Automotive

On the road with women who keep defying limits

The Next-Gen Ford Territory Sport is a ride fit for queens

Published

March 24, 2025

MJ Jucutan

There comes a time when you just wanted to quit a race, but you didn’t.

As endurance athletes, we were built to propel forward even when the pain and fatigue set in, wearing us down in the middle of a race course.

And on this particular drive home, that same unstoppable energy filled the cabin of the Next-Gen Ford Territory Sport.

The women sitting beside and behind me weren’t just passengers — they were friends and athletes I have raced with, who had spent the weekend pushing their bodies beyond exhaustion.

Now, as the driver, I had the honor of escorting them back to Manila — not just as their chauffeur, but as their interviewer, their fellow athlete, and their storyteller.

They don’t defy gravity, but they defy limits

It’s not everyday you get to chauffeur three female athletes — Kirby, Ren, and Faith — who were dead-set in breaking barriers.

I had the opportunity to drive them home inside the Next-Gen Ford Territory Sport after we took a back-to-back Spartan Race in Orani, Bataan.

These women weren’t new to the unforgiving world of endurance sports.

Kirby dabbled into the sport because of balance. For her, fitness isn’t just about looking good but also feeling good inside and out.

“I love challenging myself to live a balanced and healthy lifestyle,” she shared.

Ren, on the other hand, is a competitive Spartan athlete with several podium finishes on her belt. She started racing in 2019, but it was in 2022 that she took things more seriously, competing internationally across Asia and Europe.

Faith, the youngest of the three at 24, has always been an athlete at heart. Chess, volleyball, badminton — she’s done them all. But in 2024, she found her newest love: Obstacle Course Racing.

“I only started taking training seriously around October,” she admitted, “but I’m all in now.”

Their stories may be different, but their fire is the same. Each of them embodies what it means to be a woman in endurance sports: determined, disciplined, and unshakable.

What fuels their fire

Being in endurance sports means having more mental strength that transcends your body’s abilities. It needs you to have an insane level of pain tolerance.

You know, the one that keeps you moving? Even when your heart, body, and soul are begging you to stop.

These women, of course, don’t just have the physical and mental strength to tackle on long-distance trails and compete. They have a fire inside that keeps them going.

For Kirby, it was the relentless pursuit of self-improvement. “Every time I push my limits, I learn something new about myself. The satisfaction of overcoming challenges keeps me moving forward.”

Ren, ever the competitor, thrived on the discipline and thrill of racing. “It’s about proving to myself that I’m capable of more. And inspiring others — especially women — to step out of their comfort zones.”

Faith found her motivation in the people around her. “I see my co-racers as inspiration. If they can do it, so can I. Every race, I see my own growth, and that reminds me — I’m capable of more than I once thought.”

It was this fire, this refusal to settle, that made them not just great athletes, but remarkable women.

The sanctuary they needed

As we cruised along the freeway, the ride was steady, unwavering, and — most importantly — comfortable. After pushing their bodies to the limit, these athletes needed a space where they could finally exhale.

Faith let out a satisfied sigh. “I loved it. The seats were spacious and comfortable — it really helped me relax after the race.”

Ren, who had spent most of the drive recovering in the backseat, nodded. “The legroom was great. I didn’t hold back on getting some much-needed rest.”

Kirby added, “The seats are ergonomically designed. They help relieve muscle tension, which is exactly what you need after a race.”

As a fellow athlete, I understood the importance of recovery. And in this moment, the Ford Territory Sport became a recovery lounge and a sanctuary.

Believe me, I tried my best to keep quiet throughout the ride to let them rest.

Designed for the unpredictable

The Next-Gen Ford Territory felt like a parallel that matches our energy. Perhaps endurance sports and driving have something in common.

It’s not about hitting the accelerator hard to move fast, but about reading your environment, doing precise movements, and knowing the right time to push forward or slow down.

Kirby, ever the mindful one, leaned back against her seat, watching the road ahead. “As a passenger, it’s nice knowing there are features like Blind Spot Monitoring. It gives us peace of mind.”

Much like how we gauge the competition in a race — watching, adjusting, anticipating — the car did the same on the road. Sensors kept an eye on what we couldn’t see, making sure we weren’t caught off guard.

Ren, always chasing that next level, nodded. “After an intense race, I just want to sit back and relax, and knowing the driver has extra assistance makes a huge difference.”

Though they didn’t drive, Faith said, “I didn’t use the features myself, but just knowing they were there was reassuring.”

It was ironic, though. When we race, we prefer the unpredictability of the course.

