The Top 5 Cars We Reviewed In 2020
2020 is the year of hardships. Early in January we had the Taal Volcano eruption which affected assembly plants and stockyards of local car manufacturers in Laguna and Batangas. March saw the country put into lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic and we are still in some kind of lockdown until today.
Nevertheless, 2020 was still a good year for some of us, including AutoPH. This year we started getting test drive units from local car companies which gave us the chance to test out the latest vehicles for a longer duration. This also allows us to give more detailed information on what we think of a new vehicle.
Of course, we will have favorites and now that we’ve entered a new year, let’s take a look back at our top 5 favorite vehicles that we reviewed in 2020.
Do take note that vehicles we reviewed and own at the same time are disqualified as we bought them for a reason.
5. Suzuki Jimny
Taking the fifth spot in our top favorites for 2020 is the Suzuki Jimny. With its cute overall design, ease of driving, playful road manners and off-road capability, it’s not difficult to say that we want to have one of our own. Local demand also remains strong with brand-new units flying out of local Suzuki dealerships and lines as long as six months to a whole year.
In addition to that, the local market version is very affordable compared to other overseas markets with prices ranging from just Php 1,055,000 to Php 1,175,000.
4. Chery Arrizo 5e
Electric cars are a very rare sight on Philippine roads and taking the fourth spot in our list is just that, an electric car. The Chery Arrizo 5e was introduced through a virtual launch in September, the first for the Chinese automotive brand in the country. It gets the title of being the most affordable electric vehicle available in the country at just Php 1,900,000.
Things like its excellent driving performance and high-quality and luxuriously designed interior, which Chery claims to have 65% leather materials, make it an easy top pick among all the cars we reviewed this year.
3. Chery Tiggo 8
At number three is another model from the Chinese car brand mentioned earlier. The Chery Tiggo 8 is definitely deserving of its spot in the top three vehicles we reviewed this year after it surprised us with its premium exterior and interior design, impressive comfort, and good driving dynamics. Also add in features like its panoramic sunroof, 360-degree around-view monitor, digital instrument cluster, 10.25-inch HD infotainment system, and Smartwatch, Chery definitely has itself a winner.
All of those can be had for just Php 1,280,000. That’s already the top-spec Lux EX variant. With that in mind, we definitely hope to see more of this on local roads.
2. Maxus G50
Taking the second spot on our list is a true fighter. Wishing to challenge the very popular Toyota Innova and a very promising fighter to it is the Maxus G50. Striking exterior looks with unique exterior color choices (specifically Roland Purple!), luxurious and spacious interiors worth comparing with vehicles more than twice its price, and a good driving experience make the G50 an easy top choice and will definitely, surely, give owners of other vehicles in the segment a run for their money.
At just Php 1,288,000 for the top-spec 1.5 DCT Premium variant, it’s safe to say that the Maxus G50 is the best in the segment in terms of specs, features, and value for money.
(P.S. It could have been number one if it wasn’t missing some features we wish it had such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an HD around-view monitor, and 2nd row captain seats.)
1. Ford Ranger Raptor
Taking the crown as the number one vehicle we reviewed in 2020 is no other than the Ford Ranger Raptor. Considering our overall experience, there really is no reason not to put this amazing truck on top with its tough and macho looks, excellent comfort, and excellent driving performance. Shouldn’t come as a surprise as well that the Ranger Raptor is the top-selling variant of the Ranger locally with 40% of Ranger sales being the Raptor. The Philippines is also the top market for the Ranger Raptor with 64% of sales in the ASEAN and 37% in Ford’s International Market Group (IMG).
Despite being the most expensive model in the Ranger lineup and in the segment, it still costs just below Php 2-million with pricing at just Php 1,998,000 making it still affordable to those who want it.
