Zigwheels weekly wrap: Feb. 23-27

MANILA: The final week of February turned out to be full of hard-hitters with model launches in both the auto and moto sectors of the local vehicle industry. Some marques also teased upcoming models that are likely to excite car buyers and have them hold off their budgets for the poised local launch of these models. 

Further, some brands posted milestones both for specific nameplates and achievements reached by the companies themselves. And because these carmakers are not just about making money, but also about helping the community, we will talk about corporate social responsibility initiatives that took place last week. 

So, for your dose of the biggest stories that transpired the week before, here is Zigwheels Philippines’ wrap up news. 

Local launches 

Denza D9 

Arguably, the biggest shaker of the week was Denza launching the D9 luxury multi-purpose vehicle (MVP). Despite being categorized as such, it is obviously larger and more spacious than other MPVs in the country. 

Upon introduction, it is offered in a single variant priced at P4.298 million, with the first 30 customers getting a special discounted price at P3.998 million. 

Buyers will enjoy inclusive perks such as a 24/7 contact center support and roadside assistance, eight years or 150,000 km battery warranty, free chargers (alternating current wall charger and portable charger), a three-year preventive maintenance service, and a membership to the Denza Club Community. 

Relatedly, Denza inaugurated its initial dealers, which are located in Makati, Alabang, and Cebu. The former is operated by Harmony New Energy Auto Incorporated, while the latter are run by ACMobility Premium Dealership Incorporated. 

Opening soon is Denza Greenhills. 

Other stories: GAC International PH to bring in GS8 HEV Denza PH launches D9 MPV Is P3.5-M the right price for the Honda Prelude?

Previewed models 

Jaecoo J5 

Sister brands Omoda and Jaecoo Philippines previewed the J5, touted as a suitable model for the modern car buyer who is eco-conscious but needs a ride that can keep up with an adventurous lifestyle. 

Power comes from a 1.5-liter turbocharged hybrid engine that puts out up to 221 horsepower (hp) and 295 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. 

The crossover was previewed at Ayala Malls Manila Bay, which coincided with the brands’ Dealer Conference in Okada Manila. 

GAC GS8 HEV 

Despite the quick exit of previous distributor Astara Philippines, GAC — which is now under GAC International — appears to be in good shape and is poised to launch the hybrid version of the GS8 sport utility vehicle (SUV). 

While the actual specifications for the Philippine market model are yet to be finalized, versions sold elsewhere use a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine paired with two electric motors. 

The engine produces 188 hp and 320 Nm, while the front motor adds a further 180 hp and 270 Nm. The rear motor contributes 53 hp and 121 Nm. 

Like the abovementioned Jaecoo J5, the GAC GS8 HEV was also previewed during the company’s dealer conference, which marked the first time that GAC International Philippines has brought its entire dealer network under one roof. 

Toyota RAV4 HEV 

The upcoming Toyota RAV4 HEV now has a price tag, which starts at P2.183 million (ADV variant). The local wing of the Japanese carmaker also revealed that the range-topping variant (LTD) is priced at P2.499 million. 

Additionally, a special White Pearl color option is available for the Toyota RAV4 LTD HEV AWD CVT for an additional P15,000. 

Relatedly, the crossover was first seen in the metal at the 54th Golden Tee held at the Manila Golf and Country Club sometime last month. 

And speaking of upcoming Japanese cars… 

Honda Prelude 

Honda Cars Philippines Incorporated has started taking orders for the all-new Prelude. 

Enthusiasts can now place their orders for the highly anticipated sports car, which will retail for P3.498 million. 

It was first previewed locally at the final leg of the 2025 HondaFest. It also earned the recognition of the Department of Energy, which serves as the regulatory agency for electrified vehicles in the country. 

Motorcycle launches 

Kawasaki 2026 lineup 

Kawasaki Philippines wasted no time and presented its 2026 lineup in a single event. 

Among the launched nameplates are the unmistakably Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, which was built with feedback from the Kawasaki Racing Team in the World Superbike Championship. 

Catching the attention of thrill-seekers, too, was the Z1100, which comes with increased engine displacement, advanced riding systems, Brembo front brakes, Öhlins suspension, and Electronic Throttle Valve System technology. 

Other notable releases were the Kawasaki KLE500 and KLE500 SE, Ninja 650, and Z650S. 

Bajaj roster 

Following Kawasaki’s template, Bajaj Philippines, too, dumped its 2026 lineup in a single presentation. 

Revealed were five nameplates, which are the Dominar400, Pulsar NS400Z, Pulsar RS200, Pulsar NS160, and Pulsar NS125. 

Bajaj is currently under the stewardship of Trimotors Technology Corporation in the Philippines. For those following the local motorcycle beat, they would remember that the Dominar400 was previously under Kawasaki Motors Philippines. 

Honda Click125 

The Honda Click125 was launched early in February, but Zigwheels Philippines reported just last week that the engine of the small-displacement scooter is now built locally. 

Its powerplant is now built at the brand’s factory in Batangas, which started making frames for the Honda Click125 in December 2022. 

Previously, Honda Click125 engines were sourced from Indonesia. 

Milestones, CSR initiatives 

Other brands reported milestones. 

For example, the Mitsubishi Xpander was named the best-selling vehicle of 2025. Relatedly, it bagged the best MPV title for the third consecutive time. 

On the other hand, Ford Motor Philippines shared that the Mustang Mach-E — which is available in the country — led the battery electric vehicle rankings in the J.D. Power 2026 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Ownership Study. 

Ford Philippines President and Managing Director Pedro Simoes expressed pride over the said citation. 

Not too long ago, the Ford Everest Titanium+ 4x4 dominated the local 4x4 midsize SUV segment, while the Mustang was named the best sports car in the Philippines. 

Back with Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation, the company has celebrated a milestone for building 900,000 L300 light commercial vehicles in the Philippines. 

Meanwhile, Hino Philippines was able to deliver a fleet of 300 Series light-duty trucks to a large logistics business in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. According to the company, the said move enhances the overall strength of the country’s logistics backbone. 

In local corporate social responsibility news, Isuzu Philippines delivered aid to Cebuanos struck by Typhoon Tino. The relief packs included canned goods, drinking water, and a sack of rice. 

The company also deployed the Isuzu Mobile Medic unit to transport relief goods. 

Other stories 

In other news stories, Geely Motor announced that it has plans to introduce its Global Electric Architecture (GEA) platform to the Philippines. Meanwhile, ACMobility teamed up with the Department of Tourism to accelerate local tourism via the “Drive Electric. Love Pinas.” campaign. 

Finally, Hyundai Motor Philippines Incorporated rolled out two new promos for February, which are the “Year of the Horse” and “Drive for More” promos. 

Also read: 

Zigwheels weekly wrap: Feb. 16-20

Zigwheels weekly wrap: Feb. 9-13

Zigwheels weekly wrap: Feb. 2-6

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