all freezing from the air conditioning inside, but I took control of the temperature so they couldn’t do anything about it.

I’d do it again in a heartbeat

Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4x4

We took a detour to Poro Point to see the lighthouse and the baywalk before we drove back to Manila. Lots of stop-overs, heartfelt conversations, a barrage of laughter, and misadventures occurred during our long drive.

New memories were made and I don’t have any regrets when my knees screamed in pain after the trip. It was extremely fun to take on long drives with people close to your heart.

The tailgate lift assist is perfect for hanging out and dillydallying when you have free time. During one of our stopovers, we sat at the truck bed and exchanged stories while eating and drinking.

My first long drive, which started in the slopes of Rizal down to the forested part of Laguna, across the busy streets of Cavite, and towards the beachside and mountainous trails of La Union, is quite a memory that I’d like to cherish.

Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4x4

Every moment is worth remembering, and it’s great to have companions who are game for every adventure you’d like to try. And yes, the Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 is a great outdoor buddy.

It’s strong, adventure-ready, and packed with creature comforts to make any long drive cozy and feel like home — even when on the road. Plus, the safety features and technology make you feel like the Ranger has your legs and back.

Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4x4

Don’t get me wrong, though; I’d still love to be a passenger prince and stare at myself in the side mirrors. But if you ask me for a long drive once more with a Next-Gen truck like the Ranger Wildtrak 4×4, I’d do it again in a heartbeat, no doubt.


Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4

For more information about the Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4, visit the Ford Ranger page. Reserve the Next-Gen Ford Ranger through www.ford.com.ph or check your nearest Ford dealer.

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Automotive

VinFast extends free unlimited charging in 3 markets amid rising fuel prices

Customers in India, Indonesia, and the Philippines to enjoy 3 years of free unlimited charging

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VinFast has announced the extension of its free unlimited charging program in three key Asian markets: India, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Customers purchasing electric vehicles (EVs) in these countries (or currently own a VinFast EV) can enjoy the zero-fuel-cost advantage for three years, or until March 31, 2029.

This is amid the rising fuel costs in these countries, primarily due to the U.S./Israel-Iran war. Under the new policy, customers can charge for free at authorized V-Green charging stations.

By removing one of the largest operating costs of driving, VinFast aims to help motorists experience the economic advantages of electric vehicles (EVs) while supporting the countries’ transitions toward more sustainable mobility.

The program will be extended broadly to all customers, including both existing owners and future buyers. It will cover both private customers as well as those using their vehicles for transportation services, like the Green GSM EV taxi service network.

Alongside the free charging policy, the charging network developed and operated by V-Green is continuously expanding across the markets where VinFast operates.

This expansion helps create favorable conditions for consumers to confidently transition to greener and more sustainable transportation.

In addition to the free charging incentive, VinFast is already implementing multiple policies to promote the green transition in key Asian markets.

These include a battery subscription program that lowers upfront investment cost, a resale value guarantee policy, flexible payment options, and market-leading warranty coverage.

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BYD is reportedly considering an F1 team

There is no decision yet.

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BYD is lighting up the electric vehicle segment. For a while now, the Chinese automotive brand has been offering affordable alternatives to the so-called giants of the market, in turn becoming a giant itself. The company has since entered other segments, including the luxury market, through its sub-brands Denza and Yangwang. Now, it’s reportedly considering an all-new venture: the world of Formula One.

The new Formula One season saw the debuts of Audi and Cadillac to the racing grid, proving that the sport isn’t averse to expanding beyond the usual ten teams. Naturally, entering the sport is not an easy process, but for the right brand, it could be a very lucrative opportunity.

According to a source from Bloomberg, BYD is currently evaluating an entry into Formula 1. Right now, the Chinese company has not made a decision, but it is an idea floating around.

Besides the rigorous entry process, owning an independent racing team can cost BYD hundreds of millions of dollars per year. It’s not a cheap sport.

