In the current state of the budget subcompact crossover class, it’s pretty much the Toyota Raize versus China. Thankfully, another manufacturer has entered the fray. That company is Kia with its Stonic successor, the recently launched Kia Sonet.
We’re glad the model is finally here—all indications are that it’s a good fit for the Philippine market. Reasonably priced cars with a good amount of ground clearance typically sell well here, and Kia might have a winner on its hands.
That said, we’d like more competition for the Sonet. Aside from the Raize and the Chinese offerings, the budget crossover segment has all the potential to bloom here. Besides, the more, the merrier, right? Should any more of these pint-sized SUVs come to the market, we’ll embrace them with open arms. Just take a look at Raize sales here.
So, what could take on the Sonet and the best-selling Raize? Here’s four.
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1) Honda WR-V
Honestly, we’re still baffled as to why Honda still won’t sell the WR-V in the Philippines. Made in Indonesia, Honda’s mini SUV has been making waves in Malaysia and Thailand as well. The little Honda SUV is also off to some solid reviews in other countries, so it might be wise to consider it for local launch.
It uses the same platform as the Honda BR-V, so the possibility of a left-hand drive version isn’t too far out of reach. Like the Sonet, the WR-V also uses a 1.5-liter engine that’s compatible with a six-speed manual or CVT. Should it be priced just right, it has all the potential to be one of the company’s best-sellers here.
2) Hyundai Exter
Even though Hyundai and Kia are under one roof, the competition between these two South Korean automakers is clear as day. So, what would be the perfect match for the Sonet? Instead of its own cousin, the Venue, we’re going for its funkier-looking stablemate, the Exter.
At the moment, it’s exclusive to the Indian market, but it would be lovely if it were exported to other parts of Asia. The Exter also much smaller than the Creta so there’s little chance of it eating up sales of its larger sibilng. Its 1.2-liter engine is smaller than that of the Sonet, but it could be a good match for non-turbo versions of the Raize. On the flipside, we wouldn't mind if Hyundai re-introduces the Venue locally.
3) Nissan Magnite
Nissan has a steady lineup of SUVs in the Philippines with the Terra and Kicks bringing in solid sales for the brand. Of course, a mini SUV might help pump those numbers up even more and Nissan Philippines could do that with the Magnite.
For now, at least, it’s only sold in right-hand drive countries, but the platform it uses also underpins the Renault Kwid that’s also available in left-hand drive. In some way, however, the Magnite is here but not in the way you’d expect. The Dongfeng Nanobox is essentially a Kwid with an electric motor.
4) Suzuki Fronx
Despite Suzuki being best known for subcompact and mini cars, it doesn’t have an entry in the budget crossover class in the Philippines. Yes, there’s the Jimny, but that’s more an off-roader than family SUV. The five-door does expand its practicality, but so does the price. So we present to you the Fronx.
It rides on a modified Swift platform and sold in both left and right hand drive versions. There’s a choice of turbo and non-turbo engines, as well as a mild hybrid. At a hair under four meters long, this seems like a sold candidate too. Funny enough, the Fronx is also sold in some parts of the world as the Toyota Starlet Cross.
