Automotive

Chevrolet Colorado High Country Storm: War painted

Still powerful, but better-looking

Published

July 6, 2019

Joash Maramara

People say your choice of car reflects your personality.

Some like speed, others like high-end luxury, and some others will choose utility and fuel economy over the rest. For the adventurous and rugged guys like me who prefer trucks and SUVs over sedans, the choice is simple: high-performance trucks/SUVs that are tough and stunning to look at are usually the main criteria. I have been obsessed with trucks since I was young and grew up wanting to do nothing more than drive them.

One of my favorite trucks in recent years are the Chevrolet Trailblazer and Colorado ever since they came out in the Philippines around 2013. I’ve read reviews, watched videos, and went to car shows to see them. Though they were not the most attractive looking, they were the best in their class, especially in performance. The latest facelifted models, however, changed everything. It is now one of the most handsome looking SUVs/trucks you will see on the road today. With the rising trend and popularity of special edition performance off-road trucks, the Colorado had to come out with something of their own. Thus, the Chevy Colorado High Country Storm was born.

When this truck rolled up to pick me up, it immediately caught my attention even from afar. It was very good looking. You could instantly tell that this is not your ordinary Colorado. The first thing that caught my attention were its daytime running lights. It gave the truck such a fierce looking facade, making it look somewhat angry and aggressive. I then noticed the decals, its 18-inch blacked-out rims, the black Sport Bar, and a few body trims. All of them put together gave the truck a sporty and rugged vibe. This was what an adventure-mobile was supposed to look like — like a warrior painted for war.

We drove this truck for 60 kilometers to Jungle Base off-road trail in Tanay, Rizal. Driving it on the road, the first thing I noticed was how powerful the 2.8 Duramax engine was especially while overtaking. I felt the acceleration you would normally find in a car running on petrol and it consistently felt like it had more than enough power to get me anywhere on the paved road. The 6-speed automatic transmission with Active Select Manual was also impressive and shifted flawlessly, although tends to switch to a lower gear. I felt very secure and confident driving it on the long winding road, through thick fog and heavy rain.

The rain-sensing wipers did the job wonderfully, auto headlights lit up when it got too dark, and traction control made the slippery road a lot manageable. There’s Lane Departure Warning, too, that beeped every time I skewed out of my lane unknowingly. Overall, the truck gave me a sense of safety and comfort.

Reaching the dirt road that lead to our destination, switching to 4WD was a breeze with just a turn of a rotary switch on the fly. We drove through mud and rocks until we reached the more challenging area. We switched to low range 4WD, turned on the Hill Descent Control, and all we had to do was steer the car down a steep decline of huge rocks and slippery mud. This was where it felt even more mechanical, a machine working its own way through the obstacles ahead. You can hear and feel the entire mechanism working hard, braking individual wheels to keep a steady pace. The wheel articulation was very impressive as it kept the car leveled through large rocks and deep ditches. Every part of the vehicle was working cohesively to keep us going.

We’d like to think we were able to push the Colorado High Country Storm to its limits. We climbed rocks, went through deep mud, steep inclines and declines, tested its wading capabilities through rivers, and even went on axel-bending terrains. Its turbocharged diesel engine — packing a lot of torque — is one of the main reasons the Colorado storm passed all these with minimal effort.

There were, however, a few downsides if you’re picking it out as a dedicated off-roader. There were no locking differentials and it’s a feature serious off-roaders will be looking for and something the competition has. The front bash plates were made of plastic and will protect from mud and water, but can be damaged when rock crawling. You’d also probably want to change its tires out. The stock tires get the job done for off-roading, but it takes extra effort. Ride comfort isn’t the best I’ve experienced and is quite bouncy, although that’s pretty common for pickups. Finally, the Sport Bar they call was mostly covered in piano finish hard plastic. It personally felt out of place and delicate.

All things considered, this truck was amazing and loved our time with it. It was fun to drive, very reliable, and stunning to look at. Just see for yourself.

Still can’t get enough of it? More action shots here:

Automotive

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

VinFast to compete head-on with major motorbike players

Published

April 23, 2026

GadgetMatch

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.

Automotive

Luxury you can ride: The Vespa 180cc Collection

Piaggio Philippines unveils the Vespa Sprint and Primavera collection at Makina Moto 2026!

