Automotive

Starting the newly engaged life with the Kia EV9

Wedding planning doesn’t have to be impossible with the right (electric) support system.

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Two months ago, I became the happiest man on the planet.

I proposed to my girlfriend of seven years. For two months, my life has been a dream, both because it all feels so surreal and so… unknown. No matter how much you say to yourself that you’re ready, nothing can truly prepare you for the next chapter. Or even just the transition period before the next chapter, a.k.a. the wedding.

Though we decided to hold our wedding in 2027, our days have already been filled with constant planning: hunting for creative ideas, finding compromises between our eclectic tastes, and stressing out over absurd prices.

When you’re busy planning for the next milestone in your life, the last thing you need is to stress out over everything else besides the wedding. So, when I got the Kia EV9 for a week, I learned to appreciate all the little things and focus on what’s really important.

Testing out new limits

A relationship comes with its fights. When you’re planning for your first major event as a couple, you find new limits and disagreements. Sometimes, you don’t agree on a design or the budget.

Likewise, when you drive a new car, you need to test its limits. The Kia EV9 taught me patience, because the car itself practically has no limits. This beast has 384 horses and 700Nm of torque.

Though I kept within the speed limit, I felt the raw power lurking underneath. Thank goodness I have a lighter foot because even a small tap revs this baby up. Driving it on SLEX was bliss on all four wheels.

But keeping safe within those limits

Easy driving is crucial when you’re starting to plan for a wedding. That’s because everything starts with a good venue. And hunting for a good venue comes with several oculars, often out of town. Besides its power, the Kia EV9 makes long road trips a breeze with its ADAS features.

Our first ocular was a quaint space in Laguna called Lakehall at Nena’s Sanctuary. From the very beginning, we knew we wanted something like this: a spacious garden-type venue with picturesque views of a lake and a golf course. It felt perfect, based solely on how it looked in photos. But obviously, it was quite a drive from our homes in Quezon City, spanning both the Skyway and SLEX.

Of course, the car has cruise control and blind spot detection. The highlight, however, is its sensitive lane keeping and lane following assists. The EV9 will keep you from changing lanes when it detects another car coming fast from the next lane. It also has forward collision avoidance, which is perfect for those trips on the fast lane.

Both side “mirrors” are just rear-facing cameras with screens mounted inside the vehicle on either side. It takes some getting used to, but they offer great views of traffic beside and behind. Likewise, the rearview mirror is convertible into a screen. If you’re travelling with a lot of luggage, the camera system offers an unobstructed view of the back.

With all of these nifty features, I felt safe for long trips.

A new life in comfort

After our big day in Laguna, we went to a wedding of a mutual friend in the city.

Now, a plethora of safety features is also important for city driving. But what I really want for driving around Metro Manila is an even more impressive array of comfort and convenience features, especially when facing tough traffic conditions.

It’s not an exaggeration when I say that the Kia EV9 is the most luxurious car I’ve ever driven. There are so many creature comforts. The driver’s seat, for example, moves in eight directions, has lumbar support, massage functions, and cooling. Likewise, passenger seats have the same, if not a bit lesser, functionalities. Whether you’re a driver or a passenger, the EV9 makes you feel like you’re travelling in first class.

The entire cabin comes with tri-zone climate control. It doesn’t matter much if you’re travelling with someone who gets cold easily. Personally, I prefer keeping the driver’s area cool, while my fiancée likes it warmer. Of course, I still get too cold, especially when my fingers are dab smack in front of the vents. Thankfully, the steering wheel has heating, so I can keep driving comfortably.

Entertainment is no issue, either. The EV9 comes with fourteen Meridian speakers, a huge 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and support for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. It also has an abundance of USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad on the center console, and a plug at the back.

All of these were so useful while going through Manila traffic between the church and the reception venue. We also had a lot of time in between, so we decided to just chill in the car for a while. It was like staying in our own little hotel room.

In it for the long haul

Finally, we capped off our short Kia EV9 stint with a date at Café Giya in Angono. A trip to Rizal had us going up and down winding roads. It’s a different beast compared to open freeways and tight streets. Because it’s our third big trip, we started worrying about the range of the Kia EV9.

