Automotive

No terrain too deep for this Shark

The BYD Shark 6 DMO gave me the confidence to conquer any terrain.

Published

March 27, 2025

MJ Jucutan

I’ve always loved driving pickup trucks.

Not just because they dominate the road with a presence that says, “my way or the highway,” but because they promise adventure.

A pickup truck is built to withstand whatever I throw at it. Whether that’s a spontaneous road trip or a full-fledged off-road expedition.

But as much as I love the trail, I’ve never been completely confident behind the wheel when the pavement disappears.

Unlike running through rough terrain, where every step is my own, off-roading demands trust. Not just in myself but in the machine I’m driving.

That all changed over two days with the BYD Shark 6 DMO.

Inside a familiar battlefield

Our journey started at Seda Vertis North, where we set off for Alviera in Porac, Pampanga. It’s a destination estate I hold close to my heart.

It’s the battleground where I’ve crushed personal records at the Spartan Race year after year (and where I plan to do it again soon).

Alviera’s terrain is the perfect storm of challenges. Rugged soil, jagged rocks, mud, and lahar left behind by Mount Pinatubo’s 1991 eruption. If anything could test the Shark 6 DMO, it was this.

Whether behind the wheel, in the backseat, or lounging on the truck bed, the ride remained effortless.

BYD’s Dual Mode Off-Road (DMO) system worked seamlessly, letting the Shark 6 DMO adapt to shifting surfaces with ease. I played with the electric and hybrid power, finding the optimal torque as I drove it through its battlefield.

Its Dual Wishbone Suspension absorbed every bump, keeping the ride smooth, while the high ground clearance meant no second-guessing obstacles ahead.

Fun fact: I misjudged a stone that was supposed to help me transition from the road to the off-road path and ended up bumping into the gutter, but we barely felt it.

Inside, it was another world entirely. The cabin was comfortably quiet, sealing us while the trail outside raged in dust and debris. It was the kind of insulation that made me forget we were off-roading at all.

By the time we pulled into Widus Hotel Clark for the night, I realized something else. I wasn’t just impressed. I was confident. For the first time, I trusted a pickup to handle what lay ahead.

Chasing breathtaking views

The next morning, we hit the road by sunrise, heading towards Daang Kalikasan Viewpoint in Mangatarem, Pangasinan.

This leg was different. Here, the challenge wasn’t just terrain but elevation. We tackled a near-endless incline leading to one of the most breathtaking views I’ve ever seen.

I’ve raced across countless mountain ranges, but this felt different. Pangasinan’s hidden paradise was revealing itself to me.

The climb was relentless, but the Shark 6 DMO didn’t break a sweat. We were on full electric mode as we ascended, opting to switch to hybrid power and use regenerative braking to keep energy flowing when we descend.

But nature wasn’t as forgiving. The month of March in the Philippines is hellish, with the sun beating down mercilessly. Sweat poured down my back, my skin stung under the midday sun, and the open landscape offered no relief.

However, it was an entirely different season inside the Shark 6 DMO.

Even without tinted windows, the cabin stayed cool thanks to BYD’s climate control system. We didn’t even have to crank the AC past 20°C. It was like stepping into an oasis after wandering the desert.

Finding moments of stillness

By the second day, I expected more tough climbs, and the Shark 6 DMO delivered. Its intelligent all-wheel drive handled the terrain like a pro, gripping the earth with unwavering control.

Feeling bold, I stood in the truck bed to take in the view. It was a rare privilege to experience untouched landscapes in complete silence. Dust swirled around us and the heat was punishing, but I didn’t care. This was a moment worth enduring.

Crossing sandy banks and rock beds, the Shark 6 DMO moved effortlessly, adjusting to any terrain it takes. Then we reached Mangatarem River.

Here, BYD showcased its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature, powering an entire outdoor setup including a portable air conditioner and a sound system.

As we sat by the water, the Shark 6 DMO transformed from an off-road beast into a mobile basecamp. When the aircon battery drained, the truck recharged it instantly.

And just like that, we had a cool, shaded tent by the river which made it perfect for an impromptu karaoke session, though we kept it low to respect nature’s peace.

Taming the freeway

The last stretch of the journey wasn’t through rugged landscapes but the open freeway, making it a different kind of test.

Falling behind at a tollgate mishap at Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union-Expressway (TPLEX), we had to catch up to the convoy fast.

With 430 horsepower under my control, I floored the BYD Shark 6 DMO, effortlessly overtaking slower vehicles. High-speed stability was impeccable, while lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring worked like a silent co-pilot, keeping me in check.

The 360-degree surround-view camera, usually a tool for tight corners, became my eyes on the road, ensuring no surprises as we closed the gap.

At the heart of it all was the 12.8-inch rotating infotainment screen, which became my command center for maps and music.

What should have been a stressful sprint turned into an adrenaline-fueled game of precision and control. The Shark 6 DMO didn’t just keep up; it delivered.

