Automotive

Inside the Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4

A closer look at the cabin that makes this truck feel smarter and more comfortable than expected.

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They call it a truck, but the moment you step inside, you understand why that word no longer feels enough.

The Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 carries a tough, ready-for-anything energy you’d expect from a pickup. It looks like it was built for mud or long highways that stretch beyond the city.

But inside, it tells a different story. One about comfort and knowing exactly how people live with their cars now.

Inside the Ranger is the kind of cabin that doesn’t ask you to brace yourself. Rather, it invites you to settle in.

Comfort with consideration

The first thing you notice is how easy it is to find your place behind the wheel.

The driver’s seat adjusts in eight ways, which means posture never feels like a compromise. The front passenger seat gets four-way adjustment, which still feels thoughtful rather than basic.

A combination of leather and synthetic leather seats add a softness that immediately changes your mood, the moment you sit down. It’s as if they were designed for long drives that accompany you in heartfelt conversations and unplanned detours.

Temperature never becomes a discussion inside the Wildtrak. With Dual-zone electronic automatic climate control, both sides of the cabin stay exactly how the people inside will want it.

Rear passengers get their own air vents, too, which reinforces the idea that this truck is meant to be shared. Everyone rides comfortably, no matter where they sit.

Even the small conveniences matter here. For instance, I love how the smart keyless entry and push-button start make it easy to start the car. The auto-dimming rearview mirror also takes care of harsh headlights, especially at night.

This cabin understands technology

Taking center stage is the 12-inch portrait touchscreen running SYNC 4A. The Wildtrak’s display feels intuitive and easy to trust, especially with how quickly it responds to inputs.

Voice commands work naturally, allowing your eyes to stay on the road where they belong. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connect almost instantly, and once you experience that kind of seamless pairing, cables start to feel unnecessary.

In real-world use, I did notice that my Android devices occasionally disconnected, which eventually pushed me to plug them in for longer drives. Google Maps is non-negotiable for me, especially when I am navigating unfamiliar routes.

On the other hand, my iPhones connected more consistently and only tended to lose signal in congestion-heavy areas, like certain stretches of the South Luzon Expressway.

Still, the Wildtrak makes it easy to stay powered and connected. There is a wireless charging pad ready for your phone, along with multiple USB ports placed exactly where you expect them to be.

The six-speaker sound system is controlled directly from the steering wheel, which means music is always within reach. It also means I can comfortably get through Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” whenever traffic slows everything down.

Everything feels accessible without ever feeling crowded. That includes the 8-inch digital instrument cluster, which presents all the information you need in a clean and reassuring way, without overwhelming the driver.

Driving with confidence

Out on the road, the Wildtrak feels like it is constantly looking out for you. Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go takes the edge off heavy traffic, especially during bumper-to-bumper moments when the drive feels longer than it should.

Once you hit the freeway, the Wildtrak feels composed and confident, like a Beast let loose. Features like Lane Centering and Evasive Steer Assist help keep everything steady and controlled, particularly on long southbound drives where fatigue can creep in.

In the city, Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection becomes one of those features you hope you never need, yet deeply appreciate once you understand how quickly it reacts. It responds faster than instinct, which matters when every second counts.

Add Hill Descent Control, Hill Launch Assist, and the Electronic Locking Rear Differential, and the Wildtrak feels prepared for situations you cannot always predict. Even the rear parking sensors earn their keep, especially when backing into tight spaces where visibility is limited.

Despite its imposing size, parking never feels intimidating. The 360-degree camera quickly becomes a trusted companion, making tight spots manageable and reducing the stress that often comes with driving a large vehicle.

It’s especially reassuring for drivers who love big trucks but are still getting used to their presence on city streets.

More than a truck

The Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 feels like it understands modern life.

It balances being tough with power and comfort. It feels ready for anything, whether it’s a weekday traffic or a weekend escape.

If you’re looking for a truck that feels like it already knows what you need, this one makes a strong case without ever raising its voice.

This is what it feels like inside the Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4.

Automotive

The VinFast VF6 is perfect for urban travelers

It can handle a Caloocan-Laguna trip easily.

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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.

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Automotive

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

Redefining the SUV experience through refined comfort.

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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.

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Automotive

VinFast to expand in the Philippines with e-scooters: report

VinFast to compete head-on with major motorbike players

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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.

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