Car Features - 2014 Ultimate Car Guide Car of the Year

2014 was a year to remember, especially for the automotive industry. Lots of exciting introductions greeted consumers and enthusiasts alike. While some names went away (Sentra, Alterra, Teana), some got new bodies (Altis, Mazda 3, City, C Class, X-Trail), and some were new names (MU-X, Wigo, Ecosport, Ertiga), it was the year to be in since consumers have a lot of choices to pick. With the industry hitting the 200k mark, things are getting thrilling.

First of all, this Car of the Year award does not aim any manufacturer and the choices are the opinions of the writers/contributors here. Voting process is done individually to avoid any voting manipulation here.

The question here is "what car released in 2014 made a huge impact to the consumer and to the market while having some impact to the manufacturer itself." Every writer/contributor have to pick five cars and rank them from 5 with the highest to 1 being the lowest. Results will be published here for transparency, as well as the reason why the writers/contributors chose that car.

The nominees:

• BMW 4 Series
• BMW X4
• BMW X5
• Ford Ecosport
• Honda Accord
• Honda Brio and Brio Amaze
• Honda City
• Honda Jazz
• Hyundai Grand i10
• Hyundai Grand Santa Fe
• Isuzu MU-X
• Jeep Cherokee
• Kia Soul
• Lamborghini Hurracan
• Lexus NX
• Lexus RC
• Mazda 3
• Mercedes Benz C Class
• Nissan Altima
• Nissan Sylphy
• Nissan X-Trail
• Porsche Macan
• Peugeot 208 GT
• Peugeot Expert Tepee
• Subaru WRX/WRX STi
• Suzuki Ertiga
• Tata cars
• Toyota Corolla Altis
• Toyota Wigo
• Toyota Yaris
• Volkswagen Beetle

THE RESULTS

1st Place - Mazda 3

2nd Place - Honda City

3rd Place - Ford Ecosport

The overall results:

Mazda 3 - 19 points

Honda City - 6 points

Ford Ecosport - 5 points

Toyota Wigo - 4 points

Nissan Sylphy - 4 points
Lamborghini Hurracan - 4 points
Isuzu MU-X - 4 points

Nissan X-Trail - 4 points

Suzuki Ertiga - 3 points
Lexus RC - 3 points

Toyota Corolla Altis - 1 point

Honda Jazz - 1 point

Subaru WRX/WRX STi - 1 point

How we voted

Myk's Picks:

1st. Mazda 3 (5 Points) 

- This gets the top choice since this car brought a lot of fanfare and anticipation. What made the car significant is the SkyActiv engine and the driving feel, which the 3 is known for, plus good looks to boot. Mazda had a winner in their hands.

2nd. Toyota Wigo (4 Points)

- With the Vios getting pricier, the money is now on the economy car class (but not the largest in market share). Well slapping a Toyota in a Daihatsu vehicle and pricing it lower. Despite having some rough edges, what mattered is the value.

3rd. Ford Ecosport (3 Points)

- Everyone wants an SUV but not all can afford it. With the flooding around us, then Ford gave us the Ecosport since for the price of an Altis, you can have something that has a higher ride even for under a million bucks. This is not an SUV substitute, though.

4th. Isuzu MU-X (2 Points)

- The Alterra was a sales laggard, so the MU-X's arrival had to make an impact for the brand. And the impact was large since many were anticipating on this car. While it may lack power on paper or have similar cues with the Trailblazer, the Isuzu badge made it a winner.

5th. Honda City (1 Point)

- Many people had their eyes on the new model, which was normal for a car ending its life. One big impact is the VX+ variant that had a lot of amenities for the competition and the price as well. 

Isaac's Picks:

1st. Honda City/Jazz (5 Points)

- It's groundbreaking in every single way, shaming rivals costing much, especially in space, refinement, and technology. Honda went all-out with these two subcompacts.

2nd. Mazda 3 (4 Points)

- It brought back excitement in the compact segment. It had a sexy design, possess a high quality interior, and has a sporty driving dynamics which is a hallmark.

3rd. Nissan X-Trail (3 Points)

- This vehicle was the bet of Nissan in bringing back their brand in the Philippines. Its a rare specie, being one of the few crossovers that can actually go off-road while others are limited to the off-road show.

