Looking for a people-mover? You’ve got more options available on the local market now—nine SUVs and one van were introduced in November. Let’s take a closer look at these new family-friendly rides.
1) Kia Seltos (starts at P1.098 million)
After years of having the B-segment Soul double as its entry-level SUV fighter, Kia has finally launched its legitimate subcompact-SUV offering. Meet the new stylish Seltos, which features a very modern European-flavored design with sharp bold lines. Under its contoured hood is a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter in-line-four gasoline mill that puts out 147hp and 179Nm of torque. All variants are front-wheel-drive with a CVT.
2) Audi Q3 (PUR)
The second generation of Audi’s premium compact SUV has landed. The all-new Q3 is unmistakably Audi, but it has now been remolded into a sportier and more athletic-looking sport-ute. It’s longer, wider, and lower than the model it replaces, its flared front and rear fenders make it look muscular. This little German SUV inherits the Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster from its larger siblings. One engine is offered locally: a 1.4-liter turbocharged unit that produces 150hp and 250Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a dual-clutch transmission.
3) SsangYong Korando (starts at P1.29 million)
The somewhat odd bulbous styling of the previous Korando has been ditched in favor of a more contemporary design with sharper lines for the latest model. This new styling direction, which we first saw in the subcompact Tivoli, gives the compact SUV a sportier and more upmarket look than before. Two engine options are available for the front-wheel-drive Korando: a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline mill that makes 161hp and 280Nm of torque, and a 1.6-liter turbodiesel that churns out 134hp and a healthy 324Nm of torque. Both powerplants are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
4) Ford Transit (starts at P2.3 million)
Ford Philippines hasn’t had a van in its lineup since the passenger version of the E-150 was discontinued, but now, the all-new Transit changes all that. Developed in Europe, this big people-mover incorporates the Blue Oval’s corporate face with its large trapezoidal grille and swept-back headlights. The tall roof and the long wheelbase allow this full-size van to have a ton of interior space that can seat 15 people. Under the short, sloping hood is Ford’s 2.2-liter Duratorq turbodiesel that produces 133hp and 385Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission.
5) Mazda CX-30 (starts at P1.49 million)
Positioned between the subcompact CX-3 and the compact CX-5, the more car-like CX-30 is Mazda’s latest compact crossover. Styling is pure Mazda with its distinctive Kodo design. The lines and the design cues resemble those of the CX-3 and the 3 hatchback. The CX-30 has some power to back up its sporty styling, too—under its hood is a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter gasoline mill that pumps out 153hp and 200Nm of torque. FWD and a six-speed automatic come as standard, while higher trims get AWD.
6) Mazda CX-8 (starts at P2.29 million)
Slotting above the compact CX-5 and below the larger CX-9 is the new CX-8. Its styling is reminiscent of the CX-5 that it’s based on, but thanks to a longer wheelbase and rear overhang, this right-sized SUV can seat up to seven. Powering this midsizer is a 2.5-liter gasoline unit that produces 187hp and 252Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. It can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive.
7) Chery Tiggo 2 (starts at P695,000)
Chery is back with a range of crossovers. The first is the subcompact Tiggo 2, a sporty tall hatch powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with 106hp and 135Nm of torque. Manual and automatic transmissions are available.
8) Chery Tiggo 5X (starts at P818,000)
On the opposite end of the subcompact segment is the new Tiggo 5X. It features a larger and more upright body than the Tiggo 2, and is motivated by a 1.5-liter gasoline unit that puts out 114hp and 141Nm of torque. It can be ordered with either a manual transmission or a CVT.
9) Chery Tiggo 7 (starts at P1.195 million)
The stylish Tiggo 7’s design is derived from Chery’s TX Concept. Powering this compact is a 1.5-liter turbopetrol engine that puts down 145hp and 210Nm to the ground via a dual-clutch transmission.
10) Chery Tiggo 8 (starts at P1.280 million)
The midsize Tiggo 8 is the toughest-looking of the Chery offerings. While its design language is similar to those of its smaller siblings, it gets a larger grille and lower openings to give it a more aggressive face. Like the smaller 7, it comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline motor that makes 145hp and 210Nm of torque. A dual-clutch transmission is standard.
