![](https://149367133.v2.pressablecdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/GadgetMatch-Ford-Mustang-Convertible-Featured.jpg)
![](https://149367133.v2.pressablecdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/GadgetMatch-Ford-Mustang-Convertible-Featured-560x600.jpg)
No doubt, the most powerful car I’ve driven for the past year is the Ford Mustang 5.0 GT and it never fails to impress. This adrenaline-inducing speed machine was made more enjoyable as it now comes as a convertible. In my book, nothing else screams “fun” like this American muscle car.
The styling of the current model stays true to its heritage with that massive vented hood that gives the car a masculine and bold look. It has its intimidating headlamps along with an aggressive grille, broad shoulder and beltlines, and the iconic triple lamp tail lights which we all recognize.
Yes, this car looks stunning, but what Mustang enthusiasts are really after is performance. Ford has managed to fine-tune the current model to near perfection. Significant improvements and changes to power, handling, and safety of the vehicle were also ensured.
The updated 5.0 Coyote V8 is now fitted with high-pressure direct injection, bigger intake and exhaust valves, and increased compression ratios (12:0:1) boosting power to 460hp and 569Nm of torque with redline increased to 7500rpm and now mated to a 10-speed gearbox.
The sound of the engine alone is exhilarating as all that V8 goodness rumble. The independent rear suspensions, along with improved dampers, make this car very agile and easy around the corners.
In addition, you now have customizable steering settings that can change the steering wheel’s responsiveness and stiffness with a push of a button.
Other notable updates are the obvious facelift, featuring a newly designed hood with a lower grille and headlamps, new front and rear bumper and fender design, a more aggressive rear redesign with quad-tip exhaust and a sportier rear diffuser standard across all GT models.
Full LED headlights, a new full 12 inch LCD digital instrument cluster, and a 10-inch infotainment system with a 12-speaker setup are also what awaits you. You can even customize each selectable drive mode and get a number of performance metrics straight from your instrument panel.
Safety features also got an update such as pre-collision emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist.
The interior also stays true to Mustang’s styling cues with those classic circular air vents, brushed aluminum accents all around, and soft-touch plastic and leather trims. Front seats are fairly comfortable while the rear may be a bit cramped especially if you’re tall.
Let’s get down to the driving experience. As soon as you get on the driver’s seat, you kind of feel a connection with the car and it just gives you an extra confidence boost.
Turning on the engine was already an exhilarating experience for me. And when I took it to our favorite scenic road in Sierra Madre on Normal Mode, it felt surprisingly comfortable for a sports car. It was smooth, quiet, and tame.
However, the whole car transforms completely once you set the driving mode to Sport+ Mode. It becomes a proper race car with power that just blows me away. We are talking 0-100 in under four seconds.
Throttle response is more sensitive while gear shifts are more delayed. And to top it all, drive it with the roof down and you will have the time of your life — I know I did.
A piece of advice though, try not to use its paddle shifters on Normal Mode. You downshift second gear using the paddle shifter and the car disapproves of your choices. It has a mind of its own and will immediately put you back into third gear making the maneuver super slow while simply making its engine grunt. It’s better to just floor it. And with the roof down, people will definitely remember your face, the guy in a Mustang who failed overtaking a Corolla.
Overall, the Mustang GT Convertible is probably one of the most fun cars I’ve driven. It can drive like a tame and normal vehicle and be as brutal as a race car. Given the new updates, you are getting more tech for your money. Fuel economy is not the best, but people buying this car will probably not mind, given what this car has to offer.
If you’re only after the looks of the Mustang, probably get the Ecoboost variant for better fuel economy, but Mustang enthusiasts will definitely enjoy the 5.0 V8. In my opinion, this model is very much worth the upgrade from the 2015-2017 Mustang.
![](https://149367133.v2.pressablecdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/gadgetmatch-366x120a-3-1.png)
Automotive
Ford Philippines’s retail performance rose to 55 Percent for H1 2023
Next-Generation models are at play
![](https://149367133.v2.pressablecdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/gadgetmatch-20230601-next-gen-ford-everest-titanium-13.jpg)
Way to go, Ford!
The automotive company delivered a strong retail performance for the first half of the year in the Philippines. Thanks to its Next-Generation vehicle lineup, Ford Philippines’s retail sales rose 55 percent from a year ago to 13,838 vehicles.
The Next-Generation Ranger became Ford’s top-selling vehicle in the country, with sales growing by 25 percent year-on-year to 5,436 units sold. The addition of the Next-Generation Ranger Raptor also boosted retail performance, with sales reaching close to 600 units since its launch in late May.
Furthermore, the newly-launched Next-Generation Territory contributed to Ford’s strong sales as well. Like its predecessors, it’s still the leading small SUV in the Philippines, with sales increasing by 22 percent to 4,493 units. The Next-Gen model also breached the 2,500-unit mark in less than three months after its launch at the Manila International Auto Show.
Meanwhile, the Ford Everest continues to thrive in the competitive mid-size SUV segment. It delivered strong sales performance, growing by 503 percent from last year to 3,786 vehicles.
Enhanced ownership experiences
Ford is committed to improving the ownership experiences, giving the Next-Gen Ranger, Territory, and Everest with a five-year warranty. Moreover, Ford Philippines also introduced new service initiatives designed to provide ease and convenience in owning a Ford vehicle.
For instance, Express Service is offered to customers who prefer to have their vehicles serviced in a more efficient way than the usual maintenance. Pickup and Delivery, on another note, is available for those who are interested to have their vehicle serviced without interrupting their day. Participating dealers will pick-up the vehicle, service it, and bring it back to the customer’s preferred location.
“These milestones testify to our commitment to enhance the Ford ownership experience with vehicles and services that our customers need and deserve,” shares Mike Breen, managing director, Ford Philippines.
