Practical cars to fall in love with

THE VW Jetta is unique in offering a turbodiesel engine in the C segment paired with a manual transmission.

Attraction is one thing, but a long-term relationship requires more effort. As it is in human relationships, the way one feels about a car can follow a similar path: attraction, courtship, then deciding to either go separate ways or to love fully. And just as it is rather easy to be attracted to a supermodel or football star, it can be equally fulfilling to discover substantial qualities that make for a good long-term love affair.

Here’s a small sampling of vehicles that may not result in love at first sight, but may lead to love, drive after drive:

Honda Odyssey

If family transport is the priority, look no further than the Odyssey. This is the American-sized version of the nameplate, so the dimensions are generous. The interior is a pleasant place to be, roomy and well-designed. This is a considerate and clever car, with every nook and cranny dedicated to family use. What gives it an edge is that it is as responsive as any Accord. It shares many of the parts underneath including the powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine. When you have to make an emergency maneuver, you’ll be grateful for the car-like handling and feeling of security.

Kia Rio

Kia pirated Audi’s styling chief to great effect, as the Rio illustrates. The subcompact hatchback gets fancy new clothes. It looks wide and low-slung, like an alternate-universe Volkswagen. The interior, too, looks like it could have come from Germany, with a no-nonsense character. Thankfully, the Rio drives as well as it looks, delivering competent handling.

Mazda6

The midsize executive sedan has faded from much of the public’s attention and, sadly, an imposing four-door rarely turns heads anymore. One exception may be the Mazda6, which combines sharply cut metal and innovative paintwork to bring some style to the segment. Continuing the Mazda mission to make each model entertaining to drive, the Mazda6 features relatively quick steering and a highly reactive chassis to deliver delightful handling. What gives the Mazda6 a decisive edge is its SkyActiv technology. This combines a high-compression engine with an energy-recapture system to improve fuel economy. When the car shuts down its engine at traffic lights while still keeping the air conditioner and your tunes on, you know that it’s looking after your best interest.

Subaru XV

At first, Subaru’s compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) offering seemed rather homely compared to her popular sister, the Forester. But then she offered her own set of charms. She likes both the city and exploring nature, and is not afraid to dress for it. The 148-horsepower engine may seem paltry for an SUV, but the continuously variable transmission seems to squeeze every horsepower out to the permanent all-wheel-drive system. The way she navigates a bend and responds to your every touch on the steering wheel will have you grinning. Perhaps best of all, getting double-digit kilometer-per-liter figures is a matter of course. This is a low-maintenance gal after all.

Volkswagen Jetta

Zigging where everyone else zags, the VW Jetta is unique in offering a turbodiesel engine in the C segment paired with a manual transmission. Some may call it being stingy with specs, but there’s some truth to it when Volkswagen says that it’s to make the car sportier. VW execs can say it with a straight face and, after driving it, we acknowledge with a smile rather than a dismissive laugh. This was before the company announced a lower initial price for the sedan, at P1.098 million. Suddenly a relationship with this Teutonic vehicle isn’t out of the question. The only thing holding us back is the thought of the car we think we can truly love, her Golf GTI sister.