June 19 marks the birthday of Philippine nationalist hero Jose Rizal, born in 1861. This was a couple of decades before the introduction of the world’s first production automobile, but we can’t help but wonder, what would Rizal drive, if he were around in the present day?
Jose Rizal’s family was quite large even by the standards of the day. Rizal had nine sisters and one brother. For any road trip by the Rizal family, they would need a vehicle with large seating capacity. Vehicles to consider include the all-new Hiace, which comes with a 14-seat capacity and a brawny 420 Nm diesel engine to haul everyone efficiently. There’s also the Foton Toano, an extra-large and tall van, likewise powered by a diesel engine, a Cummins unit. The Toano can be configured as a 15-seater commuter model or a more luxurious 10-seat limousine model, perfect for the road trips that the intrepid Rizal would likely take around the country.
Rizal was not a tall fellow, so he could benefit from a car with a tall driving position. A number of SUVs would fit the bill, and the German-trained Dr. Rizal would no doubt appreciate the Teutonic engineering behind the all-new G-Class. Should he choose the Ford Expedition or Everest, he can take advantage of the power-folding rear seat to configure the car’s interior and make loading cargo easier. Manuevering a large vehicle can be a challenge if you don’t have a clear sightline. This is where Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility module with 360-degree overhead view can help with backing into tight parking spaces or manuevering in tight corners. A rear-view mirror that doubles as a rear camera gives a clear view of the car’s rear space regardless of the seats’ occupants or the cargo load.
As an ardent nationalist, Jose Rizal would support the Philippine automotive industry by buying Philippine-assembled cars. These include the two models included in the current Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) Program, the Toyota Vios and Mitsubishi Mirage.
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