Automotive

BYD Seagull is the perfect starter car today

It’s the car you wish you got when you were younger.

Published

September 30, 2025

Luigi Leonardo

Over ten years ago, I got my first car. It was a gift from my parents for graduating college: a humble 2013 Honda City. Over the years, it’s been through everything like dates, work events, long road trips, breakups. And it’s still going strong. There’s not much that beats the feeling of your first car.

Ten-and-a-half years since then, I got my hands on the BYD Seagull, the smallest vehicle in BYD’s lineup, and it feels oh-so-nostalgic. It’s like I got my very first car all over again.

Big things, small packages, and all that

Since this is BYD’s smallest car, you can’t really expect the usual eye-watering performance that BYD is so known for. That said, there’s still much to love about this small package — 75 of them, to be precise.

The BYD Seagull sports 75 horsepower and 135 Nm of torque. It’s around what you’d expect from a starter car, but the drive is still pretty smooth. The car’s speed is powerful enough for city driving, including sharp inclines and twisty turns. Steering is also buttery smooth. Even if you have to go through hours of Manila traffic, the Seagull is a comfort to drive.

During my short stint with the car, I drove through Taguig and Makati. Normally, this is a nightmare scenario for me. But with the Seagull, I didn’t get the usual back pain that I get from long drives.

Maybe not the suspension, though

Now, that said… I’m not a big fan of the suspension. On smooth roads, the Seagull is perfectly fine. However, I took this guy out during the height of the typhoon season, which also means potholes wherever you go.

You don’t really expect much from a small car, but this one was bumpy. It wasn’t too uncomfortable. If you’re used to smoother rides, though, the Seagull might give you a surprise.

There were also one or two times that I accidentally went through sharper potholes. (Sorry, BYD!) Now, those were painful. If you have this car, you’ll need to be more careful about what you put the car through. One wrong move, and you’re inflicting serious damage on the car.

An interior to make other starter cars weep

If you have an aversion for how tiny hatchbacks look, check out how the Seagull looks on the inside. The first thing that will stand out is the cushy leather seats. Normally, a seat this comfy has no business being in a starter car, but BYD makes it work. It looks and feels plush.

Besides the luxurious seats, the car has a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so I had no problem keeping my drive smooth. And yes, the screen rotates, as you’d expect from BYD.

Despite the digital console, it still has a bunch of analog controls — including climate and volume dials — laid on a cylindrical format. Not having normal buttons takes some getting used to, but I appreciate the tactile sensation, nonetheless. I didn’t have to fiddle around with screens for when I needed to have my eyes focused on the road.

Though small, there’s a lot of space for your things. When the rear seats are folded, the cabin can hold 930 liters of baggage. In a pinch, you can definitely use the Seagull for moving houses.

Finally, the car has USB ports, a panel for wireless charging, and vehicle-to-load plugs. If you get stuck in traffic, you won’t get anxiety from dying devices.

Range anxiety is real

Though your devices will likely get through the day unscathed, the actual drive might be more of a problem. The Seagull says that you can squeeze out around 300 kilometers from a single charge. I had trouble replicating this.

After only three days, the full battery fell to less than 20 percent. Critically, I wasn’t even driving somewhere far. For two of those days, I was driving only around Quezon City. It was only on the third day that I took it to Taguig and Makati. This was using a combination of the car’s Normal and Eco modes.

I didn’t have the car long enough to test it on a common work week. However, based on those numbers, it’s hard to imagine that the Seagull can last an entire week going back and forth two cities.

Much like other electric vehicles, this one has regenerative braking. According to the driver who brought the car to my house, you can charge the car by up to 10 percent with a single run on the Skyway. I wasn’t able to take this car myself to the Skyway, but I did try to replicate what he did on open stretches of road. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t replicate what he claimed. Of course, I’m not saying that he was lying, but there might be a sweet spot that I just couldn’t find.

If you’re savvier, you might be able to squeeze numbers closer to the promised 300 kilometers. But for my driving style, the efficiency was just fine.

Charging is thankfully easy

Range anxiety aside, charging the battery is easy, at least. At the time of my review, the cost of charging was around PhP 28 to PhP 35 per kilowatt. Via DC charging, PhP 500 got me 50 percent of the battery back in only around 40 minutes. Because the battery is so small, topping up after a long day isn’t too much of a chore.

Additionally, the car comes with a home charging kit. A single overnight charging session should get you up and ready for the coming day.

Is the BYD Seagull your GadgetMatch?

