Automotive

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

Published

October 10, 2023

MJ Jucutan

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!

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.)

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

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.

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.

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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Computex 2026

Acer introduces new e-bikers, e-scooters at COMPUTEX 2026

Acer expands into smart e-mobility solutions

Published

June 1, 2026

GadgetMatch

Acer is showcasing its new range of e-bikes and e-scooters at COMPUTEX 2026, as part of its expansion into smart e-mobility solutions.

These offerings are powered by integrated software to deliver connected and intuitive riding experiences for evolving urban mobility needs.

Part of the new lineup are the Acer Nitro eCity Plus (e-bike) and Acer ES Series 3 Select (e-scooter). Both designed for urban commuting, these products feature versatile configurations, optimized performance, and enhanced portability for everyday use.

The Nitro eCity Plus comes with multiple riding modes and responsive power delivery for a smooth and stable ride. It also has a removable battery design for convenient charging.

Meanwhile, the ES Series 3 Select is about portability and efficiency. It has features for daily urban travel, and is lightweight, compact, and foldable.

It likewise boasts of multiple riding modes and comes with optimized braking and lighting systems.

Both of these electric mobility solutions can be controlled via the Acer eMobility app. Riders can check battery status and control lighting easily on the go with voice controls.

The app also provides a unified interface for e-bikes and e-scooters across Acer’s portfolio. It allows users to monitor vehicle status, battery levels, and riding data. Riders can also access functions like lighting control, device settings adjustment, riding history, and performance insights.

For peace of mind, several security features are also integrated. For instance, riders can activate an e-lock function via voice commands on compatible e-scooters. On e-bikes, the app also provides alert-based anti-theft notifications.

Automotive

This premium electric SUV doubles as a massive power bank

The BYD Sealion 7 packs 530 horsepower and a clever battery that can run your household appliances.

Published

May 31, 2026

MJ Jucutan

BYD has officially unleashed the Sealion 7, an all-electric SUV that bridges the gap between high-performance engineering and everyday utility.

The Sealion 7 serves as a practical, high-end tool for the modern lifestyle, taking the sophisticated foundations of a luxury sedan and expanding them into a spacious, high-riding crossover designed for the demands of daily life.

Battery built for safety and distance

The core of any electric vehicle lies in its battery, and the Sealion 7 utilizes BYD’s signature Blade Battery technology. This system features an incredibly slim and structurally sound design that discards the bulk of traditional battery packs.

The battery aced extreme safety tests that standard units often fail, which translates to total peace of mind and an impressive range of 542 kilometers on a single charge.

The Sealion 7 also functions as a massive power bank. Equipped with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, the car lets you plug standard household appliances directly into the vehicle.

This feature offers a reliable backup power source during unexpected outages and provides a significant advantage for those who enjoy outdoor activities.

A digital sanctuary

Inside, the cabin offers a clean, uncluttered experience. A 15.6-inch touchscreen serves as the centerpiece, rotating between landscape and portrait modes to allow users to customize the interface for navigation or entertainment.

To keep things safe, the DiPilot system uses a network of sensors to act as a digital co-pilot. This setup includes a 360-degree camera that provides a clear view around and even “under” the car for easier parking. Sensors also monitor driver fatigue to ensure safety on longer journeys.

Uncompromising performance

While the Sealion 7 excels as a practical family vehicle, it also ranks as one of the most powerful SUVs in its class.

Dual electric motors power an All-Wheel Drive system that produces an equivalent of 530 horsepower. This setup launches the SUV from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds.

The motors deliver this power near-silently and instantaneously, providing a level of responsiveness that gas-powered engines struggle to match. It offers the speed of a sports car with the poise and stability of a large SUV.

Price, availability in the Philippines

The BYD Sealion 7 AWD carries a price tag of PhP 2,588,000. Beyond the initial investment, the Sealion 7 promises a significantly more affordable ownership experience than a traditional luxury SUV.

Because the vehicle uses fewer moving parts and a simplified mechanical layout, it requires only one service visit per year. Owners can expect maintenance savings of up to 50 percent compared to fuel-powered rivals.

A comprehensive six-year or 160,000 km bumper-to-bumper warranty and an eight-year warranty on the battery support this reliability, ensuring the technology remains an asset for years to come.

Automotive

GAC Aion UT brings big car energy to the compact segment

This stylish electric hatchback defies its size with a lounge-like interior and an attractive price tag.

Published

May 21, 2026

MJ Jucutan

GAC Philippines is pivoting its electric strategy toward the urban enthusiast with the debut of the Aion UT.

This EV hatchback arrives with a proven track record in Europe and Australia and Latin America. It flaunts with a “Milanese” design aesthetic that feels more like a fashion statement than a utility vehicle.

By utilizing a dedicated EV platform rather than a converted internal combustion chassis, the Aion UT maximizes its footprint to deliver what the brand calls “big car energy.”

Spatial engineering and urban utility

The Aion UT effectively flips the script on the compact segment by offering a class leading 2,750mm wheelbase.

Consequently, the interior feels more like a chic lounge than a traditional car because it provides a massive 905mm of rear legroom.

This smart layout means three adults can actually hang out in the back without rubbing knees or feeling cramped.

Beyond just passenger comfort, the cabin handles the daily hustle with ease. It offers 24 different storage cubbies for your essentials plus 440 liters of boot space for your gear.

Furthermore, the car features Vehicle-to-Load technology, which literally turns the vehicle into a giant mobile battery for your gear when you are away from an outlet.

Real world power and the magazine battery

The Elite variant runs on a 100 kW motor that delivers instant punch for weaving through city traffic with 180 Nm of torque.

While the technical side involves a 47.1 kWh battery, you should think of the Magazine Battery tech as a specialized safety vault for your energy.

GAC builds these batteries to resist heat and pressure, which gives you total confidence while driving in tropical weather. When you eventually run low, a DC Fast Charger gets the car from 30% to 80% in about 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, the car acts as a second set of eyes with an advanced safety suite. This system handles the heavy lifting by providing Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning and a 360-degree surround view camera and a system that prevents you from accidentally accelerating in the wrong direction.

A tech forward digital cockpit

The interior features a massive 14.6 inch central touchscreen alongside a sleek 8.88 inch digital instrument cluster.

This system acts as the brain of the car and handles all your media through wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Everything feels intuitive and fast because the software mirrors the responsiveness of a premium smartphone. To match this digital vibe, the car comes in gemstone inspired colors like Emerald Green and Seine Silver and Champs Elysees Beige and Rococo White.

Price, availability in the Philippines

GAC is currently offering the Aion UT Elite FWD with a retail price of PhP 1,068,000 for the Philippine market.

However, early adopters can take advantage of an introductory price of PhP 998,000 if they reserve by June 30 2026.

This special offer includes an initial discount of PhP 50,000 plus an extra PhP 20,000 reduction for the first 400 units sold.

Every unit comes with a sleek black interior and a black ceiling to maintain that premium feel. Owners also get total peace of mind through an 8 year or 200,000 km warranty on the core electric system and two years of free roadside assistance.