STAR Picks 2006

How I wish it could have been the top 20 picks of 2006. Ten just doesn’t cut it. But our beloved motoring editor — dodge huge bolt of lightning — laid down the law and refused to budge. "Moses only got ten, what makes you think you deserve more, you ungrateful sods…" was the last thing I thought I heard him yell out. I don’t know what made me think he would soften — this is a guy who thinks that the Christmas spirit is something you mix with Coke and serve with a lemon wedge and a short straw.

So we’re down to ten.

The beauty about The STAR’s top ten picks is that it comes from the heart. From people that just love cars. No instrumented tests; no scientific justifications; no panel of so-called experts that try to find a mathematical formula to measure a smile, just a bunch of guys that know a good car when they drive one. And, over the last 12 months, it would be fair to say that collectively The STAR’s motoring team has test driven every legitimate new car sold locally. We simply draw from that personal experience.

After all, once everything has been said and done, usually, a lot more is actually said than done. All you’re left with is a feeling. A lot has happened in the motoring world this year and it is only going to get better. And although we may not remember every single spec from every single new car sold, we will never forget how something made us feel. So, in no particular order, we present to you The Philippine STAR’s picks for 2006. — JAMES DEAKIN

James’ Picks

Hyundai Santa Fe — Ever since the Fortuner was launched back in May of 05, only one seven seater SUV has had the ball-bearings to stand up to it and take the fight right up to Toyota’s doorstep. On the surface, the Santa Fe seemed like just another audacious stab at a wait-listed and monopolized segment. Things only started getting serious once people began raving about the class leading, sedan-like ride quality — something that Toyota was getting a tad sensitive about. Throw in a smooth, responsive, highly economical CRDi engine and a wonderful interior and it should come as no surprise to see why the Santa Fe creeps into the top ten picks of 2006.

Mitsubishi Strada — Look at it. ‘Nuff said.

Chrysler 300C — Just when you thought the midsize luxury segment couldn’t get any more starch in its stiff white collar, along comes this premium executive saloon that crashes the party in snake skin boots and a leather jacket. The "C" stands for confidence. It’s big, comfortable and plenty powerful; and while it may be far from perfect, what it lacks in refinement it makes up for in personality. There is absolutely nothing subtle about it, and it is one of few things left that manages to put the "fun" back in function. It is just the kind of black sheep that CATS Motors needed to kick start their franchise for Daimler Chrysler in the Philippines.

Mercedes Benz S350 — Look up the word comfort in the dictionary and you’ll probably see a picture of the new S Class. What amazes me is the giant leap forward from the last generation. Just like the local distributor. There are some styling issues, sure, but that is totally subjective. One thing that everyone agrees on is the ride; it’s like driving on air, which is not as cliché as it sounds once you experience the awesome air suspension that feels like having a thick, fluffy pillow wedged between the wheels and the body. It glides rather than rides, and has such a beautifully crafted interior that you almost feel you need a boarding pass to enter.

Volvo S80 V8 AWD — You could spend twice as much to find a car as good as this. The secret to Volvo’s incredible success is that it doesn’t always reach for the checkbook to solve problems and improve the package. A lot of it comes down to good design. It all starts with the world’s lightest and smallest V8 engine, developed in cooperation with Yamaha to take advantage of a sensational new platform that compromises nothing for safety. It was so good that Land Rover decided to build their new Freelander 2 up from it. Being a Volvo, safety may be a given, but what will surprise you is the awesome AWD system and the way that Volvo has straddled the fine line between comfort and handling.

BMW 520D — No, I haven’t gone soft. I just feel that this is the best variant of the 5 series for our roads. The 530D may have enough torque to dig out the new pedestrian underpasses on Ayala Avenue, sure, but the novelty of that starts wearing thin when it’s your family driver that’s having all the fun. The 520D has more than enough power to get around quickly and delivers a very rewarding drive. Plus, once you factor in the four letter "F" word into the equation, the 520D is a hands down winner. I’m talking about fuel, of course. And don’t think that rich people don’t worry about wasting money on fuel. How do you think they became rich to begin with?

Maserati Quattroporte — The Italians could ask you to take the garbage out and it would still sound sexy. Quattroporte literally means "four doors", but that’s about the only thing it shares in common with the segment. It is arguably the most beautiful saloon on earth. It is basically a four-door Ferrari; a car for the discerning individual that has more than he needs out of life and is now more focused on his wants, and someone who believes that legroom was something they invented minivans for.

