Inflation hit us like Ric Flair’s chest chops in WWE. But instead of saying “woo!” we were left saying “whew,” because these prices keep rising and rising. Luckily, the car companies still find a way to offer formidable cars under a million pesos; so in this rundown, we’ll take a look at your options.
Before you crucify me for not including crowd favorites, I’m a little more strict this time around. I didn’t include cars with top-of-the-line variants priced more than a million. That means models like the Toyota Vios and Raize, Honda City, MG ZS, and others are excluded from this list. Intiendes? And just so you know, these are arranged alphabetically according to their brand name.
Chery Tiggo 2 Pro
With the styling of its bigger siblings, the Chery Tiggo 2 Pro exudes modern sportiness in a more compact form highlighted by its dot-matrix grille design. It’s not all for show too as the cabin is just as dazzling as the exterior. It has a modern design, leather interior, even remote engine start and cruise control.
Geely Emgrand
This sedan barely made the list with its P999,000 price tag. Geely managed to get a lot of eyes on their sole sedan offering thanks to its European-inspired design mixed with modern flair. The cabin is also very unique with its high center console and upmarket feel of its materials.
Honda Brio
The Brio went against the norm of cutesy and faux sporty with its mature styling and spacious cabin. Inside there’s an orange insert if you go for the RS variant, while digital display for the aircon and steering wheel controls are standard. It also has a 1.2-liter engine under the hood putting it slightly ahead of its competition.
Jetour Ice Cream
New to the market and undoubtedly the cheapest all-electric car in the Philippines right now, the Jetour Ice Cream is a quirky offering for those looking for a greener means of transportation. It’s a two-door micro hatchback that comes with Jetour’s 6-year or unlimited mileage warranty.
Kia Stonic
Kia’s budget crossover is a formidable one even for the budget conscious. It has the looks that will turn heads, a spritely 1.4-liter engine, 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, Push Start button, stability control and more for under a million.
MG 5
If minimalism is your cup of tea, the MG5 will please your taste buds. It has sporty cues without being overdone, while the dashboard has fewer and more subtle buttons for a cleaner look. It also doesn’t skimp on safety as it’s available with 6 airbags, stability control, electronic parking brake, and even tire pressure monitoring.
Mitsubishi Mirage G4
For those who are not in dense areas, they’ll appreciate the Mirage G4. It has a unique look thanks to its front fascia, a spacious cabin, modern amenities, and is powered by a more frugal 1.2-liter engine for better fuel efficiency.
Suzuki S-Presso AGS
Basic isn’t so basic anymore as Suzuki just launched the two-pedal S-Presso. Aside from the transmission, they also brought their coffee to the modern era with power side mirrors, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Engine Auto Start-Stop, and Hill Hold Control, among others.
Suzuki Swift
It might be aging already but the Suzuki Swift still provides a great driving experience without burning a hole in your pocket. The 1.2-liter engine put in a small and light body results in a lively drive especially on winding roads. It’s also updated with rear sensors, rear camera, and 8-inch touchscreen with Apple and Android.
Toyota Wigo
A mix of sportiness, frugality, and modern tech – Toyota was able to blend all three in the Toyota Wigo. It has a sporty styling outside but basic materials inside. What stands out is its slew of features for a small hatchback. It has a push start button, power folding side mirrors, touchscreen with Apple and Android, and even a built-in dashcam.