4X4 Galore

Since the implementation of the new Excise Tax Law, people have been asking us exactly how the local automotive industry has changed. The answer, really, is quite simple. Because the new tax scheme has spread thin the distribution of duties, car manufacturers and distributors have become less "creative" in their approach towards selling vehicles and more "innovative". By this we mean that with no real shield from their duties, manufacturers have become more open to giving more value for money in their vehicles in order to attract potential customers.

Gone are the days, for example, when utility vehicles were forcibly fitted with third row bench seats for them to achieve "10-seater tax free eligibility". Gone are the days, too, when low-end versions of 4X4 vehicles ruled the roads, because the new tax scheme now allows for a more competitive pricing for all-wheel-drive vehicles. Because of the new tax scheme, we now have more high-end vehicles (or vehicles as they were originally designed) plying our roads. A perfect example of this would be how the race for supremacy in the mini-SUV segment has changed dramatically. Every single major player in the industry now has a 4X4 model of their mini-SUVs, and buyers couldn’t be happier. Here’s a short list of what’s out in the market, in case you’re thinking of finally landing that compact 4X4 you’ve always wanted.

Honda CR-V

While the CR-V has always been fan favorite since it was launched, the new version was among those that lacked that added oomph that a 4X4 would’ve brought to the table. Thankfully, Honda Cars Philippines has remedied this dearth in muscle by introducing the technologically-sound new 4X4 version. With a "Realtime" 4X4 system that automatically activates the CR-V’s all-wheel drive mechanism only when it is actually needed, this baby boasts of a technological addition that makes it a cut above the rest of the competition — at least in this aspect of comparison.

The 4X4 CR-V also boasts of having among the best head- and leg-room in its class, as its exterior dimensions suggest. Another plus factor is the fact that the CR-V has always been, and will probably always be, a great drive. Despite the not-exactly-jawdropping 2-liter i-VTEC DOHC 16-valve engine (which develops a respectable 150 ps at 6500 rpm), for example, the combination of a lightweight engine and Honda’s quirky feel engineering makes that CR-V quite the responsive not-so-little bugger. It can get out on its feet quite quickly, if you so decide to floor the gas pedal. Otherwise, it tackles the Metro traffic with smooth panache. The downside, obviously, is its so-so looks. It’s not as visually stunning as the RAV4 or the Outlander or the X-Trail, for example, though it’s not exactly downright unsightly either. It’s, well, so-so. If you’re not much into obtaining "pogi points", the CR-V has what it takes to impress, period.

The Good

• Technology that takes your driving needs into consideration

• Ample space inside

• Responsive engine

The Bad

• Unimaginative exterior styling

The Price to Pay

• P1,208,000 for the manual, P1,258,000 for the automatic and an additional P15,000 for the special edition (read extra pogi) pearl white version

The Verdict

• The epitome of truth in advertising. It is indeed the comfortable 4X4.

Toyota RAV4

Among all the mini-SUVs out in the market, none look as imposing in its smallness as the RAV4. Were it not for the launch of the stunning new BMW X3, we’d swear the RAV4 would be easily mistaken as the Bavarian-made X5’s smaller brother. The new multireflector headlamps coupled with the large front fog lamps make the new 4X4 version even more visually stunning. A 2.0 liter DOHC 16-valve engine with VVT-i powers this little baby with enough gusto to keep it from being called sluggish. However, it isn’t enough to make the 4X4 RAV4 rate among the quickest on its feet in its class.

This doesn’t mean that Toyota has left all the safety features for its cars with bigger-displacement engines, however. Small as it is, the 4X4 RAV4 comes complete with dual airbags, all disk brakes and ABS with EBD. Much like the CR-V, then, it provides a fun drive as you’re assured of nimbleness and safety in one package. The tiny little downside to the RAV4 is the tiny little space you get for baggage and your legs. Okay, perhaps I may have exaggerated. Maybe putting the words "tiny" and "little" one after the other is a bit too much. It may not be made for basketball players, but the average Pinoy need not feel cramped.

The Good

• Downright good-looking

• Lotsa standard safety features

The Bad

• Can be too compact for comfort

The Price to Pay

•1,238,000

The Verdict

• The 4X4 RAV4 is an enjoyable combination of beauty and safety.

Mitsubishi Outlander

When Mitsubishi Motors Philippines first introduced the Outlander, we were all blown away. That imposing fascia simply slapped the crap out of us traditionalists. The moment we drove it, we wanted to take it home and call it ours. The Outlander takes styling to another level. The control console is unlike anything we’ve seen on any other mini-SUV — the equivalent of a minimalist home setting, we’d say. The best thing about it is its smooth driving dynamics. It may seem a bit sluggish compared to its competitors despite its 2.4-liter engine (it cranks out a respectable 136 ps), but that wonderful 4-speed automatic transmission with INVECS II (which provides for a manual shiftgate which is sooo convenient when needed) makes driving the Outlander enjoyable just the same.