There are only a few things that a starter car needs to be. It doesn’t need to be flashy, luxurious, or expensive. All it needs to do is get the job done of taking you from point A to point B on a daily basis.

It’s also not expensive. It starts at PhP 898,000. It comes in three colorway options: Delan Black, Apricity White, and Sprout Green.

Now, if I got the BYD Seagull as my very first starter car, I would’ve been more over the moon that I already was with my 2013 Honda City. The hybrid offers you a decent helping of automotive technology. It makes for a comfortable daily drive.

It’s not a perfect vehicle by any means. There are still some aspects that I didn’t really love. But there are still a lot that I did. If I put myself in the shoes of a recent graduate, I would immediately think, “Wow, I want these features for my next car years down the road.”

For that, the BYD Seagull gets a Swipe Right for being an amazing starter car for new graduates and young professionals today.

Automotive

The price I paid for trusting my car too much

A minor crash forced me to confront how technology and misplaced trust can erode the responsibility every driver still carries.

Published

December 28, 2025

MJ Jucutan

I never imagined I would be the kind of person who crashes into someone else’s car.

I drive slowly and gently, and practice restraint when another car provokes me on the highway. I’ve made it a habit to pray right before I roll out of the garage. It’s my small ritual asking for protection and patience.

I’ve watched countless videos of drivers making terrible decisions, caught in road rage, accidents, and violations that somehow get tolerated by culture and circumstance. Years of driving and I never thought I would be one of them.

It was a Wednesday morning when I decided to drive south to meet colleagues for a project in Tagaytay. I was already carrying an aching heart, passing through my own version of Cornelia Street along the long stretch of the South Luzon Expressway.

Grief and memory sat beside me in the passenger seat. What was meant to be a coffee run, heavy with nostalgia, became something I wish I could undo.

While reversing out of my parking spot, my right leg twitched. In a flash, my rear bumper hit someone else’s car.

I know that sound. Anyone who drives knows it. I froze before my brain even caught up. My stomach dropped and my chest tightened. I sat there, eyes flicking between the screen, the side mirror, and the rearview mirror, trying to understand how this had happened.

What unsettled me most was the silence.

There were no warning beeps. No flashing icons and no alerts telling me to stop. The sensors that had trained me to trust them went quiet all at once. In that moment, there was no one else to blame. It was only me and a mistake I failed to prevent.

I was lucky. The people whose car I hit were around my parents’ age. They were kind and willing to settle things without turning the situation into something heavier than it already was.

Their brunch was interrupted by my carelessness, and that thought stayed with me longer than the dent itself.

The damage was minor. Their front bumper was dented and the radiator cover cracked. My car only carried scratches on the plastic stepper.

Still, my heart pounded harder than the situation seemed to warrant. The inconvenience stretched on for months through insurance and repairs, unfolding at the same time my life was already unraveling from heartbreak and forced transition into a new home.

It took me months to recover emotionally. I stopped driving the way I used to. Driving once gave me relief when my thoughts felt too loud. After that day, it only reminded me of how easily I failed to be present.

My mistake was allowing technology to take over a part of my responsibility.

I had grown comfortable believing that if something was behind me, my car would tell me. If danger was close, the system would sound the alarm.

Somewhere along the way, I let my awareness be filtered through cameras and sensors instead of relying fully on my own body and judgment. That comfort cost me time, money, and peace of mind.

We live in the most advanced era of driving the world has ever known. Cars can see farther than mirrors ever could. Brakes are designed to react faster than human reflexes. Our car’s systems warn us when we drift or speed up, and when something approaches from the side.

These features save lives, and I am deeply grateful for them. Still, assistance is not replacement.

Without realizing it, I behaved less like a driver and more like a supervisor watching a machine do the work. Even though I checked behind me, I failed to be more careful.

I relied on expecting a warning and trusted that the car would intervene before I had to.

When systems fail and sensors miss angles, there’s no safety net waiting for you.

There’s only the person behind the wheel.

I was lucky that day that I hit a car, and not a person. No one was walking behind me and no child crossed at the wrong moment.

The consequences were small enough for the world to forgive, though my conscience hasn’t fully done the same. I know how easily this could have been worse.

I should’ve done the simplest thing a driver can do. I should have turned my head and looked again. No matter how advanced a vehicle becomes, the most important safety system is still human attention.

Because when the warning never comes, you’re responsible for what happens next. And sometimes, it only takes one missed glance to remind you how fragile everything really is.

Automotive

Inside the Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4

A closer look at the cabin that makes this truck feel smarter and more comfortable than expected.

