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A healthcare provider asks: Orlando, Carens or Montero Sport?

By Botchi Santos —

 

Hi, Mr. Botchi. I've been an avid fan of Top Gear Philippines since last year, especially your column, which I like reading a lot. I'm a healthcare provider at a provincial hospital, and my relatives from the States are asking me what vehicle I can suggest for them to buy here. They phoned in their requirements, and these are: comfy, "maluwang," and fuel-efficient. Their budget is around P1.2-1.3 million only. They're opting for a secondhand unit, but I insist on a brand-new one because of the recent flooding in our country (which makes me fearful that there are many flooded vehicles out there).

My bets are the new Chevy Orlando LT, Kia Carens EX and the refreshed Mitsubishi Montero Sport GLX V. Thanks and Godspeed to you and the TGP staff.

Cesar Carl Pacis

 

Hi there, Carl!

Thanks for the e-mail. We're glad to be of help to you, who in turn are helping out your relatives. I'm glad you mentioned such cars as the Chevrolet Orlando (of which I'm such a big fan) and the Kia Carens, both highly underrated MPVs. The Orlando is newer, has a better-designed interior, is roomier and (crucially) easier to get in and out of, thanks to its tall roof.

The problem, however, is that the Orlando's engine is a tad underpowered. No problem in city driving, but out on the highway, it lacks the power to overtake confidently unless you really pin the throttle to the floor--especially when you've got five adults on-board.

In this sense, the Carens is a better MPV in that it has a more capable CRDi and VGT-equipped diesel powerplant. The problem is that it's old. The flip side is that a replacement is due very soon, so it might be worth waiting another 6-12 months.

However, for flood-conquering ability and confidence, an SUV is indeed tough to beat, and the Montero Sport, with its revised interior features, makes for a solid choice. But the Montero Sport isn't without its foibles: The steering, when I think about it now, is on the heavy side as more and more cars are becoming equipped with even lighter power steering. Out on the highway, this is fine and gives better high-speed stability and confidence. But after a full day of driving, it can be rather tiring. Despite being a tall SUV, the roof is quite low and the ride height is pretty tall, so getting in and out for the elderly can be a bit difficult. Otherwise, this is still my favorite truck-based diesel SUV because the prices and the standard equipment are hard to beat.

The question now is: Do you really need an SUV, or will an MPV suffice? I say go with the smallest vehicle you can get away with, because it's always going to be more cost-effective, easier to drive and live with, and more fun to drive around.

Good luck. I hope this helps, and God bless!

Botchi Santos
Consumer Editor

 

What vehicle should Carl recommend to his relatives from the States?

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  • borikyo May 11 2012 @ 03:45am
     
    gaano kaya ka-luwang yung sinasabi ni sir cesar?comfy? parang olats ang carens....fuel efficiency, olats ata ang orlando...luwang?olats ang monty...may kanya kanya silang strengths and weaknesses...magkano ba cx5 at bagong escape?
        2
    • Fernando Amorsolo May 12 2012 @ 12:35am
       
      I like your point.
         
  • sef21 May 11 2012 @ 04:42am
     
    I recommend the new Toyota Innova.
        2
  • Feeter Silverster May 11 2012 @ 06:00am
     
    To Cesar Carl Pacis, at your budget of 1.2M, you could also get a 2nd hand Grand Starex. Very maluwag and very cozy inside. The CRDI is very powerful yet comfortable to drive...Get the 2010 or later model so you won't get an Ondoy victim for sure.
       
    • Troy May 11 2012 @ 07:19pm
       
      I agree.
         
