STAR Picks 2011

MANILA, Philippines - It’s that time of year again. Over the past few yeas, we’ve set aside the last Business Motoring section of the year to list down what we feel are the best cars launched on Philippine shores over the past 12 months. And though it’s been dizzying with all the models launched in 2011, we still knew there were going to be favorites across the board. What’s been fascinating, however, is how some vehicles tend to strike each individual differently, hence a few mentions of the occasional odd pick. This year isn’t any different. Truth be told, we would’ve wanted to pick at least 10 of the best each – that’s how good the batch of vehicles were this year. Space limitations have made that impossible, however. So without further ado, here they are, STAR Picks 2011… The best of the year, in the eyes of your motoring scribes from The Philippine STAR.

Kap’s Picks

Hyundai Elantra GLS – With its portfolio-wide facelift, any one of Hyundai’s beautifully designed vehicles could have landed here. The Elantra gets the honor because it was launched in April, yes, but it definitely earns its place with a sleek, supple, and muscular look that makes it virtually unrecognizable from its previous iteration of questionable looks.

Toyota Fortuner – Though I personally expected more changes, there’s no doubt the Fortuner’s new version has been one of the most awaited launches in recent memory. Toyota’s probable response: “If it ain’t broke...” So, this should sate the appetites of SUV-crazy motorists who kept asking for it.

MINI Countryman – MINI purists must have gasped as others scratched their heads at the concept. How could it be a MINI when it’s an SUV? Well, however you see the Countryman, it strives to stay true to its storied lineage while offering more space for your legs and luggage.

Chevrolet Spark – Sweet as candy, easy as pie. The Chevy Spark, launched early this marquee year when Chevy turned 100, gives a fun fix for P538,000. Surely, another bang-for-the-buck purchase you wouldn’t regret.

Ford Explorer 3.5 V6 – How many times can you say “all new”? With the Explorer, you can’t say it often enough. The SUV vanguard has been unearthed and re-tooled (nay, re-imagined) for the 21st century. For its price, you can’t hope to buy as much performance and bling. Seriously.

Uly’s Picks

Mitsubishi Montero Sport 2.5 GT-V – Before Mitsubishi Motors Philippines even refreshed its Montero Sport SUV; it was already the proverbial nail to its competitor’s coffins (you know who you are). And then, in what was the industry’s worst kept secret, Mitsubishi gifted the Montero Sport a brand-new heart. And what a heart it is: a 2.5-liter CRDi with VGT (variable-geometry turbo). Together with its 178 horsepower output, a new 5-speed automatic (now across the line) has bumped up the fuel economy as well. Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too?

Subaru Forester 2.0 XS – Typically, car manufacturers concentrate too much on the superficial (i.e. bells and whistles) when it comes to mid-cycle facelifts. What surprised many with the Subaru Forester 2.0 XS is that the biggest change happened under the hood. The aging 2.0-liter “EJ Series” boxer engine has now been replaced with an all-new “FB Series”. Without getting too much into the technical details, Subaru maintained overall power, broadened the torque curve and bettered the fuel economy by 10 percent all at the same time. This crossover proved to be so impressive, that one Forester 2.0 XS in Spark Silver found itself in my garage.

Volvo S60 T6 – Volvos are often regarded merely as substitutes for the more luxurious German brands. With the all-new S60 (especially in T6 guise), it seems that Volvo has had enough, and decided to carve its own territory. It decisively embraced its Swedish heritage by employing simply elegant and clean design cues inside and out. It’s well-finished and very refined as well. It’s still not the best corner carver in the sports sedan category, but the 300 horsepower engine, Haldex all-wheel drive system and the myriad of safety features are nothing to sneeze at. Indeed, this is the thinking man’s sports sedan.

Hyundai Elantra GLS – Sure, Hyundai has managed to give the Japanese brands high-blood pressure with its slew of excellent automobiles from the Tucson to the Accent and even the Santa Fe. But the final pork rind that causes the fatal heart attack is the all-new Elantra. Simply put, the Elantra easily outdoes everyone else in the compact car segment by offering a highly refined and fuel-efficient drivetrain wrapped around a sleek and sexy body. Plus, like all other Hyundai cars, it remains affordable and cost-effective to maintain (no other manufacturer offers a 5-year, 150,000 kilometer warranty). The supply shortage brought about by the Great East Japan (Tohoku) Earthquake as well as the Thailand floods didn’t help the competition either.