Published

December 23, 2025

MJ Jucutan

They call it a truck, but the moment you step inside, you understand why that word no longer feels enough.

The Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 carries a tough, ready-for-anything energy you’d expect from a pickup. It looks like it was built for mud or long highways that stretch beyond the city.

But inside, it tells a different story. One about comfort and knowing exactly how people live with their cars now.

Inside the Ranger is the kind of cabin that doesn’t ask you to brace yourself. Rather, it invites you to settle in.

Comfort with consideration

The first thing you notice is how easy it is to find your place behind the wheel.

The driver’s seat adjusts in eight ways, which means posture never feels like a compromise. The front passenger seat gets four-way adjustment, which still feels thoughtful rather than basic.

A combination of leather and synthetic leather seats add a softness that immediately changes your mood, the moment you sit down. It’s as if they were designed for long drives that accompany you in heartfelt conversations and unplanned detours.

Temperature never becomes a discussion inside the Wildtrak. With Dual-zone electronic automatic climate control, both sides of the cabin stay exactly how the people inside will want it.

Rear passengers get their own air vents, too, which reinforces the idea that this truck is meant to be shared. Everyone rides comfortably, no matter where they sit.

Even the small conveniences matter here. For instance, I love how the smart keyless entry and push-button start make it easy to start the car. The auto-dimming rearview mirror also takes care of harsh headlights, especially at night.

This cabin understands technology

Taking center stage is the 12-inch portrait touchscreen running SYNC 4A. The Wildtrak’s display feels intuitive and easy to trust, especially with how quickly it responds to inputs.

Voice commands work naturally, allowing your eyes to stay on the road where they belong. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connect almost instantly, and once you experience that kind of seamless pairing, cables start to feel unnecessary.

In real-world use, I did notice that my Android devices occasionally disconnected, which eventually pushed me to plug them in for longer drives. Google Maps is non-negotiable for me, especially when I am navigating unfamiliar routes.

On the other hand, my iPhones connected more consistently and only tended to lose signal in congestion-heavy areas, like certain stretches of the South Luzon Expressway.

Still, the Wildtrak makes it easy to stay powered and connected. There is a wireless charging pad ready for your phone, along with multiple USB ports placed exactly where you expect them to be.

The six-speaker sound system is controlled directly from the steering wheel, which means music is always within reach. It also means I can comfortably get through Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” whenever traffic slows everything down.

Everything feels accessible without ever feeling crowded. That includes the 8-inch digital instrument cluster, which presents all the information you need in a clean and reassuring way, without overwhelming the driver.

Driving with confidence

Out on the road, the Wildtrak feels like it is constantly looking out for you. Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go takes the edge off heavy traffic, especially during bumper-to-bumper moments when the drive feels longer than it should.

Once you hit the freeway, the Wildtrak feels composed and confident, like a Beast let loose. Features like Lane Centering and Evasive Steer Assist help keep everything steady and controlled, particularly on long southbound drives where fatigue can creep in.

In the city, Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection becomes one of those features you hope you never need, yet deeply appreciate once you understand how quickly it reacts. It responds faster than instinct, which matters when every second counts.

Add Hill Descent Control, Hill Launch Assist, and the Electronic Locking Rear Differential, and the Wildtrak feels prepared for situations you cannot always predict. Even the rear parking sensors earn their keep, especially when backing into tight spaces where visibility is limited.

Despite its imposing size, parking never feels intimidating. The 360-degree camera quickly becomes a trusted companion, making tight spots manageable and reducing the stress that often comes with driving a large vehicle.

It’s especially reassuring for drivers who love big trucks but are still getting used to their presence on city streets.

More than a truck

The Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 feels like it understands modern life.

It balances being tough with power and comfort. It feels ready for anything, whether it’s a weekday traffic or a weekend escape.

If you’re looking for a truck that feels like it already knows what you need, this one makes a strong case without ever raising its voice.

This is what it feels like inside the Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4.

Automotive

Ford announces Mustang Mach-E, new Ranger in the Philippines

Fully-electric Mach-E delivers modern tech, signature Mustang DNA

Published

December 2, 2025

GadgetMatch

Ford has officially made the All-New Ford Mustang Mach-E and new Ford Ranger available in the Philippines.

The Mustang Mach-E is Ford’s foray into the full-electric vehicle scene. It features electric power and modern driving technology while still carrying over the iconic vehicle’s signature design cues and legendary driving experience.

The all-new premium EV is available at PhP 3,499,000 and is offered in Glacier Grey, Star White, Shadow Black, Velocity Blue, and Grabber Yellow.

