Automotive

Ford Everest Sport: Ideal companion for out-of-town reunions

Spacious enough to carry laughter, tears, and new memories

Published

December 6, 2021

MJ Jucutan

“The beauty of being an adult is you can make a new family with new traditions.”

Words from Captain Raymond Holt from the iconic comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Words I held dear these past few years when I built a family through friends I met along the way.

It’s been two years since we’ve seen each other with the pandemic separating us. My friends-turned-family decided to plan a holiday reunion and celebrate all occasions we can squeeze in a few days. Unlike when we were younger, we can’t throw ourselves in different cars and commute by bus whenever we have a trip.

What changed is that one of my dearest brothers had an adorable son on the onset of a pandemic — which led us to find a suitable car that can bring us all together safe and sound.

Luckily, Ford Philippines responded to my request and lent me the Ford Everest 2.0L Sport 4×2 Automatic. I was about to sacrifice my dignity and ask one of my suitors to drive us around. That or we’ll be renting a car. Thank god, I didn’t. Whew!

So handsome, I could kiss you

When the Everest Sport arrived, I was stunned by its size, color, and overall vibe. It looked handsome and reliable, especially with that Deep Crystal Blue color. Somehow, it made me want to cradle my fingers across its body.

If I would personify the car, the Everest Sport would be the guy in reunions who wore dark, neutral clothes, seemingly unusual and brooding with mystery as he kept quiet in the corner. He’s totally reserved, but we know he can totally punch above his weight class.

Both the exterior and interior were designed smart and sleek, hosting features that everyone would rave about — not just techies, geeks, and drivers alike.

Everything is so damn reachable through the vast number of buttons that you can find on the steering wheel.

It’s a learning curve especially for the old-school drivers, but the youngsters appreciate modernity since it prioritizes safety, convenience, and ease.

Before we hop on a long trip up north to Pampanga, we decided to drive it around Alabang, so we can test it and stroll together with my godson.

Big space for the big boys

The Ford Everest 2.0L Sport 4×2 Automatic is a 7-seater SUV. If you’re going to occupy the third row, there’s barely space left for the compartment.

Since we’re only five adults and our adorable toddler refuses to sit in a booster seat, we folded the backseat flat so we can have a bigger cargo area.

It was roomy enough to place the baby stroller, along with our backpacks carrying our essentials: Laptops, extra clothes, care packages for the baby, and drinks.

I had to sit in the second row this time so I can take a few photos. I had one of my best friends, Oliver, take the wheel while my other best friend, Mark, is in charge of navigation and DJ-ing.

From afternoon to dusk, and even in the evening, the Everest Sport made us feel safe while driving around — especially with its bright LED headlamps. Some find it blinding and annoying, but it was quite helpful to us when driving in dimly-lit streets around the metro.

L-R: Oliver, MJ, JM, Mark, Matthew (Solo)

Excellent off-road capability

One of my best friends, Mark, took the steering wheel at some point due to his better grasp of driving at night. Blessed be his excellent eyesight 🤲🏻

Off the road, here we go!

Throughout the long drive to Pampanga, I had put my faith in my best friend, Oliver (and Jesus, somehow) who took the steering wheel.

My other best friend, Mark, took the family through a Manual Transmission Mitsubishi Mirage for an exhausting drive to get to the venue on time. (It was old and creaking, I pity my friend’s knees and feet throughout the trip.)

L-R: Oliver, JM, MJ

The Everest Sport became a storage solution, loading most of our suitcases and heavier baggage (bags, not feelings). By evening, we took the Stage 3 Skyway to reach North Luzon Expressway so we can enjoy a smooth, quick ride.

Just when I thought we’d be set for the rest of the night, we stumbled upon a muddy, uneven road full of craters on the way to the resort. While I commend my friend for crossing the off-road smoothly, the Everest Sport proved that it can take a beating — rocks and all.

Aside from the strength of its alloy wheels, the Terrain Management System and smart driving assistance features, together with the Everest Sport’s excellent suspension system, contributed to our victory in overcoming our sudden obstacle.

All things considered, the Everest Sport felt like an off-road truck but with a veneer of a family car.

