Automotive

Best of 2019: Our favorite cars

Different rides for different lifestyles

Published

December 20, 2019

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

Honda launches CONNECT app: Safety and security at one’s fingertips

Enhancing the ownership experience

Published

November 29, 2023

GadgetMatch

Honda Cars Philippines has officially launched Honda CONNECT. It’s an app that automates customer service and offers Honda car owners a full package of safety, security, and convenience.

The app is available as a free three-year subscription for owners of the all-new Honda CR-V. Owners will get a telematics-based (TCU) version of Honda CONNECT that connects the phone of the owner with their car.

Some features include Automatic Collision Detection, Security Alarm, Remote Diagnostic Support, Speed Alert, Geofencing, Vehicle Dashboard Information, and Remote Vehicle Control.

The new service also supports Find My Car to make it easier for drivers to locate their parked vehicle.

For owners of other Honda models, the app is also available as a non-TCU platform, allowing owners to make emergency calls for 24/7 roadside assistance and browse location search for places of interest such as gas stations, ATMs, convenience stores, and more.

The Honda CONNECT app is downloadable from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Huawei App Gallery.

Automotive

Everyday hero: HATASU HERO ebike now official

Multi-ride, easy go

Published

November 14, 2023

GadgetMatch

HATASU ebike has launched the HATASU HERO, the company’s latest three-wheeler model and sixth product offering overall.

The latest addition to the company’s growing lineup of e-bikes is a multi-use, easy-go e-bike that can cater to daily riding needs such as household use, service, business, and more.

All-in-one hero

Designed to help users save their respective days, the HATASU HERO has a 250-kilogram capacity to support up to three adults or have someone fetch a bunch of kids from nearby schools.

It has top speeds of up to 20 to 25 kph and can cover 60 to 70 kilometers in one full charge.

Stylish design

The HATASU HERO comes in virtually an all-black design, sporting a splash guard in front, along with eagle-eye headlights that resemble a superhero mask.

The three-wheeler comes with a patented leather roof and back cover similar to a superhero cape, so users won’t have to worry about purchasing attachable roofs as add-ons

The e-bike also has an under seat and back compartment for riders to be able to load more goods such as groceries.

Inside is a high-powered 650W differential motor and an upgraded controller for better acceleration.

Accompanying the setup outside are dual and reverse horns and a motorcycle suspension fork, as well as a stainless front fender and large front wheel.

Price, availability

The HATASU HERO is priced at PhP 64,990 and is available in HATASU ebike dealers and online via Lazada.

Customers who purchase from November 15 will also receive a limited gift box worth PhP 1,790 and five raffle entries to HATASU’s Holiwheels Raffle Promo.

Automotive

Honda Holiday Deals: Choose your own promo package

For the BR-V, Brio, City, and Civic

Published

November 14, 2023

GadgetMatch

Honda Cars Philippines is offering customers several promo packages on participating models as part of its Honda’s Holiday Deals promotion.

Customers interested in availing of the All-New BR-V, New Brio, New City, and New Civic may choose their preferred promo – each coming with freebies or discounts:

Package 1: Additional PhP 5,000 discount
Package 2: Promo discount plus one year PMS
Package 3: Promo discount plus PhP 7,000 accessory voucher

Downpayments for the BR-V, City, and Civic start at PhP 55,000.

Honda CR-V: Special insurance package

Meanwhile, customers may also be interested in getting a special insurance package offered for a purchase of any variant of the newly-launched All-New CR-V.

As part of the package, customers may enjoy benefits such as a waived PhP 2,000 deductible on first claim or an upgraded personal accident coverage, depending on the insurance partner (Standard Insurance, MAA, or AXA Philippines).

The latest iteration of Honda’s midsize SUV comes with e:HEV full hybrid system, Honda CONNECT, and Honda SENSING.

Flexible financing options

Honda is also offering low cash-out rates of just 15% to 20% downpayment and low monthly amortization bundles for up to 60-month payment terms.

There are several banks participating in this offer but customers will have to be approved first to push through with their car purchases.

Downpayments for the BR-V, City, and Brio start at just PhP 10,000 while all-in cash-outs for the City Hatchback, HR-V, Civic, and CR-V range from PhP 60,000 to PhP 142,000.

Honda Genuine Accessories package

Lastly, Honda car owners may enjoy up to a 90% discount on selected Honda Genuine Accessories, such as spoilers, trays, tailgate garnishes, covers, and more.