Automotive

My favorite pony made more fun

The thrill of rolling on a top-down ‘stang

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No doubt, the most powerful car I’ve driven for the past year is the Ford Mustang 5.0 GT and it never fails to impress. This adrenaline-inducing speed machine was made more enjoyable as it now comes as a convertible. In my book, nothing else screams “fun” like this American muscle car.

The styling of the current model stays true to its heritage with that massive vented hood that gives the car a masculine and bold look. It has its intimidating headlamps along with an aggressive grille, broad shoulder and beltlines, and the iconic triple lamp tail lights which we all recognize.

Yes, this car looks stunning, but what Mustang enthusiasts are really after is performance. Ford has managed to fine-tune the current model to near perfection. Significant improvements and changes to power, handling, and safety of the vehicle were also ensured.

The updated 5.0 Coyote V8 is now fitted with high-pressure direct injection, bigger intake and exhaust valves, and increased compression ratios (12:0:1) boosting power to 460hp and 569Nm of torque with redline increased to 7500rpm and now mated to a 10-speed gearbox.

The sound of the engine alone is exhilarating as all that V8 goodness rumble. The independent rear suspensions, along with improved dampers, make this car very agile and easy around the corners.

In addition, you now have customizable steering settings that can change the steering wheel’s responsiveness and stiffness with a push of a button.

Other notable updates are the obvious facelift, featuring a newly designed hood with a lower grille and headlamps, new front and rear bumper and fender design, a more aggressive rear redesign with quad-tip exhaust and a sportier rear diffuser standard across all GT models.

Full LED headlights, a new full 12 inch LCD digital instrument cluster, and a 10-inch infotainment system with a 12-speaker setup are also what awaits you. You can even customize each selectable drive mode and get a number of performance metrics straight from your instrument panel.

Safety features also got an update such as pre-collision emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist.

The interior also stays true to Mustang’s styling cues with those classic circular air vents, brushed aluminum accents all around, and soft-touch plastic and leather trims. Front seats are fairly comfortable while the rear may be a bit cramped especially if you’re tall.

Let’s get down to the driving experience. As soon as you get on the driver’s seat, you kind of feel a connection with the car and it just gives you an extra confidence boost.

Turning on the engine was already an exhilarating experience for me. And when I took it to our favorite scenic road in Sierra Madre on Normal Mode, it felt surprisingly comfortable for a sports car.  It was smooth, quiet, and tame.

However, the whole car transforms completely once you set the driving mode to Sport+ Mode. It becomes a proper race car with power that just blows me away. We are talking 0-100 in under four seconds.

Throttle response is more sensitive while gear shifts are more delayed. And to top it all, drive it with the roof down and you will have the time of your life — I know I did.

A piece of advice though, try not to use its paddle shifters on Normal Mode. You downshift second gear using the paddle shifter and the car disapproves of your choices. It has a mind of its own and will immediately put you back into third gear making the maneuver super slow while simply making its engine grunt. It’s better to just floor it. And with the roof down, people will definitely remember your face, the guy in a Mustang who failed overtaking a Corolla.

Overall, the Mustang GT Convertible is probably one of the most fun cars I’ve driven. It can drive like a tame and normal vehicle and be as brutal as a race car.  Given the new updates, you are getting more tech for your money. Fuel economy is not the best, but people buying this car will probably not mind, given what this car has to offer.

If you’re only after the looks of the Mustang, probably get the Ecoboost variant for better fuel economy, but Mustang enthusiasts will definitely enjoy the 5.0 V8. In my opinion, this model is very much worth the upgrade from the 2015-2017 Mustang.

Automotive

VinFast updates battery subscription policy for large upfront savings

Up to 20% upfront savings with a battery subscription model

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VinFast has updated its battery subscription policy for the Philippine market, offering consumers up to 20% savings in upfront costs.

In addition to the traditional vehicle purchase with battery included, customers can own a VinFast EV under a battery subscription model.

This option offers a more attractive initial investment, with upfront costs reduced by up to 20% — depending on the model.

Battery subscription fees are applied flexibly, starting from PhP 1,600 per month, based on actual distance.

For instance, the VinFast VF3 can be purchased at PhP 590,000 under the battery subscription model rather than PhP 745,000. The monthly subscription fee then starts at PhP 1,600.

Meanwhile, for the VF6 and above variants, the monthly costs start at PhP 2,350. Customers can also save more than PhP 1.5 million on the VF 9 Plus.

Flexible financial tool

Positioned as a “lifetime battery warranty” solution, the battery subscription policy is a flexible financial tool that optimizes cash flow. It is likewise a long-term commitment to consumers.