Do you like it reverse or parallel?

We were the last car to arrive at the resort. Luckily, parking is a breeze with Everest Sport’s Enhanced Active Parking System. Whether you do reverse or parallel parking, the car can help you with its rear view camera.

Though, in a way, the vehicle knows how to park on its own. You just need to maneuver and assist the vehicle as it does the heavy lifting.

After unloading our baggage (again, literal bags and not feelings), we were delighted to set our sights on a Korean-inspired table to celebrate a friend’s birthday.

Lots of lettuce, grilled meat, side dishes, and Soju filled our tummies. It was a night to remember.

Like home but on the road

The next day, we drove around Angeles to pick up a cake for a baby shower, have lunch, and head to San Fernando, Pampanga for our annual Christmas reunion.

We don’t have the luxury to celebrate around December, what with all the flights abroad and going our separate ways to grow our own families. It was the season to squeeze in all the celebrations that we can.

This time around, we had more passengers. If there’s one thing that everyone keeps muttering: It’s so comfortable. The leather seat felt premium and kept us warm even if it was wintry inside.

There was enough legroom for both the power-adjustable driver seat and the passenger seat. Even the rear seat on the second row has enough space, except for the middle part. Whoever sits there might find it close-fitting since the driveshaft tunnel passes through with a hump.

In our case, it was Lorraine — the group’s mom who kept her toddler in place, playing around with the car’s temperature through a knob he discovered as he was snugged tightly in the middle.

Nevertheless, we were all eager to go around Pampanga. I’m still astounded with how safe and cozy everything was when riding the Everest Sport. Road trips are exhausting for most people, but the experience made us want to be on the road for several days.

We were rollicking while listening to Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa, and Bruno Mars through Ford’s musical soundstages and SYNC technology: a system that controls the vehicle’s temperature, music playback, and other safety features through a single tap or via voice commands.

Kind of like a tablet placed in front. It also connects with any smartphone through Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. There are no Android versus iPhone here — we’re all welcome to enjoy the vehicle.

Four celebrations and a wedding

It wasn’t just us and our bags that were inside the Everest Sport. Throughout our get-togethers, we were planning a surprise wedding to recreate a ceremony that we weren’t able to attend, due to the sudden lockdown a few months back.

We brought cakes, cookware, and kitchen equipment to a contemporary villa in San Fernando. That’s on top of props to be used for the gender reveal, baby shower, late birthday celebration, and Christmas party.

On some occasions, I had to use the Everest Sport to do errands, such as buying fresh flowers to be used for the wedding. It was cozier than any other car in our garage, and of course, the car looks handsome like yours truly. If I’m going to parade myself, I’ll pick a car that’s worth showing off.

The nights we spent together felt like Taylor Swift’s latest re-recorded album Red (Taylor’s Version). There was a myriad of emotions felt.

Everything was just all over the place, like a fractured mosaic of feelings that somehow fit together in the end. We were happy, free, confused, euphoric, wild, nostalgic, elated, and fondly remembering the past while we create new memories.

Holidays just got merrier, and our bonds — thicker than blood — got tighter after our reunion. Distance may have made our hearts grow fonder, but feeling each other’s presence made them beat faster.

We were able to share love, laughter, tears, and sorrow. And everything we’ve been carrying for two years in the week we all spent together. Thanks to the Everest Sport, we were able to come together and get home safe and sound — ushering bittersweet memories that we’ll fondly recall in the coming months.

Pricing and availability

The Ford Everest 2.0L Sport 4×2 Automatic is available at a starting price of PhP 1,928,000. It comes in various colorways: Aluminum Metallic, Absolute Black, Deep Crystal Blue, and Snowflake White Pearl which can set you back by an additional PhP 15,000.

To know more about the latest offers, visit ford.com.ph/shopping/latest-offer/ or any Ford dealership nearest you.

Automotive

The VinFast VF6 is perfect for urban travelers

It can handle a Caloocan-Laguna trip easily.

Published

April 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

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.

Automotive

DENZA expands the electrified market with the all-new B5 and B8

Redefining the SUV experience through refined comfort.

Published

April 28, 2026

MJ Jucutan

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.

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.