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

Mercedes-Benz holds a Welcome Home campaign to celebrate 140 years

Get freebies and discounts from now until the end of July.

Published

June 22, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Mercedes-Benz has been an important part of Filipino car culture. Stylized as the “Chedeng,” the brand’s cars are still worthy choices today. Now, to celebrate their 140^th anniversary, Mercedes-Benz is launching the Welcome Home Campaign, offering treats and discounts for Filipino drivers.

From now until the end of June, new Mercedes-Benz owners can get an exclusive 1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen Replica. The limited-edition replica represents the history of brand’s innovations in the motoring space.

Similarly, until the end of the month, interested customers can start their Benz journey for downpayments as low as PhP 140,000. Discounted prices, however, will go on until the end of July:

MODEL	*Original Price*	*Discounted Price*
CLA 200 Progressive	PhP 3,990,000	PhP 3,490,000
C 180 Avantgarde	PhP 3,990,000	PhP 2,990,000
GLB 200 AMG Line	PhP 4,590,000	PhP 4,090,000
GLC 200 4MATIC	PhP 5,190,000	PhP 4,690,000
EQB 250+ Electric Art	PhP 4,290,000	PhP 4,090,000
EQE 300 Electric Art Sedan	PhP 5,590,000	PhP 3,990,000
EQE 350+ AMG Line Sedan	PhP 6,290,000	PhP 4,690,000
EQS 450 4MATIC AMG Line Sedan	PhP 9,990,000	PhP 7,490,000
Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 4MATIC	PhP 5,719,000	PhP 5,519,000
Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4MATIC	PhP 5,719,000	PhP 5,219,000

If you already own a Chedeng, Mercedes-Benz will show some love by offering special aftersales initiatives throughout the campaign period. Additionally, there will be more roadshow activations happening the entire year to showcase the latest in the Benz lineup.

Finally, if you have a Chedeng story of your own, Mercedes-Benz is inviting long-time fans to share their stories on social media by tagging the official Mercedes-Benz Philippines account and using the hashtags #Chedeng and #140YearsofInnovation. Featured users can win exclusive Benz merchandise.

Computex 2026

Acer introduces new e-bikers, e-scooters at COMPUTEX 2026

Acer expands into smart e-mobility solutions

Published

June 1, 2026

GadgetMatch

Acer is showcasing its new range of e-bikes and e-scooters at COMPUTEX 2026, as part of its expansion into smart e-mobility solutions.

These offerings are powered by integrated software to deliver connected and intuitive riding experiences for evolving urban mobility needs.

Part of the new lineup are the Acer Nitro eCity Plus (e-bike) and Acer ES Series 3 Select (e-scooter). Both designed for urban commuting, these products feature versatile configurations, optimized performance, and enhanced portability for everyday use.

The Nitro eCity Plus comes with multiple riding modes and responsive power delivery for a smooth and stable ride. It also has a removable battery design for convenient charging.

Meanwhile, the ES Series 3 Select is about portability and efficiency. It has features for daily urban travel, and is lightweight, compact, and foldable.

It likewise boasts of multiple riding modes and comes with optimized braking and lighting systems.

Both of these electric mobility solutions can be controlled via the Acer eMobility app. Riders can check battery status and control lighting easily on the go with voice controls.

The app also provides a unified interface for e-bikes and e-scooters across Acer’s portfolio. It allows users to monitor vehicle status, battery levels, and riding data. Riders can also access functions like lighting control, device settings adjustment, riding history, and performance insights.

For peace of mind, several security features are also integrated. For instance, riders can activate an e-lock function via voice commands on compatible e-scooters. On e-bikes, the app also provides alert-based anti-theft notifications.

Automotive

This premium electric SUV doubles as a massive power bank

The BYD Sealion 7 packs 530 horsepower and a clever battery that can run your household appliances.

Published

May 31, 2026

MJ Jucutan

BYD has officially unleashed the Sealion 7, an all-electric SUV that bridges the gap between high-performance engineering and everyday utility.

The Sealion 7 serves as a practical, high-end tool for the modern lifestyle, taking the sophisticated foundations of a luxury sedan and expanding them into a spacious, high-riding crossover designed for the demands of daily life.

Battery built for safety and distance

The core of any electric vehicle lies in its battery, and the Sealion 7 utilizes BYD’s signature Blade Battery technology. This system features an incredibly slim and structurally sound design that discards the bulk of traditional battery packs.

The battery aced extreme safety tests that standard units often fail, which translates to total peace of mind and an impressive range of 542 kilometers on a single charge.

The Sealion 7 also functions as a massive power bank. Equipped with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, the car lets you plug standard household appliances directly into the vehicle.

This feature offers a reliable backup power source during unexpected outages and provides a significant advantage for those who enjoy outdoor activities.

A digital sanctuary

Inside, the cabin offers a clean, uncluttered experience. A 15.6-inch touchscreen serves as the centerpiece, rotating between landscape and portrait modes to allow users to customize the interface for navigation or entertainment.

To keep things safe, the DiPilot system uses a network of sensors to act as a digital co-pilot. This setup includes a 360-degree camera that provides a clear view around and even “under” the car for easier parking. Sensors also monitor driver fatigue to ensure safety on longer journeys.

Uncompromising performance

While the Sealion 7 excels as a practical family vehicle, it also ranks as one of the most powerful SUVs in its class.

Dual electric motors power an All-Wheel Drive system that produces an equivalent of 530 horsepower. This setup launches the SUV from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds.

The motors deliver this power near-silently and instantaneously, providing a level of responsiveness that gas-powered engines struggle to match. It offers the speed of a sports car with the poise and stability of a large SUV.

Price, availability in the Philippines

The BYD Sealion 7 AWD carries a price tag of PhP 2,588,000. Beyond the initial investment, the Sealion 7 promises a significantly more affordable ownership experience than a traditional luxury SUV.

Because the vehicle uses fewer moving parts and a simplified mechanical layout, it requires only one service visit per year. Owners can expect maintenance savings of up to 50 percent compared to fuel-powered rivals.

A comprehensive six-year or 160,000 km bumper-to-bumper warranty and an eight-year warranty on the battery support this reliability, ensuring the technology remains an asset for years to come.