Automotive

Nissan’s New Kicks e-POWER skips the plug but still drives like an EV

It’s leaning harder into its e-POWER tech than ever!

Published

August 31, 2026

MJ Jucutan

Nissan Philippines has officially launched the next generation of the Kicks, and it comes with a design refresh, more driver-assistance features, and the same e-POWER setup that’s defined the nameplate since 2022.

The Kicks first landed in the Philippines four years ago, and this new version builds on that foundation rather than tossing it out.

Nissan’s kept the e-POWER system that made the original Kicks stand out in the subcompact SUV segment, then layered in updates across the interior, exterior, and safety suite.

Still e-POWER, still 100% electric motor-driven

The core of the Kicks hasn’t changed.

It still runs on Nissan’s e-POWER system, which pairs a 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor. The engine’s only job is generating electricity to charge the battery.

The motor is what actually drives the wheels, so you get a fully electric driving feel without needing to plug in anywhere. Nissan says the setup puts out 136 PS and 280 Nm of torque.

Inside, Nissan’s focused on making longer drives less tiring. The Zero Gravity seats aim to reduce fatigue, and there’s anti-heat leather upholstery for anyone who’s dealt with scorching seats in Metro Manila traffic.

Rear passengers get an optimized seatback angle and a rear armrest, while the driver’s seat is 6-way power-adjustable.

For tech, you’re looking at a 12.3-inch Display Audio system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus NissanConnect Services bundled in for three years.

Sharper exterior

The exterior picks up Nissan’s V-Motion grille with a new lighting signature and triple-arrow daytime running lights up front. At the back, the hexagon-shaped rear lamps carry over as part of Nissan’s design language. Nissan also says the headlights now throw wider and longer illumination for better visibility at night.

You’ll have four color options: Aquamarine Metallic, Gun Metallic, Pearl White, and Moon Pearl Gray. The top LE Plus variant gets an exclusive black roof and a new Moonstone interior, while the VE and VL stick with black interiors.

ProPILOT leads the safety features

The bigger addition here is Nissan ProPILOT, which handles steering, acceleration, and braking assistance together.

It includes Intelligent Lane Keep Assist to help center the vehicle in its lane and Intelligent Cruise Control to maintain speed and following distance.

There’s also Traffic Jam Assist, which can bring the car to a stop and resume driving on its own in stop-and-go traffic.

Beyond ProPILOT, Nissan’s packed in 12 more safety and driver-assistance features, including:

Leading car departure notification
Intelligent forward collision warning
Intelligent forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection
Blind spot warning with blind spot intervention
Lane departure warning with lane departure prevention
Rear automatic emergency braking
Tire pressure monitoring system
Rear cross traffic alert
Intelligent around view monitor with moving object detection
High beam assist
Driver attention alert

Price, availability in the Philippines

The All-New Nissan Kicks e-POWER comes in three variants: VE, VL, and LE Plus.

Nissan’s running launch promos on all three until September 30, 2026, and customers who buy in during that window also get a complimentary one-year Nissan Protect+ package, which covers prepaid maintenance, genuine Nissan oil and parts, and servicing for the first year.

The Kicks joins the X-Trail e-POWER as part of Nissan Philippines’ growing electrified lineup, and it’s clear the brand is treating e-POWER as its main pitch for drivers who want an EV-like experience without changing how they refuel.

Automotive

Inchcape Philippines and Changan are parting ways

The two companies won’t renew their distribution deal, with the transition running through Q4 2026.

Published

August 26, 2026

MJ Jucutan

Inchcape Philippines and Changan have mutually agreed not to renew their distribution partnership in the country. The companies announced the decision, citing Changan’s own long-term plans for the Philippine market as the reason.

The partnership enters a transition period that runs through Q4 2026. During this time, existing customer commitments remain in place, including aftersales support, warranty coverage, parts, and service.

Alex Hammett, Inchcape’s Managing Director for South Asia & Pacific, said Inchcape Philippines and Changan have worked together since 2023 to build the Changan brand locally, supported by Inchcape’s distribution network and dealer relationships.

He thanked the Inchcape Philippines team and dealer partners for their role in that effort over the past three years.

Inchcape says the Philippines remains a key market for the company. It continues to distribute Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, trucks, and buses, along with Jaguar Land Rover, and operates the retail business for Harley-Davidson locally. The company’s stated focus going forward is growing its existing portfolio and introducing new products to Filipino customers.

The Philippines also houses Inchcape’s Digital Delivery Centre and Global Business Services teams, which together employ more than 700 people supporting the company’s global operations.

Further details on arrangements after the transition period, including Changan’s next distribution partner, have not yet been announced.

Automotive

Tesla involved in recalling over 4 million electric cars

China is banning a feature found on most Teslas.

Published

August 24, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Electric vehicles have been simmering in some hot water for a while now, but it’s not because of a reason you might be thinking of. Instead of its performance or even its reliability, the world’s modern vehicle is fretting over its door handles. Over the feature’s potential risks in a life-or-death situations, carmakers in China, including Tesla, are recalling around 4.3 million vehicles in the country.

When it comes to door handles, electric vehicles today are known for creating hidden ones that sit flush on a car door. These handles appear only when needed and automatically retract into the door when not in use.

For a while now, governments have been worried about them, citing concerns that they don’t offer easy exits during threatening scenarios. There have been incidents when the handles don’t pop up while a car is on fire, preventing both the car’s occupants and rescuers from opening the door.

Today, via Reuters, nine carmakers, including Tesla, are recalling 4.3 million vehicles from the country over these same door handles. Moreso than domestic brands, Tesla finds itself leading this pack with almost 3 million units. The other eight brands include Xiaomi and Geely.

This recall is responding to China’s latest regulation to ban hidden door handles starting 2027. Other measures include installing mechanical releases. Some brands are also rolling out software updates which automatically lower the car’s windows in case of an emergency, offering another exit for trapped occupants.

Automotive

New EV player XPENG to launch in the Philippines in September

XPENG to unveil two models in the market

Published

August 13, 2026

GadgetMatch

AI-driven mobility company XPENG is launching in the Philippines next month, adding to the list of smart electric vehicle (EV) players in the market.

XPENG Philippines will commence operations as the country’s direct subsidiary, as well as national sales and marketing company.

As part of the launch, XPENG will launch two smart EV models: the XPENG X9 and XPENG L03.

The XPENG X9 is the brand’s flagship intelligent seven-seater. It is positioned as an EV for executive-class comfort, featuring AI-powered technologies and a premium cabin for modern families, businesses, and professionals.

Meanwhile, the XPENG L03 is an intelligent SUV coupe that brings together a contemporary design, AI-powered innovation, and software-defined mobility. It promises to deliver a smarter, more intuitive driving experience for today’s car owners.

Additional pricing details, variants, and complete specifications of each model, as well as their availability, will be unveiled soon.

XPENG is a global AI technology company based in Guangzhou, China. It specializes in smart EVs, driven by a mission to shape the future of mobility through innovation.

The company designs, develops, manufactures, and markets such vehicles, supported by its in-house, full-stack, advanced driver-assistance system, smart in-car OS, and core vehicle technologies.

The brand has a presence in more than 60 countries and regions across Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Oceania, and Latin America.