It’s the start of the new year and as we look forward to another 12 months of fast-paced new car launches, we take a look back at some of the cars we tested last year that we feel would become bestsellers (or should be).
Since many of those new cars are really, really good, we whittled it down by setting a price ceiling of P1.6 million for this list. Here they are in no particular order.
- Toyota Ativ
Not only does the Ativ come from the most trusted car brand on the market, it also offers the most affordable (P1,198,000) hybrid variant in Toyota’s vast model lineup. That it also offers everything the bestselling Vios offers but in a fresher and better equipped package makes the Ativ a surefire winner.
2. Chery Grand Tour
Chery’s P1,188,000 Grand Tour is basically a midsized three-row SUV that’s priced to compete against much smaller and lesser equipped—but very popular—subcompact MPVs. That’s the best of both worlds.
3. Hyundai Elantra
It’s almost sad how formerly sedan-loving Filipinos have practically abandoned the genre in favor of SUVs. The Hyundai Elantra is a stunningly capable car. It feels and drives almost like a luxury sedan—while looking very head-turning and sleek. It starts at a surprisingly affordable P1,065,000 and even its hybrid variant is still very attainable at P1,480,000. One drive in an Elantra and you’ll know what you’re missing.
4. Mitsubishi Destinator
Two of the Destinator’s three variants fall below our P1.6M price ceiling (Mitsubishi’s new midsize SUV starts at a very attainable P1,398,000). It offers much of the Montero Sport’s space and versatility but with a more comfortable and car-like ride.
5. MG ZS
It’s been over six months since I tested the ZS (and have tested more than a dozen other cars since), but I still remember being thoroughly impressed by MG’s new subcompact SUV. The ZS was the bestseller when the brand debuted in 2018. And all I can say is this: the all-new ZS is way better than its predecessor. Best of all, its price is delightfully budget-friendly, with a starting price of just P948,888 and a top-of-the-line price of P1,328,888 for the fully loaded hybrid variant.
6. Radar RD6 Econ EV
Radar is the Geely Group’s lifestyle pickup brand. What sets it apart from traditional pickups is it comes only as a plug-in hybrid (RD6 EM-P) or a full EV (RD6 Econ), although only the full EV variants are the ones that fall under our P1.6M price ceiling (it starts at P1.358M). Personally, what matters most is the surprisingly comfy car-like ride that’s totally opposite of the typical harsh ride you find in most pickups. Credit goes to the Radar’s monocoque body construction and its fully independent (MacPherson strut front/multilink rear) suspension. Remove the diesel clatter of a typical pickup and you have one the most refined pickup rides you can ever experience.
7. Honda Civic V Turbo
Like the aforementioned Elantra, the Civic represents the best that a sedan can offer. If you put high value in the driving experience, few cars can compete with the Honda Civic. It’s exceedingly good in every aspect and is simply one of the most rewarding cars to drive on the planet. The entry variant V Turbo variant gives excellent bang for the buck with its sticker price that’s exactly at our P1.6M ceiling for this list.
8. Suzuki Fronx
Suzuki has been a small car specialist ever since. And its latest subcompact crossover is no exception. It looks flashier and sportier than any recent Suzuki, but it’s the overall competence of this little car that should make more people seriously consider it. It’s eminently affordable too, with prices that range from P1,059,000 (1.5 GL) to P1,299,000 (1.5 SGX MHEV 2-tone).
9. Chery Tiggo rEV
A recent Department of Energy eco run had the P1,588,000 Chery Tiggo rEV registering fuel consumption figures of 84.28 kilometers per liter. That alone could make legions of buyers rushing to a Chery dealership. But it’s the premium build and posh materials and aesthetics they will find inside and outside this spacious midsize 7-seater that will seal the deal. Fuel efficient, powerful, spacious, and luxurious—what more can you ask for?
10. Mazda3
Same argument for the Elantra and the Civic—sporty sedan driving fun. But this time, add one of the most beautiful body shapes to grace the tarmac. The P1,510,000 Mazda3 is a rolling art masterpiece, whether in Sedan or 5-door Fastback body style. That it embodies Mazda’s inspiring jinba ittai (horse and rider as one) driving philosophy makes it the car enthusiast’s top-down sports car in a svelte yet practical body style.
11. MG 3
This is one car that’s sadly flying under people’s radar but deserves much more attention. First of all, the price: The MG 3 starts at an incredibly low P678,888 and tops out at P1,088,888—and that range-topper is a true-blue hybrid! The MG 3 is a very affordable hatchback that’s substantially bigger than a Toyota Wigo or Honda Brio. Its size is closer to the P1,199,000 Honda City Hatchback’s. The MG 3 is A LOT of car for the money.
12. Chery Tiggo Cross
Those who want a small SUV without breaking the bank can’t do much better than the Chery Tiggo Cross. While the entry-level variant’s price of P998,000 is tempting enough, it’s the P1,248,000 of the Hybrid variant that gives you the best electrified bang for the buck. It’s the lowest priced hybrid SUV on the market. Couple that with 204ps and 310Nm of torque, and you’ve got a fun-to-drive car as well.
