Star Picks for 2017

It’s that time of the year, when The Philippine STAR’s Motoring team sit down to decide what, for them, are the top cars of the year. It’s a process that’s becoming harder and harder each year, what with the growing number of players and the commensurately growing number of models and variants the more than 20 brands of automakers are rolling out of their showrooms.

It’s gotten so numerous that we have had to revert to our original 10 picks each (we’ve been doing five cars each in recent years) just so we could do justice to the many great cars on the market today. 

As usual, the choices are purely subjective and are reflective of each writer’s personal needs and wants in an automobile.

It’s a dirty job and somebody’s gotta do it. So without further ado, here are our picks...

Manny de los Reyes’ Picks

Suzuki Vitara

I’ve driven the new Suzuki Vitara and it’s the real deal. It rides comfortably, sips fuel sparingly, and has an impressive features set. That it looks youthfully sporty (the black or white roof treatments are a nice Mini Cooper-like touch) is just the icing on the cake. Oh, and the price is right, too.

Foton Toplander AT

Japanese pickup-based midsize diesel SUV makers who take the threat from the Foton Toplander lightly are in for a nasty surprise. It may not have much new from last year, but the Toplander does add one key feature this year that should make buyers of the SUV genre sit up and take notice. It’s an automatic transmission (supplied by Daimler of Germany, no less)—something the original version sorely lacked when it was introduced almost two years ago. It’s also got a raft of new luxury, comfort, and safety features found in its competitors. Factor in a price that’s roughly 400,000 to half a million pesos lower than its rivals and it’s suddenly a compelling alternative. 

BMW X1

BMW is taking the second-gen X1 farther away from its X3 sibling, physically and philosophically. While the X3 is still a true off-road-worthy SUV, the X1 is targeting its sights on the crossover market. It is still available with all-wheel drive, but it’s default propulsion is now front-wheel drive (no surprise as it shares its platform with the Mini Cooper Countryman).

Mini Cooper D Countryman

While BMW is repositioning the X1, corporate sibling Mini is virtually redefining itself with the Cooper D Countryman. The biggest and heaviest Mini yet, the Countryman also sports two features not normally associated with Minis: all-wheel drive and a diesel powerplant. Thankfully, the legendary time-honored Mini driving dynamics are all present and accounted for. In other words, it’s still a terrific blast to drive. 

Audi Q2

By now it’s pretty obvious I have soft spot for small fun-to-drive European cars and crossovers. The Audi Q2 is exactly that. Like many things in Europe, it’s powered by a surprisingly spirited yet impressively frugal three-cylinder turbocharged small-displacement petrol engine. For me, luxury is being able to squeeze into tight spaces on the road and in parking lots—something we find ourselves having to do more and more now. The dimensions may be small, but the luxury and safety features live up to the (still reasonable) price.    

Honda Civic Type R

I’ve always been a fan of the Civic—well-built, spacious, economical, and fun to drive. The new Civic is all that plus it looks absolutely gorgeous. Now take all of that and add a 300-hp engine plus handling and braking brilliant enough to lap the fearsome Nurburgring racetrack in Germany faster than any front-wheel drive sedan on the planet and you’ve got yourself the Civic Type R. I’d buy one in a heartbeat if I could afford its near-P3 million price tag.

Chevrolet Trax

I always root for the underdog, especially if the underdog has an engine design I like (i.e. small-displacement turbo petrol engine). The new Trax has that type of engine, endowing it with best-in-class torque figures (you need torque much more than horsepower in Manila driving), which in turn make it delightfully zippy. The Trax is spacious inside despite its diminutive external footprint. It also rides comfortably and has an impressive spec sheet. The signature “Chevy tough truck” look adds a nice upscale appeal to this fun little crossover. 

Mercedes-Benz GLA

It may be among the smallest cars from Stuttgart, but the new GLA Class is every bit a Mercedes in the way the body feels like its hewn from a single block of metal, in the way the interior cossets you, in the way the doors close solidly, and in the way it hugs corners more confidence-inspiringly than even some so-called sports cars. Yes, I prefer small cars—and if I were to drive away in one from a Mercedes-Benz showroom, it’ll most likely be in a sporty yet versatile GLA.