    • Fernando Amorsolo May 12 2012 @ 12:37am
       
      I think they are ready to get a brand new vehicle. If the sense is to be persistent in getting a van like space, I think, the carens would suffice :)
         
  • torquebender May 11 2012 @ 07:21am
     
    get a hiace commuter?
        2
  • isaac3654 May 11 2012 @ 09:14am
     
    No offense, pero why is the Kia Carens there? Recommendation, Orlando, or preferrably, the new Innova :D or you can wait for the new Santa Fe.
        1
    • Fernando Amorsolo May 12 2012 @ 12:39am
       
      The new santa Fe is now OVERPRICED (as for the budget of the Sender, and also for being OVERpriced in itself.). Sadly, it is leading it's way in being like its cousin, the SUPER priced Sorento. :|
         
      • isaac3654 May 12 2012 @ 12:05pm
         
        Perhaps the Santa Fe will be overpriced, I did forget that didn't I? Pero the Carens is overpriced too. At 1,050,000. It doesn't look a million peso car. Sit the Carens side-by-side with an Innova (despite being common) and an Orlando, the Carens looks so anonymous and out of place for having 2 less seats. A larger Innova G at 1,074,000 looks like a million peso car. The Orlando, at 1,188,000, also looks like a million peso car, the interior is too. Just.... forget about the Orlando's rims and go aftermarket.
           
  • 17Sphynx17 May 11 2012 @ 09:29am
     
    It doesn't look like the Monty is something you need.

    I would suggest an MPV. Although I am also at a loss as to your criteria of "maluwang". The Carens can seat 7 but is not that spacious. I would say, the Montero is a bit more spacious in the back row in terms of width. But it can still seat 7 people comfortably.

    Carens is very fuel efficient and very powerful at that. It is very stable at high speeds even when turning and easy to get in and out of.

    In terms of flood wading capability, it is the same/similar to a Honda City as it rides low to the ground. This doesn't mean it can't cross a flooded road, but the water level should not exceed 500mm as it may cause problems already. A foot of water is generally okay to cross like with any other vehicle.

    I understand concerns of flood wading capability but I would suggest you don't focus on it too much as you can always "wait it out" and not force your vehicle to cross something which may be impassable anyway.

    I am still not sure whether the Carens is the best bet as I have not ridden/driven the Orlando. Comfort wise, the vehicle is so-so.

    Given the budget, I also thought that they should look at the Starexes that were used in the ADB. I am not sure if they want a manual though or an AT.

    Another option is the Innova (personally don't like the new face). Not as powerful, a bit more roomier and a bit on the "bouncy" side sometimes if you are riding with 2 people only.

    I just recommend sticking to an MPV.

    Good luck. Cheers!
        2
  • car.L May 11 2012 @ 09:45am
     
    Thanks,mr botchi.and also all the petrolhead comments out there.the article stirs a lot of trend.hehe.it will help me in my task,finding the right fit for the budget.but still scouting though..
       
  • mindkinetic May 11 2012 @ 10:38am
     
    the carens is archaic and the importance of road presence is not just to show case your ride but likewise to generate respect from other motorist as well. the montero would be the better choice vs the carens street cred is to a maximum , however it will tilt your budget a bit and unless your folks or relative will often go for an out of town shindig i find the monty to cumbrous as a choice, traffic is a paralizing dilemma suv(s) should be for long distance driving or when you really get to maximize the sitting space albeit in the city. which is why the orlando is your best option as of the moment. ingress and egress will be easy very important for the olds, the exterior is well designed , and the goodies inside the cabin makes this mpv a good buy at a little over 1.1m. being the "freshest "entry in your handful of choices commands a certain level of exclusivity. as for the power , yes it lags behind the the other two but how often do you really need to torpedo away, in the city power is not neede but control outside the city there is speed limitation that will subdue your momentum. Orlando is what fits the budget with modicum ride height, strong street presentation and posh interior makes this mpv your winner.
       
    • Fernando Amorsolo May 12 2012 @ 12:40am
       
      Mindkinetic nailed the idea. :)
         
  • Carfanatic May 11 2012 @ 11:03am
     
    Go with the Montero, pero kung galing US ang mga relatives, malamang they would go for the Orlando.
       
  • cobrador May 11 2012 @ 11:05am
     
    I like that question?

    Does you really need an SUV...
    Will an MPV suit your needs....

    I will go for the Minivan.... KIA CARNIVAL SWB




       
    • Fernando Amorsolo May 12 2012 @ 12:42am
       
      Kia carnival is a super prized wagon. This Wagon still represents Kia's *gly past of being an unreliable brand, Until now, the Carnival has failing a lot of its owners. THIS IS NOT a hearsay. I am witness myself from this cars unreliability. Plus, the carnival is too large, and MPVness in size and utility (and price) are the ones considered, NOT just the amount of space.
         
