Automotive

2020 Range Rover Evoque: The SUV you didn’t know you needed

Being ordinary is boring

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The Range Rover Evoque is one of Land Rover’s best-selling vehicles and is the most affordable in the brand’s line-up. It sold over 800,000 units since its launch and has been a very popular SUV worldwide.

This second-generation posh compact SUV has been revamped to keep up with the latest in automotive technologies while maintaining the original Evoque styling with its iconic sloping roofline, ascending beltline, and wide shoulder lines. Although, at the same time, it also borrows design cues from its bigger brother, the Velar.

Just by looks alone, this car would definitely sell since it’s plain beautiful and well-styled. It’s not just made to look good, though, since Land Rover has the reputation of producing well-performing and capable luxury vehicles.

They have set the standard high in this segment and we expect nothing less in the introduction of the all-new Range Rover Evoque —  an SUV that could be considered from the future.

Out of the four available variants in the country, what we have here is the R-Dynamic HSE Diesel model and it sports a Shadow Atlas front grille and copper inserts on its bumper air intakes, rear exhaust, and bonnet vents. It also has sophisticated-looking LED lights that we instantly fell in love with.

The Evoque stands on 20-inch wheels with what the company calls Diamond Turned Finish. These, together with its pronounced shoulders and wheel arches, make the exterior look dynamic — a mixture of robust elements and elegance in one sleek package. In terms of dimensions, the Evoque is wider and longer thanks to Land Rover’s new Premium Transverse architecture. It is now 100mm longer than the old model which is evident when you step inside.

The interior is plush and is padded with premium quality materials. The dash, steering, and center console are wrapped in stitched high-quality soft leather with black piano finish accents and soft-touch plastic which make every surface of the interior look and feel luxurious.

Gone are the knobs and switches that normally clutter the dashboard and have been replaced with Land Rover’s InControl Touch Pro Duo system; a dual high definition 10-inch touch screen that controls everything — from navigation to air-conditioning to the terrain management system.

Overall, everything looks clean, minimalistic, modern, and we’d even dare say futuristic. Other standard features you will find are USB ports, cup holders, and 12-volt outlets up front and at the back. The interior is exceptionally spacious and comfortable, not to mention extremely quiet even at high speeds.

Audio is also superior in quality thanks to the Meridian 10-speaker setup. It offers superb, authentic, and immersive surround sound with Meridian cabin correction technology that harmonizes with the precise acoustics of your Range Rover’s interior.

In short, the entire cabin aims to pamper your senses with aesthetically pleasing lines, premium and comfortable materials, and a sound system that delivers high-quality audio for everyone inside.

The Evoque was designed to be more of a street-friendly luxury SUV than a rock crawling hard-core off-roader. But don’t be fooled — this does not mean that this SUV is incapable. It is basically a wolf in sheep’s clothing. It’s a Land Rover for crying out loud, and we know what they do best.

It’s a proper off-roader with a low range gearbox and it can even compete with the big boys like the more purpose-built off-roaders. In its segment, this could very well be the most capable crossover. We had the chance to test its off-road capabilities and boy was it easy. The Evoque is well-equipped and armed to the brim with the latest in off-road and driving assistance technology.

Mudding and rock-crawling was no trouble for this beast using Land Rover’s latest terrain response system. An inexperienced off-road driver can take on rough terrain with ease thanks to the ClearSight Ground View that makes the bonnet and floor invisible. Being able to see where the tires are is a game-changer.

It uses five HD cameras that let the driver see every corner of the vehicle in 360 degrees. This simply makes off-roading a lot easier. On the downside, this SUV is not the best in wheel articulation as there is a limited amount of wheel travel and will definitely get some wheels in the air in uneven terrain. Although in general, the Evoque will give you the confidence to get you where you need to be even with rough road conditions.