Actually, we had nothing to worry about. The car has a gargantuan 99.8kWh battery. A full charge can supposedly last over 500 kilometers. Even if this estimate is generous, getting mileage close to this number is already impressive for a full EV. Our short stint wasn’t enough to truly test the battery, but our long trip from Quezon City to Laguna knocked off only 20 percent of the battery.

By the time we went to Rizal, the car didn’t have full range anymore. In fact, we were hovering around 30 percent. At this time, we decided to give the regenerative braking a try. The EV9 has paddles for increasing the intensity of the braking. At full force, it also has i-PEDAL STOP.

The higher levels are usually what you’d expect from regenerative braking. However, at maximum, the i-PEDAL STOP makes it so that you don’t even need to brake anymore. It feels a bit jerky at first, but it’s oddly satisfying to rely purely on the car to brake for you.

Because the car is fully electric, I didn’t have a gas tank to rely on for a full recharge using the braking. Still, using Rizal’s many slopes to recharge helped me keep my dwindling battery alive until I got to a charging station. With 11kW AC charging, it takes almost 10 hours to charge, but only 83 minutes with 50kW DC or 24 minutes with 350kW DC charging.

Range anxiety, begone!

This is how you start a new chapter

This three-leg trip was our first major event as a newly engaged couple. We had disagreements. We had tough spots. But we had fun. We found new ways to love.

The engaged life is fraught with challenges, but it doesn’t have to be an unnavigable nightmare. With the right support and the right mindset, love will always find a way to rise to the top.

Like Pegasus to Hercules, the Kia EV9 was our loyal steed. We pushed the car (and ourselves) to the limit, but it delivered everything we needed.

Automotive

VinFast debuts two-wheeler models, opens 21 e-motorcycle showrooms

Evo, Feliz II, Viper officially launched

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VinFast is pouncing on its growing presence in the Philippines, expanding with 21 electric motorcycle showrooms housing its new two-wheeler offerings.

The electric vehicle company just launched three two-wheeler offerings in the market: the VinFast Evo, Feliz II, and Viper.

Such milestone marks an important step in VinFast’s expansion in one of Southeast Asia’s largest two-wheeler markets.

The introduction of the three VinFast two-wheeler models offer drivers a modern, cost-effective, and sustainable mobility alternative.

Evo, Feliz II, and Viper each offer distinct characteristics designed to meet a wide range of mobility needs and riding styles.

Evo has a top speed of 80 km/h and a range of up to 150 km with two fully charged batteries. The Feliz II emphasizes practicality and versatile performance, with a top speed of 90 km/h.

Rounding out the lineup is Viper, featuring a sporty design, maximum power output of 5,200W, and a top speed of 90 km/h.

The aforementioned 21 pioneer dealerships will begin operations in major cities nationwide. This allows VinFast to offer products and authorized services directly to consumers.

The network is expected to grow further in the coming period, progressively expanding with VinFast’s presence in the country.

Just over a month ago, VinFast’s early booking program drew thousands of customers nationwide.

The strong market response can be attributed to VinFast’s battery-swapping approach, contributing to the appeal of the e-scooters.

Following the launch, the public can expect immersive experience activities across the new dealerships throughout August 2026.

Customers will be able to see and test ride the three models. They can also learn about battery technology and sales policies, and explore flexible ownership options.

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Automotive

Xiaomi debuts SkyNomad Series featuring new Kunlun platform

Intelligent, reconfigurable large-space SUV

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Xiaomi EV is ushering in a new era with the launch of the Xiaomi SkyNomad Series in China, the first model built on the new Xiaomi Kunlun Platform.

The new EV is positioned as an intelligent, reconfigurable large-space SUV built around on three core strengths: expansive interior space, completely flat cabin floor, and reconfigurable seating.

It is paired with the Xiaomi Kunlun HyperRange, Xiaomi Armor Scale Battery, and Xiaomi Kunlun Total Safety.

The SkyNomad’s cabin electronics run on a four-in-one domain control model built on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 platform. It features Dual 5G and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity.

The launch unveiled two models: the first is the flagship 7-seater extended-range SUV Xiaomi SkyNomad N90 Max (RMB 299,900) while the other is the 5-seat AWD SUV Xiaomi SkyNomad N70 Max (RMB 259,900).

