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 VF MPV 7 positioned as practical choice for families

Strong performance, lower maintenance costs, comfortable driving experience

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VinFast is pushing its all-electric seven-seater SUV, the VF MPV 7, as family-centric choice for modern practicality.

The EV manufacturer has just launched the EV in the Philippines, one of its key markets, as it continues to push for more accessible electric mobility.

Locally, the VinFast VF MPV 7 is priced starting at PhP 1,239,000 (~ US$ 20,096) if you avail of the flexible battery subscription program.

Alternatively, customers can get it for PhP 1,518,000 (US$ 24,621.27) if they opt for the battery-included model.

The launch comes at the heels of VinFast being the top battery EV brand in the market as of early 2026. The Vietnam-based manufacturer also projects that EV penetration will double by the second quarter of the year.

Among the VF MPV 7’s features are:

  • 19-inch alloy wheels
  • VinFast signature V-shaped LED daytime running lights
  • R-cut wrapped steering wheel
  • 10.1-inch display
  • USB-A and USB-C ports
  • Automatic climate control
  • PM2.5 air filter
  • Rear air vents
  • Up to 1,240 liters cargo capacity
  • 150 kW power, 280 Nm torque

Owners are promised up to 450 kilometers of range on a full charge. The VF MPV 7 has a 60.13kWh battery which can charge from 10% to 70% in just 30 minutes via 80kW fast charging.

VinFast is also throwing in either a 7-year/160,000-km or 10-year/200,000-km battery warranty for those who avail of the EV. Owners can also charge for free at V-Green stations nationwide through March 2029.

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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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