2021 REWIND: Top 10 Cars We Reviewed This Year
Ah, 2021. We expected it to be a whole lot better than 2020 and heck yeah it was. We still can’t discount the fact that just like the previous year, 2021 was also another roller coaster ride with many ups and downs. Despite that, we tried our best to provide content for our more than 60,000 subscribers and in total, we reviewed 51 different cars from different brands available locally.
Of course, we have our favorites and we chose our top 10 favorites among all the 51 cars we uploaded on our YouTube channel. These are the cars that really gave us good impressions and made a mark in our year. Also, these are the cars that at the end of our time with them, we didn’t want to return.
To choose these cars, we made some simple qualifications to make it a bit more fair. First is that the car must have been with us for at least four (4) calendar days to give us enough time to bring it with us through our daily routine and our common test route which includes city and highway driving, and mountain roads. This also means we can’t include cars we featured in First Look and/or Preview videos only just like the 2022 Honda Civic. The second is pretty simple, we should have uploaded a YouTube review, or at least a detailed written review here on our website. Third, it should not cost more than Php 3,000,000, making it more attainable. Last but not the least, we should not have one in our garage, or rather we don’t currently own one. That probably already speaks for itself. By the way, we also made the list variant specific as other variants may not be as good as the one we experienced.
So here we go, with all that in mind, here are the top 10 cars, out of the 51 we reviewed, for the year 2021:
#10 Geely Okavango 1.5 EMS Urban Plus
Capping-off the list at 10th place is the Geely Okavango 1.5 EMS Urban Plus. To be honest, we did not expect to like this model especially with its very mature exterior design, but we were wrong. First with its features, yes it lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and even a 2nd row center armrest but it makes up with its practicality with its individually foldable seats, lots and lots of space, its panoramic sunroof, and its matrix LED headlights which look cool when driving at night. Not only that, we were able to get fuel economy figures that were excellent for its segment back when we had it for a week, big thanks to its mild-hybrid system, paired to the 1.5-liter turbo. It’s definitely worth choosing.
#9 Kia Stonic 1.4 EX
Ever since this little crossover came out, we instantly fell in love. How can we miss its very mean-looking front fascia, athletic overall appearance, plus its perfect for city dimensions and performance. The 1.4-liter engine may sound weak and small, but it definitely gives all you need, whether you’re driving inside the city, or on the highway during long road trips. Also, the very affordable price of less than 1-million pesos makes it even more tempting.
#8 Ford Territory 1.5 Titanium+
How can we forget one of the most popular models available in the market, and the most popular in its segment, locally? With now over 8,000 units sold in the Philippines, it’s not surprising why many have fallen in love with the Ford Territory. What other car gives you so much in terms of features and space, plus looks for an affordable price of just around Php 1.3-million?
#7 GAC GS4 1.5 GB
Now this one made it just in time to be part of this list. Launched just recently, the all-new GAC GS4 immediately amazed us from the moment we picked it up at the main GAC Motor Philippines dealership. It’s unlike any other Chinese crossover in the market which usually spoils us with features and technology. This one gives us driving comfort, great engine performance, and a very low-key appearance that is something to love. Not only that, it’s even very affordable with pricing just at a little over Php 1-million. How about that?
#6 Kia Forte 1.6 GT Turbo
Our host, with the Kia Forte GT.
This one is something that we couldn’t leave out of this list. The Kia Forte GT Turbo is one very underrated compact sedan. If not for the recommendation of Kia Philippines President Manny Aligada himself, we would have probably not rushed scheduling a lend-out of this model. Once we got it in our hands just two weeks later, it did not disappoint. The 1.6L turbo engine is definitely a top-performer versus those in its tough competition, and the looks can be best described as head-turning. Sportiness really is in the DNA of this compact sedan and how we wish that more sedan buyers would consider this, it’s similar priced as its main rival, the Honda Civic, anyway.
#5 Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 LS-E 4×4
Isuzu’s pick-up truck offering is so improved that we can’t resist including it here. With its tech features, plus Isuzu durability and capability, you know you have a winner with this truck. This has also got to be the meanest looking among its competitors and it definitely gives you a lot compared to them. That alone is already its biggest selling point. Let’s also not forget how much of a revolution this current generation is compared to the one it replaces.
#4 Honda City 1.5 RS (Sedan & Hatchback)
We love the current generation Honda City, even much more the hatchback. Compared to the previous generation, it is surely the best choice in the segment. Actually we would’ve liked to include the all-new Nissan Almera here on the list but there’s something about the City that we just really love it more. For the hatchback, it’s no Jazz but you have the striking looks, the practicality, and very decent driving characteristics, all that makes it a great choice. This is really one car that we’d really love to own.
#3 Nissan Terra 2.5 VL 4×4
Now on to the top three, It may not be a new generation but Nissan has definitely done their homework with the updated Nissan Terra, and they did it very well. So much has been improved, especially on the inside, that this facelift could be as good as a new generation. What used to be rather utilitarian and spartan is now very premium and modern. You also have the handsome exterior looks, very competitive performance and comfort, Nissan Intelligent Mobility, and of course, Nissan’s excellent aircon system. We already loved the pre-facelift model but Nissan was such a sport that they improved everything that they had to in the Terra. It’s really only missing a power tailgate.
#2 Nissan Navara Pro-4X
And here we are with the second Nissan in our list, and it’s also our second favorite for 2021. Just like sa Terra, the facelifted Nissan Navara is a huge improvement. In addition to the Navara’s better ride quality than all other pick-up trucks available in the country, Nissan continues to impress. Yes, the interior looks rather old, especially when you compare it to its more premium and modern rivals such as the Isuzu D-MAX, Ford Ranger, and Mazda BT-50, but the comfort here is spot-on. Like how can you bring a pick-up truck on a 9-hour road trip and not feel tired at all? That’s the Navara magic.
#1 Geely Azkarra 1.5 EMS Luxury
All we can say with our most favorite car we reviewed in 2021 is wow. For just around Php 1.6-million, you can get a Geely Azkarra which feels like something more than twice its price. For that you get stuff like a fully-digital instrument cluster, 12-inch infotainment system, Nappa leather seats, and of course a look that shouts luxury and premium. There’s really nothing bad to say about this crossover, except for the fact it lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, but other than that, it’s perfect. Hate us for loving a Chinese car but this is proof of what Geely, or any other Chinese brand (also given the fact that half on this list are sourced from China) are capable of building. This is the new normal.
So there you have it, the top 10 cars we reviewed in 2021. Did your car or dream car make it to the list? We’re definitely excited for what’s in store this 2022, from lend-outs to new car introductions.
Cheers to 2022! Happy New Year to everyone from the Auto PH team!
