Top picks of 2019: 5 affordable cars

As the year 2019 comes to a close, subcompact and mini-subcompact vehicles continue to shine as the best-selling models of the Philippine automotive industry.

It’s because they are affordable, practical and comparatively economical to operate and maintain vis-à-vis other types and sizes of motor vehicles. The easy auto loan terms offered by commercial banks encourage consumers to buy subcompact vehicles not only for personal use, but also for business purposes such as taxicab and Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) units.

No wonder that Toyota’s flagship subcompact sedan, the Vios, has reigned supreme as the best-selling vehicle in this country across all categories and segments since its introduction in 2003.

And no wonder that Kia and Hyundai startled the new year by launching last February two affordable made-in-China subcompact sedans, the Kia Soluto and the Hyundai Reina, both of which are equipped with the same 1.4-liter Kappa engine.

What’s more, is it any wonder that Suzuki, known globally as specializing in small cars, continues to rise and rise in total vehicle sales? As of year-to-date November 2019, Suzuki PH, Inc. had overtaken Ford Motor Co. PH, Inc. to grab fourth place in the Top 10 Sales Performers List of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI).

Suzuki’s top three best-selling nameplates are all affordable subcompacts: the Ertiga 7-seater MPV, Swift subcompact hatchback, and Celerio mini-subcompact car.

Of the five best-selling models named by Nissan PH, Inc., which ranks third overall in CAMPI’s Top 10 Sales Performers YTD November 2019, two are subcompacts: the Almera sedan and the Juke crossover.

NOMINATED TOP PICKS. These developments call for nominations to the Top Picks of 2019: 5 Affordable Cars. Here goes:

1) 2019 TOYOTA VIOS

PRICE RANGE: P662,000-P1.098 million.

When it comes to fuel efficiency, reliability and value for money, the Vios is unbeatable.

Last month, Toyota Motor PH Corp. (TMP) made its top-selling vehicle even more affordable by introducing the Vios XLE variant, which slots above the Base J and XE variants.

Powered by the same 1.3-liter, 98 hp, 123 Nm torque engine found in other lower-end variants. The Vios XLE is equipped with driver, passenger and knee airbags, 4-beam Halogen headlamps, a 7-inch infotainment display with Weblink for iOS/Android, 15-inch alloy wheels, ABS, vehicle stability control, and hill start assist.

Suggested retail prices are P791,000 for the Vios 1.3 XLE M/T, and P841,000 for the Vios 1.3 XLE CVT. TMP offers Option A, an outright cash discount of P35,000 plus accessory packages worth P40,000 including DRLs, LED fog lamps, rear camera, aero kits, and select TRD pieces with 17-inch wheels. Option B is the Zero Down Payment financing scheme.

Both options come with the 5-year Extended Warranty and Free PMS (Preventive Maintenance Service) up to 20,000 km.

Those who want the fully equipped Vios with seven airbags, rear camera, Push Start and Smart Entry System, etc. can choose the Vios 1.3 Prime CVT priced at P936,000.

In fact, there’s a Vios for every budget. Aside from the XLE, TMP sells 11 Vios variants starting with the P662,000 1.3 base M/T and topping off with the P1.098 million 1.5 G Prime CVT.

2) 2019 SUZUKI ERTIGA

PRICE RANGE: P738,000-P988,000.

The Ertiga has been Suzuki's best-selling nameplate since its intro in 2014. Just recently, Suzuki PH, Inc. rolled out a new second-generation Ertiga.

What's new: A more powerful 1.5-liter DOHC VVT engine producing 103 hp and 138 Nm max torque, replaced the 1.4-liter engine of the preceding 2014 model;

A lighter, more rigid Heartech platform that reduces NVH and improves handling;

Longer, wider and taller dimensions;

A wide new chrome grille, angular headlights, fog lamps flanking the front bumper, L-shaped taillights extending over the rear;

A more upscale, black interior with faux wood inserts in the dash of higher-grade variants;

A navigation-ready 10-inch multimedia audio touchscreen with four speakers, a built-in multi-info display in the instrument cluster, rotary knobs to control the aircon, and a sporty, flat-bottom three-spoke steering wheel with audio control.

What’s retained: The transmission choice of either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic feeding power to the front wheels;

Manual aircon with rear manual control;

60:40 split folding second row seats, and 50:50 split folding third row seats;

The long 2.740m wheelbase that allows a roomy cabin capable of accommodating seven passengers, plus expanded cargo room.

All Ertiga variants have dual airbags, ABS with EBD, side impact beams, ISOFIX child seat anchors, engine immobilizer. The GL and GLX variants have rear parking sensors and the GLX has a rear camera, USB, Bluetooth, keyless entry, push-start button.

Prices start at P738,000 for the base GA 1.5 M/T, and at P988,000 for the top-end GLX 1.5 A/T.

Note: This writer test-drove the first gen Ertiga years ago, and even then I already liked its lively 95hp powertrain and agile handling. What more now with all the new upgrades listed above?

3) 2019 MAZDA2 1.5 SKYACTIV-G ELITE

SRP: P995,000 (sedan or hatchback)

The smallest vehicle in Mazda’s lineup is distinguished by the brand's Kudo Soul of Motion design language, G-Vectoring Control Plus and a 1.5-liter SkyActiv-G engine.

This December, Bermaz Auto PH, Inc., the distributor of Mazda vehicles and parts, launched the facelifted Mazda2 for the 2020 model year with the mesh grille design of its bigger brothers, 16-inch rims, and updated technology as part of the Mazda Premium global rebranding strategy.

Mazda’s transition to a premium brand should be good news for consumers since it means more dynamic styling, more fun to drive, and more premium creature comforts that lift the car above the mainstream level – with the caveat, naturally, of a corresponding increase in price point.