“We celebrate these milestones with our customers who continue to patronize the Ford brand, as well as with our dealers for their partnership and commitment to enhance the customer experience. We are truly energized and excited for what’s to come for the second half of the year.”
![Honda City | Brio](https://149367133.v2.pressablecdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/new-honda-city-brio-collage-20230714.jpg)
Honda Cars Philippines has officially launched the latest editions of the Honda City and Honda Brio at the Mega Fashion Hall at SM Megamall.
Both the newest City and Brio variants feature improvements in their exterior and interior designs and the full suite of Honda’s safety features, including Honda SENSING.
The New City
The new Honda City gets sportier and more stylish with a crafted RS design front grille with RS emblem, as well as a new front and rear bumper with carbon-wrapped molding.
On the side are sharp horizontal character lines while exclusive to the RS variant is the new Side Sill garnish. The windshield shape has also been modified to reduce blind spots further.
The exterior is complemented by new LED daytime running headlights and fog lights available across all variants. The Honda City also gets 15- to 16-inch redesigned alloy wheels in Black Cut, Silver Cut, Silver paint Alloy, or Steel with cover.
For the interior, the RS gets full leather seats, new designs on the pedals, improved accents for its panels, and ambient lights for its instrument cluster.
Models also get an advanced 8-inch touchscreen display with improved LCD and a better reverse camera resolution. For entertainment, the new City can be connected to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
In terms of performance, the City’s 1.5 DOHC i-VTEC CVT engine delivers a maximum output of 121 PS and 145 Nm of torque; the car also tested for 22.2 kilometers per liter for fuel efficiency.
The New Brio
Meanwhile, Honda’s standout compact hatchback is finally getting its second-generation model, with more enhancements to cater to first-time or alternative car buyers who seek style, comfort, and performance.
The latest Brio’s exterior gets a handful of updates, from its Piano Black RS design front grille, updated fog lights and garnish, and daytime running lights.
At the back are the tailgate spoiler and RS design rear bumper lower garnish and tail lights in the RS variants while the wheels have been updated to 14-inch Alloy and Steel or 15-inch Alloy.
Inside is a 7-inch touchscreen across all models; the new Brio variants also have enhanced audio controls and an assortment of connectivity options including Bluetooth, USB, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The RS variants get up to a 6-speaker setup, inclusive of two tweeters.
In terms of safety, all new variants get Honda’s G-CON technology, ABS, and electronic Brake-Force distribution, along with parking sensors.
Price, availability
Honda City
- 1.5 E CVT: PhP 973,000
- 1.5 S CVT: PhP 998,000
- 1.5 V CVT: PhP 1,073,000
- 1.5 RS CVT: PhP 1,128,000
Available colors
- Ignite Red Metallic (RS CVT, V CVT and S CVT)
- Obsidian Blue Pearl (new color; RS CVT and V CVT)
- Platinum White Pearl (RS CVT and V CVT, additional PhP 20,000)
- Taffeta White (S CVT and E CVT)
- Lunar Silver Metallic (S CVT and E CVT)
- Meteoroid Gray Metallic (all variants)
Honda Brio
- 1.2 S MT: 735,000
- 1.2 V CVT: 827,000
- 1.2 RS CVT: 853,000
- 1.2 RS Black Top CVT: PhP 863,000
Available colors
- Stellar Diamond Pearl (new color; RS Black Top CVT and RS CVT; additional PhP 20,000)
- Electric Lime Metallic (new color; RS Black Top CVT and V CVT)
- Phoenix Orange Pearl (RS Black Top CVT)
- Rallye Red (V CVT)
- Meteoroid Gray Metallic (RS CVT, V CVT, and S MT)
- Taffeta White (V CVT and S MT)
![](https://149367133.v2.pressablecdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/190626-GadgetMatch-2019-All-New-Honda-BR-V-Exterior-Front-Bumper-2.jpg)
Seven months after its launch in the Philippines, the all-new Honda BR-V has become the car manufacturer’s best-selling SUV locally, with over 5,000 units sold to date.
The 7-seater SUV combines both a classy exterior and a comfortable interior, along with a powerful and fuel-efficient engine and advanced features to give owners great peace of mind.
The model comes in four variants and five color options ranging from PhP 1,090,000 for the 1.5 S manual transmission to PhP 1,390,000 for the 1.5 VX CVT with Honda SENSING.
Some of the SUV’s distinct features are its 17-inch alloy wheels, leather seats for the higher end variants, a larger cargo area, one-touch tumble second row seats, height and steering wheel adjusters, and a 7-inch high-resolution touchscreen display.
The Honda BR-V’s engine has a maximum power of 121 PS (6,600 rpm) and maximum torque of 145 Nm (4,300 rpm), making it an ideal vehicle for one’s next road trip, no matter the road conditions.
In terms of safety, owners get Honda’s entire suite of advanced and intelligent safety features, like its LaneWatch Camera, Walk Away Auto Lock, Hill Start Assist, ABS and EBD, and more.
-
Reviews2 weeks ago
The Xiaomi Pad 6 is great for the editor on-the-go
-
Reviews2 weeks ago
HONOR 90 review: Simply bedazzling
-
Gaming2 weeks ago
Refurbished Steam Decks are now available through Valve
-
Health2 weeks ago
Redmi Watch 3 Active: Basic but better
-
Gaming2 weeks ago
Rockstar officially partners with Grand Theft Auto V roleplay servers
-
Gaming2 weeks ago
PlayStation 5 Slim supposedly leaked online
-
Entertainment2 weeks ago
Catch Cinemalaya 2023 films at Ayala Malls this weekend
-
Apps2 weeks ago
Spotify DJ feature now available in the Philippines