Top cars for fresh grads

The diploma-tossing season is here and some graduates may be hoping to catch a key to a new car as a reward after years of sleepless college nights.

Top Gear Online scanned the local market for entry-level vehicles, or at least those not costing more than P800,000, to fit the lucky ones in Batch 2009.

Hip and trendy graduates may opt for hatches like the spacious Honda Jazz, the bang-for-the-buck Hyundai Getz, the sporty Suzuki Swift, or Toyota's racy-looking Yaris.

Sedan lovers may check out the fresh Honda City, the rally-pedigreed Hyundai Accent, the professional-looking Chevrolet Optra, and the top-selling Toyota Vios.

Options for drivers who love cute stuff include the Chevy Spark, Hyundai i10, and Kia Picanto.

Business-minded grads may go for multipurpose wheels like the Toyota Avanza, Mitsubishi Fuzion and Nissan Grand Livina; or the bigger Asian utility vehicles like the Isuzu Crosswind or the Suzuki APV.

Proud parents who are on a tight budget can always wrap up China-made cars like the Chana Benni, Chery QQ and Lifan LF520. These can go for below half-a-million bucks for a decent ride that comes with basic car features like power-steering capabilities, air-conditioning, and a decent sound system.

Want to find out more about these vehicles? Check out the latest and past issues of Top Gear Philippines or search our online archives.