THE FIRST 25 units of the Huracan allocated to Manila are all spoken for already.
THE YEAR 2014 WILL always be remembered as a banner year for the motoring industry. Numerous cars were launched, many industry milestones were hit, and the market not only grew with it, but also evolved into a more discerning and sophisticated public. It was difficult to pick out the best carslaunched in 2014 but we took a stab at it, covering all the bases, from super high-end to more realistic, affordable entry-level cars.
1. Lamborghini Huracán LP610-4
Starting our top 14 list is Lamborghini’s all-new Huracán LP610-4. With over 600 horsepower from its mid-mounted V10 engine, seven-speed, dual-clutch, all-wheel-drive transmission draped over carbon-aluminum chassis with more composite exterior panels that looks like a cross between an alien and the devil himself, the Huracán is the wet dream for many car enthusiasts nationwide. The Huracán is not only faster and meaner than its predecessor, it’s also easier to use. Imagine, a bombastic Italian supercar you can use everyday!
2. Subaru Impreza WRX STI
The STI held its regional launch in Clark International Speedway earlier in the year. The STI conquered Clark and wowed the international media in the process. Power comes from the venerable EJ257, which has been heavily reworked to deliver more responsiveness. Stability has also been increased, and the torque-vectoring system has elevated the STI’s performance to a far higher plane. It is the only affordable supercar slayer on the market that seats five people with luggage in the trunk.
3. BMW M3/M4
Enthusiasts cried over the separation of the midsize sedan and coupé platforms from BMW’s M-Division but the final results speak for themselves. The M3 and its two-door couple sibling, the first-ever M4, are impressive, offer far better responsiveness and performance than their predecessors, matched with luxury and everyday practicality. The turbocharged straight-six might lack the charm and burble of normally aspirated engines, but all is forgiven once the throttle is booted all the way to the floor boards. They live up to BMW’s ethos of The Ultimate Driving Machine
4. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The world-famous American pop singer Kelly Rowland delighted the audience at the presentation of the C-Class in Detroit.
Mercedes-Benz unveiled its long-awaited C-Class volume seller this year, showing that it hasn’t lost its edge in its core sedan markets of the C-, E- and S-Class. The C-Class is the three-pointed star’s volume seller, and comes with a range of four-, six- and, in the future, eight-cylinder engines with the hotted-up AMG variants. Finally, it also looks edgy, daring and something youthful, a carthat even the truly young (and not just the young at heart) will desire. Mercedes-Benz has truly arrived to the emerging, youth-driven sports sedan market.
5. Honda Jazz
The Honda Jazz rewrote the rulebooks for small cars in the Philippines, starting a revolution in the process. From an era where Filipinos were obsessed with large, gas-guzzling V8 SUVs, the Jazz introduced Filipino consumers to a practical, versatile, quirky yet ultimately exciting-to-drive hatchback that was more than enough to handle the modern, cost-conscious and environmentally-aware Filipino family. The third-generation Jazz has grown in size from its forbearer, but the charm, the fun and the practicality has also grown with it.
6. Nissan X-Trail
THE ALL-NEW X-Trail compact SUV would go head-to-head with such best-sellers as the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester and Mazda CX-5.
The X-Trail is Nissan’s third vehicle launched in 2014, but it represented a crucial market segment for the Japanese brand that has been growing from strength to strength. The X-Trail straddles two traditional segments—the compact crossover SUV and the pickup-based, seven-seat SUV segment—because it packs the best of both. It’s noticeably bigger than its competitors, thanks to the availability of a third row, allowing seven people to get in. Best of all, it’s very fuel efficient, very fast and very enjoyable to drive—all at a surprisingly low price considering its standard spec sheet.
7. Isuzu mu-X
THE MU-X makes a much better first impression thanks to its more angular front (with LED daytime-running type) and rear lights.
The Isuzu mu-X is the Japanese truck and diesel specialist’s long-awaited all-new SUV. Finally, here is an Isuzu that looks futuristic, is significantly refined, stylish and, I dare say it, very metrosexual. The diesel engines are as torque-laden and as fuel-efficient as ever, but with noticeably improved refinement levels throughout the entire vehicle. On the road, it’s a real head-turner, something you wouldn’t have normally said about Isuzus of yore.
