Automotive

Honda launches the all-new Honda City Hatchback

‘Energetic hatchback’

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With the introduction of the All-New Honda City Hatchback, Honda is expanding its renowned City model line-up serving as the brand’s newest offering in the B-Segment hatchback category.

GRAND CONCEPT

Compared to the Sedan’s grand concept of “Ambitious Sedan”, the All-New City Hatchback was derived from the grand concept of “Energetic hatchback” which aims to exude a more active and energetic character.  While sharing values in terms of comfort, premium and high quality with the sedan, the All-New City Hatchback aims to provide a sporty yet versatile and cool vehicle that would complement the diverse needs of customers based on their active lifestyle.

EXTERIOR

The exterior design in the All-New City hatchback was developed with a concept of “Energetic” by adding strength and the activeness of the sedan resulting in a “cutting edge” and “sporty” combination.  Given this concept, the All-New City Hatchback further emphasizes its sportiness by embodying a sleek exterior design combined with a low height and widened width presenting an energetic feel with solid power.

The All-New City Hatchback retains the same 2600mm wheelbase similar to that of the City sedan. However, given its hatchback body style, the All-New City Hatchback is 21mm taller and 204mm shorter than its sedan counterpart. This is due to the removal of its rear overhang giving it a sporty exterior look while maintaining the capability of diverse cargo capacity.

Available only with a lone RS variant, the All-New City Hatchback shares some RS design elements together with the sedan, giving a stronger impression of its sporty characteristics.

Upfront, The All-New City Hatchback comes with its RS Design Front Bumper and RS Design High Gloss Black front grille with RS Emblem, complemented by full LED headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights that expresses an integrated solid wing face similar to that of the RS sedan. At the side, the High Gloss Black Power Folding Mirrors and 16 inch Two-Tone Berlina Black Aluminum Alloy Wheels further contributes to the All-New City Hatchback’s strong side profile character design. At the rear, sporty styling cues such as the RS Design Rear Bumper with a sophisticated diffuser, High Gloss Black Tailgate spoiler and Full LED taillights give the All-New City Hatchback an impression of being more active and young complementing its distinct sporty hatchback look.

INTERIOR

On the inside, the All-New City Hatchback continues its “Energetic” concept with the vehicle’s interior. The All-New City Hatchback features a spacious cabin complemented by high quality materials similar to the sedan. Comprised noticeably of its suede and leather seats, black interior trims with red stitching and accents, leather wrapped shift knob and steering wheel with audio controls, front and rear center armrests, sports pedals and Multi-information Display with red illumination, the All-New City Hatchback embodies an overall premium interior complementing its sporty RS design exterior.

Given its hatchback styling and configuration, the All-New City Hatchback comes equipped with Honda’s signature Ultra Seats (ULTR) which allows the rear seats to be folded flat or flipped up giving the All-New City Hatchback the versatility to quickly adapt to a wide variety of passenger lifestyle and cargo hauling needs. The All-New City Hatchback features four ULTR adjustable modes namely:

  • Utility Mode: with the two rear seats folded flat, the vehicle can carry two passengers and accommodate large cargo items in the rear storage area.
  • Long Mode: with the front passenger seat fully reclined and rear passenger seat folded flat, the vehicle can carry two passengers and accommodate long cargo items such as surfboards.
  • Tall Mode: with the rear seats folded upward, the vehicle can accommodate tall items that need to remain upright, such as a large plant or tall luggage.
  • Refresh Mode: When removing the front-seat head restraints, moving the seats all the way forward and tilting the seatbacks all the way back, the Refresh Mode allows the front and rear seats to be connected providing a comfortable place for two people to relax.

On top of its premium yet sporty and versatile interior, the All-New City Hatchback also boasts an array of various technology features such as an 8-inch Advanced Touchscreen Display Audio with Apple CarPlay Android Auto & WebLink connectivity, an 8 (4 + 4 Tweeters) Speaker system, and a new Air Conditioning System with Rotary Knobs, Digital Display and Illumination.

Adding to the comfort and advanced features, the All-New City Hatchback also features a One Push Start System with Smart Entry Keyless Entry System and Remote Engine Start, which provides added convenience and ease of access.

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION

Powering the All-New City Hatchback is a 1.5-Liter 4 Cylinder DOHC i-VTEC engine that produces a maximum power output of 121ps at 6,600 rpm and 145 Nm of torque at 4,300 rpm. The engine is mated to Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that delivers a smooth, refined, powerful yet fuel-efficient driving performance while allowing for an engaging driving experience through the use of paddle shifters. Honda’s Eco Assist System, which consists of the ECON mode and Eco-Coaching Ambient Light is still available to help promote fuel efficient driving.

