Automotive

NissanConnect makes walk around checks easier

Reduce your checklist before setting off on a journey

Published

February 22, 2024

MJ Jucutan

When I was in driving school, my instructor kept pressing on the fact that we need to do a walk-around check before we set off on a journey. Be it a short ride to the mall, a quick drive to a cafe, or running errands in the city.

This isn’t something I witnessed growing up. Wheel-owners in my life mostly hop in the car and proceed to drive, regardless of the state of the vehicle.

It’s probably why a lot of their cars break down on them when they need them the most.

When the time came for me to sit behind the wheels, I kept reminding myself to inspect the car before going out. Frankly, it was exhausting and time-consuming. But spending a few minutes to check your vehicle can prevent you hours of headache if you encounter something down the line.

Now, imagine being able to cut back the time spent on inspecting your car. That’s what the NissanConnect did for me, when I had the Nissan Almera VL Turbo CVT.

An app connected to a city car

For a week, I had the Nissan Almera acting as a daily driver for my city errands and for accompanying me on a weekend in Lipa, Batangas.

The city car aided in my pursuits of balancing my life as a creative director and as a media personnel for Spartan Race Philippines.

Inside, I had the realme C55 loaded with NissanConnect Services. It wasn’t the handset I prefer to connect with Android Auto and help in navigation. Instead, the phone was solely used for keeping the vehicle in check. Especially at times when I have to drive down South.

Why use it anyway?

Nissan, just like most automotive brands nowadays, integrate technology into their vehicles. Through a mobile app, car owners can easily lock and unlock their doors. You can even start the engine before you hop on your seats!

Think about how many times you have to enter your car after being parked in open heat, only to complain about how hot it is inside?

Believe me, at least having the engine and the AC turned on for more than five minutes before you step in is a game changer. I know this too well since I’m fond of parking my vehicle in open areas.

At a glance, I was able to check my vehicle’s status through NissanConnect Services. I was able to see the estimated range that the Nissan Almera can go, based on its current fuel capacity.

There are also features that you can check such as Vehicle Health, Monitoring, Driving History, Notifications, and more.

Check before you go

The habit of doing walk around checks should be practiced more. It’s more important when you have a long trip out of town, and you just can’t afford to have any mishaps down the road.

Time is precious, especially on a weekend meant to be spent with people close to your heart.

Taking a peek at the Vehicle Health, I can check the Tire Pressure, Brake, Anti-Lock Braking System, Airbag, Engine MIL, and more. If there are issues, it’ll be easy to spot them without checking all of it.

This reduced my walk around check since I just needed to use the smartphone to see if my vehicle’s fit to drive.

After checking the lights, oil, water, gas, and engine, and of course, myself, I hop in and connect my Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for Android Auto or my iPhone 13 for Apple CarPlay.

Before I drive, I make sure my Spotify’s connected along with Google Maps so I can drive at ease.

Stay within the limit

Safety and security are one of the key features of NissanConnect Services. Through the app, you can monitor your vehicle by setting up a curfew.

This ensures no one uses your vehicle past its curfew, and you’ll be alerted if someone does. That feature works best when you allow someone else to use your car, or if it’s a family vehicle.

You can also set limits on an area, barring certain neighborhoods you deem so. But what I love the most is setting a speed limit to ensure I don’t go beyond, especially on the freeway.

You might think, there’s cruise control anyway? Why bother with it?

As a control freak, I don’t like using cruise control as it absolves me from maintaining proper distance by relying on technology. Being alert helps me keep awake especially on a long drive.

Whenever I go out of my speed limit, the realme C55 receives alerts that I went beyond what I set. This is also important if someone drives your vehicle and you’re in your passenger princess era.

Plenty of times, my passengers didn’t feel we were speeding at 100 km/h, seeing how smooth the drive was. Checking the app would let you know if your driver is moving past the limit.

Sometimes, it helps to remind them to slow down especially when you’re not in a hurry to go to your destination.

Know your history

I’m not quite sure who else does this, but I typically check where I’ve been in the past month or so. Google Maps has been helpful in providing me the locations of places I’ve been to, which helps me track the distances I travelled.

Through NissanConnect, I was able to check the vehicle’s driving history. Having been lent by Nissan Philippines, I was able to preview how many trips the Nissan Almera have been into. I was also able to check the distance it clocked, and the time spent driving.

For a weekend, I contributed around 300km or so, going back and forth between Pasay City, Imus City, Calamba City, and Lipa City — across four provinces!

A handy tool

For most wheel-owners, having a mobile app connected to your vehicle might seem a daunting task. When you’ve been accustomed to your ways, it’s challenging to learn a few things here and there, especially when technology isn’t your strong suit.

But for tech-savvy babies like yours truly? Having the NissanConnect is such a handy tool.

It makes walk around checks easier and less daunting. One glance through the app, and you can see if you’re fit to drive. And if you are, you can get ready to put some music before you drive to your next destination.

Automotive

BYD expands PH presence with entry of DENZA luxury EVs

4 initial showrooms planned

Published

January 20, 2026

GadgetMatch

BYD Group premium sub-brand DENZA is officially entering the Philippine market.

The move marks a strategic shift to capture the luxury “new energy vehicle” (NEV) segment, beyond the company’s existing mass-market offerings.

This expansion follows a period of rapid growth for BYD in the Philippines under its distributor, ACMobility.

By introducing DENZA, the group aims to offer a tiered ecosystem of electrified transport that ranges from budget-friendly options to high-output luxury ones.

The sub-brand’s initial lineup could possibly include the high-end MPV, DENZA D9.

