STAR Picks 2010

MANILA, Philippines - As is customary for our year-end issue, we bring you STAR Picks 2010, our list of the best of the best from the past year. We will not lie. This year was a fantastic year for the Philippine auto industry as manufacturers pounded us with new model launch after new model launch. The buying public responded with a level of confidence that saw sales push the bar. While it is unofficial as of press time, we’d wager this year was a record breaking year sales-wise. Which made for a really difficult process for STAR Picks. But, ever the masochists, we made it even tougher for ourselves by narrowing our 10 choices down to five. So here they are… our favorites from a year that saw us scramble just to cover all the bases. Cheers to you, 2010! And here’s looking to an even more robust 2011 for the Philippine automotive industry!

Andy’s Picks

Nissan Patrol Royale – The “take no prisoners” approach has produced a new gold standard among Large SUVs. Comfortable, unflappable, and practically bulletproof. It’s also a bargain compared to the Europeans and Lexus marques.

Nissan Murano Z51 – Another “bargain” for luxury SUV buyers who want the most performance and luxury they can get without having to pay through the nose for a snooty badge. A fast, solid, and supremely comfortable SUV that’s great for cross country trips.

Subaru Impreza STi Sedan – I love it. I just really, really love it. ’Nuff said.

Ford Fiesta – Euro flair with a friendly price tag. If I could get paddle shifters to go with it I’d be in hog heaven.

Hyundai Accent – Forget about the North Koreans. This is where the real Korean invasion will look like.

Dong’s Picks

Ford Fiesta – This is without a doubt the most important car for Ford yet. There’s a reason why – apart from a much better balance sheet compared to the other American car makers – Ford was always more optimistic at the height of the American car crisis. They had an ace up their sleeve, an amazing new little big car called the Fiesta. It’s here now. And it’s time to Fiesta!

Porsche Panamera – When PGA Cars, importers and distributors of Porsche cars in the Philippines decided to host a sneak peek at the then to be launched all-new Porsche Panamera in Singapore, two of the four Filipino journalists invited were named Deakin and Magsajo. Here was a Porsche that now actually looked like a proper SUV and still drove like a true Porsche, they said. Well, let’s just say the two other Filipino journalists didn’t get much time behind the wheel of the all-new Panamera. That’s how much we liked it.

Jaguar XJ – When the Jaguar XK debuted in late 2008, we were told that the car was to usher in the new Jaguar look. In the middle of this year, Jaguar Philippines launched the all-new XJ, perhaps the ultimate embodiment of Jaguar’s new design language. In a word… it’s stunning! This car puts Jaguar right back at the top of everyone’s wish list.

Subaru Impreza STi Sedan – Let’s be honest here... When the Subaru Impreza Sedan first came out, none of us became instant fans. Bulging wheel flares, a mean rear wing, an intimidating hood scoop, fantastic new brakes and 300 horses sure changed our perception fast! The Subaru Impreza STi Sedan has made us want the sedan version all over again.

Volvo S60 – Volvo continues to push the envelope where safety is concerned. And we thought that the City Safety feature originally launched in the XC60 was amazing. The all-new S60’s Pedestrian Safety feature (which automatically stops the car at low speeds in order to avoid pedestrian mishaps in traffic) just blows you away because it’s just one of many found in the fantastic new S60. Oh yeah... The fact that the all-new S60 drives like a proper European sports sedan is a big plus too.

James’s Picks

Ford Fiesta – This was the biggest news in the small car segment, and when it finally hit our shores, Ford did not disappoint. It comes loaded with many nifty new features, many of which are either best in class or in a class all on its own. I haven’t warmed up to the sedan version, but I do have to say that the hatch is easily the best looking one out there right now.

Kia Sportage – It’s like a Tucson that went to Vicky Belo. Peter Shreyer and his team have hit a home run with this one, and if you’re wondering why you haven’t seen many on the road, it’s because Kia just can’t bring enough of them over.

