The 2013 STAR Top Picks

Andy Leuterio, Kap Maceda Aguila, James Deakin, Manny N. de los Reyes, and Ulysses Ang

MANILA, Philippines - Five STAR motoring writers choose five cars each. If our taste in automobiles is completely disparate, we potentially end up with a total of 25 cars (from 25 votes). This year, we end up with 15.

And it’s a diverse 15: two subcompact sedans, two hatchbacks, two compact SUVs, two pickups, a sport wagon, a midsize sedan, a hybrid, a compact luxury car, an MPV, a large SUV, and a sports car.

For 2013, there is no unanimously voted car. Nine cars got picked once out of a maximum of five. Four cars got two picks each. None got three picks. Two cars, on the other hand, stood out by virtue of getting four picks each out of a maximum of five.  These two cars are our 2013 STAR Picks of the Year.

Here they are now as listed writer by writer. Read on to know what we’ve got to say about each of them and to see which ones got the most picks. No peeking at the end!

Andy’s picks

Ford Fiesta 1.0-liter EcoBoost

Ford’s subcompact has always been a desirable car with sporty handling, a refined interior, and raffish good looks. The arrival of the 1-liter EcoBoost delivers a lot of bang-for-the-buck, belting out more power than the more conventional 1.5-liter engine while delivering exceptional fuel economy that only a tiny engine can bring. It’s not cheap, but you get what you pay for.

Ford Ranger Wildtrak

Big power and torque from a “compact” pickup truck that towers over its competitors? Ford fans have never had it so good. The Ranger isn’t quite a gamechanger in my book as it still rides unapologetically as a work truck, but it compensates with high levels of fit and finish and a well-deserved swagger.

Mazda CX-5

Handsome, roomy, and arguably the best handling CUV in the market, the CX-5 is proof that getting an SUV as the wife insists need not entail losing one’s manhood as well. Skyactiv technology gives the CX-5 one of the most powerful and fuel-efficient drivetrains around, while shameless aping of BMW interior designs give the Mazda a sharp, Euro look and feel.

Honda CR-Z

Neither true sports coupe nor out-and-out hybrid, the CR-Z is a little of both while evoking memories of its spiritual successor, the CRX. The 1.5-liter, electric-boosted drivetrain isn’t nosebleed fast, but neither does it guzzle fuel like a traditional sports car. With precise handling and a stick shift that’s a joy to row, the CR-Z is a a lot of fun to drive. And for a Honda, that’s something to treasure in this era of appliance-like automobiles.

Mazda6

Here is the solution for executives looking for the sportiest sedan around since they can’t justify a sports car on the company budget. With peerless Skyactiv technology, precise, firm handling, and all the usual accouterments expected of a midsize sedan, the Mazda6 is either a stunning value for those willing to forgo a pricier European badge, or an aspirational model for those looking for an erstwhile family car that will reinvigorate their mojo once more.

Kap’s picks

Honda CR-Z

Sports car or hybrid? If you can’t decide, then maybe you’re not meant to. Honda, in fact, calls this coupe a “sport hybrid”—a curious amalgamation we’ve never been accustomed to. Dub it a “sports car with a conscience,” and you wouldn’t be far off the mark. Armed with a rechargeable battery, the CR-Z also offers three driving modes to suit your mood and the driving demands. On days and occasions you want power on tap, press Sport for more aggressive performance. Normal denotes exactly what it means, while Econ works on the transmission and drive-by-wire to maximize fuel efficiency. Confound in style.

Isuzu D-Max

After what seemed like ages, the previous-generation Isuzu D-Max was finally shown the door. Still, it’s a testament to the values of the pickup that, long local lifecycle notwithstanding, units continued to fly off the showroom.

Expectations for the new-generation D-Max are thus understandably high. The pickup shines through, that’s why it deserves a slot on this list. Reimagined and redesigned, the D-Max is clearly head and shoulders above its older brother.

More than reimagined eye candy, the pickup (whether packing a 2.5- or 3.0-liter diesel) boasts bells and whistles to further blur the line between pragmatic stiffness and laidback luxe.

Mitsubishi Mirage G4

The Mirage hatchback (launched here in October last year) helped propel sales of Mitsubishi regionally as motorists continued to prefer smaller, frugal, and affordable rides. You indeed can’t have too much of a good thing, so it made perfect sense to work on the successful nameplate again and come up with another winner.

The Mirage G4 (which stands for “global four-door sedan”) brings back all the Mirage goodness and thriftiness and sticks in a boot to, well, boot. The 450-liter trunk now enables motorists to lug and pack more stuff for the road. Unveiled last October, you can now have your cake and eat it, too—while saving money big time.

Subaru Forester

For many, the popular Forester proved to be an entry point into the performance characteristics of the Subaru brand. The sportiness of the SUV distinguished it from the competition that couldn’t and wouldn’t make claims to similar values. Subaru engineers and designers were thus doubtless pressured to deliver a vehicle no less compelling.