These EVs have a battery capacity range of 52 to 76kWh. On CLTC, the N70 Max can reach up to 505 kilometers of EV-only range. Dual-motor all-wheel delivers 310kW of peak power.

Design born for space

The Xiaomi SkyNomad’s design philosophy is based on prioritizing function, while form complements it.

Every design feature traces back to a specific spatial need. And the spatial logic shows up directly in the body, through squared-off proportions.

Three lines define the upright stance: a flat roofline for maximized second and third-row headroom, a continuous waistline, and a rising sill line to lift the visual center of gravity.

A rounded-rectangle motif carries theough the headlights, taillights, door handles, and side cameras for a cohesive design language that features over 140 aerodynamic optimizations.

Smart electric doors open by touch or voice, while rear doors open to nearly 90° for easy passage.

Xiaomi Kunlun built for space

Where the Xiaomi Kunlun architecture comes in is for optimizing packaging across three axes to minimize structural intrusion in the cabin.

The front cabin integration includes a five-in-one EREV system, integrated water-cooling module, mid-mounted HVAC unit, and PTC-compressor two-in-one, compressing the front cabin length to just 1,265mm.

Springs and shock absorbers, on the other hand, are separated into a split layout. This releases 15mm of wheel-arch height for the third row.

Moving the shock absorbers outward optimizes the overall wheel-arch packaging for a full-cabin spatial experience.

Lastly, the rear electric drive unit comes with a highly integrated rear coaxial electric drive to free up 145mm of vertical space.

An integrated-linkage independent suspension uses an H-arm structure to lower the floor by an extra 37mm. Additionally, the large battery pack control module relocated inside reduces floor thickness by 180mm.

The N90 Max comes with 2,760mm of total occupant space and 1,831L of cargo space.

The cabin also includes 34 storage compartments, including an 18.4L front passenger glove box and extended door-panel storage.

Elevated cabin experience

Inside, the SkyNomad’s cabin has an elevated and homelike atmosphere. A cabinet-style center console extends 1,530mm horizontally for a wider visual and physical footprint.

Hidden mechanical air vents keep the dashboard clean while retaining precise manual adjustment. There’s also an accessory port for 27W fast charging, along with mounts for phones, action cameras, and more small devices.

There is a customizable head-up display, 25-speaker audio system, and 6.9-inch rear control screen for full control from the back seat.

Moreover, the front and second row backseats use a 12-layer comfort structure, with the front seats coming with 16-point massage ventilation and heating.

Built on a flat floor, every model comes with extra-long seat slide rails with up to 900mm of travel for both second and third rows.

These rails use aerospace-grade 7-series reinforced aluminum alloy, validated through 15,000 cycles.

The entire interior varries OEKO-TEX certification, applying to infant-grade safety standards.

Extensive personalization options

The Xiaomi SkyNomad comes in three colorways: Volcanic Gray, Mountain Green, and Valley Blue.

Meanwhile, owners can choose from Cream Beige and Mocha Brown for the interior.

The N90 Max wheel options include standard 21″ Prism-shaped Rims, plus optional 21″ Beam-shaped Rims, and 21″ Starbust-shaped Rims Stealth Black Edition for a sportier look.

The variable space inside is designed around real usage patterns. There are plenty of seating configurations, which can all be accessed through the Xiaomi HyperXiaoAi AI assistant.

The independent first and second row seats can face each other. The second and third rows can slide all the way back for even more leg room like a first-class cabin.

Moreover, one touch can turn the second and third rows into a bed. The front seats can be rotated as well to extend the bed’s length.

For transporting plenty of cargo, one touch can activate Ultimate Storage Mode as well.

Safety features

Through Xiaomi Kunlun Total Safety, the SkyNomad’s engineering comes with a system spanning materials, structure, airbags, battery, and the variable-space design itself.