4th. Lexus NX (2 Points)

- Like the Lexus IS, it turned the brand from a boring maker to something exciting. Not all may like it (due to its polarizing looks), but one thing's for sure, it is a lot more distinctive and instantly recognizable than those generic rivals and will leave a lasting impression, good or bad. And isn't leaving an impression that Lexus wants nowadays?

5th. Toyota Corolla Altis (1 Point)

- Boring design no more. Excitement has finally been injected to this compact sedan. It has rejuvenated the boring image that are associated with Toyotas.

Steve's Picks:

1st. Mazda 3 (5 Points)

- Top points for being a #gamechanger. It lives by the mantra it is being marketed by Mazda. Suddenly, everyone in the class had to catch-up.

2nd. Nissan Sylphy (4 Points)

- Four points for being a nice new comeback product for Nissan. It offers most value in the segment, reasonable content, and should satisfy the needs and priorities of the average Juan's requirement for an everyday ride. I find it a more superior product than the Altis in any variant. One could only wonder if NPI would introduce a Sylphy with Super Sentra like in Taiwan when it comes to content at the price of TOTL rivals.

3rd. Suzuki Ertiga (3 Points)

- Thee points for upping up the ante in the sub-compact family MPV class. It offers three variants with a stylish interior and exterior, reasonable feature content and pricing, and a refinement better than the Avanza. No wonder it was an Indonesian favorite. I would have pushed it higher in the list if it comes with the 1.3 Multijet diesel engine found in the Chevrolet Spin.

4th. Ford Ecosport (2 Points)

- Two points for being such a perfect urban getaway car. It offers sprightly dynamics, upmarket vibe in its interior and the Titanium's deluxe features. Its multi-confrontational interior makes it a practical choice for people with active lifestyles and the 550mm wading capacity appeals to people living in flood prone areas.

5th. Subaru WRX/WRX STi (1 Point)

- One phrase: value for money fun.

Edchelle's Picks:

1st. Mazda 3 (5 Points)
- It's styling, engine technology, driving dynamics, competitive price, and the toys in its class had made me choose the Mazda 3 as my top pick.

2nd. Lamborghini Hurracan (4 Points)
- It's redesigned V10 engine and new technologies that can be found in it and its design made it my second choice.

3rd, Lexus RC (3 Points)
- My third choice because of its engineering and innovations due to its V8 engine from the IS F and the chassis. Lexus was able to develop a car that can live-up and wear an F badge.

4th. Isuzu MU-X (2 Points)
- The versatility and comfort plus the variants made it to my fourth choice.

5th. Nissan X-Trail (1 Point)

Car Profiles - Subaru WRX/WRX STI

SUBARU WRX/WRX STI

No more hatchback body, the rally icon we know is only available in the form that is famed for. Do not fret, performance levels remains the same despite the CVT on the WRX. Hardcore enthusiasts are welcome in the STI.

