Automotive

When the Ford Co-Pilot 360 takes over

Have the confidence to drive the Next-Gen Ford Everest Titanium+ all by yourself

Published

June 16, 2024

MJ Jucutan

Driving alone can be therapeutic. You have the freedom to blast your favorite songs, and decide wherever you want to go. All is well until you realize you have an elephantine 7-seater SUV like the Next-Gen Ford Everest Titanium+, all to yourself.

Driving from Manila to Clark and back was filled with nostalgia; the day turned poignant even if the skies were vibrantly blue.

I still remember how a year ago, I was driving the same vehicle with four more passengers, and a dog. Circumstances weren’t in my favor, since my support system was completely virtual. I was the only one who took the Spartan Race’s North ASEAN series for 2024.

Next-Gen Ford Everest Titanium+ | May 2023

I decided to press on for a two-day endurance race, and I didn’t realize that a weekend drive will give me learnings about myself and my vehicle. For two days, the Ford Co-Pilot 360 technology helped me survive, even if I was extremely fatigued and ill.

Let go for a moment

I set off early Friday to evade the weekend traffic going in and out of the freeway, which meant I skipped breakfast so I’ll be in Clark City by morning.

With only a flask of hot coffee, I decided to stop over to a nearby McDonald’s and have a quick fix of Chicken Sandwich. I didn’t have my best friend on the front passenger seat, so I had to eat my meal on my own while driving across the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX).

Since the Next-Gen Ford Everest Titanium+ I was driving came with an Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering, I turned it on so I can let go of the pedals momentarily. I used my left hand to keep the control on the steering wheel, while I ate the sandwich with my right hand.

Having your hands on the steering wheel activates the Lane Centering feature. This ensures you keep your vehicle centered. It only works when the ACC is turned on, which is a technology that allows you to maintain a set speed and distance from the vehicle in front.

If you want to have full control, it automatically cancels when you press the ACC button or when you step on the brakes.

Cruise fast and safely

A lot of times, we get in a time crunch so we speed up our vehicles. With a 100kph limit on the expressway, I set the Adjustable Speed Limiter to 99kph.

I was still traumatized when we were hailed at the end of the freeway half a year ago for over-speeding up to 127kph. We got a ticket for reckless driving, and it wasn’t a good memory.

This time, I had to make sure I don’t get into any violations, especially since I’m alone and I might just cry if I get another ticket.

During the weekend, I had to drive across Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). It is the only freeway that has access to the race venue, Montclair Destination Estate. It is an upcoming 216-hectare destination estate by Robinson’s Land Corporation.

RLC Residences, a subsidiary brand under Robinson’s Land Corporation, was one of my sponsors for the back-to-back Spartan Race held in their estate. It was my second time racing in their venue, and the views are always spectacular. It really is worth the drive.

That weekend, I had to take on the Spartan Super, a 10-kilometer endurance with 25 obstacles, for the first day under my team Bring Your Game. The second day, I raced under RLC Residences, completing the Spartan Trail 10K in one hour and two minutes.

Don’t crash and burn

Caffeinating and dining out was my go-to every time I’m in Clark. The food and beverages are just sumptuous and worth the price.

However, for the traffic going in and out of Clark, as well as in Angeles City and the neighboring town of Porac, a driver must bring extra patience.

When I have to switch lanes, the Blind Spot Monitoring System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert helped me to make sure I don’t crash into another vehicle.

Often, rude drivers speed up when you turn on your signal to change lanes. The BLIS helps with changing lanes safely, even if you’re driving fast. Sometimes, you just need to pour in extra patience when other drivers won’t give way. Let’s not add rage to an already cruel world.

Equally disturbing is the disrespect of traffic rules, both for other drivers and pedestrians. I had to deal with the dashboard alerting with pre-collision assist whenever a vehicle suddenly stops to alight their vehicle and drop a passenger.

The Automatic Emergency Braking also takes over when a pedestrian suddenly crosses the street, completely disregarding the vehicles passing through at 60kph.

Thankfully, the Next-Gen Ford Everest Titanium+ came with such features. It also has Dynamic Brake Support, Evasive Steer Assist, Forward Collision Warning, and Post Impact Braking.

I don’t wish for a situation where I have to use all those features. I’d rather have the peace of mind of having it just in case, but I really do hope I don’t ever need to use them.

A tiring moment with one of my tires

After placing 61st out of more than 300 trail runners, I decided to stop by El Kabayo, a western-themed cafe operated by an old friend of mine, located near the Clark Nature Park. I knew I deserved good coffee and brunch after that exhausting race.

I ordered the Gold Rush, a honey-shaken espresso with soy oat milk and honeycomb, as well as Naked Longsilog. Right after, I went to check the Clark Nature Park where some people were camping and frolicking to pass time.

The misfortune happened when I drove past a metal wire that was inconspicuous in the grass. After parking, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) alerted that the left rear wheel is losing pressure. From 32 PSI, it suddenly dropped to 23.

Panicking, I hurriedly left the park and took a 7-minute drive to the nearest gas station. Even for a seasoned Spartan, the Everest Titanium+’s spare tire was too heavy for me to lift.

It took three men to lift and change the tire I had. Unfortunately, even the spare tire has a low pressure. It just meant I have to get my tire fixed as soon as possible.

It was nearly impossible to find a vulcanizing shop open on Sundays, but luck was still in my favor.

Learning to get some help

After having it fixed, I realized later on that there was an Authorized Ford Dealer in Clark Global City.

Due to panic, I completely forgot that Ford Philippines offers a 24-hour Emergency Roadside Assistance program. Most vehicles sold starting January 2020 have free basic plan coverage for the first three years.

The basic plan allows you to get help for minor on-site repairs with a PhP 5,000 limit on their services. This includes changing of tires, battery boosting, and fuel delivery.

They can also do personal assistance in the case of accident, and offers towing services to the nearest Ford dealer.

Hold on, we’re going home

The last stretch of an extremely testing weekend was the drive back to Manila. I was extremely fatigued, both from the race and the switching of the tire.

Over an hour driving in the freeway, I started feeling sleepy. Thankfully, the Driver Alert System monitors the level of your alertness, based on your driving behavior.

The system detected my irregular pattern, which prompted an audible and visual warning in the instrument cluster. Since it asked me to take a break, I took the nearest stopover to take a nap and get good coffee.

Instead of pushing through for two more hours, the 30-minute nap along with the caffeine boost helped energize me.

You’re on your own, kid

Reflecting on what just happened, I realized how my mettle and quick thinking was tested that weekend. It felt desolate, having no one by my side as I powered through countless obstacles — in Spartan race and in life.

It prompted to play “You’re On Your Own, Kid” by Taylor Swift, after having an epiphany that it has been my anthem for nine years now.

I’m on my own. I always have been. But this time around, the Ford Co-Pilot 360 technology and Driver-Assist Features packed in the Next-Gen Ford Everest Titanium+ helped me fly solo. It may be sad, but it was a proud moment for me to overcome everything, all by myself.

It just gave me the confidence that I can handle whatever life throws at me.

For more information, visit the Ford Everest page. To reserve the Next-Gen Ford Everest through www.ford.com.ph or check your nearest Ford dealer.

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Automotive

VinFast VF MPV 7 positioned as practical choice for families

Strong performance, lower maintenance costs, comfortable driving experience

Published

May 7, 2026

Manila Connoisseur

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.

Automotive

The VinFast VF6 is perfect for urban travelers

It can handle a Caloocan-Laguna trip easily.

Published

April 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

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.

Automotive

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

Redefining the SUV experience through refined comfort.

Published

April 28, 2026

MJ Jucutan

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.