Depending on your budget, the definition of a ‘starter car’ could be anything from a city hatch to a basic subcompact sedan. Hell, even crossovers are getting in on the action, with a handful of very affordable mini models entering the market see on getting a piece of that new-car-owner pie.
So, where were we? Ah, starter cars. If you’re looking at a ceiling of around P800,000, you still have plenty of worthwhile sedans from major car manufacturers to choose from. Below are 10 of them:
1) Toyota Vios 1.3 XE CVT - P753,000
There are more affordable versions of this Toyota staple, but if you have the money, we suggest going for this relatively mid-end variant equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and seven airbags. Here is our official review of this variant.
2) Toyota Vios 1.3 XLE MT - P801,000
Hey, we said ‘around’ P800,000 not under. Anyway, this runs on the same 1.3-liter gasoline engine as the unit above, except it gets a five-speed manual transmission and a more refined overall package with a nicer exterior and nicer wheels.
3) Mitsubishi Mirage G4 1.2 GLX MT - P769,000
The Mirage G4, thanks to its city-friendly form factor and a 1.2-liter gasoline engine that prioritizes efficiency above all else, remains a sensible choice as a starter car. If you’re willing to drive one with a five-speed manual transmission, the 1.2 GLX MT should be worth checking out.
4) Suzuki Dzire 1.2 GL MT - P758,000
As far as maneuvering around the city is concerned, you can’t go wrong with the Dzire’s small size and light, easy handling. Its 1.2-liter gasoline engine does 82hp and 113Nm of torque. If you aren’t too keen on driving a stick, the ‘Auto Gear Shift’ version at P819,000. You can check out our review of this higher-end unit here.
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5) MG 5 1.5 Core Plus CVT - P748,000
The Chinese revolution may have started with crossovers, but brands like MG and Geely (more on this on the next item on this list) have brought in some pretty enticing offerings for sedan buyers, too. One of them is the MG 5, which offers occupants a good amount of interior space relative to its price.
6) Geely Emgrand 1.5 Comfort CVT - P798,000
If you ask us, the Emgrand is one of the best-looking entries on this list. This Geely offering runs on a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that puts up 102hp and 142Nm of torque. Too pricey? Well, a more affordable base variant with a five-speed manual transmission is reportedly on the way, too.
7) Nissan Almera 1.0 EL Turbo MT - P728,000
Yes, you read that correctly. A turbocharged sedan has made its way onto this list. The base offering of the Almera comes equipped with a 1.0-liter turbo that does 99hp and up to 160Nm of torque, with shifting duties handled via a five-speed manual transmission.
8) Kia Soluto 1.4 LX AT - P785,000
The Kia Soluto was part of the South Korean manufacturer’s local brand revamp several years ago and remains a viable option if you’re looking for an alternative to the usual Japanese offerings. It runs on a 1.4-liter gasoline mill with 94hp and 132Nm of torque.
9) Kia Soluto 1.4 EX MT - P785,000
Same as the item above, but with more polish and a five-speed manual transmission instead of a four-speed automatic. Take your pick.
10) Volkswagen Santana 1.5 180 MPI AT S - P805,000
European? The badge, yes, the build, no. Don’t let that distract you from the overall package here, though. The door still shuts with a Germanic thud, and its simple appearance should appeal to buyers looking for a more subdued presence on the road.