The Good: Performs the same just like before

The Bad: No more hatchback

Price Range: P1,818,000-P2,598,000

Our Rating: ****

Last Update: August 16, 2014

OWNERSHIP DETAILS	WRX STI	WRX STI Premium	WRX
Price	P2,598,000 (NEW)	P2,498,000	P1,818,000 (MT), P1,888,000 (CVT)
Warranty	3 Years or 100,000kms	3 Years or 100,000kms	3 Years or 100,000kms
ENGINE SPECS
Engine	EJ257 2.5 DOHC 16V H4 High Boost Turbocharged with Large Capacity Intercooler	EJ257 2.5 DOHC 16V H4 High Boost Turbocharged with Large Capacity Intercooler	FA20 2.0 DOHC 16V H4 Turbocharged
Horsepower	296hp @ 6,000rpm	296hp @ 6,000rpm	264hp @ 5,600rpm
Torque	407Nm @ 4,000rpm	407Nm @ 4,000rpm	350Nm @ 2,400-5,200rpm
Fuel Type	Gasoline/95 Octane	Gasoline/95 Octane	Gasoline/95 Octane
Fuel System	Multi-Port Injection	Multi-Port Injection	Direct Injection
Transmission	6-Speed Manual	6-Speed Manual	6-Speed Manual, Continuously Variable Transmission
Fuel Tank Capacity	60 Liters	60 Liters	60 Liters
DIMENSIONS
Length	4,595mm	4,595mm	4,595mm
Width	1,795mm	1,795mm	1,795mm
Height	1,475mm	1,475mm	1,475mm
Wheelbase	2,650mm	2,650mm	2,650mm
Curb Weight	1,509kg	1,509kg	1,528kg
Body Style	4-Door Sedan	4-Door Sedan	4-Door Sedan
Engine/Drive Type	Front Engine/All Wheel Drive	Front Engine/All Wheel Drive	Front Engine/All Wheel Drive
Seating	5	5	5
SUSPENSION & TIRES
Front Suspension	Inverted McPherson Strut	Inverted McPherson Strut	McPherson Strut
Rear Suspension	Double Wishbone	Double Wishbone	Double Wishbone
Front Brakes	Brembo Performance Brake System, 4-Piston Calipers Ventilated Disc Brakes	Brembo Performance Brake System, 4-Piston Calipers Ventilated Disc Brakes	Disc
Rear Brakes	Brembo Performance Brake System, Dual Piston Calipers Ventilated Disc Brakes	Brembo Performance Brake System, Dual Piston Calipers Ventilated Disc Brakes	Vented Discs with Brembo
Tires	245/40 R18	245/40 R18	235/45 R17
Wheels	18 Inch Alloy	18 Inch Alloy	17 Inch Alloy
SAFETY
Airbags	7	7	7
Anti-Lock Brakes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Traction/Stability Control	Yes	Yes	Yes
Other Safety Features	Adds: None	Adds: None	Vehicle Dynamics Control
EXTERIOR
Fog Lamps	Front	Front	Front
Other Exterior Features	Adds: Large Type Rear Wing. Deletes: Sunroof	Adds: Sunroof	MT: Halogen Headlamps, Daytime Running Lights, Rain Sensing Wipers, Side Mirror Signal Repeaters, Rear Diffuser. CVT Adds: LED Headlamps
INTERIOR
Steering Wheel Adjustment	Tilt and Telescope	Tilt and Telescope	Tilt and Telescope
Steering Wheel Material	Preforated Leather	Preforated Leather	Preforated Leather
Seating Adjustment	Manual	Power, Driver	Manual (MT), Power, Driver (CVT)
Seating Material	Leather/Alcantara	Leather	Fabric (MT), Leather (CVT)
Other Interior Features	Adds: Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential, STI Shift Knob	Adds: Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential, STI Shift Knob	Carbon Fiber Trim, Map Lights, Sport Gauges with TFT LCD Multi-Information Display with Rear Camera, Centrally Mounted Color Multi-Information Display with Boost Pressure Gauge, Cruise Control, Aluminum Pedals, Seat Back Pockets, Si-Drive
CONVENIENCE FEATURES
Power Amenities	Steering, Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors with Fold	Steering, Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors with Fold	Steering, Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors with Fold
Climate Control	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic
Audio System	Integrated AM/FM/AUX/CD/MP3/USB and Bluetooth	Integrated AM/FM/AUX/CD/MP3/USB and Bluetooth	Integrated AM/FM/AUX/CD/MP3/USB and Bluetooth
Speakers	6	6	6
Steering Wheel Controls	Yes, Audio and Telephone	Yes, Audio and Telephone	Yes, Audio, Telephone, Cruise Control, and S-DRIVE Switch
Alarm	Yes	Yes	Yes
Keyless Entry	Yes, Smart Entry with Push Button Start	Yes, Smart Entry with Push Button Start	Yes, Smart Entry with Push Button Start (for CVT)
RIVALS	Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

See previous generation models of the WRX/WRX STI:

Subaru Impreza WRX/WRX STI (2002-2007)
Subaru Impreza WRX/WRX STI (2008-2013)

Car Profiles - Subaru Impreza

SUBARU IMPREZA

An athletic choice in which it offers a sporty handling and the only one to be offered with all wheel drive. The current Impreza may not have a hatchback or a stick shift (discontinued just last year), it is one of the top picks out there. CVT tranny is decent enough, but engine noise can be tiring.