VinFast assumes full responsibility for battery performance throughout the subscription period. This includes maintenance, repairs, and free replacement when battery capacity drops below 70 percent.

In the event of battery damage caused by an accident, VinFast will handle the issue under the battery subscription policy. This helps minimize financial risks for customers.

The pioneering policy reinforces VinFast’s customer-centric commitment, advancing green mobility in the market.

Meanwhile, customers who opt for the traditional vehicle purchase with battery included, VinFast can still offer comprehensive aftersales benefits. This includes a battery warranty of up to 10 years or 200,000 kilometers.

The dual approach allows interested consumers to be in control of the ownership model that best suits their needs and personal financial capabilities.

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Automotive

BYD expands PH presence with entry of DENZA luxury EVs

4 initial showrooms planned

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BYD Group premium sub-brand DENZA is officially entering the Philippine market.

The move marks a strategic shift to capture the luxury “new energy vehicle” (NEV) segment, beyond the company’s existing mass-market offerings.

This expansion follows a period of rapid growth for BYD in the Philippines under its distributor, ACMobility.

By introducing DENZA, the group aims to offer a tiered ecosystem of electrified transport that ranges from budget-friendly options to high-output luxury ones.

The sub-brand’s initial lineup could possibly include the high-end MPV, DENZA D9.

It features a triple-motor system and high-capacity batteries that provide significant electric-only range before the gasoline generator engages.

Potentially, SUVs DENZA B5 and DENZA B8 will also be introduced locally, positioned as plug-in hybrid EVs.

Offerings under the DENZA sub-brand will be distributed locally by BYD Philippines Corp.

Advanced technology, comfort

DENZA’s entry focuses on “passenger-centric engineering” rather than traditional luxury excess.

The vehicles will feature two of BYD’s flagship technologies: the DiSus system and e3 platform.

The first is an intelligent body control system that manages vehicle motion to balance executive-level ride comfort with sharp handling.

Meanwhile, the e3 Platform is a high-performance architecture utilizing a three-motor drivetrain.

This setup lets drivers pull off advanced maneuvers such as “crab-walking” and “compass turns,” while enhancing stability during high-speed travel or emergency situations.

Strategic presence

DENZA will establish a dedicated retail network separate from standard BYD showrooms to support its positioning.

The sub-brand is planning four initial locations in Makati, Greenhills, Alabang, and Cebu.

Once it officially rolls out, DENZA expects to compete against luxury vans like the Toyota Alphard and Lexus LM.

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Automotive

Ford Philippines kicks off the year with Drive Now, Pay Later

Get offers up to three months of free amortization!

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Ford Philippines opens the year with a strong push for drivers ready to start fresh. Introducing Drive Now, Pay Later, the program is designed to make stepping into a new Ford feel lighter and more timely.

At the center of the offer are two of Ford’s most in-demand nameplates. Customers can take home the Ford Everest Trend today with three months of free amortization.

Meanwhile, the Ford Ranger lineup brings even more flexibility. The Ranger Wildtrak 4×2 comes with four months of free amortization, and the Ranger Sport 4×4 is offered with three months free.

These offers allow buyers to drive their new vehicle now and begin bank financing only after several months. This eases the transition into ownership at the start of the year.

More ways to save this January

Beyond deferred payments, Ford Philippines is extending a wide range of January offers that focus on value and flexibility.

The Ford Everest comes with cash savings of up to PhP 95,000 this month, alongside an all-in option priced at PhP 69,000 on select variants for customers seeking simpler entry costs.

Across the Ranger lineup, buyers can enjoy cash discounts reaching up to PhP 155,000 or opt for a PhP 69,000 all-in down payment on select variants.

The Ranger XLS AT remains one of the most accessible ways to enter the lineup, with a starting price of PhP 1,379,000.

Performance-focused customers can also take advantage of extended January offers for the Ford Raptor. Options include cash discounts or bundled savings with the 5-Star Care Package, depending on the variant.

Electrified and premium options

For drivers ready to explore electrified mobility, the Territory Hybrid Trend starts at PhP 1,399,000. This January, customers may choose between a PhP 20,000 discount or a complimentary three-year Scheduled Service Plan.

Ford’s larger SUVs are also part of the month’s offerings. The Ford Explorer is available with a PhP 99,000 all-in option or 0 percent interest with 20% down payment for 60 months. The Ford Bronco carries the same flexible choices, too.

Availability

The Drive Now, Pay Later program runs across all Ford dealerships nationwide until January 31, 2026. Customers can visit Ford Philippines’ official website or social media channels to explore the full details.

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