Automotive

Meet the All-New Honda CR-V

The 6th-generation CR-V is smartly electrifying!

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Honda Cars Philippines (HCPI) has officially unveiled the All-New Honda CR-V.

The 6th-generation Honda CR-V follows the realization of carbon neutrality, taking a step towards the company’s electrification journey.

HCPI brings in the first-ever CR-V 2.0 RS e:HEV E-CVT, equipped with advanced safety and driving technologies and a full hybrid system.

Going full hybrid

The All-New Honda CR-V’s e:HEV technology combines Honda’s gasoline engine and electrification technologies.

The system combines the power of two electric motors, the Traction Motor and the Generator Motor. Both motors are mated to a new four-cylinder, 2.0-liter Direct Injection Atkinson Cycle engine, which provides 148 PS and 183 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the electric motors put out 184 PS and 335 Nm of torque.

It uses a unique combination since it relies on the gasoline engine alone for high-speed cruising, unlike the motor which usually operates throughout the low- to high-speed range.

Different operating and driving modes

The e:HEV full hybrid system intelligently switches operating modes to suit various driving situations. First, there’s the EV Drive Mode which runs the vehicle solely on battery power.

Then, there’s the Hybrid Drive Mode that shifts power between the electric motor and the engine. Lastly, the e:HEV still has an Engine Drive Mode.

Drivers can easily select driving modes to suit their style of driving, too. Choose between Sport Mode, Normal Mode, and Econ Mode.

Self-charging system and reliable battery

Like other hybrid vehicles, the e:HEV is a self-charging system. The system harvests energy from braking and deceleration, then recovers friction losses that would otherwise be unused. It uses its regenerative braking system and traction motor to help extend the car’s electric power range, further optimizing fuel economy.

Moreover, the battery can be recharged through the engine. It serves as a generator to keep the electric drive system primed for action anytime you want it.

For added peace of mind, the All-New CR-V 2.0 RS e:HEV E-CVT comes with an 8-year or 200,000 kilometer battery warranty (whichever comes first).

Staying safe with Honda SENSING

All variants of the All-New CR-V are equipped with Honda SENSING driver-assistive technology. Moreover, the vehicles now have a new front sensor camera and radar system. The new camera has a wider field of view from 50 degrees to 90 degrees.

Meanwhile, the radar mounted behind the Honda logo on the grille now has a field of view of 120 degrees. Previously, it was up by 70 degrees.

Aside from the new camera and radar, Honda SENSING functions include the following:

  • Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
  • Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
  • Road Departure Mitigation System with Lane Departure Warning (RDM with LDW)
  • Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow (ACC with LCF)
  • Auto High Beam (AHB)
    • For the first time, the RS e:HEV CVT variant comes with Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB), an intelligent LED headlight that helps enhance visibility as well as adjust the height of the light beam to avoid dazzling the car in front and pedestrians.
  • Lead Car Departure Notification System (LCDN)

Enjoy convenience with Honda CONNECT

The All-New Honda CR-V now comes with Honda CONNECT. Using smart telematics technology, Honda CONNECT allows seamless connection of users with their cars through a smartphone application.

This allows customers to communicate with their vehicle, check its status, and be notified of alerts. It even enhances the All-New CR-V’s safety features through Automatic Collision Detection, Security Alarm Detection, and Speed Alert.

For security features, Honda CONNECT comes with Find My Car, Geofencing Alert, and Emergency Call. Furthermore, Honda CONNECT comes with convenience features such as Car Status, Remote Vehicle Control, and Service Reminder.

The combination of Honda CONNECT and Honda SENSING has earned the All-New Honda CR-V five stars from the ASEAN New Car Assessment Program.

With the active and passive safety systems working together, the All-New Honda CR-V received an impressive overall score of 87.16 out of 100.

These results reflect Honda’s commitment to safety for all with a vision of to realize zero traffic collision fatalities involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles globally by 2050.

