2007 was a banner year for the Philippine auto industry. Sales finally broke the previous record set in 1996, and registered an estimated 18% growth from 2006. New models certainly helped, and the year saw more than thirty introductions, from minor trim changes to all-new vehicles. Of the new vehicles launched in 2007, we selected the ones most likely to have an impact on customer purchases and preferences.
Subaru Impreza
A lot of changes were in store for the all-new version of Subaru’s image leader and core product. First is the transformation from angular sedan to smoothly-shaped hatchback. This is not to everyone’s liking, but the design manages to stand out. Most significant is that the Impreza is now aiming to be a more mainstream vehicle, with a 2.0-liter all-wheel drive version starting at just above P1 million.
Mazda CX-9
Of the Japanese and Korean SUVs battling it out in the P2.5 million-plus price range, the large, seven-seat Mazda CX-9 is the best choice for the enthusiast driver. Power comes from a 274-hp 3.7-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. The cabin exudes quality from every control and tactile surface. Best of all, the handling is pure Mazda: balanced, responsive and agile. With this in the garage, there’s no need to buy a sports car just for the weekend.
Honda CR-V
One of the early leaders in compact SUVs returns with a vengeance. The third generation seriously ups the ante in cabin quality and passenger comfort. Everything that is undesirable about the SUV has been pared away: difficult ingress and egress, thirsty engines, and poor handling. What remains is a fuel-efficient (We got 11 km/liter on the 2.0 VTEC with six-speed manual), comfortable and versatile vehicle.
Toyota Vios
The Vios has proven so popular that the outgoing model was still selling strongly as the new one debuted. The new Vios follows the Kaizen route, delivering incremental improvements in mechanical bits and driving refinement. Even if it doesn’t really break any new ground, the Vios will still prove popular thanks to consumer confidence in Toyota reliability and ease of ownership.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Has Mercedes finally launched a true contender to the benchmark BMW 3 Series? The passenger cabin is substantially larger, and with a huge leap in material quality. Two variations of the theme are available: a more subdued Elegance with traditional grille, and the sporty Avantgarde with a huge three-pointed star up front. The Avantgarde also features sharper steering and handling, bringing the fight closer to the 3 Series.
BMW X5
Still the ultimate luxury SUV, the second-generation X5 provides as much driving enjoyment and responsiveness as the company’s sport sedans. The new model now has a bigger interior that can seat seven, as well as more advanced gasoline and diesel engines and transmissions, and a novel gearshift.
Ford Ranger
The new Ranger may not be the biggest pickup in its class, but it packs a powerful 2.5 liter turbodiesel paired to a five-speed manual or automatic transmission. The Ranger tackles tough off-road courses with aplomb and is built to haul heavy cargo, and still feels confident and agile on city roads and on the highway.
Kia Carens
The Kia Carens brings a welcome dose of style to the entry-level MPV market. A modern common-rail diesel engine delivers adequate performance, while engineering that is fit for the US and European markets should inspire confidence.
Mitsubishi Outlander
This compact SUV stands out from its class by being capable of playing with sports sedans. A powerful 3.0 liter gasoline V6 and a responsive six-speed auto with paddle shifters do wonders for the enthusiast’s soul. It’s still practical, with moderate fuel economy and a large interior fit for the family.
Hyundai Grand Starex
Hyundai’s reputation in the Philippines was built mainly on one vehicle—the Starex—and 2007 sees the introduction of a larger all-new model. The mini-bus like size of the new Grand Starex allows for twelve seats, in four rows of three-abreast seating. The top variant features a 2.5-liter turbodiesel that delivers 174 horsepower and massive 392 Nm of torque, combined with a five-speed automatic.
Chery QQ
Even considering improvements and refinements, one factor was common in 2007: prices that continued to spiral upwards. One exception is this new car, the cheapest one in the country. If the 0.8-liter inline-three is too weedy, there’s also a 1.1-liter version.
Volvo C30
The C30 breaks the stereotype of Volvos as stylish but sedate family vehicles and attracts a whole new set of customers to the brand. It first attracts with its design and feature content and continues to impress with its driving dynamics. Several shelves of awards followed suit, including the Car of the Year-Philippines.
By Jason K. Ang
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