But inside the car, we loved the control and stability. We felt at peace, knowing that on the ride home, we don’t have to put up a fight and allow ourselves to be vulnerable.

A celebration of women’s strength

For these women, endurance isn’t just about finishing races. It’s about breaking barriers, proving that strength has no gender.

“Women’s Month is about resilience,” Ren says. “It’s about showing that we belong in spaces that demand grit.”

Faith echoes the sentiment. “There’s nothing we can’t do that men can. We push ourselves just as hard, and we don’t settle.”

Kirby takes the moment to reflect. “Women’s Month is a chance to acknowledge the hard work and commitment we put into everything — not just in racing, but in life.”

As I parked the Ford Territory Sport and bid my passengers farewell, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of admiration.

These women weren’t just athletes. They were a force. And for a moment, I wasn’t just their driver but their witness, storyteller, and biggest fan.

Because when women set the pace — whether in sports, in life, or in a ride that fuels their journey — you know they’re going the distance.

To the women who lace up, who show up, who fight through every challenge with unshakable determination, keep going.

Automotive

Porsche Cayenne Electric launches in the Philippines

Porsche’s electric SUV arrives locally.

Published

October 27, 2026

GadgetMatch

Porsche has introduced the all-electric Cayenne in the Philippines, expanding its flagship SUV lineup with a fully electric powertrain. The new model joins the existing gasoline and plug-in hybrid variants, giving buyers more options as the brand expands its electric vehicle lineup.

The launch also coincides with Porsche’s 30th anniversary in the Philippines, marking another milestone for the German automaker in the local market.

Porsche Cayenne Electric delivers up to 642km of range

The Philippine-spec Cayenne Electric features a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain paired with a 113kWh battery. It produces up to 325kW (442PS) and 835Nm of torque with Launch Control activated.

Porsche claims the electric SUV can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds. It also offers a driving range of up to 642 kilometers based on the WLTP testing cycle.

The Cayenne Electric supports DC fast charging at up to 400kW. This allows for faster charging at compatible high-powered charging stations. For home charging, the SUV comes with an 11kW onboard AC charger.

Digital cockpit and adjustable rear seating

The Cayenne Electric features a 3,023mm wheelbase, providing additional room for passengers. Its rear seats offer 150mm of fore-and-aft adjustment and up to 18 degrees of backrest tilt, allowing occupants to prioritize legroom or cargo space.

Inside, the SUV introduces Porsche’s Flow Display, a curved OLED interface that serves as the centerpiece of its digital cockpit. An optional 14.9-inch passenger display is also available for entertainment and navigation-related functions.

The cabin combines these digital features with a configurable seating layout designed to balance passenger comfort and practicality.

Porsche Cayenne Electric features adaptive air suspension

The Cayenne Electric comes with adaptive air suspension and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) as standard. Buyers can also opt for rear-axle steering and an active-hydraulic chassis leveling system.

Its driver-assistance and parking features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Change Assist, ParkAssist with a 2D surround-view system, automated parking functions, and driver attention monitoring.

By offering the electric Cayenne alongside its combustion-engine and plug-in hybrid counterparts, Porsche continues to give customers a choice of powertrains while expanding its electric vehicle portfolio in the Philippines.

Porsche in the Philippines

Porsche Center Philippines has served as the official importer and distributor of Porsche sports cars in the country since 1996. Its offerings include the latest Porsche models, Porsche Lifestyle products, genuine parts, and after-sales services.

Automotive

Psst! You can test drive BYD and DENZA EVs for free this week, but not for long

Four days of EV displays, test drives, and a first look at the DENZA Z9 GT.

Published

October 8, 2026

GadgetMatch

BYD Cars Philippines and DENZA Philippines are opening Super Experience Week to the public starting October 8, 2026.

The event runs until October 11 and gives visitors a hands-on look at the brands’ latest EVs and plug-in hybrids, along with test drives and a few previews. Admission is free.

BYD brings its plug-in hybrids and safety program

BYD’s showcase at the BGC Amphitheater will feature the Sealion 6 DM-i and the Tang DM-i. The brand’s full lineup will be on display at the BGC Garden, where visitors can also take the cars out for test drives.

BYD is also running its “Drive Electric, EV Safety Program” at the event. It’s aimed at helping new and prospective owners learn more about EV use as the community in the Philippines continues to grow. BYD says visitors can also get exclusive offers on all of its models, but only during Super Experience Week.

DENZA shows its premium lineup and a first look at the Z9 GT

DENZA is the centerpiece of the event. The brand is displaying its D9, B5, and B8, positioned as premium smart mobility with an emphasis on design, in-car tech, electrified performance, and comfort.