  • carwiki May 11 2012 @ 11:22am
     
    Sir, I would recommend you the Montero Sport, eventhough it's not a 4-wheel-drive, it has a flood-wading capabilities and a 177hp, and a 5 speed manual transmission.
       
    • Kyoichi Sudo May 11 2012 @ 11:39pm
       
      and 400N-m of torque
         
  • lsdgenie May 11 2012 @ 12:48pm
     
    Based on the criteria of "comfy, "maluwang," and fuel-efficient", I'd say go for an MPV instead of an entry level SUV. Aside from the Orlando and Carens (I don't know where your relatives will be based, but if it is in the provinces, finding a ready supply of parts may become a problem, and I don't find the Carens that maluwang and comfy), Also take a look at the Innova - reliable and fuel efficient, and trim/creature comforts are actually pretty nice in the higher end models. (I would have suggested the Adventure/Crosswind, but they're not comfy IMHO, aside from their age).

    A van would suit your criteria better - the Starex or Grandia...or maybe the Alphard hehehe. (Yes, I know all three are out of budget, but with the Starex especially, you get a lot more at just a hundred or so over your budget of P1.3M)


       
  • rupert May 11 2012 @ 01:01pm
     
    Go! for the Montero Sport or the new Toyota Innova!
       
  • BOOGIECAT May 11 2012 @ 01:14pm
     
    The Montero Sport GLX-V is priced at 1.330M Pesos...
       
    • Kyoichi Sudo May 11 2012 @ 11:40pm
       
      Seroiusly, how can the P30K addition to the budget be a problem?
         
      • RS500 May 13 2012 @ 11:00pm
         
        Tol don't worry pag narating mo na yan malalaman mo din. Malaking bagay na yan kasi di lang naman sa cost ng car ka gagastos. Kailangan pa ng insurance diyan saka LTO registration. Swerte kung free ung 3 years saka kung mababa ung nakuha mong quote sa insurance company.
           
        • Kyoichi Sudo May 14 2012 @ 09:14pm
           
          I know that too. Actually nagdagdag rin kami ng P35K nung binili namin ang D-Max namin last December kahit alam namin na madadagdagan ang bayarin namin sa insurance at sa LTO registration pero tinawanan lang yan ng dad ko, sabi pa nya "Anak, P35K lang yan, mag-alala ka kapag kailangan mo magbayad ng extra P35K sa pagbili ng gadgets mo pero sa kotse, maliit na bagay lang yan"
             
          • Kyoichi Sudo May 14 2012 @ 09:16pm
             
            The price of the 2012 D-Max LS Radikal MT is P1,135M and our budget is P1,100M, d pa kasama ung sa pambayad sa LTO Registration at Insurance. Sabi ko kasi sa kanya mag-Strada na lang eh maka-Isuzu kasi dad ko...
               
  • markdejesus76 May 11 2012 @ 01:47pm
     
    Toyota Innova, Mitsubishi Fuzion/Adventure, Nissan Grand Livina, Kia Carens, dami pa kung MPV.
    Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Ford Everest dami pa kung SUV.

    Maluwag? Both MPV and SUV naman maluwag. Comfy? Not all MPV and not all SUV comfy pero generally, maliit lang naman differences nila. Fuel-efficient? Hmmmm. MPV?

    In any way, hindi din sila magkakamali ng bibilin. Well, nasa dating na lang nung kotse yan.
       
  • neutral May 11 2012 @ 06:07pm
     
    Kia Carnival (short wheel base) for a 1.1M is the best choice(space, ride, easy ingress and egress, power, economy) and it's like putting together all the best from Montero, Orlando and Carens. Even in the third row the seats are comfortable unlike the carens and montero. It also happens that carens is one of your choices then why not look at the Carnival(swb). Or better yet, the Carnival LWB with an automatic sliding doors and could already compete with Town & Country, Odyssey, or Sienna at the price of 1.5M.
        1
  • lord_cykb24 May 11 2012 @ 06:31pm
     
    of course, choose the Monty....!!!! the dependable SUV
       
  • lord_cykb24 May 11 2012 @ 06:41pm
     
    hey one more suggestion, I'm beginning to fall in love with this, sir how about an crossover SUV..??? I'll recommend the New Subaru XV, although it priced beyond you're estimated budget, it can cost a little, around 1.398M, it will give you Boxer engine AWD, HID h/l Auto-leveling, nice luxurious interior, a typical Subaru, CBU-Japan but it will fit only 5 persons but has roomy seating capacity as what I've seen in the display at the mall.... If I have to buy my 2nd car I will choose the Subaru XV
       
