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.

Computex 2026

Acer introduces new e-bikers, e-scooters at COMPUTEX 2026

Acer expands into smart e-mobility solutions

Published

June 1, 2026

GadgetMatch

Acer is showcasing its new range of e-bikes and e-scooters at COMPUTEX 2026, as part of its expansion into smart e-mobility solutions.

These offerings are powered by integrated software to deliver connected and intuitive riding experiences for evolving urban mobility needs.

Part of the new lineup are the Acer Nitro eCity Plus (e-bike) and Acer ES Series 3 Select (e-scooter). Both designed for urban commuting, these products feature versatile configurations, optimized performance, and enhanced portability for everyday use.

The Nitro eCity Plus comes with multiple riding modes and responsive power delivery for a smooth and stable ride. It also has a removable battery design for convenient charging.

Meanwhile, the ES Series 3 Select is about portability and efficiency. It has features for daily urban travel, and is lightweight, compact, and foldable.

It likewise boasts of multiple riding modes and comes with optimized braking and lighting systems.

Both of these electric mobility solutions can be controlled via the Acer eMobility app. Riders can check battery status and control lighting easily on the go with voice controls.

The app also provides a unified interface for e-bikes and e-scooters across Acer’s portfolio. It allows users to monitor vehicle status, battery levels, and riding data. Riders can also access functions like lighting control, device settings adjustment, riding history, and performance insights.

For peace of mind, several security features are also integrated. For instance, riders can activate an e-lock function via voice commands on compatible e-scooters. On e-bikes, the app also provides alert-based anti-theft notifications.

Automotive

This premium electric SUV doubles as a massive power bank

The BYD Sealion 7 packs 530 horsepower and a clever battery that can run your household appliances.

Published

May 31, 2026

MJ Jucutan

BYD has officially unleashed the Sealion 7, an all-electric SUV that bridges the gap between high-performance engineering and everyday utility.

The Sealion 7 serves as a practical, high-end tool for the modern lifestyle, taking the sophisticated foundations of a luxury sedan and expanding them into a spacious, high-riding crossover designed for the demands of daily life.

Battery built for safety and distance

The core of any electric vehicle lies in its battery, and the Sealion 7 utilizes BYD’s signature Blade Battery technology. This system features an incredibly slim and structurally sound design that discards the bulk of traditional battery packs.

The battery aced extreme safety tests that standard units often fail, which translates to total peace of mind and an impressive range of 542 kilometers on a single charge.

The Sealion 7 also functions as a massive power bank. Equipped with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, the car lets you plug standard household appliances directly into the vehicle.

This feature offers a reliable backup power source during unexpected outages and provides a significant advantage for those who enjoy outdoor activities.

A digital sanctuary

Inside, the cabin offers a clean, uncluttered experience. A 15.6-inch touchscreen serves as the centerpiece, rotating between landscape and portrait modes to allow users to customize the interface for navigation or entertainment.

To keep things safe, the DiPilot system uses a network of sensors to act as a digital co-pilot. This setup includes a 360-degree camera that provides a clear view around and even “under” the car for easier parking. Sensors also monitor driver fatigue to ensure safety on longer journeys.

Uncompromising performance

While the Sealion 7 excels as a practical family vehicle, it also ranks as one of the most powerful SUVs in its class.

Dual electric motors power an All-Wheel Drive system that produces an equivalent of 530 horsepower. This setup launches the SUV from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds.

The motors deliver this power near-silently and instantaneously, providing a level of responsiveness that gas-powered engines struggle to match. It offers the speed of a sports car with the poise and stability of a large SUV.

Price, availability in the Philippines

The BYD Sealion 7 AWD carries a price tag of PhP 2,588,000. Beyond the initial investment, the Sealion 7 promises a significantly more affordable ownership experience than a traditional luxury SUV.

Because the vehicle uses fewer moving parts and a simplified mechanical layout, it requires only one service visit per year. Owners can expect maintenance savings of up to 50 percent compared to fuel-powered rivals.

A comprehensive six-year or 160,000 km bumper-to-bumper warranty and an eight-year warranty on the battery support this reliability, ensuring the technology remains an asset for years to come.

Automotive

GAC Aion UT brings big car energy to the compact segment

This stylish electric hatchback defies its size with a lounge-like interior and an attractive price tag.

Published

May 21, 2026

MJ Jucutan

GAC Philippines is pivoting its electric strategy toward the urban enthusiast with the debut of the Aion UT.

This EV hatchback arrives with a proven track record in Europe and Australia and Latin America. It flaunts with a “Milanese” design aesthetic that feels more like a fashion statement than a utility vehicle.

By utilizing a dedicated EV platform rather than a converted internal combustion chassis, the Aion UT maximizes its footprint to deliver what the brand calls “big car energy.”

Spatial engineering and urban utility

The Aion UT effectively flips the script on the compact segment by offering a class leading 2,750mm wheelbase.

Consequently, the interior feels more like a chic lounge than a traditional car because it provides a massive 905mm of rear legroom.

This smart layout means three adults can actually hang out in the back without rubbing knees or feeling cramped.

Beyond just passenger comfort, the cabin handles the daily hustle with ease. It offers 24 different storage cubbies for your essentials plus 440 liters of boot space for your gear.

Furthermore, the car features Vehicle-to-Load technology, which literally turns the vehicle into a giant mobile battery for your gear when you are away from an outlet.

Real world power and the magazine battery

The Elite variant runs on a 100 kW motor that delivers instant punch for weaving through city traffic with 180 Nm of torque.

While the technical side involves a 47.1 kWh battery, you should think of the Magazine Battery tech as a specialized safety vault for your energy.

GAC builds these batteries to resist heat and pressure, which gives you total confidence while driving in tropical weather. When you eventually run low, a DC Fast Charger gets the car from 30% to 80% in about 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, the car acts as a second set of eyes with an advanced safety suite. This system handles the heavy lifting by providing Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning and a 360-degree surround view camera and a system that prevents you from accidentally accelerating in the wrong direction.

A tech forward digital cockpit

The interior features a massive 14.6 inch central touchscreen alongside a sleek 8.88 inch digital instrument cluster.

This system acts as the brain of the car and handles all your media through wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Everything feels intuitive and fast because the software mirrors the responsiveness of a premium smartphone. To match this digital vibe, the car comes in gemstone inspired colors like Emerald Green and Seine Silver and Champs Elysees Beige and Rococo White.

Price, availability in the Philippines

GAC is currently offering the Aion UT Elite FWD with a retail price of PhP 1,068,000 for the Philippine market.

However, early adopters can take advantage of an introductory price of PhP 998,000 if they reserve by June 30 2026.

This special offer includes an initial discount of PhP 50,000 plus an extra PhP 20,000 reduction for the first 400 units sold.

Every unit comes with a sleek black interior and a black ceiling to maintain that premium feel. Owners also get total peace of mind through an 8 year or 200,000 km warranty on the core electric system and two years of free roadside assistance.