The Unsung Heroes

MANILA, Philippines - As the country celebrates the twenty-fifth year of liberation from tyranny on EDSA Day, it’s right to look at the unsung heroes of the revolution – the nameless, faceless men and women whose sacrifice made our country the proud nation it is today. Let’s not forget that if it weren’t for their pain, we would have gone by way of Cuba – where its dictatorship suppressed financial freedom and as a result, their newest cars are American land yachts from the 1960s.

Because of their sacrifice, our country now enjoys the freedom of choice. In car terms alone, the number of brands has mushroomed since 1986, giving every Filipino car buyer a choice. And every year, newer and better choices are made available. And though several of these makes and models enjoy tremendous success in the local market, there are some which have been passed over in one way or the other. By experience, I know that these cars aren’t selling not because they’re not good to drive or to own; but because of several other factors. These forgotten choices are the unsung heroes of the automotive world: cars that are actually mighty good, but for one reason or the other, haven’t enjoyed the same commercial success as its stable mates or competitors. And I’ve listed five of them here to offer a fresh, new perspective to prospective car buyers. Hopefully, they’ll go beyond the sales figures and settle for something a bit more refreshing.

Freedom of Mobility: Toyota Yaris

For those of us who have yet to buy their first car or perhaps are upgrading from a hand-me down used one, the Toyota Yaris presents itself as an excellent choice.

At P731,000 for the M/T and P766,000 for the A/T variant, the Yaris undercuts its similarly powered sub-compact hatchback rivals (and that’s not taking into account the generous cash discounts you’ll receive). Beyond the affordable price tag, the Yaris is one peppy machine that’s designed for the urban jungle. It’s easy to drive, responsive, zippy in traffic jams and a cake to park.

Despite its diminutive size, it’s quite roomy for four adults plus it’s got all the safety features you’ll never need. It’s not as edgy or modern as its rivals, but you won’t really care: it’s good behind the wheel and still delivers the best fuel mileage in its class. Plus, it’s a Toyota so expect painless ownership.

Freedom from Debt: Hyundai i30 1.6 CRDi

Typically, when you say “diesel”, you immediately think of a large, lumbering sport utility vehicle. And though they’re cheaper to fill up compared to their unleaded counterparts, they still don’t deliver km/L figures in double digits.

Luckily, for families, there’s the Hyundai i30 1.6 CRDi. True: it’s not a SUV or even a crossover, but this European-inspired five-door hatchback offers all of the advantages with almost minimal trade-offs. Now only available by indent order, the P1,048,000 i30 CRDi packs a punch: 260 Nm of torque through its VGT-equipped 1.6-liter engine, but still manages to deliver more than 15 km/L in the city. This equates to huge savings, especially factoring in the weekly increase in fuel prices.

Aside from its fuel mileage, the i30 doesn’t compromise in other areas as well: its handling is worthy to be called one of the best in its class and the interior’s actually well made and nicely featured. Others may have paved the way for plopping a diesel into a Euro hatchback, but the Hyundai i30 wraps the idea in a much more convincing package that’s a worthy choice if you can drive a stick.

Freedom of Expression: Mazda6 2.5

The executive car segment is perhaps one of the most boring here in the country primarily because of the target buyer: they’re typically chauffer driven, driven by 60 year olds or those who feel like them. As a result, they’re boring and sedate – becoming the automotive equivalent of Valium.

The Mazda6 put that kind of thinking on its head. Now, if you don’t want “blah”, you can always opt for the Mazda6. As expected from the company that promises to bring excitement back to driving, the Mazda6 is extremely fun-to-drive. But besides its corner-loving attitude, the Mazda6’s style is sure to bring a smile to your face thanks to that large smiling grin upfront. It’s generously equipped too, with features rivaling some of Europe’s best. What’s more, the Mazda6 is generously roomy, providing owners the option to have themselves chauffer driven every now and then.

Other executive cars have arrived, designed and engineered in the same vein as the Mazda6, but it’s only the Mazda6 that comes with a combination of brand panache and expansive dealer network for a price just below P1,700,000.

Freedom of Space: Subaru Tribeca

Those in the market for an upscale crossover that transports the extended family often end up getting truck-based SUVs that don’t provide enough refinement or comfort. This choice is often a compromise given they wanted car-like comfort and refinement, but can’t seem to find the needed space for seven at a price that’s still affordable. I guess, they’ve forgotten all about the Subaru Tribeca.

The Impreza, Legacy and Forester may all enjoy high name recall among buyers, but the Tribeca usually doesn’t register as a recognizable Subaru nameplate. Be that as it may, the Tribeca is every inch a Subaru: a flat-6 engine upfront, aircraft inspired looks, enticing handling and standard all-wheel drive. Of course, the enlarged proportions and “made for America” ethos translates to space for five adults and two kids – perfect for that weekly travel to Baguio or Bataan. Everyone will revel in the standard equipment including beige leather seating and triple-zone climate control.

And unlike those truck-based SUVs, the Tribeca doesn’t need an enormous garage to fit in. Its roof line still sits below the magical 1,700-mm mark, enabling it to fit all underground garages while its less than 5,000-mm length makes it highly maneuverable in traffic. Who says you can’t have cake and eat it too?

Freedom for the Future: Toyota Prius

As mere guardians of Mother Nature, it’s right to consider a car that’s socially responsible as it is forward-thinking. Enter the Toyota Prius. Though there was initial sticker shock at its price tag, you do get every cent’s worth with the Prius’s amazing core piece of technology: the Synergy gasoline-electric hybrid engine. Some may think it’s superfluous next to diesel passenger cars, but the Prius still outshines them; especially in the city where it can easily achieve more than 25 km/L while emitting almost no emissions at all.

The engine aside, the Prius is still pretty respectable in terms of features such as automatic climate control, leather seating and a keyless push button engine start/stop system. Not to mention, the Prius is very roomy for five adults and can hold on its own in terms of luggage space. It certainly isn’t a people’s car right now, but it must be remembered that the Prius is paving the way towards environmentally conscious driving. More of our leaders should consider driving around in a Prius rather than burning premium fuel in their third-hand sports car.

These five unsung heroes may not have enjoyed the commercial success its manufacturers have intended, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t consider them. It’s about time people take a good, hard look at a car purchase not because of its badge, or its ability to climb sales charts. It’s about time that people consider what they really want and really need in a car.

The diversity of choices in the local car industry is a testament to the economic freedom we enjoy today. That is the product of the sacrifice of the different men and women to take down a dictator twenty-five years ago. It’s about time we celebrate this freedom by buying a car that you, as a buyer, really like.