Automotive

Best of 2019: Our favorite cars

Different rides for different lifestyles

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Here at GadgetMatch we always try to find the right match for you whether it be the latest smartphones, gaming laptops, and even vehicles. This is why for this article, we’ll be listing down our favorite car models that we’ve personally tried and are great options for everyone’s different lifestyles.

2019 Chevrolet Spark 1.4 CVT Premier

Chevy’s offering in the subcompact category is an attractive option to those who are budget conscious. With the 2019 Spark Premier, you get a relatively powerful engine, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for connectivity, and a price tag that gives it a competitive edge against its peers.

2019 MG ZS

Sometimes, you don’t have to have the extra horsepower and all you need is an efficient yet capable vehicle for your everyday drive in the city. The MG ZS ticks both but has something more up its sleeve — having that high-end look that successfully turns heads on the road.

2019 Honda Civic RS Turbo

A fun, adrenaline-packed vehicle could best describe the Honda Civic RS Turbo. It handles well, drives smooth, and is for those who get aggressive when taking on open roads. We could confidently say the 10th-gen Civic is shaping up to be the comeback that the people have been waiting for.

2019 Nissan Leaf EV

If sustainability is your thing, you’d be glad to know that Nissan has already started the initiative to electrify the globe and specifically Southeast Asia. At the forefront is the company’s Leaf EV which is expected to be available in more markets starting 2020. We’re anxious to see how the world’s most sold EV would fare in different regions and contribute to making things a bit eco-friendlier.

2019 Suzuki Jimny

Now we move on to the more rugged side of things. If you’re the kind who enjoys going for the road less traveled, the Suzuki Jimny might be for you. It’s compact and could pass as a ‘cute’ vehicle but when the paved road ends, the fun begins for this little monster. Its 4×4 capabilities are no joke and could almost compete with the bigger boys when it comes to trail rides.

2019 Ford Ranger Raptor

The Ford Ranger Raptor is what we meant when we talk about bigger rides. This performance truck gives you the confidence to take on obstacles along the way simply by how it was put together. Plus, you’d think a ride this intimidating would be a challenge to drive but take it for a spin and it’ll feel like you’re bringing a vehicle much smaller than its actual size.

2019 Toyota RAV4 LTD

When it comes to style, the new Toyota RAV4 with its Cyan Metallic paint job is an attention seeker through and through. The design is far from the earlier generations of RAV4 but it’s also a lot more spacious inside — both for passengers and your luggage. It also comes with tech goodness like wireless smartphone charging among others, that will most probably satisfy the millennial in all of us.

A video on the Toyota RAV4 is yet to come out so be sure to check back for it!

2020 Range Rover Evoque

If you’re the type who wants to cruise in comfort and luxury, the Range Rover Evoque is something that will please your senses. From the way it looks, it’s already got that iconic style with its rising beltline and sloping roofline. Your touch will be treated to high-quality leather for its seats while ride comfort is smooth throughout.

And when the situation calls for it, the Evoque could tough it out and go off-roading.

2019 Hyundai Veloster Turbo

One of the biggest factors when buying a new car, apart from function, is how it looks. The impact of that first glance. Something that would make you look twice. Some of us have that desire to break the norm and it seems like Hyundai took note of this demand — and made it fast.

Mazda MX-5 RF Club Edition

This Club Edition variant in the Philippines sits just below the 30th Anniversary Edition MX-5 RF and comes with new Recaro seats, BBS alloy wheels, and some updates in features. Other than that, it’s the same sexy design that many of us fell in love with.

For those not afraid of attention, roll down that hardtop and enjoy the feeling of freedom this sleek machine has to offer.

Automotive

VinFast updates battery subscription policy for large upfront savings

Up to 20% upfront savings with a battery subscription model

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VinFast has updated its battery subscription policy for the Philippine market, offering consumers up to 20% savings in upfront costs.

In addition to the traditional vehicle purchase with battery included, customers can own a VinFast EV under a battery subscription model.

This option offers a more attractive initial investment, with upfront costs reduced by up to 20% — depending on the model.

Battery subscription fees are applied flexibly, starting from PhP 1,600 per month, based on actual distance.

For instance, the VinFast VF3 can be purchased at PhP 590,000 under the battery subscription model rather than PhP 745,000. The monthly subscription fee then starts at PhP 1,600.

Meanwhile, for the VF6 and above variants, the monthly costs start at PhP 2,350. Customers can also save more than PhP 1.5 million on the VF 9 Plus.

Flexible financial tool

Positioned as a “lifetime battery warranty” solution, the battery subscription policy is a flexible financial tool that optimizes cash flow. It is likewise a long-term commitment to consumers.