Toyota Camry — I would hate to be the envelope in the Toyota office. Imagine getting pushed around this far. Yup, Toyota has done it again! They’ve re-written the rules of midsize motoring and changed the way we see the segment. They haven’t just moved the goal posts, they have uprooted them and planted them in an entirely different playing field altogether — with enough innovations to leave even the Germans scratching their heads, the all-new Toyota Camry is not so much a luxury sedan as much as it is a new benchmark.

Audi RS4 — I drove the S4 from Munich to Monaco early this year. I remember thinking, "How much better can they make this?" Six forward gears, 340hp, 4.2 liter FSI engine with Audi’s phenomenal Quattro system — this, as far as I was concerned, was as good as a 4 door executive car should ever be allowed to get. Then I hopped in the RS4. Aside from the 80hp bump in power, the RS4 seems to tighten every nut and bolt to give you an incredibly focused and involving drive. The difference was like Manny Pacquiao before and after three months of rigorous training. This could go down as the best sedan I’ve ever driven.

Subaru Forester Turbo — At 1.65M, the Subaru Forester is a steal. After all, you can’t put a price on seeing the faces of those boy racers in their pimped up Civics when you decimate them as you tear away from the traffic lights. It is a WRX on stilts that fits five in comfort plus their luggage. The ultimate sleeper. It is comfortable, capable and extremely quick. Plus you can take it just about anywhere. If Dr. Jeckyll ever needed to putter around in anything, this would be it. Think of it like a dehydrated sports wagon — just add testosterone.

Dong’s Picks

Subaru Forester Turbo — 230 turbo boosted horses in a flat-four configuration makes this mini-SUV cum wagon a delight to drive. Once you get behind the wheel of this baby and experience its enviable combination of speed and balance, you’ll understand the brand’s almost cult-like following. And, at P1.65 million, the Forester Turbo is definitely the steal of the year.

Honda Civic — We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again: the 8th generation Civic we now see on our roads is the best iteration of Honda’s best selling car ever. Ergonomic improvements, typical Honda engineering genius and space age styling has its rivals biting the dust on many fronts. It stole the show during its worldwide debut in Tokyo two years ago, and it’s rightfully taking that momentum well into next year.

Nissan Murano — Speaking of space age styling, Nissan’s vaunted yet very limited Murano (aptly named after rare, fine Italian glassware) is indeed a prize catch if only for the fact that it stands out admirably in any crowd. Out of this world interior appointments and illumination and a bad @$$ Bose sound system add to the wow factor in Nissan’s impressive attempt to reposition itself as an aspirational brand.

Honda Pilot — Where Nissan goes in one direction with their mid-size SUV, Honda goes the other. The Honda Pilot may be a bit on the safe side where styling is concerned, but utility and power delivery more than make up for the almost sedate (if not dated) styling of this imposing SUV. The best thing going for the Honda Pilot is the fact that because it’s a Honda, you just know it’s raring to perform, no matter how nondescript it may look.

BMW Z4 Coupe — What would a list of best releases be without an ultimate driving machine in it? The BMW Z4 Coupe, with its hard top, may lack the sex appeal of its convertible brother but not its all-around performance specs. Delightfully agile, downright pretty and now it’s practical as well for our scorching tropical climes. This is one sports coupe you would definitely want in your garage.

Ford Ranger — The Ford Ranger has always prided itself in being the most effective if not powerful utilitarian vehicle in its class. This new iteration from Ford proudly takes that reputation to the next level. The Ranger’s class-leading torque is almost addictive that you just know pick up purists will love this vehicle. The Ford Ranger is a surprisingly agile vehicle as well.

Mitsubishi Strada — Despite the presence of Toyota’s Hilux and Isuzu’s D-MAX, we’d say that the title of best looking pick up still belongs to the Mitsubishi Strada. Curves and lines not unlike those found in many a concept car abound in this rolling headturner. A pretty potent CRDi engine delivers those much needed power numbers as well. The Mitsubishi Strada has it all, beauty and brawn, all in one package.

Audi A3 — This right here ought to be the apex of the renaissance of the hatchback in the Philippines. While the BMW 1-Series still holds sway as perhaps the most desirable hatch this side of the world, the all-around value of the A3 cannot be denied. It’s roomy for a hatch, it’s picture pretty Euro-chic and it drives almost like an A4. What’s not to like?

Hyundai Sta. Fe — If there is to be one example of Korean ingenuity in this list, then it just has to be the Hyundai Sta. Fe. Inside and out, it’s absolutely miles away from the washed up Korean cars of years past. The Hyundai Sta. Fe is living proof that putting one’s best foot forward can indeed earn you the laurels — not to mention the sales numbers — that you deserve. The Japanese better beware, here come the Koreans — for real!

