Zigwheels PH weekly wrap: Jul. 13-17

MANILA: The past week was quite calm, launch-wise. Nevertheless, the local auto market was still abuzz with industry players highlighting some of their newest offerings. And while we take a sneak peek of soon-to-be-launched models, we also check out some of the latest news stories abroad. 

Further, we get our fair share of dealer openings, corporate social responsibility efforts, and motorsport happenings last week. 

Other stories: Xpeng to formally enter PH market in Q3 2026 UAAGI showcases expanded lineup at UOTM 2026 2nd leg  Toyota to improve Japan port, container logistics with OneStream

Local news 

BAIC B40e Trailmaster rEV 

The BAIC B40e Trailmaster rEV appears to be doing well in its home market, holding the top spot for new-energy hardcore off-road sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment for three straight months. 

Citing the data published by MarkLines, BAIC Philippines — under the stewardship of United Asia Automotive Group Incorporated (UAAGI) — looks to replicate the same performance here in the country. 

To achieve such a feat, the nameplate will rely on its features like a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine range-extender paired with a 40.3-kilowatt-hour ternary lithium-ion battery, a electric four-wheel drive system with front and rear differential locks, and adventure-ready dimensions that allow for a 2,760 millimeter (mm) wheelbase and a ground clearance of 210 mm. 

Jaecoo J5 EV 

Jaecoo, too, wants to penetrate the new-energy off-road SUV segment that seems to be popular with many Chinese auto manufacturers. 

Per the sister marque Omoda here in the Philippines, the Jaecoo J5 EV has an all-electric powertrain that is touted to make the model a suitable “outdoor travel companion.” 

It banks on features like off-road-friendly dimensions (an overall length of 4,380 mm, an overall width of 1,860 mm, and a height of 1,650 mm), vehicle-to-load functionality, and a decent electric drivetrain. 

Radar RD6 

Coming with proof of its growth and the demand for an electrified lifestyle pickup truck is Radar EV Philippines. 

Also steered by UAAGI, the company has sold 112 Radar RD6 units locally last month — more than doubling its May 2026 sales of 44 units. 

The said figure reflects an overall growth of 115 percent in June 2026. 

Its claim to fame is the use of a dedicated electric unibody architecture that uses an independent multi-link rear suspension to give the truck ride comfort akin to that of a passenger car. 

The vehicle packs dual electric motors with battery options of up to 73 kilowatt-hours. 

Hyundai Santa Fe 

As for Hyundai Motor Philippines Incorporated, it shared that the Santa Fe SUV will be utilized to support operational personnel during the 2026 ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in the Philippines. 

The local wing of the South Korean carmaker inked a partnership with the ASEAN National Organizing Council to be its official protocol vehicle partner. 

Fit for such duties, the Hyundai Santa Fe’s range-topping variant is fitted with a 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine (Smartstream G2.5T), while the mid-grade version is fitted with the naturally aspirated version of the same engine (Smartstream G2.5). 

Among its creature comfort features are 12 cupholders and four bottle holders, a dual-zone air-conditioning system with climate control, a 12.3-inch touchscreen system mated to six speakers, and wireless chargers. 

Global stories 

Denza, which is the luxury electric vehicle (EV) arm of BYD, has unleashed the all-new Z electric supercar in the United Kingdom. 

Not to be confused with the Z produced by Nissan, the vehicle produced by the Chinese auto brand was unveiled at the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed and is said to make up to 1,582 horsepower. 

Speaking of Nissan, the company has introduced the Tekton subcompact crossover for the Indian market. It shares the same platform with European-specific models such as the Renault Duster and several other Dacia products. 

It comes in either a 1.0-liter or a 1.3-liter gasoline engine with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission, depending on the trim. 

With visual cues taken from the Nissan Patrol, the Tekton might be a success in the Philippines although it appears that it will not reach the Asian market (including the Philippines). 

Nissan also started selling the fourth-generation Elgrand in Japan. 

The minivan is powered by the third-generation e‑POWER hybrid system, which pairs a newly designed, power-generation-dedicated engine (ZR15DDTe) with a five-in-one e‑POWER electric powertrain unit. 

Additionally, it also features a new control technology, which significantly improves quietness and fuel efficiency. 

MG will release the ZS PHEV+ in 2027. 

Teasing its upcoming arrival, the Chinese carmaker noted that the new model will feature a newly developed electrified powertrain system that uses next-generation gasoline engine components. 

Moreover, the new PHEV+ powertrain will come with the MG-developed “Power Split” and Motor Decoupling” technologies. 

Further, the SAIC Motor Corporation-owned marque unveiled the MG Go! And Cyber Concept at the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed. 

The said models give fans a glimpse of the company’s design direction — merging its British automotive heritage and the latest advancements in electric vehicle technology. 

Mercedes-AMG has rolled out the CLA 45 4MATIC+. 

It is able to put out as much as 680 horses and (with its triple-motor setup) can zoom from a standstill to 100 kilometers per hour in just 2.7 seconds. 

Now considered as a high-performance EV, it is touted to provide “untamed power” and “pure driving pleasure” to those who seek the thrill of performance using a sustainable powertrain. 

Finally, Mitsubishi starts selling the hybrid version of the Xforce crossover in Indonesia. This begs the question if the three-diamond brand will bring the model to the Philippines. 

The model kept some drivetrain features of the pure internal combustion engine model and carried it over to the hybrid platform such as the active yaw control. 

Soon-to-be-launched models 

BYD Atto 2, Seal 5 

All-new versions of the BYD Atto 2 and Seal 5 electrified models will be unboxed by BYD Philippines on July 28. 

On that note, all BYD dealerships in the country have already started accepting reservations for the two models that will expand the brand’s new energy vehicle lineup locally. 

More information about the new models will be reported by Zigwheels Philippines upon release. 

Lexus ES 

Lexus Philippines will unleash the latest iteration of the ES next month. 

While full specifications are yet to be disclosed, the publication learned that the Lexus ES will be sold in both hybrid and battery-electric vehicle options. 

Other stories 

In other news, Nissan Philippines extended aid to those struck by the earthquake in Mindanao. Relatedly, the brand has launched a new “Change Oil Promo” and a new lifestyle apparel line. 

Meanwhile, Kia Philippines opened its newest dealership in Bohol, while its sister company Hyundai, rolled out its latest promo for the month of July. 

Finally, Inchcape Philippines formally ended its distributorship of luxury brands Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram in the country. 

Also read:

ZW weekly wrap: May 18-22

Zigwheels PH Monthly Wrap: April 2026

ZW weekly wrap: Apr. 20-24

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