The Good: Standard AWD

The Bad: Tiring engine note

Price Range: P1,128,000-P1,298,000

Our Rating: ****

OWNERSHIP DETAILS	2.0i-S	2.0i
Price	P1,298,000	P1,128,000
Warranty	3 Years or 100,000kms	3 Years or 100,000kms
ENGINE SPECS
Engine	2.0 DOHC 16V H4	2.0 DOHC 16V H4
Horsepower	148hp @ 6,200rpm	148hp @ 6,200rpm
Torque	196Nm @ 4,200rpm	196Nm @ 4,200rpm
Fuel Type	Gasoline/95 Octane	Gasoline/95 Octane
Fuel System	EFI	EFI
Transmission	Continuously Variable Transmission	Continuously Variable Transmission
Fuel Tank Capacity	55 Liters	55 Liters
DIMENSIONS
Length	4,580mm	4,580mm
Width	1,740mm	1,740mm
Height	1,465mm	1,465mm
Wheelbase	2,645mm	2,645mm
Curb Weight	1,400kg	1,330kg
Body Style	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan
Engine/Drive Type	Front Engine/All Wheel Drive	Front Engine/All Wheel Drive
Seating	5	5
SUSPENSION & TIRES
Front Suspension	McPherson Strut	McPherson Strut
Rear Suspension	Double Wishbone	Double Wishbone
Front Brakes	Ventilated Disc	Ventilated Disc
Rear Brakes	Solid Disc	Solid Disc
Tires	205/50 R17	205/55 R16
Wheels	17 Inch Alloy	16 Inch Alloy
SAFETY
Airbags	6	6
Anti-Lock Brakes	Yes, With Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist	Yes, With Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist
Traction/Stability Control	Yes, Vehicle Dynamic Control System	Yes, Vehicle Dynamic Control System
Other Safety Features	Adds: None	ISOFIX Seats, Safety Brake Pedal System
EXTERIOR
Fog Lamps	Front and Rear	Front and Rear
Other Exterior Features	Adds: None	HID Headlamps, Pop-Up Type Headlamp Washers, Side Mirror Signal Repeaters, Single Muffler Clutter
INTERIOR
Steering Wheel Adjustment	Tilt and Telescopic	Tilt and Telescopic
Steering Wheel Material	Leather	Leather
Seating Adjustment	Manual	Manual
Seating Material	Leather	Leather
Other Interior Features	Adds: None	Cruise Control, Multi-Functional Display, Two 12V Outlets, 60/40 Fold Rear Seat
CONVENIENCE FEATURES
Power Amenities	Steering, Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors with Fold	Steering, Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors with Fold
Climate Control	Automatic	Automatic
Audio System	2DIN CD/AM/FM/AUX/USB	2DIN CD/AM/FM/AUX/USB
Speakers	6	6
Steering Wheel Controls	Yes, Audio and Cruise Control	Yes, Audio, Cruise Control, and Telephone
Alarm	Yes, with Immobilizer	Yes, with Immobilizer
Keyless Entry	Yes	Yes
RIVALS	Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Mitsubishi Lancer EX, Suzuki Kizashi, Toyota Corolla Altis

Also see: WRX/WRX STi

See previous generation models of the Impreza:

Subaru Impreza Sedan (2009-2012)/Impreza Hatchback (2008-2012)

Car Profiles - Subaru Impreza WRX/WRX STi (2008-2014)

2008-2014 Subaru Impreza WRX/WRX STi

The Good: Happy engines when driven, practical hatchback body

The Bad: Power sapping automatic

The Say: You can live with this car on a daily basis while having fun during the weekends.

Go For: WRX
Avoid: WRX STi A Line Hatchback

Price Range: P900,000-P1,400,000
Our Rating: ****

Related Review:Used Car Review - Subaru Impreza WRX/WRX STi (2008-2014)
Latest vehicle profile: Subaru WRX/WRX STI

Used Car Review - Subaru Impreza WRX/WRX STi (2008-2014)

With the new generation in the spotlight, Myk Belmonte evaluates the old model and sees if it is a bargain buy.

2008-2014 Subaru Impreza WRX/WRX STi

History
To steer clear of the expected words which will pop up on this paragraph, let me just tell this trait done in the car universe. Just like beer, car companies do offer regular, mild, and super versions of their vehicles. Regular are the plain jane performance models, mild are for those who wouldn't want to be intimidated, and super are reserved for the experienced.