If I were to drive just one car for the rest of my life, I would choose this. It has everything you could possibly want — the luxury of a large sedan that pampers you throughout, the attractive looks of a concept car, the capabilities of a rugged off-road SUV, world-class safety, and lastly, to exaggerate a bit, the technology of a spaceship. It truly is an all-in-one vehicle.

See the Range Rover Evoque in action through this video:

Automotive

VinFast VF MPV 7 positioned as practical choice for families

Strong performance, lower maintenance costs, comfortable driving experience

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VinFast is pushing its all-electric seven-seater SUV, the VF MPV 7, as family-centric choice for modern practicality.

The EV manufacturer has just launched the EV in the Philippines, one of its key markets, as it continues to push for more accessible electric mobility.

Locally, the VinFast VF MPV 7 is priced starting at PhP 1,239,000 (~ US$ 20,096) if you avail of the flexible battery subscription program.

Alternatively, customers can get it for PhP 1,518,000 (US$ 24,621.27) if they opt for the battery-included model.

The launch comes at the heels of VinFast being the top battery EV brand in the market as of early 2026. The Vietnam-based manufacturer also projects that EV penetration will double by the second quarter of the year.

Among the VF MPV 7’s features are:

  • 19-inch alloy wheels
  • VinFast signature V-shaped LED daytime running lights
  • R-cut wrapped steering wheel
  • 10.1-inch display
  • USB-A and USB-C ports
  • Automatic climate control
  • PM2.5 air filter
  • Rear air vents
  • Up to 1,240 liters cargo capacity
  • 150 kW power, 280 Nm torque

Owners are promised up to 450 kilometers of range on a full charge. The VF MPV 7 has a 60.13kWh battery which can charge from 10% to 70% in just 30 minutes via 80kW fast charging.

VinFast is also throwing in either a 7-year/160,000-km or 10-year/200,000-km battery warranty for those who avail of the EV. Owners can also charge for free at V-Green stations nationwide through March 2029.

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Automotive

The VinFast VF6 is perfect for urban travelers

It can handle a Caloocan-Laguna trip easily.

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The photo above shows a VinFast VF6 in Mint Green. Today, if you hear about the VinFast brand, you might be more familiar with a different shade of green: the striking turquoise of Green GSM, a local electric taxi-hailing app that primarily uses vehicles from VinFast. But did you know that VinFast offers more than just taxi cars?

The VinFast VF6 is a midsize crossover electric SUV perfect for urban travelers. One look at the car is enough to tell you that it means business. The car’s front profile looks simple enough but still exudes that premium feeling. The rear is just as sharp as the front with strong horizontal lines that give that feeling of width on the road.

A short drive to Laguna

It’s not just pure looks, either. To test out the VF6, we took the crossover for a spin from VinFast Caloocan to Lakehall in Laguna. The 60km trip felt like a breeze with the 210hp electric engine. Add to that, the trip lasted from morning to late afternoon, giving the best of smooth highways and adverse traffic conditions.

The power felt just enough to soldier through the long drive, regardless of the condition. Handling was smooth. It has just enough give for maximum control when turning through tough Metro Manila traffic. But the acceleration unleashed the beast inside for those long and smooth straights.

Range anxiety is also a thing of the past. Despite being a long drive, the engine consumed only 15 percent of the battery each way. In total, the battery can supposedly last 480 kilometers on a full charge, and the results prove it.

Even if you get caught out with a low battery, the VinFast VF6 can juice up to 70 percent (from 10 percent) in only 25 minutes. With gas prices still wreaking havoc on every fuel powered car owner’s budgets, having a vehicle that can charge up at a cheaper price per kilowatt and at a quicker rate is an absolute must.

Driving in comfort

Inside, the VinFast VF6 offers a spacious cabin for driver and passenger alike. Both trips going to and from were luxurious.

First of all, the air-conditioning system hid an insane amount of power behind the car’s vents. Being under the sun, the car was naturally hot before use. However, after only being on for a few minutes, the air-conditioning cooled this inferno to much more comfortable levels. By the end, my companion and I were freezing.

