Zigwheels PH Monthly Wrap: August 2026

Despite August being hailed as the “Ghost Month,” car brands have seemingly bucked the trend and have instead gone full throttle on vehicle launches in the Philippine market. On the one hand, the global scene is a nonstop machine, with more than a handful of new introductions in that month. 

So, what local and global launches happened in August 2026? Also, what are the biggest automotive-related news that transpired this month? Let’s go through the most significant ones via Zigwheels Philippines’ monthly wrap. 

Local launches

Nissan Kicks e-POWER

Nissan Philippines unveiled the heavily updated version of the Kicks e-POWER. It has a price ranging from P1.499 million-P1.749 million, and it received a new interior and a thoroughly revamped exterior. It keeps the same powertrain, which produces 134 horsepower (hp) and 280 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. 

More about the updated Nissan Kicks e-POWER here.

Honda Click 125 Street

Honda Philippines Incorporated (HPI) has expanded its Click 125 lineup by launching the Street trim. It boasts a more aggressive design while packing the same mechanicals that have become ubiquitous with the Click nameplate. Pricing for this model starts at P90,000. Moreover, HPI also launched a new limited-edition color for the Click 125 called Smart Edition White. 

Learn more about the Honda Click 125 Street here.

MG S5 EV

 Morris Garages (MG) Motor Philippines has officially launched the all-new S5 electric vehicle (EV). It retails at P1,448,888 and is a five-seater compact crossover that produces up to 167 hp and 250 Nm of torque. It also has a range of 415 kilometers (km), according to the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). 

Click here for more details on the MG S5 EV. 

GAC GS4 Max HEV

GAC International Philippines has brought in the GS4 MAX HEV crossover. It uses a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle hybrid engine paired with a hybrid gearbox and an electric motor. In total, the five-seater can produce up to 232 hp and 330 Nm of torque. 

More on the GAC GS4 MAX HEV here.

Other stories: Jetour PH recognized by CAMPI as the top PHEV-selling brand for H1 2026 iCAUR to enter PH 'soon' Omoda, Jaecoo sell over 69K units globally in Jul. 2026

 

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) has launched the all-new Outlander plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) with a starting price of P2.848 million. The crossover model uses a 2.4-liter gasoline MIVEC engine paired with front and rear electric motors. The said powertrain can generate up to 301 horsepower and 450 Newton-meters of torque.

Learn more about the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV here.

Mazda CX-5

Mazda Philippines introduces the latest iteration of the CX-5 crossover. Pricing for the all-wheel-drive hybrid nameplate starts at P2.495 million. Under the hood of the model is the 2.5-liter e-Sykactiv G, which can deliver up to 178 hp and 242 Nm. 

Read about the all-new Mazda CX-5 here.

Lexus UX, RZ, ES

In August 2026, Lexus Philippines launched three additions to its lineup. The updated UX, new RZ, and the next-generation ES. All of these are electrified models: the UX is a hybrid, and the RZ is an all-electric crossover. The ES, meanwhile, is available as both an HEV and BEV model. 

Read more about the UX and RZ here, and about the all-new ES here. 

Triumph 660 lineup

Triumph Motorcycles Philippines has rolled out its updated 660 roster for the local market. These include the Daytona 660, Trident 660, and Tiger Sport 660. Here are the price details for these nameplates:

Model	Previous SRP	2026 SRP	Increase
Trident 660	P524,000	P549,000	P25,000
Daytona 660	P558,000	P578,000	P20,000
Tiger Sport 660	P568,000	P588,000	P20,00

More on these new Triumph motorcycles here.

Audi RS 5 Avant PHEV

Audi Philippines has unveiled the RS 5 Avant plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) for the local market. It is a five-seater wagon and is the brand’s first-ever high-performance PHEV model. Under its hood is a 2.9-liter TFSI V6 gasoline engine and a PHEV system linked to an all-wheel-drive setup. It can produce up to 639 hp and 825 Nm of torque. 

More on the Audi RS 5 Avant PHEV here.

Ford Territory Hybrid Platinum

Ford Philippines has added a new variant for the Territory Hybrid. It is called the Premium, and it now stands as the model’s top-of-the-line trim with a suggested retail price of P1.655 million. 

Apart from additional amenities, this variant of the Territory Hybrid retains the same 1.5-liter hybrid powertrain that produces 215 hp and 315 Nm of torque. 

Learn about the Ford Territory Hybrid Premium here. 

Global launches

Hyundai Tucson

For global launches, one that happened in August is the fifth-generation Hyundai Tucson. It boasts a complete redesign and a larger overall body size. These are coupled with fresh new interior with loads of amenities. 

More on the fifth-gen Hyundai Tucson here.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz has updated the C-Class with a more aggressive exterior and larger digital displays for its interior. These pair with a 2.0-liter turbocharged mild-hybrid mill and a slew of advanced safety features. 

Read more on the updated Mercedes-Benz C-Class here.

McLaren McL 6GT

McLaren Automotive has debuted the all-new McL 6GT at the 2026 Monterey Car Week. The supercar is a contemporary interpretation of the original M6GT, the company founder’s unfulfilled road-going supercar dream. 

Learn more about the McLaren McL 6GT here.

