Automotive

Ford Territory: A techie finds his dream car

Comfortable driving and hi-tech features

Published

October 29, 2021

Luigi Leonardo

Riding a car is a matter-of-fact part of life. It’s either a bumpy trek careened by rideshares and private chauffeurs, or a face-melting drive crawling through viscous traffic and terrifying motorists. For a techie, a drive can turn monotonous from being trapped in a steel cage unable to use their precious devices. FOMO is strong for a techie driver.

As a techie myself, fawning over a car seemed impossible. After all, why would I fall in love with a car when the latest smartphone is right around the corner?

That was, of course, before I met the Ford Territory. A new marvel orchestrated by Ford, the Territory turns a cavernous way to get from point to point into a veritable lounge equipped with the latest in automotive technologies and comforts.

A techie’s paradise

Going through Manila traffic is an undeniable chore. Traveling between cities can take hours under the worst driving conditions. The Ford Territory packs in so many new features that you might even find yourself glad to be stuck in traffic.

My girlfriend and I took the Territory for a romantic date from Quezon City to Bonifacio Global City, and we couldn’t be happier. Obviously, taking the love of your life is a reason for elation by itself. However, Ford’s SUV made the day so much sweeter.

Everything starts with the Territory’s insanely responsive infotainment system. On its own, Ford’s built-in SYNC can control the car’s temperature, entertainment, phone, and safety features from the tap of a screen. The system is a standard of every Ford car now, but it’s even better with an ultra-responsive 10-inch touchscreen. It’s like having a tablet right in your car.

Plus, if SYNC isn’t your flavor, it also comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. As a couple with both Android and Apple devices, we were satisfied with how the car catered to both our tastes. We could use Waze, Maps, Spotify, Tidal, or Pocket Casts seamlessly from our seats. Regardless of who has DJ responsibilities, the Territory catered to both my eclectic music tastes and her obsessions for all things Disney.

And speaking of music, the Territory has one of the most satisfying soundstages I’ve heard from a car’s sound system. Both bass and higher frequencies are tuned in to deliver the best quality of music, regardless of what you’re jamming to. Plus, it’s just as good regardless of where I sit in the car.

Safety is a priority

While the Territory is certainly one of the most tech-savvy vehicles I’ve ridden in, it is also one of the safest. The car keeps both driver and passengers safe from any difficult road condition.

The first thing you might notice as a rider in the car is its extensive collision warning system. Gentle but firm beeping sounds and on-screen alerts keep you on top of any obstacles approaching you on the road. And, if you do get too close to an obstacle it detects, the Territory stamps on the brakes with its Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking. For longer drives, it comes with Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Departure Warnings.

Parking is also a breeze. With its Enhanced Active Parking System, the Territory can, to put it bluntly, park itself. It knows how much torque you need for both reverse and parallel parking. While the system still needs your input, the car can do the heavy lifting for you. Or, if you prefer doing the lifting yourself, the car also has an incredibly detailed 360-degree camera. You still have the more traditional rear camera, but the all-around camera gives you a delicious overhead view of the car. You don’t need to bring down your window anymore to see if you parked correctly.

Besides that, the Territory has all the fixings for an ultra-safe vehicle: ABS, EBD, traction control, hill launch assist, and airbags everywhere. Though we (thankfully) didn’t experience every safety feature the car had to offer, having the peace of mind makes for a more-than-worry-free drive.

Lounging under the stars

In terms of size, the Territory is bigger than an EcoSport but smaller than an Everest. And it does feel that way with its expansive space and legroom. The car is roomy but not to an agoraphobic point. It’s just right. Driving in the front seat, chilling in the rear seats, or having a picnic with the hatch open — everything feels comfortable.

Outside of space, the Territory is even more comfortable with the addition of an adaptive temperature control. If you had to park the car under the scalding heat, you’ll probably enjoy the seat coolers (and warmers). Plus, to help fight off the bad things going around in the air today, the car also has built-in CN95 cabin air filters.