That said, there are other ways for the brand to enter the grid. One of the more cost-effective options is to become a title sponsor of an existing team by providing funding and technical expertise without the stress of managing a team directly.

Alternatively, the brand can also skip the red tape by buying an existing team. Audi, for example, entered the current grid by buying the team from Sauber. Of the current grid, Alpine is reportedly considering putting the team up for sale, making it a potential target for newcomers.

Outside of F1, BYD might also have an easier time entering other competitions including the FIA World Endurance Championship.

SEE ALSO: This BYD car is now the world’s fastest car in the market

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Xiaomi Vision Gran Turismo makes global debut at MWC 2026

Tech giant becomes first technology brand in Vision GT program

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Xiaomi Vision Gran Turismo

Xiaomi has unveiled the full-scale concept model of the Xiaomi Vision Gran Turismo or Xiaomi Vision GT at MWC 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. This marks the company’s official entry into the elite Vision Gran Turismo project.

Created for the legendary Gran Turismo franchise, the electric hypercar concept represents the first time a technology company has been invited to participate in the Vision GT program. Xiaomi now joins a select group of global automakers, becoming the 36th brand to take part and the creator of the 51st Vision Gran Turismo concept overall.

The project began at the GT World Series in London, where series producer Kazunori Yamauchi personally invited Xiaomi to design its own Vision GT car. For Xiaomi’s global EV design team, the opportunity meant rethinking hypercar development from a technology-first perspective, blending advanced aerodynamics with AI-driven intelligence.

Sculpted by the wind

At the core of Xiaomi Vision Gran Turismo is aerodynamic balance. Instead of chasing extreme low drag or maximum downforce alone, Xiaomi pursued efficiency between the two.

The concept follows a “Sculpted by the Wind” philosophy. Its teardrop cockpit silhouette, integrated air ducts, and airfoil-shaped structural elements guide airflow seamlessly from front to rear. The body avoids excessive add-ons, relying instead on built-in aerodynamic solutions.

Signature design elements serve dual purposes. Cross-shaped headlights integrate into the airflow system, while the halo-shaped taillight sits within a massive rear air outlet. An Active Wake Control System surrounds the rear with micro-perforations that manage turbulent air using real-time speed and angle data.

The Accretion Rims feature vortex-style wheel covers that remain visually stationary while the car is in motion, reducing drag from rotating surfaces. Internal turbine fins help cool the brakes during operation.

Through iterative simulation testing, Xiaomi says the concept achieves a drag coefficient of 0.29, downforce of negative 1.2, and an aerodynamic efficiency rating of 4.1 — figures that highlight balance rather than extremes.

A “sofa racer” interior

Inside, Xiaomi departs from the rigid, track-focused cabins typical of hypercars. The “Sofa Racer” concept emphasizes comfort without sacrificing control.

A ring-shaped cockpit architecture wraps around the driver, blending dashboard, doors, and seats into one continuous structure. Breathable 3D-knitted fabric materials aim to provide both support and warmth.

At the center is Xiaomi Pulse, an intelligent assistant integrated into the dashboard. Working alongside Xiaomi HyperVision and the company’s HyperOS platform, the system adapts displays and interactions based on driving mode and environmental data. Physical controls remain tactile and precise, including an infinite-shaped steer-by-wire wheel.

The concept also integrates into Xiaomi’s broader “Human × Car × Home” ecosystem. Powered by XiaoAi AI Assistant and the Xiaomi MiMo foundational model, the car connects with personal devices and smart home products, positioning itself as part of a unified digital lifestyle.

Xiaomi has also envisioned a companion driving simulator designed as furniture for the home, extending the Vision Gran Turismo experience beyond the vehicle itself.

Yamauchi praised the project, noting how the design successfully resolves the tension between low drag and high downforce. Further details about the car’s arrival in Gran Turismo 7 will be announced at a later date.

With its Vision Gran Turismo debut, Xiaomi signals a broader ambition: redefining the electric hypercar through AI integration, ecosystem connectivity, and aerodynamic precision.

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