A consumer’s top picks of 2014

Forget the Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Maseratis. Here are three motor vehicles, launched this year, that I picked for their practicality and/or fun-to-drive element, not for the elitist glamor that comes with owning an astronomically priced luxury super sports car.

 

My choices are based on a weeklong, individual test-drive of the car. Thus, it is not a guarantee of the long-term quality and/or hassle-free performance of the cars.

 

Alphabetically listed, these are my top picks of 2014:

 

The Ford EcoSport, second generation, was introduced to the Philippine market in January 2014 as the first subcompact crossover in the country with a 550-mm wading depth.

 

Based on the Fiesta platform but with a 32-millimeter longer wheelbase, it shares the Fiesta’s frisky 1.5-liter inline-four Ti-VCT (twin independent variable timing) engine capable of 108 peak horsepower and 142 Newton-meters max torque.

 

Like the Fiesta, the EcoSport is nimble and easy to maneuver with a smooth, six-speed powershift automatic transmission and a well-weighted, quick (2.3 turns lock to lock) power-assisted steering.

 

The EcoSport’s high driving position, agility and bantam size make it fun to drive while its boxy shape provides plenty of headroom and legroom inside. The 60:40 back seat can be reclined or folded down to take long objects or to increase cargo space to 705 liters. There are 20 storage cavities in the cabin aside from an air-conditioned glove box for soft drinks.

 

Aside from its roominess, the EcoSport has smart features like Sync, the voice-activated connectivity system, Smart Keyless Entry, plus safety equipment including front airbags, ABS, Electronic Stability Program, Hill Launch Assist, ABS and a strong body made of ultrahigh-strength steel.

 

Bottom line, the EcoSport combines agility, affordability (prices range from P775,000 for the Ambiente MT to P975,000 for the Titanium AT), smart connectivity, and fuel efficiency (averaging 12 kilometers per liter) with the versatility and spaciousness of a crossover in one strong, stylish package.

 

The Isuzu mu-X, launched in Manila last September, is not only a family-friendly, roomy, seven-seat SUV, it is also a tough offroader built on a full ladder frame chassis shared with its rugged D-Max sibling (but with a 250-mm shorter wheelbase) and powered by an engine that is reputed to be the world’s most robust diesel powerplant.

 

The four-in-line dual overhead cam (DOHC) 2.5-liter diesel engine with turbo intercooler, common rail direct injection (CRDi) fuel system, variable geometry system (VGS) and heavy-duty, stainless steel timing chain delivers 133 horsepower and 320 Nm max torque at 1,800-2,000 rpm through a five-speed AT.

 

What impressed me most about the mu-X is its strong, robust, and solid-build quality attested to by the way the doors close and the absence of squeaks. The strength and rigidity of the high-tensile steel passenger safety cell plus the spaciousness of the cabin, carpeted floor and cutting-edge infotainment and connectivity features, the good throttle response and smooth, supple ride in the city and on highways make the mu-X look and feel like a family car inside and out.

 

With its bulletproof 4×4 drivetrain activated by a 4WD Terrain Command Select Dial, 600-mm wading depth, underbody armor and steep approach, and departure angles and ramp-over-angle plus electronic stability control, the mu-X provides surefooted grip on all kinds of surfaces in all weather conditions.

 

In fact, with its ladder frame and robust diesel engine, the mu-X can tow a trailer, boat or whatever without breaking a sweat or engine overheating. After a week of driving the mu-X, I was in awe of its strength and versatility and felt that it is so strong, it must be unbreakable.

 

Summing up, the mu-X (P1.748 million for the 4×4 LS-A, less for the 4×2 AT) is a family-friendly, solid touring, towing and off-roading workhorse that raises the bar for midsize SUVs.

 

The Peugeot 208 GTi revives the legend of the 205 GTi, which was recognized as the hottest hatch in the world during its lifetime (1984-1994). The French carmaker has been building racing cars for over 100 years and has won in the World Rally Championship, 24 Hours of Le Mans, Paris-Dakar endurance race and Pikes Peak rally.

 

Now, Peugeot Sport has released a high-performance version of the 208 subcompact sedan that was launched in 2012.

 

Powered by a 200 bhp turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four mated to a close ratio six-speed MT, the 208 GTi sprints from zero to 100 km per hour in less than 7 seconds. Torque is strong at low revs, with 275 Nm of turbocharged torque released from 1700 rpm. Top speed is claimed to be 229 kph.

 

This exhilarating power is matched by the panache of the car’s design. True to French tradition, the 208 GTi exudes chic elegance and style inside and out. With a subtle body kit, wider track fore and aft, 17-inch alloy wheels that hug the integrated wheel arch extensions, and a gloss black grille with chrome inserts resembling the checkered flag, the 208 GTi immediately establishes a sporty and refined presence.

 

The steering has been retuned, bigger brakes have been installed, and instead of a mechanical limited slip differential, the 208 GTi has an Electronic Stability Program that distributes torque to the wheel with the most grip when necessary and includes cornering brake control to ensure superb roadholding.

 

Peugeot Sport engineers paid particular attention to the steering response, the chassis dynamics, and the rigidity of the suspension to deliver an incisive driving experience—smooth, punchy and perfectly matched to the chassis’ ability.

 

When you switch on the ignition, the twin tailpipes emit the delightful engine note of a sports car. The six close ratio gears of the MT are notchy and the metal pedals require a lot of footwork, but you are rewarded with a playful car that sticks faithfully to a chosen lane and grips extremely well, especially in corners. At cruising speeds it is very refined and comfortable.

 

Aside from six airbags, the 208 GTi has Intuitive Park Assist, ESP, DSC, ASR, four-wheel disc brakes, rain-sensing wipers, static fog lamps, and cruise control.

 

Summing up, at P1.95 million, the Peugeot 208 GTi with its supple suspension, comfy, classy cabin, and potent yet refined engine is value for money. It offers more refinement than its rival (the equivalent hatch variant of which costs P2.7 million), and is fairly economical to drive (20 kpl) considering the sheer pace it provides.

 

The 208 GTi is not a hardcore hot hatch but a car designed for road use rather than rally competition. It is a more grown-up, practical model than the 205 GTi scamp, developed to fit the broader requirements of a more discerning market.