SAFETY

Together with its driving performance, fuel efficiency and versatile interior, Honda also gave utmost priority to safety. As standard, the All-New City Hatchback is equipped with G-Force Control (G-CON) body structure that helps to protect the vehicle’s cabin during collisions from any direction,  Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Agile Handling Assist (AHA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Multi-view Rear Camera with dynamic guidelines. To add to this, the All-New City Hatchback also comes standard with Six Airbags consisting of the dual front airbags, front driver and passenger side airbags and side curtain airbags. Given the array of safety features available, customers may expect top-notch collision safety performance with the All-New City Hatchback as it boasts a 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating, thus giving customers better safety and peace of mind on the road.

The All-New City Hatchback is now available at all 38 Honda dealerships nationwide with a suggested retail price (SRP) of Php 1,115,000 (Exclusive of PhP13,000 Safeguard Duty Cash deposit) and comes in four (4) colors:

  • Ignite Red Metallic
  • Meteoroid Gray Metallic (New Color)
  • Platinum White Pearl* (Additional PhP 20,000)
  • Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic (Available by June 2021)

To know more about the All-New City Hatchback, visit the nearest Honda Cars dealership, or access Honda Cars Philippines, Inc.’s VIRTUAL SHOWROOM through HCPI’s official website at www.hondaphil.com.


This is a press release from Honda Philippines

Computex 2026

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

Acer expands into smart e-mobility solutions

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Automotive

GAC Aion UT brings big car energy to the compact segment

This stylish electric hatchback defies its size with a lounge-like interior and an attractive price tag.

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GAC Philippines is pivoting its electric strategy toward the urban enthusiast with the debut of the Aion UT.

This EV hatchback arrives with a proven track record in Europe and Australia and Latin America. It flaunts with a “Milanese” design aesthetic that feels more like a fashion statement than a utility vehicle.

By utilizing a dedicated EV platform rather than a converted internal combustion chassis, the Aion UT maximizes its footprint to deliver what the brand calls “big car energy.”

Spatial engineering and urban utility

The Aion UT effectively flips the script on the compact segment by offering a class leading 2,750mm wheelbase.

Consequently, the interior feels more like a chic lounge than a traditional car because it provides a massive 905mm of rear legroom.

This smart layout means three adults can actually hang out in the back without rubbing knees or feeling cramped.

Beyond just passenger comfort, the cabin handles the daily hustle with ease. It offers 24 different storage cubbies for your essentials plus 440 liters of boot space for your gear.

Furthermore, the car features Vehicle-to-Load technology, which literally turns the vehicle into a giant mobile battery for your gear when you are away from an outlet.

Real world power and the magazine battery

The Elite variant runs on a 100 kW motor that delivers instant punch for weaving through city traffic with 180 Nm of torque.

While the technical side involves a 47.1 kWh battery, you should think of the Magazine Battery tech as a specialized safety vault for your energy.

GAC builds these batteries to resist heat and pressure, which gives you total confidence while driving in tropical weather. When you eventually run low, a DC Fast Charger gets the car from 30% to 80% in about 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, the car acts as a second set of eyes with an advanced safety suite. This system handles the heavy lifting by providing Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning and a 360-degree surround view camera and a system that prevents you from accidentally accelerating in the wrong direction.

A tech forward digital cockpit

The interior features a massive 14.6 inch central touchscreen alongside a sleek 8.88 inch digital instrument cluster.

This system acts as the brain of the car and handles all your media through wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Everything feels intuitive and fast because the software mirrors the responsiveness of a premium smartphone. To match this digital vibe, the car comes in gemstone inspired colors like Emerald Green and Seine Silver and Champs Elysees Beige and Rococo White.

Price, availability in the Philippines

GAC is currently offering the Aion UT Elite FWD with a retail price of PhP 1,068,000 for the Philippine market.

However, early adopters can take advantage of an introductory price of PhP 998,000 if they reserve by June 30 2026.

This special offer includes an initial discount of PhP 50,000 plus an extra PhP 20,000 reduction for the first 400 units sold.

Every unit comes with a sleek black interior and a black ceiling to maintain that premium feel. Owners also get total peace of mind through an 8 year or 200,000 km warranty on the core electric system and two years of free roadside assistance.

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