VinFast assumes full responsibility for battery performance throughout the subscription period. This includes maintenance, repairs, and free replacement when battery capacity drops below 70 percent.

In the event of battery damage caused by an accident, VinFast will handle the issue under the battery subscription policy. This helps minimize financial risks for customers.

The pioneering policy reinforces VinFast’s customer-centric commitment, advancing green mobility in the market.

Meanwhile, customers who opt for the traditional vehicle purchase with battery included, VinFast can still offer comprehensive aftersales benefits. This includes a battery warranty of up to 10 years or 200,000 kilometers.

The dual approach allows interested consumers to be in control of the ownership model that best suits their needs and personal financial capabilities.

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Automotive

BYD expands PH presence with entry of DENZA luxury EVs

4 initial showrooms planned

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BYD Group premium sub-brand DENZA is officially entering the Philippine market.

The move marks a strategic shift to capture the luxury “new energy vehicle” (NEV) segment, beyond the company’s existing mass-market offerings.

This expansion follows a period of rapid growth for BYD in the Philippines under its distributor, ACMobility.

By introducing DENZA, the group aims to offer a tiered ecosystem of electrified transport that ranges from budget-friendly options to high-output luxury ones.

The sub-brand’s initial lineup could possibly include the high-end MPV, DENZA D9.

It features a triple-motor system and high-capacity batteries that provide significant electric-only range before the gasoline generator engages.

Potentially, SUVs DENZA B5 and DENZA B8 will also be introduced locally, positioned as plug-in hybrid EVs.

Offerings under the DENZA sub-brand will be distributed locally by BYD Philippines Corp.

Advanced technology, comfort

DENZA’s entry focuses on “passenger-centric engineering” rather than traditional luxury excess.

The vehicles will feature two of BYD’s flagship technologies: the DiSus system and e3 platform.

The first is an intelligent body control system that manages vehicle motion to balance executive-level ride comfort with sharp handling.

Meanwhile, the e3 Platform is a high-performance architecture utilizing a three-motor drivetrain.

This setup lets drivers pull off advanced maneuvers such as “crab-walking” and “compass turns,” while enhancing stability during high-speed travel or emergency situations.

Strategic presence

DENZA will establish a dedicated retail network separate from standard BYD showrooms to support its positioning.

The sub-brand is planning four initial locations in Makati, Greenhills, Alabang, and Cebu.

Once it officially rolls out, DENZA expects to compete against luxury vans like the Toyota Alphard and Lexus LM.

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Automotive

Ford Philippines kicks off the year with Drive Now, Pay Later

Get offers up to three months of free amortization!

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Ford Philippines opens the year with a strong push for drivers ready to start fresh. Introducing Drive Now, Pay Later, the program is designed to make stepping into a new Ford feel lighter and more timely.

At the center of the offer are two of Ford’s most in-demand nameplates. Customers can take home the Ford Everest Trend today with three months of free amortization.

Meanwhile, the Ford Ranger lineup brings even more flexibility. The Ranger Wildtrak 4×2 comes with four months of free amortization, and the Ranger Sport 4×4 is offered with three months free.

These offers allow buyers to drive their new vehicle now and begin bank financing only after several months. This eases the transition into ownership at the start of the year.

More ways to save this January

Beyond deferred payments, Ford Philippines is extending a wide range of January offers that focus on value and flexibility.

The Ford Everest comes with cash savings of up to PhP 95,000 this month, alongside an all-in option priced at PhP 69,000 on select variants for customers seeking simpler entry costs.

Across the Ranger lineup, buyers can enjoy cash discounts reaching up to PhP 155,000 or opt for a PhP 69,000 all-in down payment on select variants.

The Ranger XLS AT remains one of the most accessible ways to enter the lineup, with a starting price of PhP 1,379,000.

Performance-focused customers can also take advantage of extended January offers for the Ford Raptor. Options include cash discounts or bundled savings with the 5-Star Care Package, depending on the variant.

Electrified and premium options

For drivers ready to explore electrified mobility, the Territory Hybrid Trend starts at PhP 1,399,000. This January, customers may choose between a PhP 20,000 discount or a complimentary three-year Scheduled Service Plan.

Ford’s larger SUVs are also part of the month’s offerings. The Ford Explorer is available with a PhP 99,000 all-in option or 0 percent interest with 20% down payment for 60 months. The Ford Bronco carries the same flexible choices, too.

Availability

The Drive Now, Pay Later program runs across all Ford dealerships nationwide until January 31, 2026. Customers can visit Ford Philippines’ official website or social media channels to explore the full details.

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