His is hers: 3 manly cars that women should consider

IN THE past, cars were predominantly designed for men. It was the ultimate symbol of machismo. But times are changing and car manufacturers are slowly shifting their product designs to either a specific gender or a compromise that will not alienate both demographics.

However, there are cars that will tell you at first look if they are targeted for either male or female drivers. You see, men and women have different needs when it comes to cars. Men will probably want a faster car, and forget comfort and fuel economy. Women, on the other hand, will want to know how the car will integrate comfort into her life.

As the wise saying goes, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Here are some cars worth taking a second look.

The Honda CRZ Mugen

The Honda CRZ is a hybrid race car. Once again, a hybrid race car. What does this mean? It is an attempt to make a sports car into something with a conscience. Sports cars usually have a fuel consumption of 2-3 km per liter. From this, you can easily deduce that race car drivers are not worried about the escalation of gasoline prices.  However, the beauty of a sports car being a hybrid means it is fuel efficient. This can probably help you sleep better.

The Mugen version of the CR-Z is unique. About half of the people I observed did a double take after checking out the car. Its great exhaust sound, special burnt eggplant color, coupled with nice wheels and spoilers is enough to make any man go “Mommy, I want that car.” It’s a big boy’s toy.

You will probably not buy a CR-Z to race against other sports car, but it is the novelty of having the first hybrid with a manual 6-speed transmission—which is like owning a croc Hermes Birkin in an outrageous burnt orange color with 18K gold and diamond hardware, just because you can—which makes it a possible must-have accessory for women. Imagine having a sports car that is fuel efficient.

Other things that will endear this to women drivers is its compact size (easy to park), futuristic looking dashboard, and the back seats that would be perfect to hold your handbags within arm’s reach without the fear of its contents spilling when you make an emergency stop.

The bad (good in my book) news is: your friends cannot tag along when the cute guy from next door asks if he can test drive your Honda CR-Z. (Retails at P1.8 million.)

The Cheverolet Trailblazer

The Trailblazer is a 7-seater SUV with a 180hp Duramax diesel engine, 6 speed powertrain, and a no-nonsense stance. It has cruise control, buttons on the steering wheel for the radio/audio, ABS, and climate control, and a trip and eco computer. It’s everything a man would like in an SUV due to its raw masculinity and high-ride height, boxy design cues, and extensive electronic aids for rugged terrain.

The Trailblazer is perfect for hauling jet skis and extended bike racks, and the interior can hold extreme sports gear such as wakeboards and dive gear–the perfect companion for a weekend of rugged living.

But some women do ruggedness as well. The Trailblazer with its high ground clearance is perfect for making sure you get to cross minor flooded areas in Makati to attend a Rustan’s members only sale. It’s perfect for “glamping” (glamour camping), with all camping comforts fitting in your Trailblazer plus the trailer with the other stuff.

It is also equipped with not one, but two big lighted vanity mirror and loads of compartment, as well as a well-designed dashboard cup holder which is very helpful when putting on makeup in the car. (Price starts at P1.378 million.)

The BMW 3 series Gran Turismo

If cars are judged by their names alone, this car will not even be considered in a woman’s top 5 cars. It would automatically be judged as a “man” car, since Gran Turismo, the namesake of video game, would seem to be a rival of her man’s attention.

Women would probably think this car to be an uncomfortable ride due to the low profile tires and big 18-inch wheels and a performance centric 8 speed, 2-liter inline, and four diesel engine with twin turbos.

But men love BMWs because they are a “driver’s” car. German engineering has ensured the 3 series to be a comfortable, stylish and luxurious ride without sacrificing those little things women consider in the vehicle.

Another thing: this car has space, thanks to the 110mm extension to the  wheelbase from the usual 3 series sedan, really big legroom (an extra 70mm), more headroom (taller by 81mm), and is perfect for emergency outfit changes in the car or using it to transport your kids from school.

And the boot is like Carrie Bradshow’s dream closet. You have the option to collapse the 2nd row, giving you more than enough space to fill up even after your credit card gives up on you. It also has an automatic tailgate opening and closing, making loading a piece of cake.

On the driver’s end, it has all the goodies that come standard in a BMW: the improved IDrive, Eco pro mode for fuel efficiency, and the agility of the 3 series sedan. The Gran Tourismo gives you a sexier option to the station wagon, as well as the space upgrade women need from a sedan, without the bulk or fat. (Retails at P3.89 million.)

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