Tough, sporty, yet still premium

The All-New Honda CR-V features a sportier and sophisticated premium exterior. It comes with stronger, bolder lines along with its prominent front grille. It’s longer and wider than before, giving it a road-commanding presence.

The first-ever CR-V e:HEV RS takes design to the next level, though. It has an RS-exclusive grille design, a panoramic sunroof, piano black side mirrors with turn signals, a door sash finished in gloss black, a body-color rear spoiler with piano black accents, a piano black shark fin antenna, and an RS-exclusive 18-inch Piano Black Aluminum Alloy Wheels.

Inside, the All-New Honda CR-V gets even more upscale. The larger cabin brings in great comfort for both driver and passengers, and the three-row seating along with 840 liters of cargo space gives an airier and roomier feeling.

It also comes with several features for comfort and convenience such as a 9-inch touchscreen audio, an 8-speaker sound system, and a new 10.2-inch Full Digital instrument cluster.

Moreover, it comes with a new Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a new wireless charger. For the VX Turbo variant, it comes with a new Navigation System and a Smart Key Card Entry.

The RS Variant, on the other hand, comes with more cutting-edge technology. It comes with a new Smart Key Card Entry, a new Head-up Display, and a new Bose Premium Audio System with 12 speakers.

Price and availability

The All-New Honda CR-V is available in all 37 Honda Cars Philippines dealerships. The V Turbo and VX Turbo units are arriving in September 2023, while the RS e:HEV will be available by October 2023. Its suggested retail prices vary per unit:

  • 2.0 RS e:HEV E-CVT — PhP 2,590,000
  • 1.5 VX Turbo CVT AWD — PhP 2,280,000
  • 1.5 V Turbo CVT — PhP 2,100,000

The All-New CR-V is available in five colors: Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Meteoroid Grey Metallic, Ignite Red Metallic, and Canyon River Blue Metallic.

Its new color, Canyon River Blue Metallic, offers a rich dark blue with large metallic particles that sparkle and shine. Customers interested in the Platinum White Pearl colorway will incur an additional PhP 20,000.

Interested customers are invited to experience the All-New Honda CR-V at the Drive the Future event in SM Mall of Asia Central Atrium on September 21-24 from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM where exciting activities await guests.


Visit any of the 37 Honda Cars Philippines dealerships or HCPI’s website www.hondaphil.com for updates regarding the All-New Honda CR-V, other Honda models and technologies such as the Honda CONNECT, Honda SENSING, and Honda’s e:HEV full hybrid system.

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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Automotive

VinFast to expand in the Philippines with e-scooters: report

VinFast to compete head-on with major motorbike players

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Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

VinFast is bringing its electric scooters to the Philippines.

According to a report by TopGear, the Vietnamese EV manufacturer has signed agreements with 14 local distributors.

The report mentioned that specifically, the Evo, Feliz II, and Viper models shall be made available. The rollout will naturally begin in metro areas, as expected.

These models provide longer range on a single full charge and higher top speeds compared to budget e-bikes. It means they are suitable to be driven on major highways, provided that drivers have a license and the scooter is registered.

Moreover, in what is somewhat similar to Gogoro’s model from a few years back, VinFast is set to have 30,000 battery-swapping stations nationwide.

This way, drivers wouldn’t have to worry about running out of battery power while on the road. They can simply swap batteries instead of looking for charging stations.

This development means VinFast is competing head-on against other fuel-powered motorcycle brands in a market where such vehicles are popular for everyday use.

Not only that, VinFast will likewise compete with the likes of Yadea, RUX Electric Mobility, and even Hatasu to a certain extent.

It doesn’t come as a surprise as back home, VinFast is aggressively pushing for electrification, selling e-scooters to consumers.

This is aligned with the government’s goal to eventually ban petrol motorbikes in major cities, including the capital Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

Given the massive rate the production is going, it is only sensible for VinFast to also target nearby markets where it already has a presence, including Indonesia, India, Malaysia, and Thailand.

In the Philippines, the Vingroup’s EV arm already competes in the electric cars and SUVs segment. Its offerings include the VF3 and VF5.

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