The main draw is an exclusive preview of the DENZA Z9 GT. The Philippine launch is targeted for the first quarter of 2027, and reservations are already open for customers who want to register their interest before it arrives.

The weekend moves to 5th Avenue

On October 10 and 11, the event expands to 5th Avenue, which will host a dedicated performance and advanced mobility showcase. A special exhibition will feature YANGWANG models, BYD’s ultra-luxury new energy vehicles.

The DENZA B5, DENZA B8, and BYD Shark 6 DMO will also be on show in a street exhibition throughout the weekend.

Test drives across both the BYD and DENZA lineups will be available for the duration of the event, so visitors can check out the tech, performance, and comfort of each model firsthand.

Automotive

Electric luxury reimagined: XPENG launches next-gen EV lineup

XPENG’s PH lineup spans the X9 MPV and the L03, with prices starting at PhP 1,548,000

Published

September 28, 2026

MJ Jucutan

XPENG has officially entered the Philippine EV market. Over 3,000 guests attended the brand’s grand local debut. During the launch event, the automaker introduced a six-variant lineup.

The lineup features the flagship X9 MPV and the sleek L03 SUV Coupé. Prices start at an accessible PhP 1,548,000.

Brand ambassador Anne Curtis joined the celebration on stage, while XPENG showcased its X2 Flying Car and IRON Humanoid Robot. These futuristic displays highlighted the company’s “Physical AI” vision.

XPENG X9: First-class travel for seven

The XPENG X9 serves as the brand’s flagship seven-seater MPV.

It turns luxury mobility into a private lounge experience. Buyers can choose between two Long Range variants. The base X9 Long Range costs PhP 3,858,000. It features zero-gravity second-row seats with a central aisle. This layout ensures quick access to the third row. The Premium Seat Package costs PhP 4,058,000.

It upgrades the middle row to individual captain’s chairs. These chairs feature four-way powered headrests and 16-point massage.

Both variants share identical mechanical hardware. A front-wheel-drive motor produces 235 kW and 450 Nm of torque. A massive 110 kWh battery provides up to 615 km of range.

A compatible DC fast charger boosts power from 10 to 80 percent in 12 minutes. Active rear-wheel steering delivers a tight 5.4-meter turning radius. Dual-chamber air suspension ensures maximum ride comfort.

A powered third row folds completely flat beneath the floor. Color options include Midnight Black, Arctic White, Matte Gray, and Silver Frost. Inside, buyers can select Meteorite Black or Coffee.

XPENG L03: Sleek versatility meets electric freedom

The L03 SUV Coupé blends striking aesthetics with daily utility. XPENG offers four distinct variants. Three models use pure battery-electric powertrains. One model features a range-extended electric setup (REEV).

The L03 EV Standard Range costs PhP 1,548,000. Its 58.3 kWh battery delivers up to 445 km of range. The L03 EV Long Range costs PhP 1,698,000 and offers up to 520 km.

The top-tier Long Range Ultra costs PhP 2,058,000 with 480 km of range. This Ultra trim adds front-seat massage, upgraded audio, and intelligent driving tech.

The L03 REEV costs PhP 1,598,000. It uses an onboard gas engine as an electric generator. Its 37.2 kWh battery delivers 215 km of pure electric driving. Total WLTP combined range reaches up to 1,017 km.

All L03 models feature rear-wheel drive. Fast charging takes roughly 20 minutes to reach 80 percent. Every model includes a 15.6-inch touchscreen and 539 liters of cargo space.

Available colors include Arctic White, Midnight Black, Rock Gray, Silver Frost, and Phantom Purple.

Ownership packages, reservation details

XPENG pairs each model with generous ownership perks. X9 buyers receive five years of free preventive maintenance. The package includes five years of roadside assistance.

XPENG adds a five-year bumper-to-bumper warranty. An eight-year warranty covers the battery and motor. X9 buyers also receive a complimentary 7kW wall charger.

L03 buyers receive two years of free preventive maintenance. The L03 includes identical roadside, bumper-to-bumper, and battery warranties. L03 EV buyers get a 7kW wall charger. The REEV variant comes with a 3.5 kW portable charger.

Reservations cost PhP 25,000 for the X9 and PhP 10,000 for the L03. Buyers can reserve through @xpengphilippines on social media.

XPENG showrooms in Greenhills, Makati, North EDSA, and Cebu are accepting reservations now. Local customer deliveries will begin in the fourth quarter.