Choosing a crossover

Choosing a car is like choosing a boyfriend: Priorities and looks are all subject to the eyes of the beholder. One who might not be pleasing to your eyes could be the apple of another. This is the way God created us as we are—so that there would always be someone who finds us the most beautiful in the world.

So now that I am looking at buying a car, I took advantage of my media status and borrowed the crossovers available in the market during the summer. No, you will not see all of them in this article simply because 600-plus words will not do justice to the pros and cons of each (plus the fact I am not done testing all of them).

So, just like how we rate boys where we usually highlight one very endearing factor, let me share with you my findings on each crossover’s claim to fame.

Priority: fuel spend

VW Tiguan 2-liter TDI

Fuel: Diesel

Price tag: P2.109 million

Specs: 2-liter R4 TDI (turbocharged direct injection)

The VW Tiguan is a compact crossover with a classic look. It is a car that can efficiently bring you from point A to B. I like the fact that it is quite an easy drive; it gives you the correct response and feel that should come from a compact SUV. The brake just needs getting used to.

It gives you a high perspective of the road despite looking small and meek. Although the inside can use a bit of sprucing up, such as leather seats, automatic seat adjustment buttons, and maybe a USB interface.

But because VW is regaled to have one of the best diesel technologies today, Tiguan is high up the value pole on fuel spend. It also has a good “Doña at the back” seating because of the spacious feel and good backrest angle.

Priority: resale value

Toyota RAV4 4×4 DOHC 16 V

Fuel: Gas

Price Tag: P1.963 million

Specs: 2.5-liter VVTi (variable valve timing) gasoline

Although it comes at a very high price tag compared to its Japanese counterparts, nothing beats the resale value of a Toyota. The pioneer compact crossover comes with a more aggressive exterior design and leather interior with sporty trims. It is very agile and has a better drive feel. The steering wheel feels a bit heavy and will give you, especially the girls, quite a workout.

Although the RAV4 might not have all the bells and whistles, and certainly not the best in class space and storage, it is still one of the best value purchases—especially if you feel that your commitment will last only two years.

Priority: driveability

Mazda CX-5

Fuel: Gas

Price tag: P1.685 million

Specs: 2.5-liter fasoline I4

The Mazda CX-5 is quite a catch: it has good fuel economy,  driveability and options. When the brand relaunched in the country under Berjaya Auto Philippines, it had to play catch up, which resulted in better-specs vehicles at very competitive prices.

The proprietary SkyActiv technology also comes as an advantage as it brings premium European technology at Japanese vehicle price levels.

Initially, I had a problem connecting my iPhone 6 Plus to its interface, but after a few tries, it ran as smoothly as the Sync systems of Ford. The knobs on the steering wheel that controls the entertainment are also well-placed.

It comes in leather seats, sunroof, parking sensors and camera, although the seats are not as “Doña at the back” friendly, having smaller legroom than the others. The boot space, though, is hoarder-friendly.

Priority: options, connectivity

The new Ford Escape

Fuel: Gas

Price tag: P1.79 million

Specs: 2.0 DOHC 16V  Eco Boost Titanium

When I entered the new Escape for the first time, my first impression was like, OMG, this is a spaceship! I used to own an old Escape, which took years to change its look, so this was quite a shock to me. The dashboard was really futuristic-looking and had all sorts of buttons (some of which I don’t know what for).

Connectivity was a breeze: My kids and I had a ball playing with the Sync connectivity, although I would have redesigned the places of the buttons.

The Escape really brings out the bells and whistles, including the safety warnings and everything else that the product planner can think of on his very generous day. I like the towering feel and ease of driving: no need to overthink. But some “drivers” might say it feels like driving a spaceship because of the lack of feedback on its bums and pedals. Fuel economy is not its strongest suit but the seats and space are comfortable enough that  the “Doña at the back” will give it  a thumbs up.

For comments and suggestions, please e-mail me at jnt@chicdriven.com, follow me on Instagram/Chicdriven or like us on facebook/chicdriven.