When we talk of entry level cars, most of us think of the small hatchbacks like the Toyota Wigo and Honda Brio. There is some truth to that of course since they are affordable, therefore more attainable for first time buyers. But if we end in that thought, we’d be stuck with those two small hatchbacks forever.
Entry level isn’t just about price point, but trim level as well. Does base mean bare? Do you really have to go for the top of the line model to have a well-equipped car? Not everyone is looking for all the bells and whistles in their car. That’s why in this section we listed down some cars that offer a great value for your money.
Changan CS15
Changan dipped their toes in the smaller crossover segment with the CS15 that has a very enticing price of PHP 799,000. It’s already complete with the basics but comes with some advanced toys as well. For that price you’re getting a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Cruise Control, Hill Hold Control, and a Power Sunroof as well.
Kia Sonet LX AT
Kia has revised its offering in the small crossover segment with the new Kia Sonet. Its base ‘matic LX AT trim is priced at PHP 868,000 and has some nice goodies as well. It comes with a sizable 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 6 speakers. Safety bits are also above average with Rear Sensors, Rear Camera, and Front Airbags.
Dongfeng Nanobox EV
There are cheaper EVs in the market but the problem is, they’re too small for long jaunts in the city – especially the second row. The Dongfeng Nanobox EV solves that problem and more with its PHP 888,000 tag. Aside from having 4 doors and proper human space, the Nanobox EV has 351km of driving range, a 7-inch Digital Gauge Cluster, 10-inch touchscreen, Rear Sensors, Rear Camera, and even a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. It even has an onboard charging system in case you forget your more powerful charger.
GAC GS3 Emzoom GS
All attention is on the top of the line R-style trim, but the GS3 Emzoom GS has the best bang for the buck in its range. This subcompact crossover is listed at PHP 998,000 and has the same 1.5-liter Turbo engine that puts out 174 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque, paired to a 7-speed Dual Clutch. It also comes with creature comforts like Cruise Control, Hill Hold Control, Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Brake Hold, and LED lighting.
GAC M6 Pro GS
GAC is trying to buck the trend in MPVs by having the base GS trim of the M6 Pro come with captain seats for the second row. It lacks leather for sure, but it makes up for it with Dual Zone Aircon, Hill Start Control, Hill Descent Control, 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and even squeezed a Tire Pressure Monitoring System in there.
Honda City E CVT
The base model of the Honda City doesn’t have much, really. It has a 2-DIN radio, steel wheels, and halogen lighting for PHP 973,000. However, it comes with the complete suite of Honda Sensing making it the most affordable car in the segment with Advanced Driver Assist System. Aside from that, it also has Front and Side Airbags, Speed Sensing Door Locks, Stability Assist, and Hill Start Assist. If safety is paramount but you’re on a budget, this City sedan base trim might be for you.
Toyota Yaris Cross
Toyota’s small crossover seems to be purpose-built in every trim level. That’s why even the base G variant is equipped nicely at PHP 1,204,000. It has LED lighting, Auto Folding Side Mirrors, Push Start Button, Automatic Aircon, 7-inch Digital Gauge Cluster, 10.1-inch Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Safety is also well rounded with 6 Airbags, Front and Rear Sensors, Rear Camera, Hill Start Assist, and Stability Control.
Mitsubishi XFORCE
Mitsubishi recently rejoined the crossover segment with the new XFORCE that starts at PHP 1,367,000. What’s great about it is the base GS model shares a lot of creature comforts with the much more expensive GT like Instrument Cluster, huge touchscreen with Avionics and Wireless Apple CarPlay, as well as the Yamaha Sound System. The performance bits are shared too like the engine, Stability Control, and the Mitsubishi Signature Active Yaw Control.
As mentioned earlier, these are just some of the choices on top of my head. There may be others out there in the market. It’s just hard to keep track with a lot of brands and cars coming into the country every month.
