2003 has been a good year for Philippine car buyers. Manufacturers may have been still struggling with tepid sales volumes, but the buyers have been given a multitude of new car choices, from at least three all-new subcompacts to seven new SUVs introduced in the past twelve months. Of all the numerous new models launched this year, I have picked ten vehicles that I think are the most significant.
I’m not proclaiming that these are the best vehicles to pilot during the daily grind or on those long weekend trips; think of this as a list of vehicles that have and will change the way you look at the automobile.
In alphabetical order, here are the ten most significant cars launched in 2003:
BMW 5-series. Controversial, dynamic and oozing with class, the all-new BMW 5-series raised the bar when it comes to the mid-sized luxury sedan market. The killer cyborg look conceals an opulent interior befitting kings and royalty. The introduction of a diesel engine as the engine of choice is an industry first. The 218-bhp 3.0-liter common rail injection engine has waves of torque, petrol-like refinement, while promising 12.82 kilometers per liter. Discreet it is not, but then again, BMWs never were.
Photos by Ulysses Ang.
Chevrolet Optra. General Motors Philippines enters the mainstream with a Chevy ‘world car’. It’s a Daewoo complete with the trademark split chrome grille upfront. Still, dig deeper and you’ll realize why the Japanese manufacturers are so afraid: extensive specs, Pininfarina styling and a three-year bumper to bumper warranty. It may not be the best to drive in its class, but the aggressive pricing and eye-catching looks make this one tough cookie to beat.
Photos by Jason Ang.
Ford Lynx RS. With the demise of another popular factory-tuned racer, Ford exploited the new vehicle excise tax to come out with one bonkers of a car. The 143-bhp, 2.0-liter engine with more torque than a Honda Accord is certainly a good start. Add to that standard 16-inch alloy wheels, a beefed up suspension, sporty interior trim and an exterior that’s just dying to have you arrested and you have the new Philippine pocket rocket.
Photos by Ulysses Ang.
Honda Accord. When Honda promised an Accord that could level the playing field with the Swedes and Germans, they got it absolutely right. They did so by combining an array of technological innovations headlined by a 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine and a 5-speed automatic gearbox in a package that’s sporty yet luxurious. What’s more the trimmings are all top notch, and with the company’s reputation for bullet-proof build quality, you can expect this car to grow older than you.
Photos by Ulysses Ang.
Honda City. Whoever said that economy cars had to be bare and engineered on a budget? Certainly, no one told Honda. Underneath, it shares its platform with the award-winning Jazz / Fit compact. More than that, it features a highly advanced engine, a 7-speed CVT and a complete set of safety equipment. The real highlight are the show-stopping rear seats with provide SUV-like versatility.
Photos by Ulysses Ang.
Isuzu D-Max. Pick-ups never looked this good before. The result of a collaboration between Isuzu and General Motors, the D-Max is the basis for the latter’s global compact pick-up platform. It leap frogs its predecessor, the Fuego by a hundred fold. More importantly, it’s the king in its class in all aspects be it styling, performance, safety or value for money. The D-Max provides an interesting and practical alternative for those who’d usual go for sedans or compact SUVs.
Photos by Jason Ang.
Mitsubishi Outlander. A refreshing, new wave of thinking hit Mitsubishi and as a result, the Outlander was born. The Darth Vader exterior and minimalist interior sparks even the interest of those who wouldn’t even consider an SUV. A lower center of gravity, a Lancer Evolution derived all-wheel drive system and a US-market Galant-based 2.4-liter inline-4 makes this one great town and country companion.
Photos by Ulysses Ang (left), Jason Ang (right).
Nissan 350Z. After suffering from completely forgettable passenger cars in the past, Nissan has come up with a car that’s as interesting to look at as to drive. In the 1960’s, it had Porsche level performance with an affordable price tag—so far, nothing has changed. It has everything you’d come to expect from a sporty GT car: a 280-bhp V6, a 6-speed manual, Brembo disc brakes and standard traction control. It maybe badged a Nissan, but it’s so good that in the US, it’s also called an Infiniti G35.
Photos by Ulysses Ang.
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Don’t let the sophisticated looks fool you: the Land Cruiser Prado is a go-anywhere, tough-as-nails vehicle reminiscent of the original Land Cruiser. Unlike other luxury SUVs which are built for boulevard posing, the Land Cruiser Prado can take you to your favorite cup of Starbucks cappuccino even if a river stands between. Unstoppable, opulent, practical and reliable—you can’t ask anything more.
Photos by Ulysses Ang (left), Toyota Motor Philippines (right).
Toyota Vios. One of Toyota’s briskest sellers, the Vios is one heck of a car. Ignore the Britney Spears marketing campaign and you’ll be entertained with a car that’s European in origin complete with a sporty suspension and a choice between two lively engines: a 1.3-liter or a 1.5-liter. It carries on the company’s family looks: handsome, well-proportioned, while keeping some hints of perkiness and individuality.
Photos by Ulysses Ang (left), Jason Ang (right).
By Ulysses Ang | Photos By (see individual entries)
Originally Published in The Manila Times
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