It features a triple-motor system and high-capacity batteries that provide significant electric-only range before the gasoline generator engages.

Potentially, SUVs DENZA B5 and DENZA B8 will also be introduced locally, positioned as plug-in hybrid EVs.

Offerings under the DENZA sub-brand will be distributed locally by BYD Philippines Corp.

Advanced technology, comfort

DENZA’s entry focuses on “passenger-centric engineering” rather than traditional luxury excess.

The vehicles will feature two of BYD’s flagship technologies: the DiSus system and e3 platform.

The first is an intelligent body control system that manages vehicle motion to balance executive-level ride comfort with sharp handling.

Meanwhile, the e3 Platform is a high-performance architecture utilizing a three-motor drivetrain.

This setup lets drivers pull off advanced maneuvers such as “crab-walking” and “compass turns,” while enhancing stability during high-speed travel or emergency situations.

Strategic presence

DENZA will establish a dedicated retail network separate from standard BYD showrooms to support its positioning.

The sub-brand is planning four initial locations in Makati, Greenhills, Alabang, and Cebu.

Once it officially rolls out, DENZA expects to compete against luxury vans like the Toyota Alphard and Lexus LM.

Automotive

Ford Philippines kicks off the year with Drive Now, Pay Later

Get offers up to three months of free amortization!

Published

January 8, 2026

GadgetMatch

Ford Philippines opens the year with a strong push for drivers ready to start fresh. Introducing Drive Now, Pay Later, the program is designed to make stepping into a new Ford feel lighter and more timely.

At the center of the offer are two of Ford’s most in-demand nameplates. Customers can take home the Ford Everest Trend today with three months of free amortization.

Meanwhile, the Ford Ranger lineup brings even more flexibility. The Ranger Wildtrak 4×2 comes with four months of free amortization, and the Ranger Sport 4×4 is offered with three months free.

These offers allow buyers to drive their new vehicle now and begin bank financing only after several months. This eases the transition into ownership at the start of the year.

More ways to save this January

Beyond deferred payments, Ford Philippines is extending a wide range of January offers that focus on value and flexibility.

The Ford Everest comes with cash savings of up to PhP 95,000 this month, alongside an all-in option priced at PhP 69,000 on select variants for customers seeking simpler entry costs.

Across the Ranger lineup, buyers can enjoy cash discounts reaching up to PhP 155,000 or opt for a PhP 69,000 all-in down payment on select variants.

The Ranger XLS AT remains one of the most accessible ways to enter the lineup, with a starting price of PhP 1,379,000.

Performance-focused customers can also take advantage of extended January offers for the Ford Raptor. Options include cash discounts or bundled savings with the 5-Star Care Package, depending on the variant.

Electrified and premium options

For drivers ready to explore electrified mobility, the Territory Hybrid Trend starts at PhP 1,399,000. This January, customers may choose between a PhP 20,000 discount or a complimentary three-year Scheduled Service Plan.

Ford’s larger SUVs are also part of the month’s offerings. The Ford Explorer is available with a PhP 99,000 all-in option or 0 percent interest with 20% down payment for 60 months. The Ford Bronco carries the same flexible choices, too.

Availability

The Drive Now, Pay Later program runs across all Ford dealerships nationwide until January 31, 2026. Customers can visit Ford Philippines’ official website or social media channels to explore the full details.

CES 2026

NAVEE expands smart mobility beyond the city at CES 2026

A broader vision for mobility!

Published

January 8, 2026

MJ Jucutan

At CES 2026, NAVEE signaled a clear shift in direction. Known for smart urban mobility, the global brand used the Las Vegas stage to show how its technology now stretches beyond city streets and into outdoor living, recreation, and adventure.

Rather than focusing on a single hero product, NAVEE presented a growing ecosystem built around intelligent engineering and lifestyle flexibility. The message was simple and confident. Mobility today is not limited to commuting. It is part of how people move through work, play, and downtime.

A smarter take on electric mobility

Leading NAVEE’s CES lineup was the UT5 MAX electric scooter. Built on the UT5 platform, it was designed with both urban reliability and outdoor capability in mind.

With a range of up to 100 kilometers and support for fast charging and external batteries, the UT5 MAX feels ready for longer rides, varied terrain, and real-world use that goes beyond short city hops.

The focus here is practicality. It’s a scooter that fits daily routines while also making room for spontaneous outdoor plans.

Technology finds its way onto the fairway

NAVEE also stepped into a more unexpected space with the Birdie 5X electric golf push cart. An evolution of the Birdie 3X, this new model introduces ultra-precise UWB-powered automatic follow.

The result is a smoother, more intuitive experience on the course, where the tech quietly supports the game rather than distracting from it.

It’s a clear example of how NAVEE is applying intelligent mobility thinking to lifestyle-specific environments.

From land to water, and everything in between

The outdoor expansion didn’t stop on the road or the green. NAVEE revealed the WaveFly Flyer Car, a playful take on water-based mobility designed to bring a sense of adventure to lakes and coastal settings.

Alongside it was a high-end electric camping wagon built for hauling gear, supplies, and everything that comes with outdoor weekends.

Together, these products paint a bigger picture. NAVEE is positioning itself as a brand that supports movement across different terrains and moods, from utility to leisure.

A broader vision for mobility

What stood out at CES 2026 was not just the hardware, but the intention behind it. NAVEE is building toward a future where intelligent mobility blends naturally into everyday life, whether that means navigating city streets, spending time outdoors, or finding new ways to enjoy familiar activities.

As the brand continues to grow its portfolio, the direction is clear. Mobility is no longer confined to getting from point A to point B. It’s becoming part of how people experience their lifestyle, wherever that may take them.