Peugeot 3008

I’ve always been a big fan of the Peugeot 3008, back when it was still an MPV. But the French company has wised up to what the rest of the world wants (SUV’s, of course) and has reimagined the 3008 as an SUV in its own right. No one really expects buyers of the new 3008 to jump in the new car and join the next Rainforest or Rubicon Challenge, but it does check all the requisite boxes: high ground clearance, all-terrain tires, plastic body cladding--plus a notably less boxy design ditched in favor of more SUV-like proportions. The whole redo works better than new threads for next year’s Paris Fashion Show. Oui, the French nailed it!

Honda CR-V Diesel

Finally, a diesel SUV that seats seven yet offers vastly better build quality, fit and finish, and more importantly, riding comfort compared to what most people have been used to. Price-wise, the new Honda CR-V matches its pickup-based rivals variant for variant. But in the areas of sophistication, technology, luxury and comfort, there really is no comparison. The Honda is leagues better.

Atty. Karen Jimeno’s Picks

Audi Q5

There’s a reason why this is one of Audi’s top-selling models. This compact SUV is luxurious without being over the top. It includes modern innovations such as the “Audi Drive Select” that customizes the driver’s comfort and dynamics.

BMW 218i Gran Tourer

The first BMW model of its kind—this premium compact sedan is sporty, stylish, spacious (fitting up to 7 people) and powerful, with a lightweight 1.5-liter 3-cylinder petrol engine. Quick for a compact MPV, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under 10 seconds.

Honda CR-V

The CRV has been around since the late 90’s in the Philippines, but it has managed to stay fresh and relevant. The new CRV has a revamped, sleek look with (for the first time) a 4-cylinder diesel engine that makes it ideal for city or out-of-town driving.

Hyundai Grand Starex

The Grand Starex continues to prove why it is one of the bestselling vans. It is comfortable and loaded with features, while being attractively priced compared to its competitors. It can impressively fit up to 12 people without being oversized (unlike other vans whose heights can no longer fit indoor parking lots in most Philippine malls).

Lexus LC 500

Eye-catching and beautiful. The LC 500 is an impressive coupe that showcases the exquisite “Takumi Craftsmanship” that Lexus is known for. This two-door has a surprisingly spacious back seat, but can easily cross over to become a true supercar with its sexy facade and powerful 477-hp V8 engine.

Mercedes-Benz GLA

Mercedes-Benz is historically known for its sedans and sports cars. That is why it’s impressive to see that it can also do well in the compact crossover segment. For a compact vehicle, it has a “luxury sedan” appearance from the front (with its imposing MB logo in the center) with a higher ground clearance than typical MB sedans.

Peugeot 3008

It’s no surprise that the 3008 won 2017 European Car of the Year. This compact SUV gives a lot of value for money. It has the look and feel of a European car (luxurious interiors, high-tech features) and the benefits of French innovation in diesel technology (impressive performance and fuel efficiency), without burning a hole in your pocket.

Subaru XV

This compact crossover looks young and fresh. It lives up to its theme of pushing drivers to “unpark” their lives.  It is compact for city driving, but roomy and powerful enough for outdoor and sporty drives.

Suzuki Vitara

The Vitara is one of the classic SUVs from my high school days. The 4th-generation Suzuki Vitara is just as appealing with a curvier exterior, and a more powerful 115hp engine.  The panoramic sunroof adds to its outdoorsy feel.

Volkswagen Beetle Club Edition

This is an iconic car that evokes nostalgic feelings. While the VW Beetle Club Edition remains mostly unchanged (similar look, similar engine), it is one of the cars that requires little modification.

Ulysses Ang’s Picks

Honda CR-V

SUV, seven seats, and an available diesel engine: it’s a foregone conclusion that the Honda CR-V has the recipe for success it needs. Yet, it goes beyond that. Get behind the wheel of one and you begin to realize that it’s peppy, comfortable, and very fuel-efficient. It’s all the SUV most Filipinos could ever need.

Mazda CX-5

Mazda continues to chart its own path even with more mainstream offerings such as the CX-5. Its tight interior, especially the rear seats is a bummer for families. It’s premium priced for sure, but it still delivers an impeccable package that ultimately feels like you’re driving a crossover twice its price.

Subaru XV

Don’t fix what isn’t broken: the Subaru XV doesn’t stray too far from the formula that brought it instant success the first time around. It still looks like a jacked-up hatchback but underneath, it packs some credible off-road tech and the shift to a new platform has made it comfortable, quieter, and smoother than ever.