Toyota Camry — Once known for its rather bland yet effectively elegant styling, the Toyota Camry now packs a whallop in the aesthetic shock value department. Plus, with its 3.5L VVT-I V6 engine being complemented by such goodies as cruise control, push button start and smart entry system, xenon adaptive front lighting system, vehicle stability control and other desirable goodies, Toyota’s flagship sedan now takes the fight directly to the Europeans. Though it still doesn’t have the snob appeal of the Bimmers and Benzes of today, it has elevated the level of expectation for Japanese sedans altogether.

Lester’s Picks

Kia Picanto — In these times of unstable oil prices and escalating tensions in oil-producing countries, the Kia Picanto seems to be the right car for the times. Compact, cute and conservative with fuel, this little Kia is powered by a 1.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine that delivers enough power to scoot faster than the normal traffic and return a very good fuel mileage at the same time. As an added bonus, parking the Picanto is also very easy because of its compact size. Get one in green and drive off with a smile.

Suzuki Swift — Do you need a pocket rocket but you’re on a tight budget? Then look no further than the Suzuki Swift. Its exterior exudes muscular arches that look like they’re aching to rumble with any wannabe Speed Racer while its interior is cozy and comfortable for a small family. This hot hatchback is ideal for young Dads who still have their streak of speed albeit in a more conservative manner.

Honda Civic — The new Civic shocked them all! The new body looks low, wide and utterly modern. The 2.0-liter engine packs a mean wallop, especially with the manual transmission. The overall stance is sporty but the seating capacity says family sedan. This may just be the new Yuppie Mobile for the year.

Toyota Camry — Okay, so fuel prices are high and this car packs a V-6. But look closely and you’ll see why Toyota remains the market leader in the country: the car’s fit and finish is at par with European sedans, the interior appointment is luxurious and the exterior is elegant without resorting to gimmicks. Toyota’s careful market planning of the Camry line will ensure its high resale value when it comes time to sell.

Ford Ranger — The new Ranger wowed us during its press test drive at the Batangas Racing Circuit. It can corner confidently at the chicanes as it can climb impossible angles effortlessly. The new 3.0-liter CRDi Turbo Diesel engine packs a lot of torque to make this Ranger the fastest accelerating diesel pick-up truck that we’ve ever driven.

BMW 320i — If I win the lottery tonight, I’ll buy this Bimmer tomorrow. The 2.0-liter engine may not be the fastest in the BMW arsenal, but it sure is right for the Philippine setting with its right amount of power and econocar-like fuel consumption. This 3-series model looks the part, corners like it should yet leaves you with a good feeling that you’re helping conserve the dwindling oil reserves while you’re driving around in style.

Mercedes Benz E-Class — If I win the lottery tonight, I’ll get the 3-Series and an E-Class. I’ve been a fan of the E-Class since the ‘90s and the latest iteration is the embodiment of the numerous improvements done to this model line. The new E-Class has the looks, the performance (E350 Sport) and the luxury to make it one of the most desirable Mercedes-Benz sedans in my book.

Maserati Quattroporte — Maybe I’ve been watching too many marathon runs of HBO’s "Entourage" but this Italian luxury sports sedan is beginning to get to me. I missed the press drive of the Quattroporte and I’m sorry I did because it’s only once in a Filipino journalist’s lifetime that we get the opportunity to drive a Ferrari-engine four-door luxury car, even if only around a small test drive loop.

Porsche Cayman S — An affordable mid-engine sports car is like an oxymoron — it’s quite contradicting. Yet, Toyota and Porsche were able to create their versions in the MR2 and the Boxter convertibles, respectively. Now, Porsche upped the ante by coming out with the Cayman sports coupe, which is based on the Boxter but with a steel top. Another plus for Porsche is that they have PGA Cars for support while the gray-market MR2 has none.

Chevrolet Corvette — General Motors Philippines imported a 2006 Corvette Coupe with a six-speed manual transmission and unleashed it around BRC for us local motoring journalists to play with. Man, that was one drive that I will always cherish! With its rocket-like acceleration, tenacious cornering and braking, cool looks and electronic gadgetry, the Corvette will always be indelibly etched in my mind as the "sports car to have". Unfortunately, GMPh shipped it out after our fun run because it was only here for that purpose. But heck, it was a great ride!

Andy’s Picks

Honda Civic — My #1 all around choice. Kudos to Honda for giving us a car that’s under-specce’d in NO way at all relative to its US, Japan, or Euro markets. Driving enthusiasts will love the rev-happy, torquey motor, the sweet-shifting trannies, the sublime handling, and the Space Shuttle cockpit. Family people will like the roomy cabin and the ample list of modcons. Everyone will like the swoopy styling. It’s as common as Nokias now, but that just goes to show you buyers know a great car when they see one.

