Automotive

Why the Next-Gen Ford Territory is an endurance athlete’s choice

From City to Trail, it’s ready to take on any adventures with you

Published

June 27, 2024

MJ Jucutan

As an endurance athlete, fatigue is my number one enemy. Most days, I take on a long-distance trail in one day. Sometimes, I compete in a back-to-back endurance race.

Whatever the circumstances are, I’m certain I’ll be driving to the race venue and back. Gone are the days when I was a passenger prince. I decided to become part of the next-generation of athletes who forge their own path towards greatness.

I didn’t want to feel like I’m just riding the wave, or just cruising through time while doing endurance sports. Instead, I wanted to take on the challenges and land a podium spot one day.

This aspiration of mine felt attached to driving the Next-Gen Ford Territory for over a year now. The Next-Gen vehicle somehow allows me to become the Next-Gen athlete I’ve always wanted to be.

Becoming my extra legs when I couldn’t feel them anymore

Like any Next-Gen Ford vehicle, the Next-Gen Ford Territory Titanium is designed to assist you in having a comfortable drive.

When my back feels heavy and I barely have the energy to move my shoulders and arms, the rotary e-Shifter makes it easy to change gears with just a simple twist on the knob-like dial.

Since most of my endurance races happen in the mountainsides, I’m used to parking the vehicle on slopes. I would burst out in tears if I had to drive my manual hatchback and park it on a slope.

The Next-Gen Territory, luckily, has a Hill Launch Assist, Roll Over Mitigation, and Hill Descent Control built in its system.

Together with its Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), the Territory stabilizes on an uphill slope, preventing it from rolling over.

This is particularly helpful when my legs don’t work like they used to before. I don’t have to use my remaining leg power and my vehicle’s torque when I have to leave the side street parking.

I simply have to step on the accelerator, and I don’t have to worry about rolling over or suddenly speeding up since the system works hand-in-hand to support the Territory when driving on a hill.

Smart enough to do what I’m supposed to

When you’re tired from a race, you often forget where you put your keys. I used to scramble finding my keys just to enter my vehicle. But that was not the case when driving the Next-Gen Territory.

When the keys are within a 90cm range, as long as you have it with you, the Territory unlocks so you can enter right away.

You also don’t have to insert the key since it uses a Push-Button Start. Just step on the brakes, press the START/POWER button, and voila!

Often, I don’t have functional brain cells after an endurance race. I sometimes forget to release the handbrake. Thankfully, the Electric Parking Brake automatically releases once the vehicle detects that the driver door is closed, and when you step on the accelerator pedal.

Once you drive away and you forget to lock the doors, the Territory automatically locks the vehicle once it reaches enough speed and momentum.

On certain conditions, I also like how the Territory automatically does what I need to do before I even do it. For instance, the Rain-Sensing Windscreen Wipers activate automatically when it detects water on the windscreen. I still have control over its intensity and speed, though.

But it’s a nice touch that I get to concentrate on the road instead of getting distracted by the volume of rain drops.

Entertaining enough to keep me awake

Upon entry inside the Territory, it instantly feels like home with the perfect entertainment setup. Most endurance races finish at noon time, and I stay inside the vehicle to cool down.

The 12-inch colored touchscreen enables me to play my favorite music, whether via Radio or Bluetooth. It works hand-in-hand with the 6-speaker system to immerse me.

Sometimes, I play my favorite OPM tunes and take a nap inside the car.

When I have enough energy to drive, the steering wheel is packed with necessary controls for music playback. It also helps that the Next-Gen Territory is compatible with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

All I need to do is connect my smartphones and tinker with the connected apps through the huge touchscreen.

Comfort is king

Whether as a passenger or as a driver, the Next-Gen Territory feels comfortable inside.

The interior uses a perforated partial leather seat material, keeping me warm when the vehicle gets too cold, but at the same time, comfortable to sit on even if the weather is scorching hot.

My beau finds it easy to rest while I drive, and makes himself comfortable by reclining the seat through the 4-Way Manual Adjust Passenger Seat.

When I feel the fatigue, I just adjust the 10-Way Power Adjust on the Driver’s Seat to make sure I sit in a way that I get to be still focused on driving.

For most weekends, the Next-Gen Territory easily becomes my home. It’s cozy enough yet you still get to personalize it to appease your senses and levels of comfort.

Keeping you safe and sound

While I appreciate having an intensive Driver-Assist Technology like I experienced driving the Next-Gen Ford Everest, the Next-Gen Territory has everything I need.

The Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert helps me switch and/or merge lanes, especially on busy roads and traffic jams.

When on the freeway, I get to relax a little bit using the Cruise Control, giving me extra peace of mind that I wouldn’t go beyond the speed limit.

And when I need to park, the Next-Gen Territory uses its High Definition 360-Degree Camera to aid me while driving. Though it has an Active Park Assist feature, I still believe I have better parking skills. At least, I think I do. And I’ll keep believing it until circumstances prove otherwise.

Lastly, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System will always be a helpful feature for me. I often forget to check the tires since I’m always in a hurry, and seeing the information regarding my vehicle’s tire pressure in a glance helps me prepare for a long drive.

Truly an endurance athlete’s choice

The Next-Gen Ford Territory enables me to show up as the endurance athlete I want to be.

With its creature comforts, driver-assist technology, and high-tech features, I get to balance my life being an athlete, a goal-getter, and a lover boy who finds joy in driving to keep his beau safe and sound, even when extremely fatigued from competing.

I get to attend my races, and show up in my training, dates, and important occasions in my life.

If this is my own path towards greatness, then I’m proud to be part of the next-generation of athletes who get to balance life and sports. I’m certain that one day, I’ll still land a podium spot at the right time.

Above all, I’m glad that the Next-Gen Ford Territory is with me every step of the way, whether on the city or on the trail.

For more information about the Next-Gen Ford Territory Titanium, visit the Ford Territory page. Reserve the Next-Gen Ford Territory through www.ford.com.ph or check your nearest Ford dealer.

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.