The ride home was exhilarating, adrenaline-pumping, yet somehow I felt victorious as I’ve truly tested what this machine — and I — were capable of.

A drive to remember

Driving is only half the experience. As we took turns in both the front and the back seats, especially on the last leg of driving, there was no fatigue on my body compared to when we drove the BYD Seal 5 DM-i for 800km in three days.

The memory foam seats provided excellent lumbar support, and the rear seats had a slight recline function that made it perfect for stretching out.

There was ample legroom, enough to fit my large backpack, and the panoramic sunroof made our interior feel even more spacious.

Whether behind the wheel or on the backseat, the experience was nothing short of luxurious.

Built for trust

Over the course of two days, the BYD Shark 6 DMO proved itself worthy not just an off-road beast, but as a comfortable companion for the long haul.

Somewhere between conquering rugged climbs and high-speed chases, I realized the drive wasn’t just about testing the Shark 6 DMO. It was about testing myself.

I’ve always loved pickup trucks for their promise of adventure, but this drive gave me something more: Trust.

Trust in the machine, in the terrain, and most importantly, in my own ability to take on the unknown.

Because confidence isn’t just about horsepower or torque. It’s about knowing that whatever lies ahead, you and your vehicle are ready to take it on.

The BYD Shark 6 DMO is a machine built to conquer on- and off-road. It’s a showcase of confidence and capability. It proved it could handle anything thrown its way. But more importantly, it showed me that I could, too.

Accessories

70mai launches the A900 series with 4K front, rear recording

Two new 4K dual-channel dash cams, both with 4G

Published

September 22, 2026

MJ Jucutan

70mai has launched the A900 Series, led by the flagship 70mai Dash Cam 4K A900 Ultra, with the 70mai Dash Cam 4K A900 joining it in the lineup.

Both models record in 4K from the front and rear cameras, and both support 4G, so your footage stays reachable from your phone even when you’re away from the car.

4K recording from both cameras

The A900 Ultra uses dual Sony STARVIS 2 IMX678 sensors to capture clear 4K footage from both directions. As a result, details like license plates and road signs remain sharp.

Smart HDR balances bright and dark areas under shifting light. Users can also adjust color tones and contrast. To keep feeds synced, the rear camera uses LVDS digital transmission. This tech sends a lossless 4K feed with just 20ms of latency.

Handling changing light

Driving into a tunnel or under the shadow of a tall building changes the lighting quickly, and 70mai built three imaging technologies into the A900 Ultra to deal with it.

MaiColor Vivid+ Solution 2.0 is meant to give more natural colors and finer detail, along with smarter scene adaptation. Night Owl Vision 2.0 reduces noise and glare to help with nighttime clarity.

Lumi Vision is made for parking surveillance in near-total darkness, where it automatically adjusts exposure and gain and applies noise reduction. 70mai says this produces clear, full-color footage in extremely low light.

Parking mode and remote access

Smart Parking Guardian Mode 2.0 protects your vehicle while parked. It combines AI motion detection, dual-channel collision detection with pre-recording, and time-lapse options.

The system draws just 5mA on standby to prevent battery drain. For extended coverage, the optional 70mai Battery Pack Mini powers surveillance for up to 30 days.

In photo: A900

Pairing the camera with the 4G Hardwire Kit unlocks 70mai 4G Cloud+ 2.0 features on the app. Enhanced Buffered Emergency Recording saves up to 190 seconds before an incident and 30 seconds after.

It automatically uploads this footage to the cloud for immediate remote viewing.

The 70mai Dash Cam 4K A900

In photo: A900

The A900 sits alongside the Ultra as the more accessible option. It records True 4K HDR at 30FPS from both the front and rear cameras, and Smart HDR can be scheduled to turn on at set times.

Its f/1.55 aperture is meant to help in low light, and 4G Cloud+ 2.0 keeps the dash cam connected to the 70mai App. It’s the model for drivers who want dual-channel recording and 4G connectivity at a lower price.

The 70mai Dash Cam 4K A900 Ultra retails for US$ 300, available for pre-order at US$ 240. Meanwhile, the A900 is priced at US$ 200, currently 20% off at US$ 170.

Automotive

The Kia EV3 brings gallery-worthy design in a compact electric form

The 2025 World Car of the Year turns daily driving into functional art.

Published

September 22, 2026

MJ Jucutan

The all-new Kia EV3 officially debuted against the architectural backdrop of the Ayala Museum.

Named the 2025 World Car of the Year, the compact electric SUV redefines daily driving as functional art. It also holds prestigious Red Dot “Best of the Best” and iF Design awards.

Sculpted like a modern piece of design

The EV3 shares the forward-thinking design philosophy of the acclaimed EV5 and EV9.

Its exterior features an evolved Digital Tiger Face paired with signature LED lighting. Sculpted geometric surfaces and flush door handles maintain a smooth silhouette.