Toyota Camry — Swear to God, at night and with a black unit, I often mistake this car for a BMW 7-series. That bustleback rear must be the culprit. You get a choice of smooth inline-4 or V6 engines, more room and luxury features than you can shake a walking stick at, and build quality that’s just short of a Lexus. Which, of course, it would be if not for that gaudy emblem on the grille. It has no pretense of sportiness anywhere along its body, but instead, it reeks of understated elegance. Sort of like, "I could buy a European car if I wanted to, but I settled for this instead. It’s luxurious, but politically correct."

Subaru Impreza Turbo — Thank God for Motor Image Pilipinas. Without them we’d still be dreaming about boosted Imprezas abroad while having to content ourselves with the dwindling supply of used Legacies and Foresters from past Columbian and GM efforts at building the Subaru brand. The Impreza Turbo is probably the ugliest sports sedan in the world, and that’s probably the point. School bullies don’t have to be good-looking; you just have to get the hell out of their way.

Subaru Forester Turbo — Aha! An ugly SUV! But beware of the boxy SUV with the hood scoop, because it can and will blow you away in your pretty-girl SUV if you’re cocky. The boosted inline-4 will outrun possibly 90% of the cars on the road today, with handling that’s just short of its Impreza Turbo rally car sibling. Plus, it will carry all your groceries.

BMW 120i Limited — Yes, it is expensive. Yes, the ride will not amuse Granny. I don’t care. In a generation of Bangle’d Bimmers, only the 1-Series has a style that I immediately like. (I am sure I will eventually like the look of the 3-, the 5-, and the 7- someday, but just not today…) It reminds me of a shrunk-to-fit E46 3-Series. Handling is go-kart quick but stable enough for sustained high-speed runs, the roary motor is muscular but reasonably frugal, and the Limited’s exclusive paint and trim ensure that your 1 is unique from, you know, someone else’s 1. Just don’t tell me about the 130i, which has yet to bow here.

Honda Jazz ’06 — So nerdy it’s great! Revised for 2006 with swoopy bumpers and wheels, the Jazz retains the confident handling, class-leading space, and efficient drivetrains that have made it a hit among younger buyers. Strictly-urban drivers should get the thrifty 1.3, while those who realistically hit 100+ kph speeds on a regular basis should get the 1.5-liter VTEC. Gimme! Oh wait, I already have one…

Mitsubishi Strada — Well, Mitsubishi took its time bringing the Strada/Triton truck here, but the good news is that it’s a very good truck. Arguably the best-looking among the trucks in and out, it’s no Tonka truck either. The 2.5-liter turbodiesel provides ample thrust while common rail injection technology keeps it quiet. The ride is almost as comfy as your average car (we kid you not), handling is secure, the cockpit is surprisingly futuristic but logical, and most importantly: the price is right.

Toyota Avanza — Three words: Cheap But Good. (Seriously, what more could you want from a bona fide MPV that costs only a little more than Toyota’s own Vios subcompact?)

Mercedes-Benz E-Class — I will probably never afford an E-Class in this country (damn those taxes). But I know that were I to buy a luxo-sedan, this would be my choice. The classic lines have evolved into a suave, almost Gotham-esque look, it’s brimming with state-of-the-art technology from the engine down to the windshield wipers, and I like that the Teutonic penchant for perfection hasn’t resulted into an ubersedan devoid of a personality.

Audi A3 — Yep, it’s curiously expensive even for a luxury car. Two million bucks and you still get a 1600? But for cost-no-object driving enthusiasts, they have the option of the A3 V6, or the turbo A3, plus all-wheel drive and the fabulous "DSG" manual transmission with its automated clutch. Driving an A3 for a weekend, I suddenly felt the urge to buy Armani, upgrade to a platinum credit card, and engage in animated discussions about blue chip stocks and whether to vacation in Amanpulo or the French Riviera. The little car is so upper-class, I hate myself.

Manny’s Picks

Audi A3 — I always have a problem choosing between the BMW 1-series, the Mercedes B-class and the recently launched Audi A3. But since editor Dong told us to base our picks from this year’s new debuts, then the nod this time goes to the Audi. It looks great, handles well (thanks to available all-wheel-drive), and comes with a choice between gasoline and state-of-the-art common-rail turbodiesel engines. The fact that the body configuration makes this little luxury car amazingly practical is just the icing on the cake.

