These 8 cars may have flown under the radar—and what’s why you should give them a second look.
When a car’s great, success comes in one of two ways. One, it’s well-received by enthusiasts who just wouldn’t stop heaping praise on it. Second, the public simply warmed up to it, setting its sales charts on fire. Occasionally, the perfect confluence happens and you have a vehicle that does both: it’s critically acclaimed and a box office hit at the same time.
On the other hand, there are also great cars that, for one reason or another, fail to receive the recognition and respect they deserve. It’s these 8 underrated cars (in alphabetical order by brand) that I’ve selected that may have flown under the radar and deserve a second look if you’re after a great buy.
1. Ford Bronco
The Bronco is one of the most inspired decisions to come from Ford Philippines in a long time. It’s hard not to get a kick out of it since it’s got personality and capability baked in equal amounts. It oozes with character plus it’s a capable machine that also happens to look fantastic.
2. Honda Civic
Once the cornerstone of the Philippine automotive industry, compact sedans have fallen out of favor with mainstream buyers. That’s a shame, because the new Civic is one of the best to come out of Honda’s stable in a long while. Its grown-up styling may not be to everyone’s tastes, but dig deeper and it’s sporty and well-spec’d. Add the option of getting one with the e:HEV strong hybrid powertrain, and you’ve got the recipe for a winner.
3. Hyundai Elantra
Like the Civic, the Elantra finds itself in a shrinking market segment. Yet, Hyundai has found a nifty solution by offering its Elantra with a wide price range. It also accommodates a multitude of powertrains be it normally-aspirated, turbocharged, and even electrified. Whatever combination that tickles your fancy, this familiar Filipino favorite is backed up by head-turning looks, a balanced driving experience, and excellent value-for-money.
4. Kia Sorento
Kia thought they were ready to play with industry’s big boys when they launched the electrified Sorento. Sadly, it still sits on the fringes despite its stunning looks, high-specs, impressive tech, and of course, its very own electrified powertrain. Overall, the Sorento is a capable and practical choice while also managing to hold its ground in terms of electrification. It’s a worthwhile look for the family SUV buyer.
5. Mazda BT-50
When you think of Mazda, it conjures up images of sporty cars or SUVs. But believe it or not, an undiscovered gem lies in a pickup truck: the BT-50. The BT-50 goes beyond the specs to deliver performance and technology that’s actual usable. The eye-catching exterior, high-spec, torquey 3.0-liter turbodiesel motor, and complimentary 5-year free service plan make it a great option.
6. Nissan Z
You could say that the current Nissan Z—the RZ34—was a victim of its own success. Supply issues when it launched triggered an instant backlash when would-be buyers had to go through a raffle system simply for the chance to own one. The wait list has dried up and the orders served which makes it an even better buy now than it ever was. You can’t ignore its twin-turbo V6 and its tuner-approved setup with RAYS wheels, Akebono brakes, and an Exedy clutch.
7. Subaru WRX
Subarus can never win beauty contests, and that’s why lots of people glossed over the “VB” WRX. Despite styling that would want you to poke your eyes out, the Rex is a well-rounded performance machine. The Civic Type R and GR Yaris have both stolen its thunder, but the WRX is still phenomenal value among sports sedan. Driven sensibly, and it can be a bit docile, but egg it, and you’ll find down for some playtime. Oh, and best of all, it even comes in a wagon body style too.
8. Toyota Camry
With the large sedan segment fast shrinking in the Philippines (sportscars outsell them now), the Camery finds itself almost alone. Although Filipino car buyers have changed preferences in favor of SUVs and crossovers, those who’re sedan holdouts will be pleasantly surprised with Toyota’s latest large car. This one’s all about quiet luxury—an opposite to flood-control contractors and DPWH officials who seem to have a penchant for flash. It’s refined, efficient, and without equal in its segment.
