Zigwheels weekly wrap: Aug. 17-21

MANILA: The week proved to be yet another busy one, as the local automotive industry saw the launch of several new models from legacy brands. Likewise, global launches excited enthusiasts with the release of several new cars and notable updates on existing models. 

Additionally, the week witnessed the usual dealer expansions, promotional rollouts, and other initiatives from local players. 

On that note, here is the abridged version of the biggest news stories in the past seven days. 

Other stories: Geely Auto secures P1.5-trillion in revenue for H1 2026 In 7 pictures: Mitsubishi PH launches all-new Outlander PHEV In 7 photos: Mazda PH launches 3rd-gen CX-5, now with hybrid mill

Local launches 

Lexus UX, RZ 

Toyota’s luxury division expanded its electrified vehicle lineup in the Philippines with the introduction of the new Lexus RZ and updated UX. 

Kicking things off is the former, which now packs a 74.69-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery—replacing the previous 71.4-kWh unit. The crossover also adopted a 22-kilowatt alternate current charging system, doubling the previous capability while maintaining CCS2 compatibility for direct current charging. 

Other upgrades come in the form of the following: 

• Digital inside rear-view mirror
• Puddle lamps integrated into the exterior door handles
• Enhanced interior trim treatments
• Rear seat reminder system with door logic functionality
• Additional refinements to the panoramic roof

Meanwhile, the updated Lexus UX gets exterior enhancements like a two-tone exterior, the addition of a moonroof and black roof rails, as well as enhanced side mirror functionality and body-colored wheel arch moldings. 

Its cabin now sports wireless charging docks, a Panoramic View Monitor, and a multi-illumination entry system. 

Here are their respective price tags: 

Lexus RZ	From P4.438 million to P5.428 million
Lexus UX	From P2.958 million to P3.508 million

Mazda CX-5 

Mazda Philippines has rolled out the latest iteration of the CX-5 in the country. 

Now on its third generation, the sport utility vehicle (SUV) gets an electrified powertrain, a more confident design, enhanced interior comfort, and greater everyday usability. 

Design-wise, it takes on the brand’s “Wearable Gear” concept, which embodies flexibility and approachability. As such, it sports a trapezoidal exterior motif inspired by the traditional Japanese woodworking technique “kigumi.” 

Its cabin embodies the principle of Ma, a key pillar of Japanese aesthetics that prioritizes space, balance, and harmony. Thus, it features a rich mix of Japanese Sen Wood and genuine sports tan leather. 

Power comes from a new 2.5-liter e-Skyactiv-G coupled with Mazda’s hybrid system. 

It stickers for P2.495 million. 

Mitsubishi Outlander 

Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Corporation has revived the Outlander plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). 

The newest version of the electrified SUV is the brand’s best-selling nameplate in Japan and Canada. It is touted as a vehicle that strikes a good balance between comfort and performance. 

On that note, it is powered by a 2.4-liter gasoline MIVEC engine paired with front and rear electric motors. Further, it uses the Japanese manufacturer’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. 

Notable exterior features include a set of 20-inch machine-finished two-tone alloy wheels, LED illumination, roof rails, a power tailgate with kick sensor, and a panoramic sunroof. 

Its interior gets leather seats, a triple-zone automatic climate control system, and fairly large screens. 

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV will set customers back P2.848 million. 

Jaeoo J5 

Jaecoo Philippines has already unleashed the J5, but the nameplate has just made its way to the Queen City of the South, bringing limited-time ownership packages to early adopters. 

The said package amounts to some P50,000 and includes loyalty and referral incentives, one-year preventive maintenance, one-year roadside assistance, three years of mobile remote vehicle control, and a seven-kilowatt wall charger for J5 EV customers. 

Global buzz 

In other news, Hyundai Motor Company brought out the fifth-generation Tucson, which has undergone a complete redesign through the marque’s “Art of Steel” design philosophy. 

On the other hand, Porsche revived the Flachbau design for a special one-off 911 GT2 RS. Inspired by the legenday Moby Dick, the said model was developed by Porsche’s Sonderwunsch department and Style Porsche, with assistance from Porsche Motorsport engineers and German racing and performance company Manthey. 

Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz gave the C-Class a comprehensive update with exterior upgrades, as well as interior enhancements. It also uses a hybrid engine powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and a 48-volt electrical system. 

Not to be outdone is McLaren, which released the McL 6GT at 2026 Monterey Car Week. The new model was heavily inspired by the M6GT, which was its founder’s original, but unfulfilled, supercar dream. 

For Bentley, its first and upcoming electric model—the Torcal—boasts sustainable interior materials. Components include Merino Wool, an Ombre Veneer made from walnut off-cuts and recycled paper, and the Sunburst Aluminum technical finish. 

As for Ford, the company’s Raptor T1+ pickup truck was able to secure second place at the 2026 Casey Folks Vegas-to-Reno race. It is powered by a 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine and is fitted with a slew of custom parts, allowing it to finish the heat in just seven hours and 43 minutes. 

Storied Italian carmaker Lamborghini has rolled out the Revuelto SV, which is the fifth model to wear the iconic Super Veloce (SV) name. It packs a naturally aspirated V12 engine paired with three electric motors and a high-performance battery, only 1,963 examples are made of the model. 

Finally, Aston Martin broke out the Vale, which is the world’s most powerful front-engined vehicle. It uses a 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine and is strictly limited to 150 units worldwide. 

Other stories 

Other local stories include Mitsubishi earning nods from the Santa Rosa, Laguna GREEN (Guarantee the Restoration of the Environment and our Ecological Niche) Awards, Suzuki Philippines updating its Iloilo dealership, and Hyundai Philippines reactivating “Service with a Heart Promo.” 

Toyota Philippines, too, warned the public against individuals selling vehicles above their respective suggested retail prices. 

Also read:

ZW weekly wrap: May 18-22

Zigwheels PH Monthly Wrap: April 2026

ZW weekly wrap: Jul. 27-31

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