8. Toyota Wigo
The Wigo is the final missing link in Toyota’s unbeatable array of models. Finally, a small car from the most hallowed and most well-respected carmanufacturer in the country, and arguably in the world, is now available at a very low price. It’s a real city car, and the small, three-cylinder engine shows lots of willingness, being more than enough to tackle our busy city streets with ease. The space inside is impressive, even for big guys (and gals), making the Wigo a perfect starter car for teens, young professionals and even small families. Plus it’s a Toyota, so it enjoys legendary reliability and durability.
9. Hyundai Sonata
The previous Sonata wowed the buying public with its stylish, almost coupé-like slinky silhouette, much like a very beautiful lady wearing an elegantly cut yet daring gown. It’s been a tough year for Hyundai, but with cars like the all-new Sonata, things can only get better for the Korean brand. With gas prices at their lowest in four years, will we see a comeback in the executive sedan segment yet again? The Sonata joins the fray with strong competitors such as Toyota’s class-leading Camry, Honda’s sporty Accord, Mazda’s stylish 6, Nissan’s aggressive Altima and Subaru’s recently launched all-new Legacy.
10. Mitsubishi ASX
FRESH improvements make the ASX a really great, fun-to-drive compact SUV.
While the ASX isn’t exactly all-new, the small changes done to it have really revitalized the lineup, changing the way the ASX drives and feels—all for the better. The reworked CVT transmission finally gave the ASX the much-needed responsiveness, grunt and eagerness missing in the pre-facelift models, while the available panoramic glass roof and other small cosmetic changes freshen it up, giving the ASX a new lease in life. With Honda rumored to reintroduce a compact SUV below the CR-V (HR-V anyone?) and Nissan also rumored to be considering the Juke (Hope this doesn’t turn out to be a joke), there’s a lot of interest in this segment, in which the Subaru XV currently enjoys being in the top spot.
11. Rolls-Royce Wraith
What do royalty, rock stars, artists and other highly distinguished (and well-moneyed) individuals all have in common? A Rolls-Royce. The Wraith is Rolls-Royce’s most powerful car ever, and is arguably the most luxurious two-door in the world (I hasten to call it a coupé simply because of the sheer size of the Wraith). You get an impressive twin-turbocharged twelve cylinder engine and an interior that can be opted with innumerable small LED lights that represent a clear night sky: al-fresco driving without the elements and pollution running the moment. Last but not least: The Wraith is super exclusive, with each unit bespoke for specific clients.
12. Lexus NX
The Lexus NX is the latest small SUV for the premium segment, available with a hybrid powertrain. Even in the premium luxury segment, SUVs continue to be as popular as ever, driven by a strong demand particularly in China, the United States and parts of Europe, enjoying newfound affluence. The NX, competing with the likes of the Audi Q3/Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLK and GLA, and BMW’s X1/X3, stands out precisely because of its hybrid system, and its spindle grill announces Lexus’ newfound adventurous side.
13. Ford Mustang
FORD PH managing director Kay Hart (left) and AVP for marketing Prudz Castillo lead the launch of the Mustang 50 years Limited Edition.
Few cars have as much history, fan base and instant recognition status as Ford’s Mustang. Celebrating 50 years this year, the all-new Mustang has finally embraced 21st-century technology (EcoBoost engine option, independent rear suspension, etc.), thus allowing it to be a true citizen of the world. Yet it still packs that classic muscle car vibe, and with a V8 and supercharged V8 available, plus future-tuned versions packing even more power, the Mustang is proof that the American Dream still lives strong throughout the entire world.
14. Mazda 3
Mazda3. PHOTO BY Ronnie Trinidad
The Mazda 3 has been acknowledged even by competitors as a very good carand it’s not difficult to see why: a stylish body, a very responsive, sporty-feeling suspension, roomy interior and the highly fuel-efficient SkyActiv engine and transmission combinations, plus a multimedia system that’s so intuitive to use, featuring the best SatNav system available—you wonder why it wouldn’t be considered the very best in this segment. Build quality is very impressive, and the taught ride doesn’t trade any comfort away for its impressive composure under duress. The Mazda 3 isn’t only the best to drive in this segment, it also feels the most elegant and up-market. High praise indeed for the amazing Mazda 3.
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