Automotive
You’ll want to stay a passenger princess in this luxe electric SUV
Boss babes don’t always have to drive, especially with a flagship EV SUV like the Kia EV9
If you’ve been on the lookout for an electric SUV that looks stylish, luxurious, and packed with cutting-edge tech? Look no more.
Kia has just dropped the Kia EV9 at the 9th Philippine International Motor Show, and it’s everything you need for that eco-friendly, boss-babe life!
In partnership with ACMobility, Kia is taking a bold step into the electric future with this stunner. Designed for modern families and powerhouse executives, the Kia EV 9 has it all—luxury, performance, and sustainability.

CEO Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala highlights their commitment to making premium, innovative electric mobility accessible for all.
Award-winning design gives it the sass we need
Let’s get into the deets: The Kia EV9 is huge in all the best ways. This electric SUV has already won a ton of awards, including the 2024 Red Dot Best of the Best Award and the 2024 iF Design Gold Award.
Simply put, the Kia EV9 is like the red-carpet star of electric SUVs. (Thank you, Beyoncé!)
Its futuristic design comes with a “digital tiger face” (yes, that’s a thing), sleek LED headlights, and those fab Auto-flush Door Handles that just get you.
It’s got that “look at me” vibe that’ll make you want to show it off everywhere you go.
Step inside the Kia EV9, and you’re welcomed with nothing but luxury. The twin 12.3-inch displays (hello, digital heaven!) give you all the info and entertainment you need, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
And that 14-speaker Meridian Surround Sound system? Let’s just say your favorite playlist never sounded this good.
The cabin is really fit for a royalty and its seating is just *chef’s kiss*. The three-row layout means it’s super spacious, and the premium leather seats are made from sustainable materials. Feel good about being eco-conscious!
Plus, there’s a massage feature in the second row, because of course. Relaxation vibes, activated.
Of course, it’s a cautious performer
It’s not all just sass and looks. The Kia EV9 comes with dual electric motors that give you a whopping 384Ps and 700Nm of torque. Meaning, this babe can go from 0 to 100km/h in just 5 seconds.
The EV9 has a range of up to 505km, which makes it perfect for those long drives without needing to stress about charging. Also, when you’re in need of a quick charge, the 360kW DC charger gets you from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes.
Safety’s top of mind, too. It comes with all the latest driver-assistance systems, from Smart Cruise Control to Blind Spot Collision Avoidance.
Price, availability
Starting at Php 5,888,000, the Kia EV9 GT-Line is your next must-have vehicle. Choose from fab colors like Ocean Blue, Snow White Pearl, and Aurora Black Pearl. Oh, and did we mention the 5-year or 160,000-km vehicle warranty? Yes, Kia’s not playing around.
If you’re ready to embrace the future of driving in total luxury and style, the Kia EV9 is calling your name.
The Kia EV9 will be available for viewing and purchase at Kia New Manila, Kia Pampanga, Kia Alabang, and Kia Otis. All 40 Kia dealerships nationwide will accept orders and reservations.
Automotive
VinFast to expand in the Philippines with e-scooters: report
VinFast to compete head-on with major motorbike players
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.
Automotive
Luxury you can ride: The Vespa 180cc Collection
Piaggio Philippines unveils the Vespa Sprint and Primavera collection at Makina Moto 2026!
Elegance is not about being noticed; it is about being remembered. In Italy, a Vespa serves as a statement of style rather than a mere tool for transportation. This philosophy treats every journey as an opportunity to approach life with beauty.
At Makina Moto 2026, Piaggio Philippines brought this ideal to life when it unveiled the new Vespa Sprint and Primavera 180cc collections.
Continuation of heritage
The legacy of Vespa exists somewhere between art and architecture, and this new generation continues that story for the local market.
These new models arrive as a living continuation of heritage, designed for the local rider who refuses to settle for the anonymous. To own a Vespa is to acquire a piece of culture as refined as a bespoke suit.
The Vespa Primavera 180cc carries the warmth of a tradition that celebrates beauty. It features a signature silhouette elevated by newly designed rims and a redesigned speedometer. This model balances heritage aesthetics with modern clarity.
For those who prefer a sharper edge, the Vespa Sprint 180cc speaks a contemporary vocabulary through sculpted lines and a high-definition dashboard that acts as a digital heart within its classic frame.
Technology meets style
The 180cc engine enhances the riding experience by providing a smooth, resonant power delivery that matches the visual poise of the bike.
Meanwhile, the Keyless Start system offers a fluid transition from standing to riding. Advanced ABS brakes secure this sense of effortless luxury. It provides a composed stop that mirrors the agile nature of the machine.
The Vespa Primavera 180cc starts at PhP 218,000 for the Standard variant and reaches PhP 268,000 for the Primavera Tech.
Simultaneously, the Sprint lineup begins at PhP 238,000 and extends to PhP 288,000 for the Tech variant.
Automotive
Changan hits full throttle with aggressive new models, technology
At MIAS 2026, Changan showcases its most diverse vehicle portfolio.
Inchcape Philippines, the official distributor of Changan in the local market, pulled the covers off its highly anticipated exhibit at the 2026 Manila International Auto Show.
Throughout the event, the brand showcased a formidable lineup that bridged the gap between traditional combustion and electric mobility.
Changan also gave visitors a hands-on experience through a comprehensive test drive lineup featuring the All-New Changan Eado Plus, the All-New Changan CS35 Max, and the electrified Nevo series.
A new era for the All-New Changan CS35 Max
The All-New Changan CS35 Max headlined the new releases as a sportier, more aggressive evolution of the brand’s consistent best-seller.
Changan designed this upgraded crossover for the on-the-go professional, stretching the wheelbase by 115 mm to create a more commanding presence and a spacious interior.
On the outside, elegant red accents and a sophisticated LED lighting system define the aesthetic, while the cabin features superior ergonomics and premium materials.
Under the hood, a 1.5L Turbocharged Bluecore engine delivers a punchy 180hp and 300 Nm of torque, while a 7-speed wet-type dual-clutch transmission manages the power with precision.
The All-New Changan Eado Plus
Changan also made a serious play for the sedan market with the debut of the All-New Eado Plus.
After dominating as a top-selling gasoline sedan in China, this model arrived in the Philippines to redefine everyday driving.
It pairs a sophisticated aesthetic with a value-packed feature set, positioning it as a primary volume driver for the brand this year.
While the show has concluded, Changan continues to celebrate the launch by offering special introductory pricing through April 30, giving commuters a compelling, tech-forward option for their daily drive.
Pioneering the NEV Frontier
The exhibit highlighted Changan’s leadership in New Energy Vehicles (NEVs).
The Nevo Hunter K50 made history at the show as the world’s first Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) pickup, delivering a massive 1,031-kilometer comprehensive range and 4×4 capability.
Joining the fleet was the Nevo Q05, a plug-in hybrid SUV that boasts a class-leading 1,215-kilometer total range and three distinct electric driving modes.
For city dwellers, the Changan Lumin BEV remained a standout choice, offering a fun, compact electric solution with the largest dimensions and highest battery capacity in the micro-BEV segment.
Changan rounded out the display with a preview of the New Changan CS55 Plus. The brand expects to launch it officially in the second half of 2026 as its flagship PHEV.
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