They delivered in spades. Physically bigger than its elder sibling, the all-new Forester SUV is taller by 35mm, wider by 15, and longer by 35. Passengers within also enjoy roomier appointments. Launched early this year locally, the Forester has a new, more robust heart—a 250hp, direct-injected, turbocharged Boxer for the high-end 2.0XT model. A feast for the senses, the Forester punches its way to this list.

Toyota Vios

The much-awaited new breed of the immensely popular Toyota subcompact didn’t disappoint, to say the least. More than a token restyling, the new Vios is a leap forward to keep the sedan fresh for the foreseeable future—or until the next cycle of change comes.

A streamlined and more aggressive fascia through new headlamps and grille design gives the Vios a sportier appearance—matched appropriately by an attractive rear. The new iteration is also bigger inside and out compared to its predecessor.

Everything has been recast save for the power plant, a 4-cylinder VVTi (in 1.5 or 1.3) with EFI. Some things, of course, are better left untouched. One thing for certain: the Vios raises the bar in its class once more.

James’ picks

Chevrolet Spin

Where near enough would normally be good enough in a price range like this, it feels as if Chevrolet has combed through every detail to see where they could give you just that little bit more.

Not only is this compact 7-seater the only one in its class to offer a diesel engine, it also features enough first- or best-in-class features to make even a company like Apple envious––like a six-speed auto, a diesel engine, 5-year warranty, standard rear aircon vents, dual airbags and Bluetooth audio that not only turns the segment around but puts enough of a spin on things to land itself on my list of the Top 5 cars this year.

Honda CR-Z

I’ll always make room on my list for a hybrid, but this is one of those cars that could have found its way on the list without pulling the environment card and tugging on my conscience. This car is green and mean at the same time. It manages to blend two conflicting qualities in one exciting package that really takes the cake––and allows you to eat it too.

Porsche 911 Turbo

Zero to 100 in 3.1seconds. Zero to 200 in 10.1 seconds. Top speed of 315 km/h. 20.8 kilometers, 73 corners, 290-meter elevation gain,in 7 minutes and 27 seconds––on stock road tires. The defense rests, your honor.

Then again, no. Let’s rub it in a bit more. Because if there’s anything more impressive than Porsche’s outrageous claims, it’s that independent tests show that those figures are actually modest, with dragtimes.ru clocking it at 2.9 seconds to a hundred and 9.6 seconds to 200, andfastestlaps.com logging the 991 Turbo around the ‘ring in 7 minutes 26 seconds.

Impressive, sure. But trying to tell the 911 Turbo’s story in numbers is like trying to write about music with algebra. You really need to drive one to know what true love is.

Volkswagen Touareg

After a two-year corporate striptease, the Philippine automotive industry’s worst kept secret needed to come out with something big if it wanted to avoid the biggest anti-climax since, well, every Apple product launch since Steve Jobs left us. And for Volkswagen, it doesn’t get any bigger than this.

With over 540Nm of torque and almost 250hp, this is a driver’s car, and I don’t mean family driver, either. Zero to 100km/h is dealt with in just 7.69 seconds––which is smack bang in Toyota 86 territory––plus it gets adjustable air suspension and 8 gears to play with, allowing you to really have some fun in it.

Toyota Vios

The Vios made the list before it was even launched. How could it not?

There’s nothing out there that comes close to offering the same outstanding value for money and unbeatable track record for parts, service and reliability. Whether it is being used as a Metro Manila taxi or a full-on race car in the Vios Cup, it simply gets the job done.

If anything, the only reason you won’t choose a Vios is usually only because everyone else has one.

Manny’s Picks

Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost

I love hatchbacks, especially when they’re hot hatches. But while the new Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost is not exactly a Mini Cooper S or a VW Golf GTI, it certainly pushes the right buttons in the performance and fuel economy keypads. Efficiency comes from a seemingly tiny 1.0-liter 3-cyilnder engine (recipient of the International Engine of the Year award, no less). Add a turbo, though, and you get a stomping 170Nm of torque (most hatchbacks could barely muster 150). It looks great, too, with that new Aston Martin-like snout.

Honda CR-Z

Here’s another “hot” hatch—one that’s oozing with the twin triumphs of dynamics and fuel miserliness. It’s a hybrid, so you shouldn’t be surprised to get 700-km runs between tankfuls. It is also one of the—if not THE—best-handling front-wheel drive cars in existence. It’s tiny, but its backseat actually has more legroom than other sports cars out there. And it’s no base stripper—its cockpit is loaded with high-tech features (like the 3-mode drive system). It’s not mind-blowingly quick—but it is quick (the drive made even more engaging by a 6-speed stick or a paddle-shifted automatic.

Toyota Vios

While I was never a fan of the 2nd–generation Vios’ styling, I’ve always had respect for the country’s perennially bestselling car. So what happens when the 3rd-generation Vios suddenly gets a massive dose of good looks? It makes it to my Top 5 list, that’s what! Take much of what has made the Vios everybody’s favorite and make each of those attributes better. Start with the Toyota 86-inspired front end, continue with the tried-and-true 1.3- and 1.5-liter VVTi engines, and finish off with more space and even better build quality—and you’ve got a no-brainer for the STAR Top 5 Picks.