Jaguar XF Diesel – The stylish and perfectly chiseled XF gets a much needed power boost, but not at the expense of gas consumption. Launched only a couple of weeks back at the Clark International Speedway, the XF diesel downright humiliates its gasoline-fed competitors with performance figures that would look more at home in a two door sports car brochure.

Toyota Alphard – This is more like a Gulfstream jet than a passenger van. It has a pair of electric captains chairs in the back that will make you go looking for traffic. It offers a smoother ride than many luxury sedans and SUVs, and the new 3.5-liter V6 makes sure you have no trouble keeping up with any of them, too.

Porsche GT2 RS – When you start replacing the emblem on the hood with a lighter version to increase performance, you know they’re serious. Damn serious. This is Porsche’s most powerful 911ever and it is now available at PGA cars for about the price of an unstained soul. But it’s worth it.

Kap’s Picks

Nissan Murano Z51 – Is it a car-like SUV or an SUV-like car? You’ll have a blast either way. The second iteration of Nissan Murano (also called the Z51) is a surprising package that features best-in-class value propositions – anchored securely on the formidable engine it shares with its legendary sibling, the Nissan 350Z. The V6, 3.5-liter heart beats with a Continuously Variable Transmission giving a stream of power on tap. Exciting performance mated with good looks inside and out; the Murano surely deserves to be on this list.

Mercedes-Benz ML 350 CDI – Luxury doesn’t have to try hard to impress. Exuding enough verve through its distinctive three-armed star, the ML 350 CDI makes you wish the drive were longer because you will just look so darned good in the driver’s seat. Getting behind the wheel of this mid-size V6, seven-speed sport ute is like getting dressed to the nines without actually having to dress up. And when you can run up to 15 kilometers to the liter of the cheap stuff (diesel, that is), you truly believe that you can take your cake and eat it, too.

Mini Cooper S – When Mini Global City opened in January this year, aficionados of the iconic brand snapped up inventory that wasn’t even ashore yet. Surprising, too, that the entry level Cooper was being outsold by the more expensive Cooper S. And why not? For such a diminutive vehicle with an almost Porsche-like nonchalance (who, me, sporty?) the S is downright obscene. A horsepower count of 175 gets it from zero to 100 in seven, and its 1.6 liters can power the mighty Mini to 225 km/h – way faster than envious heads can turn without getting whiplash.

Ford Fiesta – Let there “B” Ford. The entry of Ford into the local B segment surely has the competition sweating. The Ford Fiesta brings with it substantial lessons of the global brand in markets the sub-compact has been sold in. The Fiesta belongs on this list for injecting fun and futuristic features (now say that really fast) into a niche notorious for its frugality. Oh, and it drives swell, too – with its prime model sporting dual-clutch transmission technology previously confined to snootier rides.

BMW 5 Series – You waited too long for this; time to scratch the itch like heck. The new Bimmer 5 Series is simply exquisite. I drove both the 530d (diesel) and the 523i (gas) – and found them equally exciting experiences. A Steptronic tranny that keeps the vehicle in “optimum rev range” means superb performance coupled with lower gas emissions. The iDrive gets an expected upgrade, so that anyone need not leaf through the paper manual to figure things out for himself (even as the car lets you know its various vital signs on the console screen). A longer chassis and wheelbase (and a sexy, sinewy build) makes the 5 a more imposing sight on the road, even as the overhangs have been reduced to improve stability and counteract “dipping” during braking. Gimme 5!

Manny’s Picks

Chevrolet Cruze – It looks great, is priced right, has superb fit and finish, performs solidly and even has a cool 6-speed automatic – when its rivals don’t even have a 5-speed auto. It’s got a stiff body structure, leather, a cabin particulate and odor filter, an AM/FM/MP3 head unit with an in-dash 6-CD changer and a USB port, steering wheel audio controls, airbags galore, ABS, traction control, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Oh, and did I say it looks great?