Isuzu mu-X

It may not be the top-of-mind choice when it comes to the mid-sized SUV category, but if you want something that’s good value, the mu-X is hard to beat. Well-thought of inside and out, the inclusion of a new engine and transmission has made it an even better package this year.

BMW X1

Diehard BMW fans may cry “heresy” upon hearing of a transverse-mounted engine in what’s essentially a front-wheel drive platform. But BMW has innovated and delivered a family-friendly premium crossover that’s comfortable and still every bit fun to drive. If this is proof of how the German luxury carmaker can think out of the box, then the future’s bright.

Mazda MX-5 RF

Who would have thought that by adding a targa-style roof onto the world’s best-selling roadster would change its character and make it feel totally different. It still delivers the single-minded focus of being a driver’s car (Jinba-Ittai for the win), but in a more accessible package.

Suzuki Vitara

The year’s most pleasant surprise is this small-ute from Suzuki. Its platform may be well-worn, but it still impresses with its cute-as-a-button styling, well-rounded package, advanced drivetrain, and comprehensive safety features. It also drives well, as expected from a small car specialist.

Audi A4

Audi’s premium compact sedan has always lived in the shadow of its German competitors, but not anymore. Finally embracing the company slogan of “Vorsprung durch Technik”, the A4 is packed with cutting-edge technology in a timelessly elegant Bauhaus design.

Honda BR-V

Sub-million-peso cars normally entail some sort of sacrifice when it comes to design or engineering. Thankfully, Honda’s having none of that with the BR-V. Not only is this genuine 7-seater impressive with its interior packaging and flexibility, but it actually drives tidy enough. Entry-level family cars need not be penalty boxes anymore.

SsangYong Tivoli

Often remembered for cars with weird names and weirder designs, SsangYong has struck gold with the Tivoli. Not only has this subcompact crossover impressed with its chic style, but it’s a remarkably solid and modern effort. In some ways, it feels a tad over the top, but at least it manages to turn heads but in a good way this time.

Angel Rivero’s Picks

Hyundai Grand Starex Super Express

It’s hard to ever beat the practicality of the famed Hyundai Grand Starex – with its legendary, sedan-like driving comfort, passenger convenience and attractive price point. And all these assets were clearly inherited by the new Grand Starex Super Express – the 15-seater, commercial version of Hyundai’s bestselling van.

Hyundai H350

The impressive Hyundai H350 is not your typical luxury van. With a cavernous cabin space of 20ft x 6.7ft x 9.4ft, this luxury 14-seater can accommodate all your office equipment and supplies within its overhead shelves and rear compartment. It is highly customizable to meet your unique commercial needs, and comes with luxuriously ergonomic seats that are excellent for withstanding Manila traffic.

Honda Civic Type R

Created from the philosophy of crafting racing-inspired road cars, the Civic Type R is a formidable vehicle that is many-an-enthusiast’s dream. The Type R badge denotes the highest performance version of its respective model, and the Civic has always been one of Honda’s Filipino favorites!

Mazda CX-9

A combination of exhilarating driving dynamics, premium quality materials, excellent workmanship, cavernous space, awesome Skyactiv technologies and Kodo-design-inspired spanking good looks make this SUV an easy pick for the discerning driver. And for 2018, the CX-9 will also be equipped with its Mazda-proprietary G-Vectoring Control (GVC).

Toyota Innova Touring Sport

The country’s bestselling MPV successively for over a decade, now comes in a model with refreshing sporty characteristics, and value-added features such as: Toyota’s anti-theft system, reverse sensors, and Door Ajar Warning. Need I say more?

Mazda CX-3

A very unique and lovable subcompact crossover that had me at ‘Hello’, and still continues to mesmerize. It is a power combination of impressive driving dynamics, skillful workmanship, premium materials, impressive fuel efficiency and remarkable charisma. On top of all that, it comes with Mazda’s awesome Skyactiv technologies and the latest 2018 model adds G-Vectoring Control to the package.

Lexus RX 350 Sport

A luxury, all-wheel-drive sport crossover that is unbelievably quiet inside the cabin, and oh-so-incredibly comfortable to drive, no matter what the distance. The cabin seats are faultlessly ergonomic, saving any driver from the irks of restless passengers. It gracefully maintains control over rough terrain, without a comfort penalty. In the end, it provides the utility of a sport crossover with the amenities of a luxury sedan.