Volvo V40 T4

For the nth time, I love hatchbacks. But I appreciate luxury and exclusivity, too. And I always root for the underdog. Which is why the Volvo V40 T4 is in this list. It was pretty much a wash between this car and the Mercedes-Benz A 250 AMG Sport (another hot hatch I’m head over heels in love with), but with Volvo not exactly top of mind of luxury car buyers nowadays, I thought I’d shine some extra light on it. The V40 T4 belongs to the exclusive 200+hp Euro luxury hot hatch club populated by the A 250, the Cooper S, and the upcoming Golf GTI. Build quality as well as fit and finish are as solid, inside and out, as any of its German counterparts. It’s got tons of cutting-edge safety and luxury features. It’s even surprisingly fuel-efficient (for a high-performance turbocharged gasoline engine). And it looks great from any angle. What’s not too like?

Hyundai Accent Hatch CRDi

If there’s one hatch that can approach the CR-Z’s fuel efficiency AND outmuscle the Fiesta EcoBoost, it’s the Hyundai Accent Hatch CRDi. Under its fluidic hood is a 1.6-liter CRDi diesel engine boasting state-of-the-art Variable Geometry Turbine turbo technology. While this is good for a seemingly ho-hum 1265hp, it serves up a deliciously overpowering 260Nm of torque. This makes the Accent Hatch CRDi perhaps the most stealthy pocket rocket on the market. Factor in hatchback versatility and Hyundai’s handsome (and almost Germanic) styling and you’ve got a winner on all counts.

Ulysses’ picks

Subaru Forester XT

If you had to pick just one car—one car to drive for the entire year in Manila—the Subaru Forester is your best choice. Larger, roomier, and better built than any of the Foresters before it, the all-new model is also faster, more capable, and more economical, too. Figures don’t lie: 200mm of ground clearance and 500mm of water-wading depth make it more flood-proof than other crossovers and then add a 0-100 km/h time of 6.2 seconds, a top speed in excess of 225 km/h (in Sport Sharp), and double-digit fuel economy figures shaming some sports cars. It’s now brimming with tech and convenience features such as the X-Mode AWD system, a Harman/Kardon sound system, and power tailgate. Though the trademark hood scoop has bitten the dust, the Subaru Forester is still every inch the track-and-trail fiend in grocery-getter clothing.

Hyundai Accent CRDi

It’s amazing what a difference an engine can do. After countlessly teased, the Hyundai Accent CRDi finally made it to showrooms in 2013, and boy, the wait was worth it. The more lifestyle-oriented body style is a great start, but the main differentiator is the 128hp, 260Nm of torque courtesy of diesel motor. Not only does it blow other subcompacts out of the water with its sheer muscle, it achieves up to 29.41 km/L (from personal experience). It may not be an enthusiast’s first choice, but it’s easily an excellent point A-to-point B car with all the toys to make you feel comfortable and safe. The only suggestion for improvement? A different radio.

Lexus IS 350

Beating the Germans at their game is by no means an easy task, but that’s exactly what the Lexus IS did, and thus its place in this list. Lexus was so confident about the all-new IS that they actually invited the press to test it side by side not just with the old IS but with its direct competition, a week before the launch! And their gambit is successful. The Lexus IS has single-handedly turned the sports sedan status quo on its head with its edgy styling and knock-your-socks-off handling prowess. And who can’t fall in love with the 306hp 3.5-liter V6. Above all, Lexus has turned up the value factor by undercutting its rivals in terms of price while equipping the IS with everything they’ve got including Star Trek¬-style LFA gauges.

Mazda6

There are only a handful of cars that can make a statement and one such car is the Mazda6. Mazda is well-aware that the previous generation lacked a definable character, so they wanted to eliminate any vagueness with the all-new model. That’s why all of the terms Mazda has been spouting for the past few years: KODO—Soul of Motion, Takeri, Skyactiv—were all folded into the recipe for the all-new Mazda6. The resulting car is razor-sharp in focus with an intensely-styled body, clean looking interior, excellent appointments, and great value. On the road, the 6 is fantastic with its 2.5-liter motor providing ample thrust and a chassis that’s well-balanced and fun through all but the tightest of corners. It’s also proof of Mazda’s “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom” philosophy too, doing up to 15.65 km/L. Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too?

Toyota Vios

You’ve probably memorized the blurbs by now: “Start the Fun,” “Waku-Doki,” “Fun to Drive”—but the most important thing to remember is that the all-new Toyota Vios lives up to the hype. On paper, it seems Toyota concentrated on the sheet metal rather than the drivetrain (the Vios carries over its engine and platform from before); but in reality, the change between generations is astounding. As a driver, it’s sportier, more refined, and more comfortable than ever before (seems a bit of the 86 magic is rubbing on other Toyota cars). The Vios actually likes to corner now and the drivetrain coarseness is gone. As a passenger, it’s roomier (well, at least for those in front) and plushier with better materials and more convenience features.