Honda Civic — With its swoopy lines, Space Shuttle cockpit, and powerful (not to mention fuel-efficient) drivetrains, the Civic raised the bar for the compact sedan market. In 1.8-liter trim it’s a capable family car that’ll please any driver, enthusiast or not. In 2.0-liter trim, with a stickshift or manumatic with paddle shifters, it’s a true sports sedan that’ll blow the doors of any other car in its class.

Hyundai Santa Fe — Despite Hyundai having several good models in its lineup, I single out the 7-seat Santa Fe SUV as the embodiment of what the inspired carmaker has achieved. One look at the Audi-like front grille and the VW Touareg-like rear and you’ll know that the Koreans mean business. Build quality has advanced by leaps and bounds, too, with interiors that won’t be out of place in a Lexus. Factor in powerful state-of-the-art gasoline and common-rail turbodiesel motors that are every bit as refined as their European and Japanese, and you’ll become a believer.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX — The best part about doing this annual Top 10 Picks is that it’s completely subjective and personal. No journalistic impartiality necessary — which is why you see an inordinately high number of pocket rockets in my list. I love small cars that go fast — and no car has done this as well and as long as Mitsubishi’s iconic Lancer Evolution. Granted you won’t find the new Evo IX in every Mitsu dealership, but if you do (and are lucky enough to buy one), you’d absolutely revel in its muscularly flared, aluminum-intensive body, its amazingly effective full-time all-wheel-drive system, and last but far from least, its incredible 280-hp turbo motor.

Mitsubishi Strada — Muscular fender flares, a mean-looking front end, a radical cutline between the cab and the bed, a sexy sloping tailgate, wraparound tail lamps, and those sculpted rear doors and windows. I could very well be talking about a sports car, but the subject here is none other than a truck — the 2007 Mitsubishi Strada. But it’s not all looks; it also boasts a common-rail direct-injection turbodiesel pumping out a whopping 314 Nm of torque. Mate this to an advanced shift-on-the-fly 4-wheel-drive system, load it with all manner of car-like creature comforts, and you’ve got yourself one helluva truck.

Subaru Forester Turbo — There are two Subaru Forester models but I go straight for the Turbo. There’s just something about a homely looking wagon body into which a 225-hp engine (with a manumatic gearbox and all-wheel-drive) has been inserted under the hood. But it’s not the numbers that matter; what matters is the way the Forester Turbo rockets to 100 kph in about 7 seconds and on to a 225-kph top speed. Granted you seldom use this power, but try overtaking an overspeeding bus with barely half the throttle pressed and you’ll quickly forget about all the other cutesy sport-utes out there.

Subaru Impreza WRX/Sti — If you want to know what I love about the Subaru Impreza, then read what I have to say about the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo in this list. Both form the basis of the two companies’ World Rally Championship contenders, both have 2-liter turbo motors, and both have all-wheel-drive for leech-like grip on just about any driving surface imaginable. The WRX pumps out about 225 horses while the STi version goes whole hog with something like 280. You don’t really know the meaning of bang for the buck until you’ve driven one of these cars.

Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.7 V6 — I always liked the styling of Suzuki’s Grand Vitara, from the sexy flared fenders to the sporty mesh grille to the crisp character lines. But what I especially like is something that only became available this year and is completely hidden from plain sight. I’m talking about the 2.7-liter 24-valve V6 engine that pumps out 185 hp and a generous 250 Nm of torque, mated to a 5-speed (yes, five) automatic and probably the most effective 4x4 system in its class. Throw in xenon headlamps, leather seats, a power moonroof and a smart keyless entry and ignition system (like that in the new Camry) and you’ve got yourself one heck of a compact SUV.

Toyota Avanza — To those who pine for a small, rear-wheel-drive car, your prayers have been answered! Smelling a market for an entry-level MPV, Toyota revealed the Avanza in November. With space for 7 in a body roughly the size of an Altis’, the Avanza’s tall-wagon body is tailor-fit for those who think the Innova’s just too big or expensive. With a choice of 1.3 or 1.5-liter 16-valve gasoline engines, a healthy features- and safety-equipment list, count on this little wagon to spell trouble for just about every other carmaker.

Toyota Camry — It’s bigger than any of its direct competitors; it’s also more luxurious, boasts more creature comforts, is roomier, and is more powerful. It has a substantial presence on the road, not just from its sheer size, but also from its almost royal bearing. The new Toyota Camry is more expensive than its rivals, but it absolutely demolishes them in virtually every respect, especially with the superb 3.5-liter V6 model; heck, it does the same even with its vastly more expensive German counterparts. If Toyota made one mistake with this car, it’s not having named it a Lexus. It’s that good.