2007 was a banner year for the Philippine auto industry. Sales finally broke the previous record set in 1996, and registered an estimated 18% growth from 2006. New models certainly helped, and the year saw more than thirty introductions, from minor trim changes to all-new vehicles. Of the new vehicles launched in 2007, we selected the ones most likely to have an impact on customer purchases and preferences.

Subaru Impreza

A lot of changes were in store for the all-new version of Subaru’s image leader and core product. First is the transformation from angular sedan to smoothly-shaped hatchback. This is not to everyone’s liking, but the design manages to stand out. Most significant is that the Impreza is now aiming to be a more mainstream vehicle, with a 2.0-liter all-wheel drive version starting at just above P1 million.

Mazda CX-9

Of the Japanese and Korean SUVs battling it out in the P2.5 million-plus price range, the large, seven-seat Mazda CX-9 is the best choice for the enthusiast driver. Power comes from a 274-hp 3.7-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. The cabin exudes quality from every control and tactile surface. Best of all, the handling is pure Mazda: balanced, responsive and agile. With this in the garage, there’s no need to buy a sports car just for the weekend.

Honda CR-V

One of the early leaders in compact SUVs returns with a vengeance. The third generation seriously ups the ante in cabin quality and passenger comfort. Everything that is undesirable about the SUV has been pared away: difficult ingress and egress, thirsty engines, and poor handling. What remains is a fuel-efficient (We got 11 km/liter on the 2.0 VTEC with six-speed manual), comfortable and versatile vehicle.

Toyota Vios

The Vios has proven so popular that the outgoing model was still selling strongly as the new one debuted. The new Vios follows the Kaizen route, delivering incremental improvements in mechanical bits and driving refinement. Even if it doesn’t really break any new ground, the Vios will still prove popular thanks to consumer confidence in Toyota reliability and ease of ownership.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Has Mercedes finally launched a true contender to the benchmark BMW 3 Series? The passenger cabin is substantially larger, and with a huge leap in material quality. Two variations of the theme are available: a more subdued Elegance with traditional grille, and the sporty Avantgarde with a huge three-pointed star up front. The Avantgarde also features sharper steering and handling, bringing the fight closer to the 3 Series.

BMW X5

Still the ultimate luxury SUV, the second-generation X5 provides as much driving enjoyment and responsiveness as the company’s sport sedans. The new model now has a bigger interior that can seat seven, as well as more advanced gasoline and diesel engines and transmissions, and a novel gearshift.

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