Article and Images by Paul John Caña of esquiremag.ph
Lynk & Co was first introduced in the Philippines in 2024. Compared to most other automotive brands, it’s relatively young; it was founded less than 10 years ago as a collaboration between Chinese brand Geely and Swedish brand Volvo. It’s enough to pique the interest of any car enthusiast, including myself.
Luckily, I got to spend time behind the wheel of the Lynk & Co 06, a subcompact crossover that aims to capture a sizable chunk of the popular segment in the country. I had the car for a few days, driving it through both the congested streets of Metro Manila during the work week, and then stretching its legs on the open highways and rural roads over the weekend.
My initial impression of the car was that, while it doesn’t stray too far from the general silhouette of most crossovers, it does offer a few standout features, including sharp LED headlights, daytime running lights that the company says are inspired by the Aurora Borealis, and taillights that mimic pixels (what it calls “energy cubes”).
Inside, the cabin feels far more premium than what its price point suggests. The seats are supportive but not stiff, with a clean layout and physical controls for the essentials. There’s a large 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen front and center, paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system is straightforward to use—clear menus, responsive screen, and easy Bluetooth pairing.
I also liked that it already includes premium features including a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, and the transparent chassis view, which lets drivers virtually see under the car while parking. There’s also wireless charging, which is always a nifty feature (although my current phone doesn’t yet support it).
But the impressive thing about the interior is the space. Despite being a subcompact SUV, the 06 never felt cramped; with ample legroom at the back, and about 280 liters of cargo space in the boot that was extendable to over 1,000 liters when the rear seats were folded. Translation: if you need space for shopping bags, packages, golf clubs, and other things, the 06 has got you covered.
Under the hood, the Lynk & Co 06 is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 181 hp. For non-gearheads, that just means it has more than enough power to get ahead in city traffic, even with the aircon blasting on a humid afternoon. Paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, gear changes were smooth and quick—no jerks or lag, which I appreciated.
In the city, I averaged about 8.5 to nine kilometers per liter, which went up during cruising speeds on the highway. The suspension is also noteworthy, soaking up rough patches as much as possible.
Throughout the week, I kept thinking how well the Lynk & Co 06 fits into the lifestyle of busy urban professionals like myself. It looks sharp and modern, spacious enough to handle everything from suitcases to moving boxes, and it offers comfort for both traffic jams and long drives.
Of course, it’s the price that really makes it attractive for potential customers. According to the Lynk & Co, the 06 Origin SE variant starts at P1.099 million and comes with a five-year or 150,000 km warranty and two years of free periodic maintenance service (PMS). Clearly it presents a practical and very real alternative for those looking to drive something beyond what we usually see on the roads.
Source: https://www.esquiremag.ph/wheels/drive/lynk-co-06-drive-a2556-20250817