Same story with the regular version, so let us just tell you the related items here. WRX models first debuted to the world, alongside with their regular counterparts, in April 2007 while the tamer STi model was made available in October 2007. Unlike the regular's 2011 availability, those who wanted the high performance model had to wait until 2013 but only available in a sedan body.

As mentioned in the Subaru Impreza review last year, the trunkless version came to the scene through the launching of both variants for the said body style. On the other hand, the sedan configuration was made available in April 2009 but only in WRX flavor. A late 2010 update had the WRX STi being refreshed and necessitated the discontinuation of the WRX variant. Last month, a new generation model of this rally bred vehicle is made available to Filipino consumers which makes this one a great bargain for less cash.

Value and Costs
Please to tell you this news that you can get this rally star for a snip of P900,000 for older models while recent ones costs you P1,400,000. As a general rule, going with a July 2011 and later model is the key to utilize the remainder of the warranty. Anything that appears to be modified extensively is a huge no-no, especially that it spoils the fun in a huge way including your money.

Basically, you should not expect low maintenance costs similar to your top end Corolla or Civic or heck, a regular Impreza. But be thankful that it is lower than a Mustang or that supercar you are drooling about. Apart from the regular wear and tear that one would expect, check if the vehicle is modified.

Exterior and Interior
Everything that is applicable to the regular version is applied here, but the differences include the following (and mostly apply to the WRX STi except when noted): a different rim design, the presence of a hood scoop (for both models), larger fenders, a rear spoiler, and more mufflers. The WRX may look plain but it is one sleeper car.

Space is excellent, something that competitors are ashamed of while interior quality is definitely tops. Everything else were lifted from its non-performance counterparts save for the glowing pink steering wheel on the WRX STi.

Engine
There are two separate engines for both variants which keeps their personalities distinct from one another. If you are purchasing the WRX model, then be informed that it has the EJ255 2,457cc belching out 230hp at 5,200rpm and 320Nm at 2,800rpm. For the power and rev happy in you, then the standard option for WRX STi models is an EJ257 2,457cc displacing 296hp at 6,000rpm and 407Nm at 4,000rpm for MT variants and 350Nm at 3,000-6,000rpm for AT models. Do remember that in a 2010 update, the MT is exclusive for the WRX STi sedan while the AT is reserved for the hatchback. When it comes to performance, both have different styles especially that the WRX is blistering fast but not to the point of scaring the first time driver while going with the WRX STi must be done wisely since the MT is a better pick against the AT which does not thrill the drive unless your route involves traffic jams.

Driving Impressions
Do take note that updated models carry a stiffer suspension which can be both an advantage and disadvantage for some people. When it comes to driving pleasure, it will give you smiles all day and the engine tears up the roof, just don't mind the horrible fuel economy which comes standard.

Verdict
This vehicle can perform two tasks in which you can take it to the daily grind and you can have fun during the weekends. Subaru's task is, in a way, succeeded well especially that its main rival is harsh. What can be expensive before is now affordable for ordinary blokes like us.



The Good:

• Practical
• Fast
• Now affordable

The Bad:

• Not fuel friendly
• Power grabbing automatic transmission
• Maintenance costs will kill you

The Pick: WRX

THE SPECS

Engines: 2,457cc EJ255 (WRX) and 2,457cc EJ257 (WRX STi) H4 gasoline

Power: 230hp @ 5,200rpm (WRX), 296hp @ 6,000rpm (WRX STi)

Torque: 320Nm @ 2,800rpm (WRX), 407Nm @ 4,000rpm (WRX STi MT), 350Nm @ 3,000-6,000rpm (WRX STi AT)

Fuel Consumption: 5-7km/L (city), 8-10km/L (highway) (*estimated and varies)

Transmission: 5-speed manual (WRX), 6-speed manual (WRX STi), 5-speed automatic (2015-2014 WRX STi)

Suspension: Front independent McPherson strut, rear independent double wishbone

MORE INFO

Price (New): P1,700,000-P2,548,000 (range between two variants)

Price (Now): P900,000-P1,400,000

Rival: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

On Sale: 2008-2014 (WRX STi), 2008-2010 (WRX)

Resources:

http://www.clubwrx.net/
http://www.iwsti.com/

Contacts:

Subaru Greenhills - (02) 727-3687

Subaru Global City - (02) 822-4389

Subaru Alabang - (02) 519-7123

Photos from http://olx.ph/41567883