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January 2004: Ten Significant Cars of 2003
By Ulysses Ang
Originally Published in The Manila Times
Photos By (see individual entries)

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2003 has been a good year for Philippine car buyers.  Manufacturers may have been still struggling with tepid sales volumes, but the buyers have been given a multitude of new car choices, from at least three all-new subcompacts to seven new SUVs introduced in the past twelve months.  Of all the numerous new models launched this year, I have picked ten vehicles that I think are the most significant. 

I’m not proclaiming that these are the best vehicles to pilot during the daily grind or on those long weekend trips; think of this as a list of vehicles that have and will change the way you look at the automobile.

In alphabetical order, here are the ten most significant cars launched in 2003:

BMW 5-series. Controversial, dynamic and oozing with class, the all-new BMW 5-series raised the bar when it comes to the mid-sized luxury sedan market.  The killer cyborg look conceals an opulent interior befitting kings and royalty.  The introduction of a diesel engine as the engine of choice is an industry first.  The 218-bhp 3.0-liter common rail injection engine has waves of torque, petrol-like refinement, while promising 12.82 kilometers per liter.  Discreet it is not, but then again, BMWs never were.
Photos by Ulysses Ang.

Chevrolet Optra. General Motors Philippines enters the mainstream with a Chevy ‘world car’.  It’s a Daewoo complete with the trademark split chrome grille upfront.  Still, dig deeper and you’ll realize why the Japanese manufacturers are so afraid: extensive specs, Pininfarina styling and a three-year bumper to bumper warranty.  It may not be the best to drive in its class, but the aggressive pricing and eye-catching looks make this one tough cookie to beat.
Photos by Jason Ang.

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