ZW PH weekly wrap: Sep. 28-Oct. 2

MANILA: Despite the lack of launches last week, we were still treated to model updates in the local motorcycle segment and have seen several global releases—some of which might make their way here to the Philippines. 

Of course, we also got to cover a fair amount of dealership openings, as well as some heavy transport stories. 

That said, here is the abridged version of last week’s hottest news. 

Other stories: LTFRB issues SCO vs. 19 ride-hailing firms for not following fare hike Green GSM establishes presence in Northern Mindanao Ford Global Caring Month in PH gives back to communities

Model upgrades 

TVS iQube 

TVS Philippines has updated the iQube electric scooter. 

Competing against the likes of the VinFast Feliz II, the emissions-free two-wheeler received notable upgrades and is fitted with a seven-inch digital display with TVS Connect App, a pillion backrest, and underseat storage with 32 liters of boot space. 

Power comes from a hub-mounted electric motor juiced by up to two non-swappable 3.5-kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium-ion battery packs, providing a real-world range of 115 kilometers (km). 

It also has a suspension system made up of Duplex tubular frame (front) and hydraulic twin tube shock absorbers. 

Now priced lower, the TVS iQube stickers for P99,800. 

TVS King EV Max, Orbiter preview 

TVS also previewed the King EV Max three-wheeler and Orbiter scooter during the launch of the updated iQube at Wheeltek’s 50th Anniversary Exhibition. 

The former uses a single permanent-magnet synchronous motor paired with a 9.2-kWh battery with a 179-km range. 

Other features include selectable drive modes (Eco, City, Power), an LED headlamp, front and rear drum brakes, and a fully digital gauge cluster. 

Meanwhile, the latter packs a brushless, hub-mounted electric motor with a 3.1 kWh battery to offer a range of 158 km. 

Features include LED lighting, a 34-liter underseat cargo space, cruise control, hill-hold assist, reverse parking assist, and a fully digital instrument panel. 

TVS Motor Philippines has yet to publish the pricing for the Orbiter and King EV Max for the local market. 

Global news 

Honda Civic Type R 

Honda Motor Company Limited released the upgrade list for the 2027 Civic Type R. 

These include updated styling, a more refined interior, additional connectivity features, improved safety and driver-assistance systems, enhanced engine cooling, and driving-performance improvements. 

Under the hood, it retains the K20C turbocharged gasoline engine, which produces 315 horsepower (hp). 

Land Rover Range Rover Sport Electric 

Jaguar Land Rover has released the Range Rover Sport Electric. 

The all-electric model uses a pair of electric motors and a 118.5-kWh battery and is based on an 800-volt electric vehicle (EV) architecture. 

It produces a maximum of 542 hp and 850 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. Despite the large body, it can accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in just 4.3 seconds (Dynamic Launch Mode) and can travel up to 600 km on a single charge. 

BMW 3 Series 

BMW has introduced the all-new 3 Series sedans, alongside a fully electric i3. 

It uses a TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline-six gasoline engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system for an output of 443 hp. 

Power for the electric model comes from two (front and rear axle) electric motors paired with a high-voltage battery, with the 50 xDrive capable of putting out some 469 horses and 645 Nm of pulling power. Range is rated at 912 km on a single charge. 

Nissan PIXO 

Nissan Motor Company Limited has unveiled the all-new PIXO for the European market. 

Propulsion is from an electric motor paired with a 27.5 kWh battery, which makes 80 hp. Range-wise, it can drive up to 259 km, with the battery reaching 80 percent in 29 minutes using a direct current charger. 

The all-new Nissan PIXO will be produced at Renault’s Novo Mesto manufacturing facility in Slovenia and is slated for an early 2027 launch. 

Other stories 

In other news, hybrid electric vehicles are now included in the transport network vehicle services allocation released by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). In the National Capital Region, some 7,500 new slots have been opened—previously exclusive to EVs. 

Further, the Non-Contact Apprehension Policy has been reinstated in Metro Manila cities after the Supreme Court lifted its temporary restraining order. 

The system will use the standardized matrix of traffic fines and penalties under the Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023, along with standardized traffic rules and related procedures. 

Motorists can check their penalties through the websites of participating local government units. Violations can also be checked through the eGovPH smartphone application and the Metro Manila Development Authority’s “May Huli Ka” system.  

In addition, the LTFRB has issued a show-cause order to 19 transport network company providers for not following the government-approved fare increase. 

For dealership expansion stories, Dongfeng Motors Philippines has added Superb Motors Corporation to its dealer network with the opening of a new facility along United Nations Avenue in Paco, Manila. 

Not to be outdone, Suzuki Philippines Incorporated opened a new dealership in Oton, Iloilo; operated by Grand Canyon Multi Holdings. It sits at J.C. Zulueta Street, Poblacion South. 

Also read:

ZW weekly wrap: Aug 24-28

Zigwheels weekly wrap: Aug. 17-21

Zigwheels weekly wrap: Aug. 10-14

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