Automotive

The Best Car Tech of CES 2018

Exciting times ahead!

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We recently wrapped up CES 2018 (see our top picks) and even though the trade show originally revolved around consumer electronics, a big chunk of what was introduced was directed towards connected cities with a focus on making driving a lot smarter.

The idea of self-driving cars surely isn’t new and has been around for quite some time now. It’s basically the concept of what the future is like in addition to flying cars. At this year’s CES, brands who participated made us realize that this “future” isn’t too far away.

Here are some of the most promising cars and car technology that we’re excited to see in the near future.

Assistance

Multiple brands showed off their new toys left and right. There’s the announcement of Amazon’s Alexa coming to cars for voice assistance and content consumption. Toyota will be the next to adapt voice assistance in addition to BMW, Ford, and Hyundai. Meanwhile, Waze has also been integrated into select infotainment systems.

Nissan, on the other hand, is taking the user-machine a step further by introducing the brain-to-vehicle (B2V) technology. It basically uses a system that could read your brain patterns and signals to better prepare for what you’re about to do next while driving.

Platforms

In terms of services, Ford is slightly stepping out of the shadow of car-making and plans to be the new platform for autonomous vehicles. It has partnered with Lyft, Domino’s Pizza, and Postmates to create an operating system which small to large businesses can use for their unique services.

Speaking of unique services, Toyota unveiled its e-Palette concept vehicle which has all the potential to go big in the future of mobility. It’s envisioned as a self-driving vehicle running on Toyota’s tech and platform that other brands can use for food deliveries, as a moving boutique, or even a mobile hotel that you can rent.

As far as ride-sharing goes, expect it to join the bandwagon as smart cities are developed. During the trade show, car tech company Aptiv was present and was hand-in-hand with Lyft as they demonstrated their self-driving cars to the participants of CES. The public could just hail a ride from the Las Vegas Convention Center using the app and enjoy the view of the Strip to their destination.

Additionally, NVIDIA has also added Uber and Volkswagen to their growing roster of brands that will run on the company’s self-driving computer platform.

Cars

Apart from the new platforms, there were cars — quite a lot, actually. From concept to actual models on display, we got a peek at these vehicles that probably want to take on Tesla.

Derived from Bytes on Wheels, BYTON wants to blur the line between digital and automotive with their electric intelligent SUV concept. The new-gen smart device communicates with users and pedestrians via lights and patterns on its grille and recognizes the driver and passengers by face.

Kia was also present with its very own Niro electric crossover. This concept is basically an electric version of the Niro Hybrid but gets a new grille design. Like BYTON, it is now an interactive panel with a built-in Active Pedestrian Warning System, but what makes this something to look forward to is its range. It can go as far 383km (238 miles) before needing to charge again — beating what the Tesla Model 3 can offer.

Car designer Henrik Fisker gave another shot at making vehicles; this time in the form of the EMotion luxury sedan. The vehicle is a level 4 autonomous car and is equipped with the world’s first Butterfly Doors. Fisker also wants to set standards for other EVs so they made the vehicle last up to 644km (400 miles) on the road.

Meanwhile, Hyundai is continuing its push to go green and introduced the NEXO fuel cell electric vehicle. It has a more efficient engine, is a lot quieter, and maintenance is kept to a minimum. Although the best thing about it is that it emits nothing but water vapor. Features-wise, it has autonomous driving, self-parking, self-retrieval — the whole shebang.

In-vehicle Networking

Software updates are an important aspect of vehicles relying on digital systems. Tesla has somehow established its system already but for other car brands, updating hundreds, even thousands of vehicles across a country, is still not an easy task.

Hyundai and Cisco addressed this and aims to overhaul the process of in-vehicle networking. With the use of Ethernet connectivity and the Automotive Linux platform, they promise to be able to roll out updates remotely and it’s as simple as pushing a button.

 

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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