Safety features include:

  • high-strength steel and aluminum alloy (90.4% of the EV’s body)
  • 2,200 MPa ultra-high-strength steel in 16 critical locations
  • 2,200 MPa embedded roll cage for roof-crush load of nearly 14 tons
  • 2,200 MPa anti-collision beams
  • 13-in-1 integrated hot-formed door ring
  • 2,000 MPa integrated hot-formed front floor frame
  • 12 airbags across all rows
  • 9 collision sensors including added front and C-pillar sensors
  • triple-redundant door handles
  • dual emergency pull handles
  • emergency wading up to 750mm
  • 26 standard driver assistance safety features
  • 39 anti-pinch points
  • Sentry Mode
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Automotive

GAC launches new trio of MPVs

New models deliver tailor-made experiences for every user, journey

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GAC has officially launched a new trio of multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) in the Philippines: the GAC GN6, GAC E8 HEV, and GAC GN8 PHEV Executive.

The three new models form a purpose-built lineup engineered to deliver tailor-made experiences for every user and every journey.

The lineup is designed around three foundational pillars: flexible space, thoughttul engineering, and reliable performance.

Having three models also cater to a wider range of consumers, from the entry-level segment to the luxury flagship tier.

GAC GN6: flexible comfort, smart space

Price: PhP 1,298,000 (with PhP 100,000 introductory discount)

The entry point to the GAC MPV family, the all-new GAC GN6 represents flexible mobility.

It is powered by a 1.5L turbocharged gasoline engine paired with a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, with up to 176.6 PS and 270 Nm of torque.

A 190mm center aisle allows easier movement between the first and third rows. The GAC GN6 also comes with 324L of luggage space with all seven seats in use.

In case additional cargo space is needed, the third row seats fold flat to expand the capacity to 1,100L.

The cabin includes a 10.25-inch LCD instrument cluster, a 14.6-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual-zone automatic climate control with rear controls.

Safety features include: six airbags, electronic stability control, 360-degree HD panoramic camera, and advanced driver assistance systems.

GAC E8 HEV: Premium comfort, hybrid efficiency

Price: GL – PhP 1,858,000 / GX – PhP 1,998,000 (PhP 1,778,000 / PhP 1,918,000 introductory prices)

Meanwhile, the GAC E8 HEV is designed for a more premium MPV experience that combines an efficient hybrid powertrain with first-class passenger comfort and flexible space.

The hybrid system pairs a 2.0L hybrid dedicated engine, producing 140 PS and 180 Nm, with an electric motor generating 182 PS and 300 Nm.

Managed by a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission, the system delivers a combined driving range of more than 1,000 kilometers from the 60L fuel tank.

Built on a 2,930mm wheelbase, the E8 HEV features a low 375mm step-in height to make entry and exit easier.

The interior offers up to 18 seating configuations. Second-row occupants benefit from One-Touch Zero Gravitt seats with power leg rests, ventilation, and massage functions.

The third row Magic Storage seats, meanwhile, can fold flat for up to 1,917L of cargo space. Users can also configure it for Tea Break Mode.

Other features include: acoustic laminated glass, dual sunroofs, power-sliding doors, wireless phone charging, 14.6-inch touchscreen, and ADiGO intelligent driving technologies.

GAC GN8 PHEV Executive: Flagship luxury, comfort

Price: PhP 3,488,000 (with PhP 150,000 introductory discount)

At the top of the MPV hierarchy is the GAC GN8 PHEV Executive.

This seven-seat flagship is created for executive chauffeuring, VIP travel, and flagship family comfort.

Measuring 5,247mm long and riding on a 3,070mm wheelbase, the GN8 PHEV Executive combines a 2.0L turbocharged Miller-cycle engine with a permanent-magnet synchronous motor. The system produces a combined 373 HP and 630 Nm of torque.

Its 25.5 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery provides an electric driving range of up to 120 kilometers. The total combined range is up to 1,038 kilometers. DC fast charging can replenish the battery from 30% to 80% in about 45 minutes.

Inside, the vehicle offers a cabin designed to function as a private luxury lounge or mobile boardroom.

It has a Zero Breeze Air Conditioning system with more than 1,600 micro-vents, while hidden six-directional seat vibration dampers help absorb road movement for a smoother and quieter ride.

Second row captain’s seats feature four-way power leg rests, position memory, heating, ventilation, fold-out tray tables, and massage functions.

The flagship cabin also includes soundproof glass for the first and second rows. There is a 16-speaker audio system, a streaming-video rearview mirror, tri-zone automatic climate control, PM2.5 air filtration, and more.

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