Ford Fiesta – Ford’s new Fiesta is a head-turner, is feature-packed, has high build quality and is priced well. Occupants will marvel at the superb sound from the DSP-equipped audio system as well as the responsive handling and supple big-car-like ride. The car will even find a number in your phonebook, call your friends, change radio stations, play songs from the radio or from your Bluetooth-enabled device – all via the car’s Bluetooth and Voice Control features. It also has an iPod jack, a USB port, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Hill Launch Assist, and ESP with Traction Control.

Hyundai Sonata – The 2nd-gen Hyundai Tucson, which started rolling off showrooms early this year, would be in my list if I had more than five cars to name here. But that’s a no-brainer – which is why I elected for Hyundai’s own Sonata instead. If you’ve seen one in the flesh, you’ll know what I mean. If you haven’t seen one yet, google “2010 Hyundai Sonata” then google “Mercedes-Benz CLS.” Amazing resemblance, right? Thankfully, Hyundai has also applied its leapfrogging ability not just in styling, but in build quality as well. Every aspect of the new Sonata – performance, refinement, feature list, etc. – is a match or, dare we say it, even better than its illustrious competitors.

Mitsubishi ASX – I simply love the new ASX’s looks, from the aggressive Lancer-derived front to the sporty wedge-like side profile to the gorgeous BMW X1-like rear end. Build quality is up there with the Hondas and Toyotas. It’s fun-to-drive, too, thanks to a MIVEC 2-liter engine mated to a 5-speed stick or a CVT manumatic with paddle shifters. It’s compact-sized but the tall crossover architecture allows it to have generous head- and legroom. The price isn’t bad, too.

Subaru Legacy GT – The latest Subaru Legacy GT is what you get when you cross an Impreza STi with a Toyota Camry: a midsize luxury sedan that can accelerate just a tad slower than a Porsche Boxster. Compared to the German sports car, the Legacy is vastly more comfortable and more spacious (it even comes in a wagon version) – and almost as wickedly quick, both in a straight line and around corners, thanks to Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive and programmable Si-Drive. Plus it’s got the fit-and-finish, creature comforts, and safety of a Camry or Accord. It looks good, too – almost like a Japanese BMW, right down to the dogleg kink on the C-pillar.

Ulysses’s Picks

Chevrolet Cruze – The moment you set your sights on the Chevrolet Cruze, you immediately know: it’s a great car. Coming into the compact car segment with state-of-the-art style and features, the Cruze re-writes what you think of the Chevrolet brand. It may not be the fastest car out there, but nothing does everyday comfort and sophistication better than the Chevrolet Cruze.

Ford Fiesta – The Ford Fiesta represents a revolution in the sub-compact genre. Ditching adjectives such as “cheap” and “boring”, the Fiesta is downright sexy from the ground up. Its technology-laden platform is wrapped around a sexy body, making this car the best reason to buy a Blue Oval. Best of all, its sex appeal doesn’t break the bank!

Hyundai Genesis Coupe – It may be the oldest car in this list, but the Hyundai Genesis Coupe is still a winner thanks to its world-beating rear-wheel drive platform and superb engine choices. The driving dynamics are absolutely excellent as well. What’s more, four people can share in the run of running circles around cars twice its price.

Mazda CX-7 – The smaller of the CX “siblings”, the CX-7 is based off the sporty Mazda6 drivetrain/platform, so it should come as no surprise that it’s a crossover with a sporty attitude. Couple that with great space for five people and their luggage as well as a very reasonable price tag, the CX-7 is now the must have family car.

Subaru Impreza WRX STi Sedan – Subaru’s 300 horsepower, rally-inspired Impreza WRX STi maybe a couple of years old, but it’s the arrival of a sedan version this year that got people really excited. The return of the iconic rear wing is reason enough to buy one, but Subaru has done additional tweaking to its chassis making it still one of the best everyday super cars your money can buy.