  • jc_magracia18@yahoo.com May 11 2012 @ 07:56pm
     
    get the TOYOTA INNOVA :))
        2
  • Kyoichi Sudo May 11 2012 @ 11:44pm
     
    Montero Sport. Buy a second-hand Monty but if you believe in that "Sudden Acceleration" st***d issue, well buy the GLX-V.
       
    • carwiki May 17 2012 @ 09:41pm
       
      Baka sa floormat lang yun.
         
  • lra May 12 2012 @ 02:14pm
     
    I agree that the kia carnival is a good alternative to the three choices being considered in this discussion although the downside is that kia carnival that we have here uses the old 2.9 liter crdi engine. the kia carnival in other countries already have the new generation 2.2 liter crdi engine with vgt. i wonder when kia philippines will offer the kia carnival with new diesel engines here?
       
  • macpro May 12 2012 @ 08:24pm
     
    I would suggest the top of the line toyota innova. The buyer's requirements are all satisfied with this vehicle.
       
  • John Rigor May 12 2012 @ 08:58pm
     
    Based on forums, the Orlando is roomy and comfortable. It is perhaps the roomiest among the choices, but it is underpowered, which make it a gas guzzler. If the letter sender could live with that, then this would be a good choice.

    The Carens is probably provides the best of both worlds. It is roomy, comfortable, powerful and fuel efficient. But it does not have a lot of features when compared to the Orlando or the Monty.

    The Monty would be the best in terms of flood wading, power and features but don't expect it to be as roomy and comfortable as the other two.

    If the sender needs to carry a lot of people and baggage often, get the Orlando. If not, then get the Monty.
       
  • safariboi May 13 2012 @ 06:51am
     
    I suggest to browse over the buyer's guide section of the Topgear mag, it might help you in searching sir Carl from choosing the right vehicle then try to surf the net. We've got lots of cars these days. It might be also necessary to choose a vehicle with a higher ground clearance as the rainy season is approaching.
       
  • jeprockz May 13 2012 @ 10:36pm
     
    Pacis. sounds like my last name. hehe. anyway, my suggestion is Montero Sports. it fits your needs, maluwag, monty has sufficient room, fuel efficient if your foot is not heavy (trust me, i know). carens is small but what i like about it is its sporty handling. i also enjoy driving the manual carens on a open highway. i have no idea on the orlando. basta for me the safest choice is the Montero. enjoy.
       
  • Allain May 14 2012 @ 03:40pm
     
    Chevrolet Orlando or Toyota Innova G.
       
  • mitsugas May 15 2012 @ 09:50pm
     
    carens? ang sikip sa likod eh zzzz. baba ng stance di pde pag may potholes tug tugs tugs yn. kaso lng 6 speed parang sedan ang takbo.
       
  • trail May 15 2012 @ 11:56pm
     
    "...go with the smallest car you can get away with..." -- Words of wisdom, Sir. It's pretty obvious when I think about it, but I never really thought of it that way.
       
  • drpjan May 21 2012 @ 04:41pm
     
    Toyota Innova 2.5V or G Diesel!
       
  • miguel2012 13 months ago
     
    you can't compare the montero and carens to orlando because orlando is A/T gasoline. but i can say my orlando is superb in suspension, power steering, interior, entertainment packaged, cruise control, electronic stability control, auto A/C, auto door lock after the engine start and many more features. i tried my orlando with 10 adults plus 3 kids. the suspension is OK. from bagiuo to my home in bacoor cavite gives me 16kms/liter but in heavy traffic in EDSA rated 9kms/liter.
       
  • Streetsmart 11 months ago
     
    Would suggest for you to wait around 2 to 3 months for Peugeot's 5008 MPV. :D
       
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