Automotive

What Mazda promises with the new Mazda 3

Still going for a great driving experience

Published

August 20, 2019

The new Mazda 3 has just been introduced to the local market by Bermaz Auto Philippines. We’ve caught a glimpse of it before and got a general concept of what to expect. Although now that we have the Philippine-spec units and prices to go along with it, what does the Japanese company promise with this new vehicle? Let’s take a look at some of its features.

Styling

Mazda still stays true to its KODO or “Soul of Motion” design that gives life to the exterior by playing with curves and how light uniquely bounces off its panels. In short, it offers fresh styling that stands out and begs to be noticed. It has that minimalist but artistic approach and it certainly works for the Mazda 3.

Step inside and the simplicity continues. There’s nothing too fancy to see here except for the driver-centric layout which exudes a premium feel thanks to the materials used.

Its cabin has also been designed with superior acoustics in mind. The company claims they were able to achieve a natural and rich-sounding cabin by strategically positioning its 12 speakers and cutting down on sound reflection. We haven’t experienced it first-hand, but that’s kind of a bold claim from the company if they couldn’t back it up.

These, coupled with the company’s “Jinba Ittai” concept of machine and man as one, ensure that the ergonomics inside serve its driver well to further enjoy the driving experience and create that bond between each other. This also brings us to our next point.

Comfort

In order for the car to feel like an extension of your body, the interior has to be comfortable.

With the previously mentioned concept, one of the ideas is for the car to support wherever your body leans. This simply means the vehicle’s structure and interior provide comfort, especially during long drives.

Additionally, the company made sure that they give ample attention to dampening vibrations and reducing noise seeping into the cabin. By using new sound-absorbing upholstery that supposedly traps sound, a quieter cabin and overall smoother drive is what the passengers experience with the new Mazda 3.

It also tends to spoil the modern driver with its lineup of creature comforts. Things like auto brake hold come into play during heavy traffic, power-folding side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, and auto-dimming rearview mirror are just some to mention.

Performance

The Philippine-specific Mazda 3 doesn’t come with the new Skyactiv-X engine that Europe has. Instead, the local market gets Skyactiv-G inline-4 engine options mated to a six-speed automatic. The naturally aspirated engine outputs up to 152hp and 200Nm which should be enough for everyday drives plus some room for its legs to stretch when the road ahead clears up.

It also comes with G-Vectoring Control Plus that should be able to refine steering and make the vehicle safer and more stable overall. By calculating data while driving on a curb, for example, the system applies input that complements the task at hand and helps the driver gain control while coming out of said turn.

As a quick recap, the new Mazda 3 aims to tick the boxes for a capable car in the city but promises a number of features and innovations to further enjoy the ride experience. It’s styled skilfully inside and out, aims to ensure comfort throughout drives, provides high-quality entertainment, packs a capable engine, and prioritizes safety.

It comes in five variants in the Philippines with the following price points:

Mazda 3 1.5-liter Sedan Elite — PhP 1,295,000
Mazda 3 1.5-liter Sportback Elite — PhP 1,320,000
Mazda 3 2.0-liter Sedan Premium — PhP 1,495,000
Mazda 3 2.0-liter Sportback Premium — PhP 1,510,000
Mazda 3 2.0-liter Sportback Speed — PhP 1,590,000

Automotive

Inchcape Philippines and Changan are parting ways

The two companies won’t renew their distribution deal, with the transition running through Q4 2026.

Published

August 26, 2026

MJ Jucutan

Inchcape Philippines and Changan have mutually agreed not to renew their distribution partnership in the country. The companies announced the decision, citing Changan’s own long-term plans for the Philippine market as the reason.

The partnership enters a transition period that runs through Q4 2026. During this time, existing customer commitments remain in place, including aftersales support, warranty coverage, parts, and service.

Alex Hammett, Inchcape’s Managing Director for South Asia & Pacific, said Inchcape Philippines and Changan have worked together since 2023 to build the Changan brand locally, supported by Inchcape’s distribution network and dealer relationships.

He thanked the Inchcape Philippines team and dealer partners for their role in that effort over the past three years.

Inchcape says the Philippines remains a key market for the company. It continues to distribute Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, trucks, and buses, along with Jaguar Land Rover, and operates the retail business for Harley-Davidson locally. The company’s stated focus going forward is growing its existing portfolio and introducing new products to Filipino customers.

The Philippines also houses Inchcape’s Digital Delivery Centre and Global Business Services teams, which together employ more than 700 people supporting the company’s global operations.

Further details on arrangements after the transition period, including Changan’s next distribution partner, have not yet been announced.

Automotive

Tesla involved in recalling over 4 million electric cars

China is banning a feature found on most Teslas.

Published

August 24, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Electric vehicles have been simmering in some hot water for a while now, but it’s not because of a reason you might be thinking of. Instead of its performance or even its reliability, the world’s modern vehicle is fretting over its door handles. Over the feature’s potential risks in a life-or-death situations, carmakers in China, including Tesla, are recalling around 4.3 million vehicles in the country.

When it comes to door handles, electric vehicles today are known for creating hidden ones that sit flush on a car door. These handles appear only when needed and automatically retract into the door when not in use.

For a while now, governments have been worried about them, citing concerns that they don’t offer easy exits during threatening scenarios. There have been incidents when the handles don’t pop up while a car is on fire, preventing both the car’s occupants and rescuers from opening the door.

Today, via Reuters, nine carmakers, including Tesla, are recalling 4.3 million vehicles from the country over these same door handles. Moreso than domestic brands, Tesla finds itself leading this pack with almost 3 million units. The other eight brands include Xiaomi and Geely.

This recall is responding to China’s latest regulation to ban hidden door handles starting 2027. Other measures include installing mechanical releases. Some brands are also rolling out software updates which automatically lower the car’s windows in case of an emergency, offering another exit for trapped occupants.

Automotive

New EV player XPENG to launch in the Philippines in September

XPENG to unveil two models in the market

Published

August 13, 2026

GadgetMatch

AI-driven mobility company XPENG is launching in the Philippines next month, adding to the list of smart electric vehicle (EV) players in the market.

XPENG Philippines will commence operations as the country’s direct subsidiary, as well as national sales and marketing company.

As part of the launch, XPENG will launch two smart EV models: the XPENG X9 and XPENG L03.

The XPENG X9 is the brand’s flagship intelligent seven-seater. It is positioned as an EV for executive-class comfort, featuring AI-powered technologies and a premium cabin for modern families, businesses, and professionals.

Meanwhile, the XPENG L03 is an intelligent SUV coupe that brings together a contemporary design, AI-powered innovation, and software-defined mobility. It promises to deliver a smarter, more intuitive driving experience for today’s car owners.

Additional pricing details, variants, and complete specifications of each model, as well as their availability, will be unveiled soon.

XPENG is a global AI technology company based in Guangzhou, China. It specializes in smart EVs, driven by a mission to shape the future of mobility through innovation.

The company designs, develops, manufactures, and markets such vehicles, supported by its in-house, full-stack, advanced driver-assistance system, smart in-car OS, and core vehicle technologies.

The brand has a presence in more than 60 countries and regions across Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Oceania, and Latin America.