Automotive

The Nissan Almera is giving ~slay~

Keep up with your chaotic life, but make it stylish and techie!

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Sedans always have this charm of making you feel polished. I vividly remember pulling up in the driveway and gracefully exiting a car, glammed and dolled up for a gala. All eyes were fixated on me–I felt remarkable.

Driving the Nissan Almera VL Turbo CVT for a week, I felt the surge of confidence possessing my body once more. But of course, it’s not just looks that it can offer. Like yours truly, there’s more to the Nissan Almera than meets the eye.

Effortlessly elegant

The Nissan Almera is an instant head-turner. I know it does, as I remember driving it across a prestigious university outside of my home and all the students were astonished, gaping as they gaze at the passing vehicle before them.

I don’t blame them, though. When I first saw the Nissan Almera, I gasped as I marveled at its sleek likes and sporty stance. The new design is bold and striking, and somehow, it felt like a match made in heaven.

I’m particular about dressing up to feel good, and having a car that matches your vibe is kind of a gift you shouldn’t take for granted.

Its cutting-edge design complemented my sprezzatura style, which, if you don’t know about, is the art of dressing up like you didn’t care about looking good but everything is actually planned.

It’s giving effortlessly elegant, both for my style and the car’s design. The devil is surely in the details.

Keeping up with your boisterous life

Nowadays, no one lives a peaceful, routinely life, especially in the Metro. I, for one, is a multi-passionate creative balancing my work as a producer and life as a hybrid athlete.

I work out twice a day, and I still find time to wrap up my tasks, go on a date, and spend quality time with people who matter.

Some weekends, I’m on duty as a media personnel for Spartan Race Philippines. On top of everything, I still do side gigs as a graphic designer and a photographer, and I have a small business I take care of.

I’ve been a busy person with a hectic schedule, and in the pursuit of juggling my chaotic life, the Nissan Almera surely kept up.

Inside, the cabin is spacious enough to provide comfort both for the driver and passengers. Life as a multi-passionate entails having at least three bags and a bunch of paper bags inside your compartment.

On the front passenger seat is my Moshi Urbana Lite Slim Laptop Briefcase in Herringbone Gray, carrying all my work and life essentials.

I know it well that my life is exhausting. But a vehicle laded with premium materials with seats that are ergonomically designed, sometimes, you won’t feel the exhaustion until you stepped out of the car.

The only inconvenience I encounter was taking out my Starbucks coffee out of the cupholder in the center console since it gets in the way of the handbrake.

Assist your last three brain cells

Driving is a mental game. Your life depends on it, and living a multi-passionate life can be extremely tiresome for some people. I just happen to have the endurance for it — physically, mentally, and emotionally speaking.

I’m also highly caffeinated which means I can keep up with driving 80 kilometers, just to see the person I love.

But driving back and forth can put a fatigue on your mind and body. I felt this when I was on duty for a Spartan Race held in Areza, an estate in Lipa, Batangas.

On the way back to Manila, I put some trust on the Nissan Almera’s Intelligent Mobility. My confidante and other passengers were dead asleep, and I only have Taylor Swift accompanying me on a three-hour drive.

When we were driving on the freeway, I encountered an SUV that suddenly decelerates while every car is speeding up to a hundred. The Almera alerted me through its Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, prompting me to slow down through an audible alert and a visual alert on the 7-inch TFT meter.

I switched lanes and put some distance since I felt it was unsafe to follow the vehicle before me. Moments later, there were multiple car collisions that blocked the whole freeway.

I didn’t get to use the emergency brake, which kicks in to reduce your speed in case of possible collision. The earlier alerts helped me stay in my toes to prevent myself getting involved in accidents.

Times like these is when you appreciate the premium safety features that comes with your vehicle. You never know when you’re going to use it, so it’s better to have it than be sorry.

Stay connected, my babe

What I love the most about the Nissan Almera is how it integrated NissanConnect Services. As someone who’s always on his phone, the vehicle helped me stay connected and in control.

Through the app, I get to remotely start or stop the engine, lock and unlock the door, and a host of smart features that I never knew I needed.

There’s also an 8-inch Infotainment Display that seamlessly connects with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This helped in navigating the busy streets of Metro Manila that I’m unsure of, particularly outside Bay City which I don’t frequent unless needed.

It was also the reason I was able to keep up with driving. All I needed was to play my favorite songs from Cup of Joe and Taylor Swift, and I’m good to go.

Surely, convenience, safety, and entertainment are now in my fingertips. Suddenly, it makes me feel like I have control in every situation, and as a control freak, I like it. Especially if it meant I can have a stress-free driving experience.

Your getaway car, perhaps?

The Nissan Almera VL Turbo CVT has a powerful yet efficient engine that I fully experienced while driving on the freeway. On city drives, its fuel economy may help especially when you kept yourself tangled in traffic jams.

It’s engineered in a way that you will enjoy the road, both on the city and out of town. You can simply treat it as your getaway car. Frankly, it’s a daily driver that can keep up with you if you spontaneously decide to take a break from your chaotic life.

As for me, it helped me reclaim some sort of confidence, thanks to its regal and captivating design. And it’s simply not just physical — the Nissan Almera is certainly a companion for those living a life well-lived. Hectic or not, this subcompact sedan is here with you to charm and slay in life.


The Nissan Almera 1.0L VL CVT with NissanConnect Services retails for PhP 1,149,000. It comes in Moon Pearl Gray, Fiery Cayenne Red, Brilliant Silver, Pearl White, and Galaxy Black.

For more information on the New Nissan Almera with NissanConnect Services, customers can visit the official Nissan Philippines website or contact their nearest Nissan dealership. Book a test drive.

Computex 2026

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

Acer expands into smart e-mobility solutions

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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