Upon purchase, customers will get a free 3.5kW portable charger and 7kW wall box charger. The EV is available at Ford dealerships, including Alabang, Balintawak, Cebu, EDSA, Global City, Libis, and Marikina.

Efficient performance, extended range and power

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is powered by a dual permanent magnet synchronous motor that drives all four wheels. This produces 290Kw (394PS) of power and 676Nm torque. Such AWD configuration provides strong acceleration and quick response.

An 88kWh extended-range lithium-ion NCM battery delivers up to 550 kilometers of range. Owners can choose from Type 2 (AC, up to 11kW) and CCS2 (DC, up to 150kW) ports when charging.

A compatible home wall charger can replenish the battery overnight, while a 150kW charger can replenish the battery from 10 to 80% in under 45 minutes.

Selectable drive modes for the Mustang Mach-E include Whisper, Engage, and Unbridle. These various modes give drivers the opportunity to tailor the experience.

Meanwhile, a 1-Pedal Drive system allows the driver to accelerate and decelerate using only the accelerator pedal. Lifting off the pedal activates regenerative braking, which slows the vehicle and recovers energy for the battery.

The feature reduces brake use to improve efficiency and control, especially during stop-and-go traffic.

Bold design, Mustang heritage

Of course, the Mustang Mach-E retains the fastback silhouette and tri-bar tail lamps of the iconic pony car. A frameless grille works with LED projector headlamps with automatic leveling.

There are four 19-inch machine-finished aluminum wheels, and a drainable front trunk for versatile cargo space.

There is likewise a panoramic glass roof while an E-Latch door system replaces conventional handles. The vehicle will detect the driver and press its B-pillar button to release the door, opening slightly for easy access.

Other external design features include power-folding heated mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, and a hands-free power liftgate.

Inside are perforated ActiveX synthetic leather seats with 10-way power adjustment. The heated front seats, dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, and rear air vents keep the cabin comfortable.

There is a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15.5-inch capacitive touchscreen with SYNC4A. This has enhanced voice recognition and wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto support.

The entertainment is also amplified by a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with subwoofer.

Behind the rear seats are 402 liters of space and there’s 1,420 liters more load space when the seats are folded.

Connect with FordPass

The Mustang Mach-E comes equipped with FordPass Connect. Owners have the ability to manage their vehicle right from their mobile devices.

Features include:

Remote Start / Stop /Climate
EV Charging Status
Battery States of Charge
Charge Session Details
Start / Stop Charging
Target Charge
Departure Times
Preferred Charge Times
Charge History
AC Charge Rate

For safety and convenience, the premium EV has nine airbags and a 360-degree camera with split view.

Standard safety systems and driver assistance features include:

ABS with EBD
electronic stability program, traction control
SecuriLock passive anti-theft system
Driver assistance features include Collision Mitigation
Reverse Brake Assist
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Lane Keeping System with alert and aid functions
Adaptive Cruise Control
Driver Impairment Monitor

New Ford Ranger: smart connectivity, enhanced capability

Meanwhile, the latest iteration of the Ford Ranger brings the smartest, most versatile, and most capable features to pick-up owners.

Customers can choose from a variety of engines for their specific needs. The 2.0L Bi-Turbo mated with 10-speed automatic transmission is available on the 4×4 Wildtrak variant, capable of 210PS power and 500Nm torque.

There is also a 2.0L Single Turbo mated with a 6-speed automatic or manual transmission available for other variants. This is capable of 170PS power and 405Nm torque.

Visually, the design features a defined new grille and signature C-clamp headlight in front. For the first time, the Ranger is equipped with matrix LED headlines for the Wildtrak 4×4. LED taillamps also clamp onto the new tailgate stamped with the “Ranger” badge.

Beneath is an upgraded chassis riding on a 50mm longer wheelbase and a track 50mm wider than the previous Ranger. New fenders and larger wheel arches also make the appearance more sculpted.

Inside, the pick-up uses premium soft-touch materials for its roomy cabin. There is a large touchscreen ranging from 10.1″ to 12″ to complement the fully digital instrument panel. The display is loaded with Ford’s SYNC4, which supports both Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

Moreover, the vehicle is equipped with a 360-degree camera for parking, tight urban spaces, and tricky terrains.

There is also an array of drive modes: Normal, Eco, Tow Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, and Sand. These allow drivers and the Ranger to tackle any destination with optimized performance for different surfaces.

Among smart driver-assist technologies on the latest Ranger are: