STAR Motoring Top 10 Picks of 2014

MANILA, Philippines - I t’s that time of the year—our annual STAR Top Picks. With so many terrific new cars (and even not-so-new ones) on the market today, we upped the list of cars to choose from to 10 from the original five. It’s just as well because if we only had five cars to pick, we’d have an unprecedented five-way tie! As it is, with 10 cars picked by STAR’s five motoring journos (Andy Leuterio, Kap Maceda Aguila, James Deakin, Manny N. de los Reyes, and Ulysses Ang), we have a stunning—and still unprecedented—surprise result. Read on and see which are our respective 10 picks and which cars appeared in most them.  

Andy’s Picks

Chevrolet Suburban

Go Big or go home? More like, “Go Big and drive your home.” The no-compromises ‘Burb seats seven to eight, has a brawny V8 with a super-smooth, heavy duty transmission, and will carry EVERYTHING your family needs for a long road trip. For the price of a compact Euro sedan, the ‘Burb will brook no compromises.

Ford EcoSport

This is the Fiesta with a backpack. Based on the Fiesta platform, the taller Eco Sport is a well-equipped, decently powered micro-SUV for under 1 mill. If you need the basic traits of an SUV (tall driving position, flood clearing ground clearance, wagon-ny utility), the EcoSport fits the bill.

Ford Fiesta EcoBoost

For those who’d like a subcompact with a lot of punch, the 1-liter, turbo-boosted Fiesta is a fun machine that’s a driver’s car first and a people-hauler second. Great sport seats, Euro tuned handling and cozy cabin make this an excellent choice for those who love to drive hard.

Honda Brio

Picking up where the previous generation 1.3-liter Jazz left off, the Brio may be tiny but it never feels cheap. It’s quiet, efficient, roomy, and a lot of fun to drive for the urban guerilla.

Honda Jazz / City

The best, all-around subcompact just got better with a truly refined cabin, more legroom, improved insulation, and “big car” features like a touchscreen panel for the A/C and stereo, pushbutton engine start and more.

Mazda3

Racy looks and handling and a lovely cockpit are what you get in exchange for a mildly cramped interior. When you’re hankering for a sports car but stuck on a family car choice, the 2-liter Mazda3 is it.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Quite possibly the most beautiful C-Class ever. Jewel-like attention to detail, opulent interior, quiet and refined drivetrains, the C-Class is the epitome of elegance in the compact Euro segment.

Nissan X-Trail

Whoa there! The all-new X-Trail brims with features like 180-degree cameras, TFT panels, 8-speed CVT, and all-wheel drive, then packs these into a sexy but roomy body with a refined cabin and a luxurious ride. This is THE not-so-compact SUV to have now.

Toyota Corolla Altis

A Toyota Altis is the default choice for many family car buyers. This time around, Toyota has injected their bread and butter car with a modest amount of testosterone without sacrificing the things it has always been valued for: ease of maintenance, good room for five, predictable handling, and a reasonably strong but fuel efficient drivetrain.

Toyota FJ Cruiser

The Toyota that’s all about fun. Indulge your Tonka truck fantasies with this 2/3rds scale Hummer H3. Not an ideal family SUV with its suicide doors and plasticky interior, but this little beast can go trail-busting with minimal off-road modifications required.  It’s so ugly it’s pretty.

James’ Picks

Chevrolet Spin 1.3-liter diesel.

An ideal vehicle for growing families that can’t quite step up to an Innova, this little Spin doesn’t get half the love it deserves. You may not see many on the road just yet, but the Spin makes the list not only for its outstanding practicality and incredible fuel efficiency, but because its honest and practical approach has managed to put enough pressure on the segment for people like Suzuki join the club and start creating some much needed competition for Toyota.

Ferrari California T

Ferrari’s first turbo in 20 years. But as soon as I nailed that throttle to the firewall, expecting the usual lag and force-fed whine, I was immediately converted. Yes you lose the urgency that you get from a 458, or even the previous California, but after about a hundred or so, when others tend to start running short on breath, the 3.7-liter V8 starts to really pour it on thick and builds into this relentless slingshot that piles on enough speed to leave a smile on even an F12 owner’s face. But it is in its amazing ability to combine all that performance with everyday practicality, plus a retractable hard top that can bring freedom in 14 seconds that makes it a winner in my list.

Ford Ecosport

Ever since I laid eyes on this pre-production model in the Delhi Motor show I just knew it was going to be a headache for the competition. Simply because it is one of those competitors that you don’t really have a fight plan for. Sort of like Pacquiao. It just comes at you from so many different angles. It has the subcompact engine, but SUV versatility. It can traverse flooded streets with no problem, but doesn’t take air traffic controllers to help you park. It is neither an Avanza, a Spin, a Jimny or a sedan, but a handsome and practical combination of them all.

Honda Brio

I’m always excited by any new Honda model launch not only because they always deliver another quality product, but because they keep the big 3 honest. And the Brio is a shining example of that. Best in class power, refinement and driving dynamics, the Brio raises the bar for entry-level motoring.

Jaguar F-Type R

It may have taken 50 years, but it was definitely worth the wait. I’ve never heard anything quite like it in my life. The sound is so damn good, they could sell on iTunes. It is nothing like a Ferrari, Porsche, Pagani or AMG. This is throatier and meaner; a baritone with anger management issues. With an all-aluminum space frame, the F-Type dances through corners like something out of Weissach. There, I said it. Jaguar has entered 911 territory. And being given a chance to experience that firsthand on the incredible Motorland Track outside Barcelona places this firmly in my favorite list for 2014.

Lamborghini Huracan

Hell hath no fury like an Italian Supercar scorned. As intimidating as it was when it was launched, the aging Gallardo, which the Huracan replaces, was starting to become less car and more bull when pitted against much newer and fiercer rivals. Lambo knew they had to fight back hard. So they kicked up a storm. It’s hard to describe the first 400 meters of acceleration and cornering with anything but the F word, but as this is still a PG newspaper, let me just say that the Huracan is fery, fery fast. First hundred comes up in 3.2 seconds; the following hundred arrives 6.7 seconds later; your gall bladder catches up about a second after. Which is exactly how a supercar should feel.

Lexus RC F

We always knew the formula would work––cut out two doors and add another 170hp––but just how well it worked surprised even the clever minds that built it. It is not so much the mystery of how they crammed 477hp and 550nm of torque into that 5.0-liter, V8, it is more how they crammed all that power, luxury and performance into 5.8 million pesos that wedges this into the list of my favorite cars of the year.

Mazda 3

One of the best handling compacts ever. Mazda have knocked this one out of the park. Could use a bit more power, but that is only because the chassis is so greedy and can handle so much more. Then there’s that gorgeous interior and 3-year worry-free maintenance that makes it a natural-born winner.

Nissan X-Trail

Nissan is back, baby. And this time it’s personal. The new X-Trail brings with it everything we have missed about the brand and injects a huge shot of testosterone into the whole line up. Welcome back, guys. We missed you.

Toyota Corolla Altis

Does it really need an explanation? It’s the standard by which they are all judged. Just like every Beatles album. It defines the genre. And despite that pressure, Toyota were still able to deliver. Personally, it makes the list for me because Toyota could have gotten away with giving us much less. But instead, they gave us more.

Kap’s Picks

Audi A3

Audi’s A3 comes with credentials: World Car of the Year 2014 winner and 2014 Top Safety Pick of America’s Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. I had the chance to briefly push its turbo-diesel variant sometime back, and I was won over by its torque-y chutzpah, taut handling, and ability to safely hug the curves at speed. It reaches 100 kph in 8.7 ticks and can top 220 kph. The new generation is the biggest the A3 has ever gotten—just a shade shorter than the previous-generation A4. Still, A3 outdoes the A4 in both legroom and headroom.

Chevrolet Trailblazer

You see a lot more of the new-look Trailblazer on the streets these days—surely good news for local distributor The Covenant Car Company, Inc. And why not? It’s everything an SUV should be—burly, spacious, and powerful. Its upgraded 2.8-liter Duramax diesel boasts 200hp and “class-leading” 500Nm. Despite its legit SUV cred, this Chevy is comfortable, easy to drive, and incredibly domesticated within. Equipped with bewildering array of technological acronyms, this Trailblazer handily makes our list.

Ford EcoSport

At first, we didn’t know what to make of this all-new, category-defining offering from Ford. Was it an oversized hatch or a mini SUV? Ford astutely packaged it as an “urban SUV,” and Pinoys took notice. It sure didn’t hurt either that the EcoSport, starting at P775,000, is effectively the most inexpensive SUV among major manufacturers. Amply powered by a 1.5-liter TiVCT heart delivering 110hp and 142Nm, this cute ute has the luxury of space in spades as well. Ford has also loaded it with bells and whistles, making it a compelling performer that looks good, too.

Honda Accord

Few sedans have displayed the sterling consistency of the Honda Accord. For others, that would be a bad thing, but the Accord has always thrived on knowing exactly what it is—a more dignified version of the Civic. Think of it as a Honda with a stiff upper lip, metaphorically speaking. Quietly luxurious inside and out, the Accord nonetheless boasts two of Honda’s most powerful engines—a 2.4-liter (four cylinders) and 3.5-liter V6, capable of delivering 175ps and 281ps, respectively.

Honda Brio / Brio Amaze

Honda must be cited for its twin offerings that are easy on the wallet yet do not scrimp on performance and quality. And despite appearing small from the outside, the Brios take lessons from their Jazz brethren for spatial generosity. Quite spacious, the back seat—often a token afterthought—can actually seat a couple or more in relative comfort. Meaning energetic and cheerful in Italian, the Brio derives enough spirit from Honda’s 1.3-liter four-cylinder, 16-valve, iVTEC good for a peppy 100hp.

Honda Jazz

US car magazine Car and Driver has, over the years, loved the Honda Jazz so much it was on its 10 Best list no less than seven times—winning three comparos along the way. I’d agree. The Jazz has been a consistent performer throughout its history. By now we’ve come to expect the usual strengths—generous space and a peppy drive. The all-new Jazz, touted by Honda as the “world’s best functional compact,” boasts space comparable to a huge Mercedes S-Class. Indeed, you can’t go wrong with a Jazz—nor its robust 1.5-liter, SOHC i-VTEC that delivers 120 ps and 145 Nm.

Lamborghini Huracan

It’s no sin to throw in an aspirational ride, is it? Well, how can you go wrong with choosing the heir to the mighty Gallardo’s throne? The super sports car (a “daily driver” in Lambo’s rarefied stable) attains 100 kph in 3.2 seconds and tops 325 kph via a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 that packs 610 horses in. Its hybrid chassis combines carbon fiber and aluminum, and is so beautifully crafted it can move you to tears—as does the realization that it’s so way beyond reach of our budget.

Peugeot 3008

The French carmaker sustains its momentum in the local market, and continues to win converts with its array of impressive, diesel-powered rides. The 3008—a “cross between a saloon and a people carrier”—is a surprisingly compelling vehicle that perfectly represents what the brand stands for. From the Euro styling to the muted yet unmistakable luxuries and technology within, motorists are sure to enjoy the 3008. From an elevated driving position, you command a torque-rich ride—whether you choose the 1.6- or 2.0-liter variant.

Toyota Vios

Through sheer dint of sales and ubiquity, the Vios assures itself a place on my list. But I digress. We shouldn’t take anything away from the car’s values. Inexpensive, spacious, and well appointed, the present Vios has never been so, well, un-Vios like. It successfully transcends its previous image as a no-nonsense workhorse. The refinement, performance, and overall design show that a lot of love, class, and thought went into this sedan.

Volkswagen Tiguan

As a fan of minimalism, I’m pretty convinced the Tiguan SUV should make this list. Despite its comparatively expensive pricing, this German ride is functional and would have none of the cloying clutter possessed by some of its competitors. Solidly built and powered by a 1.4- or 2.0-liter diesel engine, the Tiguan has been described as a “Golf on stilts,” which is an undoubted compliment. Clean, simple, and legible instrumentation sets off matters within—a classy, muted study in German simplicity but with the required and expected accoutrements.

Manny’s Picks

Chevrolet Spin

The seven-seater compact MPV/crossover/people mover is one of the fastest-growing new segments in the country, with players like the Toyota Avanza, Nissan Grand Livina, Kia Carens, the new Chevrolet Spin and the likewise new Suzuki Ertiga counting themselves as notable players. Of this bunch, I’d give the nod to the Spin for giving the best bang for the buck. It feels solid. It rides and drives solidly. It has a diesel engine. It even looks good. All for under 900 grand. That makes it a winner in my book.

Ford EcoSport

Remember the first-gen Toyota Rav 4, the one that’s as cute as baby’s shoes and just a little bit bigger? Wouldn’t you love to have a brand-new one now for the same price as it was back in 1998? With entry-level compact SUVs, retailing upwards of a million pesos now, having a compact SUV—well, make that subcompact SUV—for under 800 grand is, um, priceless. And the Blue Oval has done just that with its game-changing EcoSport. Thank you, Ford, for bringing things back to the basics.

Honda Jazz

How can a car that looks so sporty yet is so refined, compact yet so spacious, drives dynamically yet is so fuel-efficient, not be on this list? Enough said.

Honda Brio

Honda’s attempt at a sub-subcompact entry is not—yet—gaining as much traction as its popular (and bigger) Jazz sibling. But that’s not to say that the Brio is not without its merits. On the contrary, it’s the best in its class, offering renowned Honda refinement, performance, fuel and space efficiency—at a new size and price point. 

Hyundai Sonata

I’ve always been a big fan of the Sonata. It’s the most graceful-looking midsize executive sedan, with lines reminiscent of the beautiful Mercedes CLS-class sedan. And now the latest generation Sonata is upon us. It’s as graceful as ever—with luxury, safety, and fuel-efficiency features that would rival the best of Japan’s and Europe’s.

Isuzu mu-X

I’ve always respected the Isuzu Alterra. It was the most spacious and had one of the most comfortable rides in its class—never mind its boring styling and an engine that, despite its superb fuel economy, had high NVH. With the mu-X, those weaknesses are exorcised. The mu-X is now among the best-looking in its class, with a very competitive feature set and that vaunted Isuzu toughness.

Mazda3

The Mazda3 comes as a sedan and as a sport wagon. But while the sedan is as equally capable as its wagon sibling, I place it on my list specifically as its five-door variant. It looks stunning, handles as sportingly as a Mini Cooper, and has that much appreciated wagon versatility. And did I mention it looks stunning?

Nissan X-Trail

Nissan is fully armed and dangerous with its all-new X-Trail. “All-new” is the most overused and abused term in the car industry, but it’s absolutely fitting for the new X-Trail. The first-gen X-Trail sold well but the next iteration was virtually a wallflower. The third gen? It resolutely obliterates its predecessors in terms of styling, performance, fuel-efficiency, and build quality. It even comes as a seven-seater. The competition must be quaking in their all-terrain boots.

Toyota Corolla Altis

It’s the best car in the world. There, I’ve said it. To say that a Corolla—any Corolla—is a good car is an understatement of no-brainer proportions. The current Altis easily lives up to the Corolla’s decades-old reputation of rock solid durability and dependability. But couple that with striking good looks, Camry-levels of luxury and specifications, and surprisingly energetic performance, and you’ve got nothing less than a world-beater.

VW Beetle

It no longer looks girly. With its 1.4-liter turbo engine, it goes pretty fast, too (yet is still thrifty with gasoline). It’s also surprisingly roomy inside. Best of all it rides so comfortably, it’ll give a Toyota Camry a run for its money. Not only is the all-new sportified Beetle one of the strongest head-turners around, it’s also a perfect stress-buster. There’s no road rage where there’s a Volkswagen Beetle.

Uly’s Picks

Chevrolet Trailblazer LTX

Despite just being a new variant in the bestselling Trailblazer line, the LTX is a game-changer for Chevrolet. It brings forth a midsized 7-seater SUV that’s powerful and modern as well as excellently kitted and great value. At just P100,000 over the base automatic, it’s worth every cent with the additional equipment that you get. It’s good that it makes the range-topping LTZ seem like a superfluous purchase.

Ford Fiesta EcoBoost

At the heart of every automobile is its engine, giving it its unmistakable character. It’s for this reason that the Ford Fiesta has emerged as one of the year’s standouts. The Fiesta has carved a reputation for itself for being one fun-to-drive small car. Its only let down is its less-than-convincing engine line-up. Enter the turbocharged 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine. It’s the small engine that can, gifting the Fiesta enough power to take on the big boys. And yet, it’s also more frugal as well. It’s like having your cake and eating it, too.

Honda Jazz

Small hatches always make sense for Philippine roads. Not only are they frugal and easy to maneuverable, they are also masters of actually utilizing every millimeter of interior space. Among all the small hatches currently in the market, the all-new Honda Jazz is the standout when it comes to providing the complete package. The return of the magical ULTR (Utility, Long, Tall, Relax) seats is just the start. Add that to a car that’s more economical, refined, and desirable than its predecessor. It’s the most desirable car for those on a budget.

Hyundai Accent CRDi

Many have tried, but only the Hyundai Accent CRDi succeeds in providing a truly affordable everyday transport that’s also easy on the pocket. There’s no other car that can easily do fuel economy figures north of 20 km/L yet deliver exhilarating performance thanks to its monstrous torque. The Accent CRDi’s been around for more than a year already, but this year sees the addition of new variants including the much-awaited 4-door sedan.

Isuzu mu-X

Competing in the fastest-growing automotive segment, the mu-X’s predecessor, the Alterra, didn’t do too well. And what a great showing from the Japanese commercial vehicle giant: the Isuzu mu-X has the looks, the features, and the solid build quality to finally stand toe-to-toe against its rivals. The single powertrain choice may turn off some buyers, but it’s proven its worth in providing ample performance when needed.

Mazda3

To say that the Mazda3 has re-written the compact car rulebook is a complete understatement. No other car has gathered the buzz and attention of car enthusiasts and buyers alike. The head-turning good looks is then followed by the high-quality, driver-oriented interior, and capped off by the advanced Skyactiv drivetrain; being fully-loaded and great value for money works in its favor too. Aside from delivering the most smiles per mile, the Mazda3 is equally fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly. No other car makes eco-minded commuting look sleek and sexy.

Nissan X-Trail

Among all the vehicles Nissan has in its local arsenal, the X-Trail has one of the highest name recalls. And because of this, Nissan didn’t take any chances with the all-new model. Eschewing the boxy design with one that’s curvaceous, the X-Trail successfully marries the comfort and convenience of a compact crossover with the practicality and utility of a 7-seater SUV. It may not be the quickest or best kitted in its class, but it’s the one that truly resonates with the needs and wants of the Filipino buyer.

Subaru WRX

Few cars can claim to be both performance-oriented and practical at the same time. This is what makes the Subaru WRX an absolute winner for 2014. Not only does it have all-weather performance provided by its turbocharged Boxer engine (a Ward’s 10 Best Engine winner to boot) and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, it’s roomier, more comfortable, and easier to push to the limit than its bigger brother, the WRX STI. The pairing of the award-winning engine to a Lineartronic CVT certainly raised a couple of eyebrows, but try one and you’ll understand why it’s the everyday supercar that seats five.

Toyota Corolla Altis

No matter how it performs or looks, people are going to buy the Corolla Altis. It’s the default choice of fleet customers and the practical-minded alike. So, consider everyone surprised (and pleasantly shocked) when Toyota designed and engineered a Corolla Altis that actually a million times better than its predecessor. It looks sleek and modern inside and out and actually handles tidily on the road. It’s also loaded with tons of features and still doesn’t break the bank. Plus, it manages to retain every aspect that has made it the go-to-choice of Filipino buyers: roomy, comfortable, and well-built.

Volkswagen Tiguan

Like every other VW, the Tiguan’s beauty lies in the details such as offering a complete array of safety equipment, a high-tech turbo diesel, and a competitive price point. It also helps that the Tiguan is mighty comfortable and confident on the road. Indeed, the Tiguan has opened the eyes of many to the exciting world of Das Auto.

Again, testament to the solid range of cars and utility vehicles on the market today, a full 26 individual models were picked by five STAR Motoring journalists. More tellingly, no less than six cars and SUV’s topped our list with four votes apiece (out of a possible maximum of five).

Like in previous years of STAR Picks, no single car garnered a unanimous perfect-five vote. Yet a stunning six were deemed worthy of four votes. This is unprecedented.

These six cars are (in alphabetical order): the Ford EcoSport, Honda Brio, Honda Jazz, Mazda3, Nissan X-Trail, and Toyota Corolla Altis. These are the cream of the crop. Kudos to these six automobiles (and to Honda for nailing two).

No car or truck got three votes, yet another six were picked with two votes each (Chevrolet Spin, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Ford Fiesta EcoBoost, Isuzu mu-X, Lamborghini Huracan, and Volkswagen Tiguan), with the remaining 14 cars or SUV’s getting one vote each.

These cars and trucks may have gotten only one or two votes each, but they are all still winners—especially considering that there are perhaps more than a hundred individual models available on the market today. That is how high the level of competency our cars have reached now. And that can only be good news to the car buyer.

Happy New Year!