A tailored rear spoiler, roof rails, and 17-inch alloy wheels complete the profile. The result looks composed and elegant, especially when parked outside a contemporary gallery.

Beneath its sculpted skin lies instant, whisper-quiet electric power. A front-mounted motor generates 204 PS and 283 Nm of torque.

A 58.3 kWh battery delivers up to 511 kilometers of range on a single charge (NEDC). Replenishing energy fits seamlessly into a busy lifestyle.

Standard 11 kW AC charging goes from 10 to 80 percent in roughly 5 hours and 20 minutes. Meanwhile, 350 kW DC Fast Charging restores the same charge in just 29 minutes.

A digital sanctuary, literally

Inside, the cabin opens into a clean, modern sanctuary.

A striking 30-inch Triple Panoramic Display centers the dashboard. It unifies the instrument cluster, climate settings, and infotainment beneath one sweeping glass surface.

Leather upholstery and an eight-way power driver’s seat prioritize comfort, and the power lumbar support ensures relaxed driving on longer journeys.

There’s also a sliding central console tray that creates an adaptable workspace on the go. On another note, connectivity remains effortless throughout the interior space. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Additionally, dual wireless charging pads, five USB-C ports, and six speakers keep devices powered and entertained. For weekend getaways, 60:40 split-folding rear seats easily expand cargo capacity.

Intuitive safety

Intelligent peace of mind comes standard through the Kia DriveWise suite.

Active features include Advanced Smart Cruise Control and Forward Collision Avoidance with Autonomous Emergency Braking.

Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blindspot Safety Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Safety assist at every turn.

Seven airbags protect the front, side, and curtain areas. Electronic Stability Control, Hill-Start Assist, parking sensors, and a rear-view camera complete the protective core.

Price, availability

The Kia EV3 starts at PhP 1,898,000, inclusive of a home wall charger. An introductory offer reduces the price to PhP 1,868,000, saving early buyers PhP 30,000. Reservations also include five years of free Preventive Maintenance Service.

Kia provides a five-year or 160,000-kilometer vehicle warranty. The high-voltage battery carries an eight-year or 160,000-kilometer warranty.

The EV3 comes in seven curated exterior colors. Options include Aventurine Green, Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black, Terra Cotta, Frost Blue, Shale Grey, and Ivory Silver.

Automotive

Ford revs up Truck Month with extended 5-star care offers

Explore exclusive cash discounts, flexible downpayment plans, and showroom activations in the Philippines.

Published

September 16, 2026

GadgetMatch

Ford Philippines brings back its annual Truck Month this September, pairing special financing and cash savings with extended service coverage across the updated Ranger and Everest lineups.

The month-long program shifts the focus toward long-term ownership peace of mind. This ensures drivers feel supported well beyond the showroom floor.

Comprehensive coverage for every journey

For drivers who view their truck or SUV as an essential partner for travel and daily routines, maintenance clarity brings genuine confidence.

Select variants in the lineup now include Ford’s 5-Star Care Package, bundling a five-year warranty, five-year scheduled service plan, and five-year roadside assistance.

Flagship performance models built for challenging roads, including the Ranger Raptor 3.0L V6, Ranger Wildtrak X 3.0L V6, and Ranger Wildtrak 3.0L V6, pair this complete service coverage with PhP 20,000 in cash savings. On another note, the Raptor 3.0L V6 also offers a PhP 150,000 all-in downpayment option.

Versatile family vehicles receive identical long-term backing, with the Everest Platinum 3.0L V6, Everest Wildtrak 2.0L, Everest Sport+ 2.0L, and Everest Active 2.0L all bundling the five-year care plan. Meanwhile, the Everest Wildtrak 2.0L Turbo includes an additional PhP 20,000 cash discount.

Financing designed around daily routines

Flexibility plays a central role in fitting a vehicle into personal budgets and busy lifestyles.

For the first time, the practical Ranger XLS 4×2 introduces access to the 5-Star Care Package, allowing buyers to select between long-term maintenance coverage, a PhP 50,000 cash discount, or a PhP 49,000 all-in downpayment.

Drivers drawn to the Ranger Sport 4×2 can opt for a PhP 59,000 all-in downpayment or zero percent interest financing. By providing multiple ownership paths, Ford aligns purchase incentive options directly with driver priorities, prioritizing lasting value throughout the lifetime of the vehicle.

Bringing the experience to dealerships and malls

The Truck Month celebration extends further with the Super September event, taking place from September 16 to 20 across nationwide dealerships and key shopping centers.

Customers who reserve any Ford vehicle during this five-day showcase receive an extra PhP 20,000 in cash savings on top of ongoing Truck Month offers.

Display venues including Virra Mall Greenhills, SM Southmall, SM Seaside Cebu, Robinsons Dumaguete, and SM City Sta. Rosa feature interactive showroom activities and refreshments, offering drivers an accessible way to explore their next vehicle companion.