Zigwheels PH weekly wrap: Sep. 21-25

MANILA: Last week saw a mix of product launches not only from the four-wheeler sector but also from the three-wheeler category. In addition, various marques have shared their recent expansions to reach more customers and attend to their aftersales needs. 

Of course, we also get our fair share of promos, as well as a brand launch that promises AI (artificial intelligence) mobility. 

Other stories: Nissan Rogue Hybrid is US market’s equivalent of the X-Trail Here are the participants for the 1st PITS Toyota officially becomes Gold Partner for Japanese Olympians, Paralympians

Local launches 

Kia EV3 

Kia Philippines—under the stewardship of Ayala’s ACMobility—has launched the EV3. 

The compact crossover uses a fully electric powertrain comprised of a single permanent-magnet synchronous motor paired with a 58.3-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, which produces up to 201 horsepower (hp) and 283 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. 

Range-wise, it can travel up to 511 kilometers (km) based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) on a single charge. 

To juice the vehicle, would-be owners can use either an alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) charger. 

It is priced at P1.898 million and is offered with an eight-year or 160,000-km (whichever comes first) battery warranty, a five-year or 160,000 km (Whichever comes first) bumper-to-bumper warranty, and a 24/7 roadside assistance package. 

Jetour GAIA G700 

Jetour Auto Philippines has introduced a new variant of the GAIA G700 sport utility vehicle (SUV). 

Dubbed the Jetour GAIA G700 Topfire Edition, it boasts a larger body as well as additional features such as new metal front and rear bumpers, a functional hood scoop and exhaust vents, an updated mesh grille, flared fenders, an automatic alloy sidestep, and a one-piece roof rack that can carry up to 300 kilograms of static load. 

It rides on forged rims and gets 25-millimeter Piston Rod K-Man nitrogen shocks with eight-stage compression damping. 

As for its price, the new trim level stickers at P5.188 million and comes packaged with Jetour GAIA’s suite of warranties, including 10 years or 1,000,000 km for the engine; eight-year or 160,000-km coverage for the high-voltage battery; and six years or 250,000 km bumper to bumper. 

Bajaj Wego 

Bajaj Philippines, steered by Trimotors Technology Corporation in the country, has released its first electric three-wheeler in the form of the Wego. 

Power comes from a 4.5-kilowatt electric motor (which usually generates some 6 horsepower) paired with a 9.2 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery. Since it is touted as an electric light commercial vehicle, it is said to have a carrying capacity of 850 kilograms—equivalent to four passengers. 

When it comes to range, the Bajaj Wego does about 212 km on a single charge and the battery is able to reach full charge status in four and a half hours. 

It is priced at P329,888 and is sold with a 36-month or 50,000-km warranty, whichever comes first, for the battery, motor, and vehicle. The first 100 customers are also entitled to a free charging kit. 

Xpeng makes official PH entry 

Xpeng officially entered the Philippine market. 

The brand made its official local debut at the SM Mall of Asia Arena by formally unveiling the Xpeng X9 and L03 nameplates.  

Per the brand, the Xpeng X9 is a multi-purpose vehicle with a front-wheel-drive electric system that can deliver 315 hp and 450 Nm. This is mated to a 100-kWh battery and is able to cover up to 615 km. 

Meanwhile, the Xpeng L03 can be had in either a battery-electric (EV) or range-extended (REEV) variant. 

Its Long Range Ultra and Long Range versions both use a 71.1-kWh battery. However, the former can do 480 km, while the latter can do 520 km, range-wise. Its EV Standard Range version has a 58.3-kWh battery with up to 445 km of range. 

Moreover, the REEV trim gets a 37.2-kWh battery, providing up to 215 km of pure electric range. When fully utilizing it with a full tank of fuel, the vehicle can travel as much as 1,017 km. 

Here are their price tags: 

Variant	Price
L03 EV RWD Long Range Ultra	P2.058 million
L03 EV Long Range	P1.698 million
L03 REEV	P1.598 million
L03 EV Standard Range	P1.548 million

Dealer expansions 

Several auto and moto brands have expanded their reach to meet the needs of their customers. 

Kicking off the week’s dealer openings is BAIC Philippines, which opened a dealership in Bonifacio Global City. It is operated by MG Gateway Mantrade Corporation and sits at the Ground Floor of W City Center, 7th Avenue corner 30th Street. 

Next is Mercedes-Benz Philippines, which shared that it will open two new dealerships in key upscale areas in the Philippines. Further, Mercedes-Benz Greenhills, the brand’s flagship dealership, will have its relaunch next year and will also feature the MAR 20X design. 

Not to be outdone, Jetour Auto Philippines gets three new dealer locations—specifically in EDSA-Greenhills (Metro Manila), Iloilo (Western Visayas), and Tarlac (Central Luzon). 

Jetour Auto Greenhills will be operated by Britanica United Motors Incorporated, while Jetour Auto Iloilo and Jetour Auto Tarlac will be managed by Grand Canyon Multi Holdings Incorporated. 

Wrapping things up for the four-wheeler segment is newcomer iCAUR, which forged alliances with four new dealer partners: MG Gateway, Britannica United, Laus Auto Group, and DC Automobile. 

These partnerships will establish the brand’s early physical presence across six key locations nationwide. 

Finally, Triumph Motorcycles Philippines Incorporated has expanded its presence in Southern Luzon with the inauguration of its dealership in Lipa, Batangas. 

The facility can be found at General Luna Street, Pilahan, Barangay Sabang, Lipa City, Batangas—an area eyed to become a hub for the region’s growing riding culture. 

Other stories 

In other stories, Honda Philippines Incorporated is set to retire the RS125 with the RS125 Final Edition. 

Meanwhile, GAC Philippines has rolled out a new promo that will run until the end of the year. 

Also read:

ZW weekly wrap: Aug 24-28

Zigwheels weekly wrap: Aug. 17-21

Zigwheels weekly wrap: Aug. 10-14

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