Best looking sedans that won't break the bank

Several car buyers are often captivated by the looks of a vehicle, that is why a brand’s design department plays a significant role to ensure that the car is not only aerodynamic but also pleasing to the eyes. In the local automotive market, many affordable sedans deliver in terms of looks, in fact, our team has managed to come up with a list of 8 models that will surely please your eyes and pocket. So without further ado, here are the best-looking sedans that won’t break the bank.

If you happen to be interested in any of the cars listed below, don’t hesitate to click on the ‘Get Quote’ button—it’s absolutely free. You could even request to test drive the cars so you would know what you’ll like about them, first hand.

The MG 5’s extensive dimensions are then accompanied by a clean yet attractive exterior, it’s just the perfect embodiment of the famous saying that ‘Simplicity is beauty.’ Everything appears to be well laid out, from the well-planted body lines to the fair amount of chrome accents. Its tires and alloy wheels may vary depending on the variant you purchase. Overall, the MG 5 looks are understated yet attractive, you could even consider it stealthy. The price range for the MG 5 starts at under P700,000 and tops out at under P900,000 pesos.

Released back in January 2023, the Empow is GAC’s take on the affordable sports sedan. The Empow sports an angular exterior and is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine. The Empow’s turbocharged engine pumps out 174 hp and 270 Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a seven-speed Wet Dual Clutch Transmission. Prices start at P1,225,000 and top out at P1,348,000 for the full-fat GE variant. Even more good news, the powertrain is standard across the Empow range, so you can still enjoy the Empow’s power regardless of what variant you choose.

On the outside, the Volkswagen Lamando didn’t carry much of that ‘wow’ factor even when it first launched in 2019, however, five years after, it has definitely aged gracefully. Like most of its stablemates, it actually stuns you through a simple presentation, and we’re talking Volkswagen aesthetics here. The Lamando flaunts its boxy dimensions with a set of well-pronounced character lines and a fair share of chrome accents. The Lamando comes in two almost identical variants, the two even get the same 17-inch alloys wrapped in 225/50 tires. Currently, both variants of the compact sedan are priced under the P1,800,000 price range. A bit on the pricier side, but you do get the fabled Volkswagen quality for it.

Next on our list is another offering from MG, it’s the MG GT. Unveiled at the end of 2022, the GT is MG’s offering for buyers who want an affordable sporty sedan. In terms of looks, the GT is capable of turning heads when it passes by thanks to its aggressive exterior. Despite its sporty appearance though, it’s not brash or too outrageous to look at. The price for the MG GT starts at P1,015,888 for the Alpha variant and tops at P1,193,888 for the Sport.

Since the Mazda 2 Sedan bade “sayonara” to the Philippine market, then your closest alternative to this is the compact Mazda3. Now, on its third generation, the compact car features a more evolutionary exterior design that can match some of those sedans from other premium brands. The Mazda 3 sedan starts at P1,510,000 for the pure internal combustion model, for those looking for a hybrid, the HEV model is priced at P1,790,000. Though the HEV model is P280,000 more, the upside is that you won’t have to worry about following the Number Coding Scheme in Metro Manila until 2030.

Back in 2020, the all-new all-new Honda City made its way to the Philippine market.  Three years later, Honda updated the City giving the car a more upscale and sportier feel to it along with the inclusion of Honda SENSING on all variants. While the RS benefits from a number of exclusive sporty details, the mid-tier V and S variants still look as desirable as they should. All trims except for the entry-level E benefit from alloy wheels and LED taillights, while V and RS get larger wheels, and the all-LED front lighting system is exclusive to the RS. Currently, its prices range from P973,000 up to P1,148,000.

Next up, we go to Nissan with the Almera. Recently updated in 2023, the new Almera now wears Nissan’s latest V-Motion grille along with new equipment. Powering the Almera is a 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine, delivering 99 hp and 152 Nm of torque. The engine can be coupled with either a five-speed manual transmission or a CVT. In addition to the exterior refresh, Nissan equipped the top-spec VL variant with the Nissan Intelligent Mobility suite of advanced driver assistance systems along with NissanConnect Services, a program that allows you to stay connected with your car and keeps you informed about its current status even when you’re miles away. The Almera range starts at P839,000 with the EL MT variant and tops out with the VL variant at P1,149,000

The all-new Toyota Corolla Altis was launched last 2019 with a hybrid option now available for the Philippine market. By the looks of it, the Altis has matured over its predecessor, with it featuring a curvaceous exterior design that looks sleek and modern at the same time. It’s no Camry, but it can qualify as a chauffeur car that can transport you through your business meetings or fancy events. Prices range from P1,135,000 up to P1,745,000.