PHILIPPINE CAR BUYERS HAVE NEVER HAD IT SO GOOD. More than twenty new models and variants were launched in 2005, nearly all of them just weeks after their world debuts. Ultra-luxury sedans, performance GTs, large SUVs, tin-can hatchbacks, and the successor to the AUV—all of them joined the official lineup in the past twelve months. If, before January 2005, you found the market singularly unresponsive to your needs, then surely one of the new offerings should have caught your attention.
These are the new vehicles most likely to make an impact on the Philippine market, and most worthy of consideration for your hard-earned peso and precious garage space.
BMW 3 SERIES. The benchmark for compact performance sedans raised the bar even higher with this all-new model. The 3 Series features new aluminum engines mated to six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, and genuinely useful high technology like standard run-flat tires. Prices have been bumped higher, but now include all running costs for three years, except for fuel and tires.
Appearance-wise, the company’s controversial styling direction has been dialed back in favor of a more elegant approach. The gently flowing exterior houses a roomier, more comfortable cabin. Best of all, the 3 fulfills the series’ 40-year old tradition of providing satisfaction behind the wheel.
CHRYSLER 300C. The car that signaled the return of the great American sedan landed on Philippine shores with all the brashness of General Douglas MacArthur. Boldly sculpted lines will turn heads wherever you drive.
Underneath the striking styling, the Daimler part of the company asserts itself; powertrain and chassis components come from the three-pointed star. The 300C being sold here offers excellent value, with nearly all features standard: sunroof, power seats with memory, 18-inch wheels, HID headlamps, and a 250-hp V6 engine. The HEMI V8-powered model puts 340 horsepower under the command of your right foot.
FORD FOCUS. After stealing the limelight at the Manila Motor Show, Ford’s German-engineered sedan hit the streets in August to instant acclaim. Luxury-oriented cabin, class-leading ride comfort and quietness, and the scalpel-sharp handling provide a level of sophistication unique to the compact sedan class.
The hatchback soon followed, offering less practicality but a massive helping of style. The driver-oriented, modern cabin (with not a piece of wood in sight) and powerful 2-liter engine adds some thrill to the everyday commute. No longer does Ford have to wince at the question, “When will you bring out the Focus?” It’s here, and it lives up to all the hype and expectation.
HYUNDAI ACCENT. Hyundai’s Corolla-fighter is noteworthy for what’s under the hood: a 1.5-liter common-rail diesel with large-V6 levels of torque and supermini-like fuel efficiency. The compact sedan completes Hyundai’s lineup of vehicles, nearly all of which are now available with a diesel engine. This innovative approach may allow Hyundai to duplicate its success with the Starex and break into the big league.
MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS. The 9th generation of the world’s best luxury sedan lives up to very high expectations. More attentive than a butler, and more opulent than most houses, the new S-Class is overflowing with newfound style and the latest automotive technology. A 272-hp V6 or 388-hp V8 mates with a 7-speed automatic to provide sports-car levels of performance. Predictive safety, vehicle stability programs, and even a night vision display help protect the occupants. Growth in all dimensions, and long-wheelbase configuration allow generous interior room. Heads of state, CEOs, and dictators everywhere rejoice: the new S-Class is better and more luxurious than ever.
PORSCHE CAYMAN. So not everyone can afford a car that’s as expensive as a condo. Still, for less than what you’d pay for the company’s iconic 911 model, the mid-engined coupe promises scintillating handling, and superb braking. The acceleration part is conducted by a 3.4-liter flat-6 engine, delivering 295 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 5.1 seconds. The gorgeous styling is icing on a very fast cake.
TOYOTA INNOVA. Launched on Valentine’s Day as Toyota’s love-offering to its customers and dealers, the Innova marks the end of the AUV and the beginning of a new class of multi-purpose vehicle. Though similar to the AUV in that it’s based on a pickup chassis, the Innova is highly customized for its passenger-ferrying purpose; for example, it has rear coil springs (instead of the usual leaf springs) for a more comfortable ride.
Car-like handling and driving position, modern gasoline and diesel engines, and the best automatic transmission in its class make this a solid alternative to the usual sedan. Variants with a wide range of equipment and pricing, from the vinyl-seat base diesel to the plush automatic “G” model, cater to every family market. Lack of ABS brakes is the only thing preventing it from becoming a runaway winner. The Innova is the most significant new car of 2005.
TOYOTA FORTUNER. The Fortuner has a silly name and is less practical (more expensive, less comfortable, and carries only seven people) than its Innova sibling. But with its SUV configuration, it attracted more buyers than even Toyota was ready for. Image, style, and a competitive price are what enticed buyers to the showroom. After nearly a year of waiting and on the road, they would have found a vehicle that’s solidly built, well equipped, and satisfyingly responsive.
Simplicity of choice also helped propel the Fortuner to success: gasoline and diesel drivetrain in 4×2, and diesel in 4×4, all with automatic gearbox.
TOYOTA HIACE. It’s got all the sex appeal of a refrigerator, but what an appliance! Its boxy form contains a cavernous interior, just what’s needed to ferry as many as 15 people in reasonable comfort. The Grandia variant cuts the number of seats while increasing room for each passenger. A 2.5-liter common-rail diesel shared with the Innova and Fortuner provides adequate power. For tour groups, company shuttles, or for those who think population control is for the birds, this minibus is the ideal vehicle.
By Jason Ang | Photos By Various Manufacturers
Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.
