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Mitsubishi
Outlander GLS The SUV for extroverts, the Outlander is the first-ever Mitsubishi you can actually lust over bar the Mitsubishi Evolution. That said, the Outlander shares the Evolution’s rally-proven all-wheel drive system and platform ensuring class-leading handling. Styling with its Gundammecha exterior and Zen-like interior can give very polar reactions, and for that, we simply love it. Driving position and ergonomics is spot on, back to Mitsubishi models of yore. The 2.4-liter engine may just provide adequate thrust, but Mitsubishi is rectifying it by injecting the Outlander with an additional 20 horsepower sometime next year.
Peugeot
307 The badge sounds French, and the Peugeot 307 may look French, but it’s one truly globally competitive car. Once named European Car of the Year, the 307 dishes out a pretty good driving experience with a well-refined motor and sophisticated suspension. Pricing may be similar to other compact SUVs with bigger engines, but the 307 delivers a sweeter package with loads of standard equipment including a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, side-impact airbags, and a Porsche-style Tiptronic 4-speed shifter.
Toyota Previa Compared to the rest of the family hauling market, the Toyota Previa is the definite winner. It’s stylish, comfortable, and easy to own. The 2.4-liter engine, sourced from the luxurious Camry provides excellent thrust. Driving it may look difficult at first, but soon the Previa proves itself as a great surprise with its car-like handling and ride. The Star Trek-themed interior is spacious and comfortable with seating for 7 and their luggage. The dual sliding doors with retractable windows add a lot to its practicality.
Volvo S60
T5 Based on its bigger S80 brother, the S60 looks beautiful. Solid construction inside and out makes it a genuine and a more individualistic alternative to the Germans. The base 2.0T is lively enough, but the small price difference makes the T5 such a sweet deal. Besides being blistering quick, the S60 T5 is fully capable to take on the twisty roads with its beefed up suspension complete with bigger rubber. That said, the T5 doesn’t shove comfort to the sidelines, it’s fully loaded with stuff that are commonly found under the ‘options’ list in the similarly priced BMW 3-Series. Our Ten Best contains many surprises, and some more mainstream choices. And although our Top 10 choices are limited only to our own preferences, we invite you to wait in February 2005, where the first-ever Car of the Year – Philippines will be crowned. As part of the committee that decides the winner, we will certainly be reporting what automotive journalists think is the best choice out there. Until then, do take the time to visit your local showroom and see for yourself what the automotive industry has to offer. It’s only by actually trying out a car will you realize what’s best for you. |
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