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The year 2019 was full of ups and downs. There were some cars that were so-so and others that were amazing, with equally amazing price tags; meaning they make our wallets tremble in fear.
However, there are times when a car surpasses the expectations of its price range. You can buy an affordable vehicle by scraping the bottom of the barrel, but that would just be a bad way to spend your money. Information is worth its weight in gold when buying a car, so here are our top 10 highest-rated cars for under P1,000,000 for the year 2019.
MG 5 (P848,000)
Review Rating: 4.1 / 5
We were able to review this subcompact from MG Philippines in its upper-mid trim level, the Style variant. There is a higher variant in the form of the Alpha, but even that comes in at under P1,000,000. Even if we didn’t get the most decked-out MG 5 in terms of features, the car was roomy with a hefty amount of features. Quite notable was the 10-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Oh, and it looks quite handsome as well.
Kia Soluto (P735,000)
Review Rating: 4.0 / 5
Cars have come a long way, granted, but affordable cars have made important strides. The Kia Soluto is one of the pioneers for consumers to settle for more. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are rarities in this price bracket and the Kia Soluto has a rather seamless system. The interior also does not indicate its price point, which is awesome.
Honda Brio (P742,000)
Review Rating: 4.0 / 5
One of the pioneers of its class, the Honda Brio is loved a venerated by Honda fans for being an affordable entry-level hatchback that is well put together. This generation ticks all the right boxes in features, fuel efficiency, and handling for its segment.
Suzuki Dzire (P698,000)
Review Rating: 3.9 / 5
We rarely get to test small cars with a rear seat that is more featured. In this case, the Dzire has an armrest and a set of air vents for passengers at the back. Another aspect that we liked about this car was the frugal gasoline engine, as well as the high-speed stability.
Volkswagen Santana (P962,000)
Review Rating: 3.9 / 5
A sedan with European styling doesn’t have to break the bank. As is the case with the Volkswagen Santana in its sedan form. Even for a subcompact, it has a lot of space for occupants. It is easy to drive around the city as well, and doing so doesn’t hurt your wallet because of the fuel-efficient engine and 6-speed transmission combo.
Volkswagen Santana GTS (P998,000)
Review Rating: 3.9 / 5
Usually, a budget of under P1,000,000 will get you a small hatchback, but in this case, Volkswagen is giving you more in the form of the Volkswagen Santana GTS wagon. It has a lot of space, a frugal engine, and styling that ages gracefully. It’s the most affordable wagon in the Philippines and is a great car under budget.
Hyundai Reina (P648,000)
Review Rating: 3.8 / 5
Hyundai has a counterpart to the Kia Soluto in the form of the Hyundai Reina. It’s got a good amount of trunk space and storage space around the cabin. When we reviewed it, we did get a unit with a stick, which was pleasant to use because of the short throws.
Suzuki Celerio (P598,000)
Review Rating: 3.8 / 5
We have got to hand it to Suzuki in the small car segment because they know how to maximize space inside a cabin that is tiny. Just because it’s small doesn’t mean it can’t excite, and the Celerio has handling dialed in. Since it is small, it also features great fuel efficiency.
Chevrolet Spark (P734,888)
Review Rating: 3.8 / 5
Perhaps this car can Spark some joy with drivers. A spritely engine can be found in this car, and it is loaded with features. Speaking of loading, the cabin itself has a large area for passengers and various bits of cargo that may be taken on a journey.
Mitsubishi Mirage (P763,000)
Review Rating: 3.7 / 5
Mitsubishi has done something right in the Philippine market with the Mitsubishi Mirage. When fully equipped, the subcompact has features that can be founded in larger cars in different segments, which give it a good value proposition. Pair that with a frugal engine that doesn’t tax your wallet every time you drive, and you have a respectable car for point A to point B affairs.
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