Published

April 17, 2026

MJ Jucutan

Elegance is not about being noticed; it is about being remembered. In Italy, a Vespa serves as a statement of style rather than a mere tool for transportation. This philosophy treats every journey as an opportunity to approach life with beauty.

At Makina Moto 2026, Piaggio Philippines brought this ideal to life when it unveiled the new Vespa Sprint and Primavera 180cc collections.

Continuation of heritage

The legacy of Vespa exists somewhere between art and architecture, and this new generation continues that story for the local market.

These new models arrive as a living continuation of heritage, designed for the local rider who refuses to settle for the anonymous. To own a Vespa is to acquire a piece of culture as refined as a bespoke suit.

The Vespa Primavera 180cc carries the warmth of a tradition that celebrates beauty. It features a signature silhouette elevated by newly designed rims and a redesigned speedometer. This model balances heritage aesthetics with modern clarity.

For those who prefer a sharper edge, the Vespa Sprint 180cc speaks a contemporary vocabulary through sculpted lines and a high-definition dashboard that acts as a digital heart within its classic frame.

Technology meets style

The 180cc engine enhances the riding experience by providing a smooth, resonant power delivery that matches the visual poise of the bike.

Meanwhile, the Keyless Start system offers a fluid transition from standing to riding. Advanced ABS brakes secure this sense of effortless luxury. It provides a composed stop that mirrors the agile nature of the machine.

The Vespa Primavera 180cc starts at PhP 218,000 for the Standard variant and reaches PhP 268,000 for the Primavera Tech.

Simultaneously, the Sprint lineup begins at PhP 238,000 and extends to PhP 288,000 for the Tech variant.

Automotive

Changan hits full throttle with aggressive new models, technology

At MIAS 2026, Changan showcases its most diverse vehicle portfolio.

Published

April 15, 2026

MJ Jucutan

Inchcape Philippines, the official distributor of Changan in the local market, pulled the covers off its highly anticipated exhibit at the 2026 Manila International Auto Show.

Throughout the event, the brand showcased a formidable lineup that bridged the gap between traditional combustion and electric mobility.

Changan also gave visitors a hands-on experience through a comprehensive test drive lineup featuring the All-New Changan Eado Plus, the All-New Changan CS35 Max, and the electrified Nevo series.

A new era for the All-New Changan CS35 Max

The All-New Changan CS35 Max headlined the new releases as a sportier, more aggressive evolution of the brand’s consistent best-seller.

Changan designed this upgraded crossover for the on-the-go professional, stretching the wheelbase by 115 mm to create a more commanding presence and a spacious interior.

On the outside, elegant red accents and a sophisticated LED lighting system define the aesthetic, while the cabin features superior ergonomics and premium materials.

Under the hood, a 1.5L Turbocharged Bluecore engine delivers a punchy 180hp and 300 Nm of torque, while a 7-speed wet-type dual-clutch transmission manages the power with precision.

The All-New Changan Eado Plus

Changan also made a serious play for the sedan market with the debut of the All-New Eado Plus.

After dominating as a top-selling gasoline sedan in China, this model arrived in the Philippines to redefine everyday driving.

It pairs a sophisticated aesthetic with a value-packed feature set, positioning it as a primary volume driver for the brand this year.

While the show has concluded, Changan continues to celebrate the launch by offering special introductory pricing through April 30, giving commuters a compelling, tech-forward option for their daily drive.

Pioneering the NEV Frontier

The exhibit highlighted Changan’s leadership in New Energy Vehicles (NEVs).

The Nevo Hunter K50 made history at the show as the world’s first Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) pickup, delivering a massive 1,031-kilometer comprehensive range and 4×4 capability.

Joining the fleet was the Nevo Q05, a plug-in hybrid SUV that boasts a class-leading 1,215-kilometer total range and three distinct electric driving modes.

For city dwellers, the Changan Lumin BEV remained a standout choice, offering a fun, compact electric solution with the largest dimensions and highest battery capacity in the micro-BEV segment.

Changan rounded out the display with a preview of the New Changan CS55 Plus. The brand expects to launch it officially in the second half of 2026 as its flagship PHEV.