Lamborghini Revuelto SV

Lamborghini has launched the Revuelto SV as its fifth Super Veloce nameplate. Propelling the model is a naturally-aspired V12 engine connected to three electric motors and a new high-performance battery. At most, it can generate 1,050 hp and 1,425 Nm of torque. 

Read about the Lamborghini Revuelto SV here.

Aston Martin Valen

The Aston Martin Valen is an 838-hp supercar and is considered the most powerful front-engined vehicle in the company’s 113-year history. However, the Valen is limited to just 150 units worldwide. 

Read the news on the Aston Martin Valen here.

Xpeng G9L

Xpeng has debuted the all-new G9L. It comes in a BEV or super range-extended (EREV) variant. Notably, the EREV trim can cover a total of 1,602 km from a single full tank. It also has plenty of on-board technologies and 5C ultra-fast charging. 

Click here for more details on the all-new Xpeng G9L.

Toyota GR86

Toyota has debuted the updated version of the GR86. It received exterior, interior, and on-board tech enhancements, with the most notable being refined throttle control settings, an adjustment to its manual gearbox chamfer, and a new triple-camera system for its EyeSight suite. 

Read about the updated Toyota GR86 here.

Mitsubishi ASX VR-e

Mitsubishi has revived the VR nameplate to introduce the all-new ASX VR-e. The crossover is due to launch in Oceania in the fourth quarter of the year and features a very futuristic-looking exterior design. Its bones, however, are based on the Foxtron Bria, a Taiwanese EV crossover with a range of up to 466 km. 

Learn more about the Mitsubishi ASX VR-e here.

Other news

The overall sales for the Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association (MDPPA) for the first half of 2026 grew by 3.58 percent year on year. In this period, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha have collectively sold 938,528 units. 

Mitsubishi has continued to tease the upcoming Pajero. In its most recent teaser, it revealed that the upcoming sport utility vehicle (SUV) will feature the proprietary Super-All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) technology that optimizes handling, off-road capability, and stability across a range of driving conditions. 

Additionally, Team Mitsubishi Ralliart has secured overall victory at the 2026 Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR). Its winning race-spec Triton pickup was driven by an all-Japanese driver-co-driver pair. 

Toyota Motor Philippines has celebrated its 38 years of operating in the country. To celebrate this, the company aims to reach three million cumulative vehicle sales in the Philippines in 2026. Toyota also highlighted the latest Hilux and the Land Cruiser FJ at the Toyota Legacy Experience. Toyota’s local arm has also started the qualifiers for the TGR Philippines Esports GT Championship. Furthermore, the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Philippine Cup capped a successful debut at the Batangas Racing Circuit (BRC).

Xpeng Philippines is due to launch two models in the local market this September. These will be the L03 all-electric crossover and the X9 three-row multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). 

Omoda & Jaecoo Philippines has officially opened its latest dealerships in Davao City and Cebu City. In Cebu, this is Omoda & Jaecoo Cebu V. Rama. For Davao, meanwhile, the two brands’ new outlet is Omoda & Jaecoo Davao Matina. Both are managed by MG Gateway South Corporation. The Jaecoo J5 also reached Cebu with a limited-time ownership package. 

Porsche’s H1 2026 global sales figures have declined by 16 percent. Its leading model is the Cayenne, followed by the 911, and then the Macan. The cause for this, as Porsche stated, is the end of production of the internal combustion-engined 718 and the end of tax credits for electrified vehicles in the United States. 

VinFast has updated its Marikina showroom, turning it into a 3S (sales, service, space parts) dealership. The said outlet is located at 8 Mayor Gil Fernando Avenue, Sto. Niño, Marikina City, and it is managed by Xentro Motors OPC. Moreover, Green GSM introduces its premium taxi service served by Limo Green MPV units. 

VinFast has likewise opened its e-motorcycle dealership in Lipa, Batangas. It operates under New Nemar Corporation, and it is located at Phase 3, Building 5, Motorrad Alley, General Luna Street, Pilahan, Sabang, Lipa City. 

Geely Motor Philippines is set to take over management of the Lynk & Co distributorship in the local market. This will become effective in the final quarter of 2026. Currently, Lynk & Co still operates under the United Asia Automotive Group, Incorporated (UAAGI). On the international stage, Li Shu Fu has stepped down as chairman and executive director of Geely Auto. His replacement is An Cong Hui. 

The Mayors of the National Capital Region have agreed to adopt a garbage single ticketing system to reduce flooding. 

ACMobility sees a core net loss of P57 million in the first half of the year. BYD Cars Philippines’ sales numbers are up, but it saw softer performances from Kia and Isuzu. Its downturn is likewise attributed to higher inventory costs due to peso depreciation. 

Michelin, meanwhile, has gained three new distributors for the Philippine market. These are Bermaz Auto Philippines, BSB Junrose, and Icon Equipment Solutions Philippines.

CAMPI has reported an overall year-to-date sales performance decline in the first seven months of 2026. It did, however, continue to see an upward trajectory for electrified vehicle sales in the same period. 

Inchcape Philippines and Changan have mutually ended their distribution partnership for the local market. The transition period for this will run through the fourth quarter of 2026. 

Also this month, a total of 25 gasoline stations were flagged by the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) initial scale fuel marking enforcement drive across Luzon.

Also read:

ZW weekly wrap: Aug 24-28

Zigwheels weekly wrap: Aug. 17-21

Zigwheels weekly wrap: Aug. 10-14

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