Both the front and backseats had enough legroom to help drivers and passengers stretch out their legs. I didn’t feel the crippling claustrophobia of staying inside a car for hours.

The car also had a sizable 12.9-inch infotainment system angled towards the driver. Though the angle seemed too obtrusive if you’re a passenger princess, the system itself connected seamlessly to our phones for that entertainment so crucial to long drives.

Keeping safe in dangerous streets

Comfort should go hand in hand with safety. True enough, the VinFast VF6 comes with a vast suite of ADAS conveniences for safer trips. Of course, you’re getting the standard fixings present every car today, including airbags, but the beauty also lies in those tech-infused features.

First up: cruise control. Normally, I don’t use cruise control because I prefer having maximum control over a drive. However, the VF6’s system is easy to use even when on the go.

For lengthy highways drives, it also has lane departure warnings, which can jerk you back to the right lane if you drift too much onto the next lane. Forward collision warnings and automatic emergency braking keeps your car safe from accidentally rear-ending cars in front.

Finally, the VF6 can automatically detect if you’re too drowsy or tired to drive. The system detects both your behavior inside the cabin and how you drive. For example, if you’re starting to drive erratically, the car will sound an alarm to hopefully prod you for a driver change or a short nap. Thankfully, we didn’t need this feature during our trip, but it’s nice to have.

Price, availability

The VinFast VF6 does not cost too much. The Plus version, which comes with 150kW of max power, sells for only PhP 1,699,000. Meanwhile, a competitively priced Eco version, which has 130kW of max power, sells for PhP 1,499,00.

Both models will come in Jet Black, Infinity Blanc, and Crimson Red.

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Automotive

DENZA expands the electrified market with the all-new B5 and B8

Redefining the SUV experience through refined comfort.

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Following a successful preview at the Manila International Auto Show 2026, DENZA Philippines has officially launched the all-new DENZA B5 and B8.

These electrified SUVs represent a significant step in the brand’s expansion, offering modern drivers a blend of efficiency and real-world capability designed for the complexities of modern life.

DENZA B5

The DENZA B5 is a midsize plug-in hybrid that addresses the common anxieties of transitioning to electrified driving.

It utilizes DMO Super Hybrid technology, pairing a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with a dual-motor system. This setup delivers 425 kW and 760 Nm of torque, providing plenty of power for both city streets and open highways.

Range is often a concern but the B5 offers a combined NEDC range of up to 975 kilometers. This capacity allows for a full week of commuting without the constant need to recharge or refuel.

Inside, the cabin serves as a sanctuary, featuring massage and ventilated seats. It also has a panoramic sunroof and a 360-degree camera system that makes navigating tight spaces feel intuitive and safe.

DENZA B8

For those who require more presence and capability, the DENZA B8 arrives as a full-size SUV available in Dynamic and Premium variants.

It’s built for extended journeys, offering a combined NEDC range of up to 1,040 kilometers. This allows drivers to focus on the road ahead rather than the nearest charging station.

The standout feature of the B8 is the DiSus-P Intelligent Damping Suspension. This system continuously monitors the road and adjusts the stiffness of the ride in real time.

The technology works in the background to ensure the ride remains composed and stable.

Inside, the B8 leans into luxury with dual wireless chargers and a built-in refrigerator.

Confidence across any terrain

Both the B5 and B8 are engineered for real-world off-road capability.

They feature four-wheel drive and front and rear electronically controlled locking differentials. Specialized modes for mud, sand, rock, and water wading give drivers the confidence to handle unpredictable conditions.

The inclusion of “Leopard Turn” technology allows for sharper maneuvering in narrow trails or tight U-turns.

The experience is completed by the DENZA App. This tool allows owners to monitor fuel levels, charging status, and location from their smartphones, ensuring that the vehicle is always ready for the next adventure.

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