The downside to the Outlander is its almost uninspired rear end. That and despite its lengthy look, the fact that it doesn’t have much cargo space. The combination of front disk and rear drum brakes, despite having assistance from ABS, also pales in comparison to say, the braking dynamics of the RAV4. Still, that lovely Sportronic shiftgate (the only one in its class, we must stress) is hard to get over. We still want one parked in our garage.

The Good

• Looks that can kill

• Sportronic manual shiftgate (!)

The Bad

• A bit sluggish compared to competitors

• Not much cargo space

The Price to pay

• P1,270,000

The Verdict

• The fun of the Outlander’s manual shiftgate is just too hard to get over.

Nissan X-Trail

The Nissan brand had been struggling to regain its momentum until the X-trail came along. Which doesn’t surprise us at all. Pound for pound the X-Trail is perhaps the most complete mini-SUV out in the market today. It has a system similar to that of the CR-V’s Realtime (which Nissan prefers to call the All-Mode Four Wheel Drive) which, when set on "AUTO" choses between 4X2 and 4X4 modes — whichever is more suitable for your driving and the terrain you find yourself in. It also has among the best luggage compartments in its class, that if you configure correctly, can fit up to six golf bags.

Outside, it’s pretty impressive as well, though not as immediately striking as a RAV4. The best thing about the 4X4 X-Trail is that it comes in two variants — a 2-liter and a 2.5-liter, whose 150 ps and 180 ps respectively make the X-Trail competitive on the fly whichever way you look at it. Four wheel disks with ABS and EBD and dual airbags come standard as well. Unimaginative trimming and upholstery are the only things we can actually see that can improve in this Nissan do-it-all vehicle. Heck, even cupholder (on in this case canned drink holder) compartments are treated with airconditioning for cool drinks on the go!

The Good

• Ample eninge power

• Ample room in the interior for both passenger and baggage

• Ample safety features

The bad

• Boring interior trimming

The Price to Pay

• P1,199,000 for the 2.0L and P1,299,000 for the 2.5L

The Verdict

• The most complete mini-SUV out in the market today.

Ford Escape V6

There is no better way to stress Ford’s "No Boundaries" spirit than with the development of the Escape V6 4X4. Blessed with a best-in-class 3-liter powerplant, the Escape could fly if only it had wings. The evil 3-liter V6 DOHC 24-valve SEFI powerplant kicks up a riot at 206 ps. With the Escape V6, you could look to go toe-to-toe with racer-boy wannabes if you wanted to. It’s got ample legroom on both rows as well, and enough space in the cargo compartment. Outside, it looks like a refined vehicle that has class and machismo at the same time.

The only downside to the Escape is its gas-guzzling tendencies. That and the fact that interior trimmings could use a little more imagination. Still, it’s a very impressive mini-SUV. The pocket-rocket in its class, it undoubtedly sets the standard where acceleration in this segment of the local automotive world is concerned.

The Good

• Darn, it’s quick!

• Generous interior space

The Bad

• Gas-guzzling tendencies

• Steep price tag

The Price to Pay

• 1,345,000

The Verdict

• Speed demons in SUV mode will love this baby.

Subaru Forester

Of all the mini-SUVs out in the market, the Subaru Forester was the only one never to short-change its intended audience. It was always offered as a 4X4. The best thing about it is that it now carries a more affordable price tag. At P1,185,000, buyers get a vehicle that is so unlike most of the competition. Its horizontally-opposed engine, which is the closest we mortals can get to the World Rally Championship dominating Subaru Impreza, gives it a closer-to-home feel as its low center of gravity is evident even from the outside. What this translates to is a ride much like that of a lowered and aerodynamically superior (at least when compared to other mini-SUVs) automobile.

The downside to the Subaru Forester is a slightly underpowered 2-liter SOHC engine which can top at 125 ps. So unlike its WRC sibling, no? What it lacks in power, it more than makes up for in handling, however. The Forester sticks to the ground almost like a race car. It thus has best-in-class handling capabilities. Attacking curves in a Forester won’t make you feel like you’re about to roll-over — a great advantage when you think about how mini-SUVs are used in this country. Interior space is also generous and, goldarnit, it sure as hell looks better now than it did five years ago.

The Good

• Best in class handling due to low center of gravity

• Improved styling

The Bad

• At times, there’s not enough juice under the hood

The Price to Pay

• 1,185,000

The Verdict

• The perfect SUV for those who want to be different but still require quality