And finally, to address the gorilla in the room, the moonroof. The Territory has one that spans from the driver’s seat to the rear passenger’s side. With a simple dial, you can retract the fabric cover and half of the moonroof’s glass panel to let in some fresh air. It’s a perfect feature to use on a romantic date. We parked the car under a relatively open area and admired the stars in comfort.

Lighter than a feather

For its size, the Territory drives like a hot knife through butter: topping off at 143ps and 22Nm of torque. Accelerating through both easygoing and bumper-to-bumper traffic is responsive. It injects as much gas as you’ll need to get through the city. Handling is an even bigger surprise. We went through tight alleyway shortcuts with ease. To top it all off, we also drove the car up and down steep slopes. The car had just the right amount of bite to keep you afloat in the middle of a slope.

Further, the 1.5L EcoBoost engine’s Continuously Variable Transmission comes with a pleasant sport mode. The feature certainly unlocks a lot of the car’s potential. Using it in less hectic situations brought the spotlight firmly onto what the engine can do as a car. And yet, despite turning on a sportier car, the Territory remains faithful to its slew of safety features. You can keep safe while having fun.

The techie dream

As a car, the Ford Territory is more than worthy as a daily driver. Whether you take it going to work every day or on a romantic date on the weekend, the SUV can deliver just as much power as you’ll need for a drive.

As a tech device, the Ford Territory packs in so many creature comforts to keep its riders entertained throughout a drive. Short of a self-driving car, Ford’s latest series is definitely a car I’d love to own as a techie today.

Pricing and availability

The Ford Territory Trend is available at a starting price of PhP 1,277,000. If you want to get all the safety features, the Ford Territory Titanium+ is priced at PhP 1,310,000. It comes in six different colors: Ruby Red, Diffused Silver, Panther Black, Crystal Pearl White, Moonstone Blue and Star White.

Automotive

VinFast extends free unlimited charging in 3 markets amid rising fuel prices

Customers in India, Indonesia, and the Philippines to enjoy 3 years of free unlimited charging

Published

March 17, 2026

GadgetMatch

VinFast has announced the extension of its free unlimited charging program in three key Asian markets: India, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Customers purchasing electric vehicles (EVs) in these countries (or currently own a VinFast EV) can enjoy the zero-fuel-cost advantage for three years, or until March 31, 2029.

This is amid the rising fuel costs in these countries, primarily due to the U.S./Israel-Iran war. Under the new policy, customers can charge for free at authorized V-Green charging stations.

By removing one of the largest operating costs of driving, VinFast aims to help motorists experience the economic advantages of electric vehicles (EVs) while supporting the countries’ transitions toward more sustainable mobility.

The program will be extended broadly to all customers, including both existing owners and future buyers. It will cover both private customers as well as those using their vehicles for transportation services, like the Green GSM EV taxi service network.

Alongside the free charging policy, the charging network developed and operated by V-Green is continuously expanding across the markets where VinFast operates.

This expansion helps create favorable conditions for consumers to confidently transition to greener and more sustainable transportation.

In addition to the free charging incentive, VinFast is already implementing multiple policies to promote the green transition in key Asian markets.

These include a battery subscription program that lowers upfront investment cost, a resale value guarantee policy, flexible payment options, and market-leading warranty coverage.

Automotive

BYD is reportedly considering an F1 team

There is no decision yet.

Published

March 11, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

BYD is lighting up the electric vehicle segment. For a while now, the Chinese automotive brand has been offering affordable alternatives to the so-called giants of the market, in turn becoming a giant itself. The company has since entered other segments, including the luxury market, through its sub-brands Denza and Yangwang. Now, it’s reportedly considering an all-new venture: the world of Formula One.

The new Formula One season saw the debuts of Audi and Cadillac to the racing grid, proving that the sport isn’t averse to expanding beyond the usual ten teams. Naturally, entering the sport is not an easy process, but for the right brand, it could be a very lucrative opportunity.

According to a source from Bloomberg, BYD is currently evaluating an entry into Formula 1. Right now, the Chinese company has not made a decision, but it is an idea floating around.