Mercedes-Benz AMG E 43

The Mercedes AMG E 43 gives the fine and polished executive series some twin-turbo muscle. The development of this vehicle leveraged on technologies inherited from Mercedes’ Formula 1 hybrid engines – and the result is a luxurious, 4MATIC all-wheel-drive powerhouse, entwined with a locket of new-age safety features.

Lexus LC 500

The LC 500 is a stunner. Running on an all-new platform and delivering over 470 horsepower alongside its 10-speed AT, this is probably one of Lexus’ most responsive vehicles to date. And with its unparalleled workmanship, handcrafted interiors and exceptional attention to detail, there is nothing not to love about this car as it epitomizes the Japanese quest for perfection.

Kap Maceda Aguila’s Picks

Audi Q2

Notching a segment win in the recently concluded Car Awards Group, Inc.’s (CAGI) Car of the Year tilt, the luxury compact crossover – essentially the entry point to the brand’s SUV portfolio – defies conventions while staying true to Audi values. A turbocharged three-cylinder, 1.0-liter engine delivers surprising pep and performance.

Toyota Wigo

Starting at P564,000, the Wigo promises affordable, quality mobility for more from the country’s longtime sales champion. Upgraded this year to provide even more bang for the buck, this subcompact hatch should always be in serious contention for people looking at the aforementioned price point.

Honda CR-V

If clinching the top award from CAGI isn’t enough to close the deal, then surely the successful debut of a diesel power plant should. Yup, Honda’s iconic SUV now comes with a powerful and miserly diesel-sipping engine – and enough room for seven.

Suzuki Vitara

Staying true to the original spirit that people first fell in love with in 1988, the Vitara is back with an all-new iteration. Of significance in our price-sensitive market the fact that it bears a sub-million-peso tag even while being among the largest in its class.

Mercedes-Benz GLA

The refreshed crossover overtly targets millennials who have come of age and want to make a mark (and arrive in style, of course). New bumpers, wheels, safety tech, and headlamps are just some of the changes brought forth for the young-looking GLA.

Honda Civic Type R

After wowing Manila International Auto Show visitors last summer, there was so much clamor for the Honda Civic’s alpha-dog variant that Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. had to scramble to get units here and fast. The market did not disappoint; a 100-unit country allocation was sold out a mere 48 hours after HCPI announced availability last July.

Porsche Panamera

Ditching the highly debated rear fascia, the all-new Panamera is back in more beautiful form to reclaim its place in the Porsche pantheon of rarefied rides. It’s lighter, more powerful, and chockfull of technologies to both impress and pamper passengers while giving them track-worthy performance.

BMW 5 Series

The 5 Series has long been a venerable symbol of the executive class. With the arrival of the seventh generation this year, the 5 asserted its continued relevance through high-tech features, heightened customizability, and cutting-edge safety and convenience. As always, the 5 remains dynamic, elegant, and eager to be driven.

Subaru XV

The SUV sibling of the equally compelling Forester earned a feather as CAGI’s choice for AWD compact crossover, and deserves a place on this list for coming back all new – yet still with the things we’ve loved about it and more.

Lexus LC 500

It’s no secret that the flagship performance coupe of Toyota’s premium marque draws inspiration from the holy grail that is the LFA supercar. But Lexus tempers this otherwise excessively rarefied (and unreachable) vehicle by making the LC 500 a more practical vehicle you could use as a daily driver. Time to break the piggy bank.

Conclusion

First, the genres. Most of the choices this year were of crossovers and SUV’s. No surprise there as it reflects the market’s general shift to these types of vehicles. Not a single pickup was chosen.

In terms of brands, 18 were mentioned, with eight getting one vote apiece and 11 getting more than two votes. Toyota and Peugeot got two votes each, while Subaru and Hyundai got three votes apiece. Interestingly, all four luxury brands—Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz—garnered four votes each. Suzuki and Mazda, too, received four votes. Topping them all was Honda, which received eight votes in all (no brand got five, six, or seven votes).

And now for the clincher. Which single car model received the most votes (from a maximum of five)? Let’s skip the ones which received one or two votes. Which leaves us with three car models which received three votes apiece: the stupendous Honda Civic Type R, the spectacular Lexus LC 500, and the small but sexy Mercedes-Benz GLA.  

But two cars beat them with four votes each (no car got a unanimous five votes). Those two cars would be the—drumroll, please—new Honda CR-V and Suzuki Vitara! These two crossovers are the 2017 Star Picks. Test drive them and see if you agree with The STAR Motoring Team.  —By The Philippine STAR Motoring Team