Zigwheels PH weekly wrap: September 8-12

In the second week of September 2025, the Philippine market saw significant launches in the form of two crossovers. The global scene also saw the debut of a powerful updated version of an iconic sports car, and a German marque’s first steps into a new vehicle series. 

With that said, the week saw a lot of movements in the local and global automotive industry. So, for those who missed it, here’s a recap of the hottest stories from September 8-12 as reported by Zigwheels Philippines. 

Local car launches

Suzuki Fronx

Suzuki Philippines Incorporated (SPH), has formally launched the all-new Fronx hybrid crossover. It entered the market with three variants: the GL, the mid-spec GLX, and the top-spec SGX. 

Apart from its rugged looks, the model has a well-equipped cabin with plenty of modern amenities. The top-spec SGX utilizes a 1.5-liter hybrid mill paired with a six-speed automatic that is capable of producing up to 98 horsepower (hp) and 135 newton-meters (Nm) of torque. 

Learn more about the all-new Suzuki Fronx here.

Ready to purchase a brand-new Suzuki Fronx? Check out these exclusive offers from Zigwheels Philippines.

 

Hyundai Venue

Hyundai Motor Philippines Incorporated has reintroduced the Venue. It received an improved set of amenities, as well as a 1.6-liter engine capable of producing up to 121 hp and 151 Nm of torque. Pricing for the new Hyundai Venue starts at P778,000. 

Learn more about the reintroduced Hyundai Venue here. 

Global car launches

Porsche 911

Porsche has unveiled the 911 Turbo S for model year 2026. It is hailed as the most powerful production version of the iconic sports car to date, with its maximum output of 701 hp and 800 Nm of torque. It uses a 3.6-liter twin-turbo boxer engine paired with T-Hybrid technology. 

Click here to learn more about the updated Porsche 911 Turbo S. 

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Mercedes-Benz has pulled the covers off the all-new GLC. It received a bold new look, more creature comforts and tech, as well as a new powertrain that can generate up to 482 hp. 

Read this story for more details on the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC. 

BMW iX3

BMW has unveiled the latest version of the iX3 - the brand’s first-ever entry into its Neue Klasse lineup of vehicles. In contrast to its predecessor, the new iX3 no longer shares a platform with its internal combustion BMW X3 counterpart. 

Learn more about the all-new BMW iX3 here. 

Lexus IS

The third-generation Lexus IS has received its third facelift, providing it with a more aggressive exterior look, as well as an extensive nip and tuck for its cabin. The vehicle, however, has retained the same V6 and inline-four hybrid powertrains from the older model. 

Click here to read the updated Lexus IS full story. 

Concept Cars

At the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA) Mobility in Munich, Germany, Volkswagen unveiled the ID.Cross electric concept crossover. Also at the IAA Mobility, Hyundai showcased the Concept Three, which heralds the brand’s impending foray into the compact electric vehicle (EV) segment. 

Other stories: Check out the GWM Ora 03’s key rivals Here are the Ford Territory Hybrid’s strengths, weaknesses VinFast VF 5: top 3 reasons to buy

 

Local industry updates

When it comes to promos from the local car industry, Fuso Philippines introduced change oil packages and discounts of up to P200,000 for its trucks, such as the Canter. 

Grab, on the other hand, made it to the news by becoming the Digital Tourism Partner of the Department of Tourism. 

Honda Cars Philippines likewise continued the “Live Your Dream, Drive Forward” campaign, while Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) introduced significant discounts for the Hilux, Tamaraw, RAV4, and GR Yaris. 

TMP has likewise disclosed that it will formally reveal the upcoming Ativ in October 2025. Also, the hybrid sedan is now open for early reservation. Moreover, TMP and Lexus Philippines have issued recalls for faulty instrument clusters. 

For dealership updates in the second week of September 2025, Astara has broken ground for its upcoming GAC dealership in Tagum. The said facility is expected to be inaugurated in the third quarter of 2026. 

Great Wall Motor Philippines also highlighted the Cannon pickup truck at Cagayan de Oro City.

The Cebu leg of the 2025 Yamaha Motor Show became the launch pad for the all-new Aerox in the Visayas region. 

Ford Philippines is likewise highlighting the new Everest Wildtrak at the Ford Island Conquest event held at SM Megamall.  

Global industry updates

Plenty of global industry movements also popped up in the second week of September 2025. For starters, Pope Leo autographed a BMW R18 motorcycle, which will be auctioned off for the benefit of a school in Madagascar. 

Porsche likewise showed off its latest innovation at the 2025 IAA Mobility Show. Specifically, it is a wireless charging device that will be able to top-up the Cayenne Electric.  

Over in Japan, Isuzu Motors Limited (IML) announced its plan to construct an autonomous driving test course. It will open two years from now, and it will be built within the grounds of Isuzu Hokkaido Proving Ground Company. 

Nissan, meanwhile, completed its line integration project in Thailand as a part of its Re: Nissan strategy. 

Geely Automobile Holdings Limited disclosed that it reached a total revenue of RMB150 billion (approximately P1.202 trillion) for the first six months of the year. 

Suzuki also disclosed several details of its 10-year technology plan, while Toyota will be reissuing parts for the famed 4A-GE engine. 

The Mini Cooper and Aceman models also bagged five-star safety ratings from the European New Car Assessment Program.

Also read:

Zigwheels PH weekly wrap: September 1-5

Zigwheels PH monthly wrap: August 2025

Zigwheels PH weekly wrap: August 18-22

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