As it is, the Mazda2, called Mazda’s supermini in other markets, has been rated as a very reliable car. The British magazine “What Car?”, for one, ranked the Mazda2 in first place in their dependability survey for small cars.

The five-seater, front-wheel-drive, front-engined Mazda2 is powered by a 1.5-liter SkyActiv G 16-valve gasoline engine that produces 108hp and 141 Nm max torque.

The new Mazda2 is one of the best-equipped affordable subcompact cars available. Aside from a navigation-ready 7-inch touchscreen LCD monitor for infotainment, it has Aux-in, USB, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Its safety features include ABS with EBD, dynamic stability control, automatic headlights, rear view camera, rear proximity sensors, two airbags, rain-sensing wipers, speed-sensing door locks, ISOFIX anchors for child car seat, high mount stop lamp, active driving display, automatic climate control, disc brakes fore and aft, and Mazda's patented G-Vectoring Control Plus.

GVC Plus is an electronic system that applies a light braking force to the outer wheels as the driver steers out of a corner, thereby returning the steering wheel to the center position. It provides a stabilizing moment that helps restore the car to straight line running. The result is less body roll and enhanced riding comfort.

Aside from all the above, the 2019 Mazda2 SkyActiv G-Elite comes with a 3-year (100,000km) warranty, plus free PMS for three years.

4) 2019 HONDA BRIO

PRICE RANGE: P598,000-P742,000

The Brio, Honda Motor's entry-level car, has literally grown up in size, as well as style.

The second generation Brio launched by Honda Cars PH, Inc. last April has been redesigned from the ground up to project a more mature, more wholesome image.

What's New. Sleek, upward sweeping multi-reflector halogen headlights;

LED parking light guides;

A sturdy new tailgate fitted with rear combination lights and rear reflectors that emphasize the Brio’s new wide stance;

A longer (by 60mm) wheelbase and extended (by 90mm) cargo area;

Bigger rear doors, making ingress and egress easier;

An 83-liter increase in cargo capacity to 258 liters when the rear seat is up, and 710 liters when the rear seat is folded down;

Two new RS (Road Sailing) variants: the P737,000 Brio RS Navi CVT, and the P742,000 Brio Black Top RS Navi CVT;

An exclusive new color, Phoenix Orange, for the top-end Black Top RS Brio;

A new height lower by 15mm to complement the sporty stance;

A new, smaller, more fuel-efficient 1.2-liter, 4-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC engine;

A newly developed CVT based on Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology.

What’s Retained: The bench-type rear seat.

In view of its price point, the Brio’s safety features are limited to driver and front passenger airbags, ABS, engine immobilizer and G-CON technology for impact absorption to protect occupants should a collision occur.

Nonetheless, the 2019 Brio is a sporty, fuel-efficient, comfy and affordable little Honda runabout that deserves the consideration of first-time new car buyers and young couples.

5) HYUNDAI REINA

PRICE RANGE: P648,000-P698,000.

Called the Kia Soluto’s twin because they share the same 1.4-liter Kappa MPI (multipoint injection) naturally aspirated inline-4 gasoline engine producing 95hp and 132 Nm peak torque, the same transmission (either a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual), and the same Hyundai-Kia PB platform, the Reina is imported from Hyundai Beijing.

Although the Reina has a Fluidic Sculpture 2 design layout similar to the current Accent’s, it won’t eat into the latter's sales since it is categorized at a less premium level.

The Reina’s exterior is noted for the absence of chrome trim surrounding the grille, door handles, tail lights or along the beltline. This, plus the 14-inch steel rims and absence of front fog lamps, indicate that the Reina is an entry-level car.

On the other hand, the Reina’s interior is more spacious than the Toyota Vios, thanks to a 2.75m wheelbase that is 20 mm longer. The Reina can accommodate five people comfortably, especially in the rear where generous headroom and knee room for three is available, plus a 3-point seatbelt for the middle passenger. The Reina’s trunk capacity is 475 liters, larger than competitors’ except for the Vios.

Driving the Reina is surprisingly pleasant, as it smoothly delivers adequate power matching the car’s size, and handles reasonably well on twisting roads and around corners.

The ride is quiet and refined, with no squeaks or rattles even over rough surfaces that one would expect of an entry-level car made in China. The air conditioning system is strong, such that rear air vents are unnecessary.

The Reina is kitted with a 3.5-inch LCD screen in the form of a 1-DIN head unit that has AM/FM and a USB connection, plus a 2.8-inch mono LCD cluster.

Do you want Apple CarPlay and Android Auto? The buyer only has to add P50,000 to the SRP of the Reina 1.4 GL M/T (P648,000), or the Reina 1.4 GL A/T’s SRP (P698,000) to score this must-have feature.

Meanwhile, dual SRS airbags, ABS, 3-point seatbelts for all five passengers, headlamp levelers, speed-sensing door locks, power windows (whose switches are curiously located in the center stack under the aircon) are standard equipment.

But the greatest advantage that the Reina offers is Hyundai's 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, a bonus for a budget-priced, entry-level subcompact.

SUMMING UP: Given that the median age in the Philippines in 2019 is 24.4 years and our 2019 population is 108.12 million per the latest UN estimates, there are millions of prospective first-time new car buyers and entrepreneurs out there.

If you are a first-time new car buyer with a limited budget or an entrepreneur operating a taxi or service fleet, all you need is a four-door car with a cabin that can comfortably and safely transport five persons including the driver, a trunk that can take in large cargo for trips to the airport or out of town, a reliable, fuel-efficient powertrain and, most important, an affordable price.

On this basis, the affordable car market segment is booming and will continue to boom for many years to come.