Besides the rigorous entry process, owning an independent racing team can cost BYD hundreds of millions of dollars per year. It’s not a cheap sport.

That said, there are other ways for the brand to enter the grid. One of the more cost-effective options is to become a title sponsor of an existing team by providing funding and technical expertise without the stress of managing a team directly.

Alternatively, the brand can also skip the red tape by buying an existing team. Audi, for example, entered the current grid by buying the team from Sauber. Of the current grid, Alpine is reportedly considering putting the team up for sale, making it a potential target for newcomers.

Outside of F1, BYD might also have an easier time entering other competitions including the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Automotive

Xiaomi Vision Gran Turismo makes global debut at MWC 2026

Tech giant becomes first technology brand in Vision GT program

Published

March 3, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

Xiaomi has unveiled the full-scale concept model of the Xiaomi Vision Gran Turismo or Xiaomi Vision GT at MWC 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. This marks the company’s official entry into the elite Vision Gran Turismo project.

Created for the legendary Gran Turismo franchise, the electric hypercar concept represents the first time a technology company has been invited to participate in the Vision GT program. Xiaomi now joins a select group of global automakers, becoming the 36th brand to take part and the creator of the 51st Vision Gran Turismo concept overall.

The project began at the GT World Series in London, where series producer Kazunori Yamauchi personally invited Xiaomi to design its own Vision GT car. For Xiaomi’s global EV design team, the opportunity meant rethinking hypercar development from a technology-first perspective, blending advanced aerodynamics with AI-driven intelligence.

Sculpted by the wind

At the core of Xiaomi Vision Gran Turismo is aerodynamic balance. Instead of chasing extreme low drag or maximum downforce alone, Xiaomi pursued efficiency between the two.

The concept follows a “Sculpted by the Wind” philosophy. Its teardrop cockpit silhouette, integrated air ducts, and airfoil-shaped structural elements guide airflow seamlessly from front to rear. The body avoids excessive add-ons, relying instead on built-in aerodynamic solutions.

Signature design elements serve dual purposes. Cross-shaped headlights integrate into the airflow system, while the halo-shaped taillight sits within a massive rear air outlet. An Active Wake Control System surrounds the rear with micro-perforations that manage turbulent air using real-time speed and angle data.

The Accretion Rims feature vortex-style wheel covers that remain visually stationary while the car is in motion, reducing drag from rotating surfaces. Internal turbine fins help cool the brakes during operation.

Through iterative simulation testing, Xiaomi says the concept achieves a drag coefficient of 0.29, downforce of negative 1.2, and an aerodynamic efficiency rating of 4.1 — figures that highlight balance rather than extremes.

A “sofa racer” interior

Inside, Xiaomi departs from the rigid, track-focused cabins typical of hypercars. The “Sofa Racer” concept emphasizes comfort without sacrificing control.

A ring-shaped cockpit architecture wraps around the driver, blending dashboard, doors, and seats into one continuous structure. Breathable 3D-knitted fabric materials aim to provide both support and warmth.

At the center is Xiaomi Pulse, an intelligent assistant integrated into the dashboard. Working alongside Xiaomi HyperVision and the company’s HyperOS platform, the system adapts displays and interactions based on driving mode and environmental data. Physical controls remain tactile and precise, including an infinite-shaped steer-by-wire wheel.

The concept also integrates into Xiaomi’s broader “Human × Car × Home” ecosystem. Powered by XiaoAi AI Assistant and the Xiaomi MiMo foundational model, the car connects with personal devices and smart home products, positioning itself as part of a unified digital lifestyle.

Xiaomi has also envisioned a companion driving simulator designed as furniture for the home, extending the Vision Gran Turismo experience beyond the vehicle itself.

Yamauchi praised the project, noting how the design successfully resolves the tension between low drag and high downforce. Further details about the car’s arrival in Gran Turismo 7 will be announced at a later date.

With its Vision Gran Turismo debut, Xiaomi signals a broader ambition: redefining the electric hypercar through AI integration, ecosystem connectivity, and aerodynamic precision.