TessDrive brings you the latest developments in vehicle engineering, active driver assistance systems, flood-resilient powertrains, and nationwide safety education shaping modern Philippine mobility.
Suzuki launches sportier Ertiga GLX AT hybrid variant
Suzuki Philippines expanded its mild-hybrid compact MPV portfolio with the introduction of the Ertiga GLX AT-Hybrid Sport. Designed for active families and modern professionals seeking bolder aesthetics without sacrificing interior space or fuel efficiency, the new variant adds a factory-fitted athletic aero kit to the trusted 7-seat platform.
Exterior styling enhancements include a front under spoiler, side under spoilers, rear under spoiler, rear upper roof spoiler, and the official Suzuki Sport emblem. The model is available in two exterior color options: Magma Gray Metallic and Snow White Pearl.
The variant retains Ertiga’s proven Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki (SHVS) powertrain, offering practical versatility for urban commuting, school runs, and weekend family getaways.
Check out https://auto.suzuki.com.ph/, or follow @suzukiautoph on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
GAC PH debuts new GN6 7-seater MPV with Level 2 ADAS
GAC Philippines officially introduced the new GN6, positioning it as the most accessible entry in its newly expanded MPV family alongside the E8 HEV and GN8 PHEV Executive.
Key specs and family utility
Built on a 2,810-mm wheelbase with an overall length of 4,792-mm, the GN6 features second-row independent captain’s chairs with armrests and a third-row seat that folds completely flat into the luggage floor, expanding cargo volume from 324 liters up to 1,100 liters.
The new GN6 is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine producing 177 PS and 270 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (7WDCT). Combined fuel consumption is rated at 7.22 liters/100 km (13.85 km/liter) under WLTC (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) standards.
The cabin features a 14.6-inch central infotainment touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone automatic climate control, a built-in PM1 air filtration system, and a power sunroof.
Level 2 ADAS safety
The new GN6 is equipped with adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, integrated cruise assist, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, and a high-definition 360-degree panoramic camera system.
Pricing and warranty
The new GN6 GX introductory price is at P1,198,000 (featuring a P100,000 discount from its standard P1,298,000 SRP for reservations made until Sept. 30, 2026). Available colors include Pearl White and Classic Black with an all-black interior.
Ownership is backed by GAC’s nationwide network of 30 dealerships, a local parts warehouse, two years of complimentary roadside assistance, and a 5-year or 150,000-km vehicle warranty.
Book test drives or reserve at https://www.gacgroup.com/en-ph/test-drive, or follow @gacmotorph on Facebook and Instagram.
VinFast VF 6 brings submersible battery to BEV crossovers
VinFast Philippines highlighted the wet-weather safety engineering of the VinFast VF 6, positioning the all-electric subcompact crossover as a resilient urban mobility option against severe monsoon downpours and flash floods.
Weather-ready engineering, active protection
The VF 6’s 59.6-kWh battery pack, electric drive motor, and critical electrical components are certified IP67, engineered to withstand complete water submersion up to 0.5 meters for 30 minutes without electrical compromise or dust ingress.
With a 170-mm ground clearance and a planted 1,650-kg curb weight, the VF 6 utilizes electronic stability program (ESP), traction control (TCS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), heated side mirrors, and a rear multi-link independent suspension to maintain handling stability across pooled water and damaged roads.
The VF 6 also features adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, a 360-degree camera, and up to 8 airbags on the VF 6 Plus (four on the Eco).
It delivers 310 Nm of instant torque and over 450 km of NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) range. With zero idle fuel consumption during prolonged standstill traffic, the battery recharges from 10% to 70% in 35 minutes via DC fast charging.
Pricing and warranties
For the VF 6 outright purchase (battery included): P1,699,000; with the battery subscription: P1,409,000.
The VF 6 is covered by a 7-year/160,000-km vehicle warranty, a 10-year/200,000-km battery warranty, free home wall charger installation, and complimentary charging at V-Green stations through March 31, 2029.
ACMobility begins ‘Drive Electric’ EV safety program
ACMobility, the end-to-end mobility arm of the Ayala Group, officially launched the Drive Electric EV Safety Program—a nationwide educational campaign designed to dispel common myths and equip motorists, fleet operators, and the public with practical knowledge regarding electric vehicle (EV) technology and safety protocols.
Developed in collaboration with professional instruction partners, the program aligns with guidelines from the Department of Energy (DOE), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP), and the Philippine EV Community (PEVC).
The 5-module curriculum focus areas:
o Comprehensive total cost of ownership (TCO) and long-term operating economics
o High-voltage battery systems and vehicle powertrain safety
o Safe residential and public DC fast-charging practices
o Emergency protocols, flood management, and first-responder guidelines
o Scalable infrastructure and grid integration standards
Following the launch, ACMobility will roll out targeted nationwide seminars, corporate workshops, community clinics, and public test-drive events combining technical instruction with hands-on EV exposure.
ACMobility chief executive officer Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala said: “As we continue to build an end-to-end electric mobility ecosystem, our ultimate priority is to empower the Filipino driver to make the shift to a more sustainable and cost-effective transport option. We are taking on the commitment to spread EV safety awareness through the Drive Electric EV Safety Program, which aims to equip Filipinos with practical tools and accessible technical knowledge on EVs.”
Register for educational workshops or track sessions at https://www.acmobility.ph/, or follow ACMobility on Facebook and Instagram.