Ford Explorer 3.5 V6 – No Top 5 List is complete without Ford’s all-new, revolutionary crossover: the Explorer. Despite sharing the same storied nameplate, the Explorer skips not just a chapter, but an entire ten chapters in its development by becoming the most advanced vehicle in its segment and even perhaps the entire industry. Everything from the engine, chassis, design, execution and even pricing is millimeter perfect; excellent for potential buyers, worrisome for the competition. I said it before and I’ll say it again: the all-new Ford Explorer and its complete re-engineering proves that a humble seven-seater crossover can be everything you need and everything you want, period. Truly, it can’t get better than that. It’s the year’s best.

Manny’s Picks

BMW 1Series – I always loved the 1-series: affordable (as BMW’s go), versatile (swallows your mountain bikes and more), and youthfully sporty. The fact that its the lowest priced model to wear the spinning propeller badge makes it perhaps the most delectable Bavarian cream. You can have your cake and eat it, too.

Ford Explorer 3.5 V6 – A shoo-in for Most Improved Player of the Year, Ford’s latest Explorer takes the best of what has been America’s best-selling SUV and hones it even further. Ford’s new design language up front is cutting-edge, as are the cabin infotainment controls which are easily the best I’ve interfaced with so far. Every measurable (and non-measurable) aspect has been improved, and the truck is all the better for it. Best of all, the price is right. Expect the Explorer to become the new must-have SUV of the Metro’s elite.

Hyundai Elantra – Hyundai borrowed the Europeans’ trick of having drop-dead gorgeous styling on its high-end model and allowing it to trickle down to its lower-end siblings. The Elantra is the latest recipient of the Sonata’s breathtakingly graceful lines. Quite literally, it’s a Sonata Jr. In fact it even looks wider and more compelling when viewed from the rear. The best news is, the hardware is equally as accomplished as the eye candy.

Kia Picanto – Kia’s latest Picanto completely obliterates the “poor man’s” stigma of owning a mini-hatch. Thanks to its Euro-inspired styling (Kia’s current chief designer is a German from VW), the Picanto is instantly transported to the realms of the tiny but lovable VW’s, Fiats, Peugeots, and Citroens that are a staple in Europe. It drives well, is surprisingly spacious inside, sips fuel, and is built practically as well as any new Japanese car. What’s not to like?

Kia Sportage – That three of my five picks this year come from one country is a testament to the Korean automotive industry’s burgeoning strength and confidence. Much of the positives I mentioned for the Picanto applies to the Sportage, save for the fact that many more people will find a compact SUV more desirable than a mini-hatch. The Sportage is the newest player in one of the most competitive segments in the car industry. And it’s in it to win it.

James’s Picks

Kia Picanto – It’s ironic how one of the cheapest cars on sale in the country today, can stand fender to fender with the most expensive. But Kia have hit a home run here with this little car. 

Micro motoring has never been this fun since the original Mini was released back in the sixties. From its huge bulging eyes, to its wide flares, the Picanto has this mischievous side to it that makes you just want to go out and break a few rules yourself.

Ford Explorer 3.5 V6 – Ford is back. And this time, its personal. Pardon the B-grade movie poster slogan, it’s just that it almost seems that the company’s recovery plan was written by Sylvester Stallone. I mean, seriously, there they were only a few years ago up against the ropes getting hell, and bang! Along comes a series of knockout punches. First it was the Fiesta, then the Explorer; had the Ranger made it to the showrooms within the year, we would have been forced to expand our list.

Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG – I was hell bent on choosing the 1Series M for this list, but then I drove this. And while I’ve yet to try the One M or the new M5, the CLS 63 AMG hasn’t left a lot of room in my heart to fall in love with much else this year. It was, quite simply, love at first flight.

BMW X3 – Another fine vehicle than redefines the word generation gap. If you drove the last generation, you’ll know what I mean. Not just have BMW ironed all the wrinkles out of the previous generation, they rewrote the floor plan of every compact luxury SUV.

Lexus LFA – Everything I need to say about this car can be summed up in this one minute video: http://vimeo.com/27495699

Andy’s Picks

Hyundai Accent – What used to be just a cheap econocar has blossomed into a handsome, quick and well made subcompact any owner would be proud to show off. With a host of many standard features, state of the art drivetrains and build quality that rivals the Japanese it’s no wonder so many have opted for the new Accent.

Hyundai Elantra GLS – Sexy, smooth handling and ably powered by high tech 1.6 and 1.8-liter engines with 6-speed manual or automatic, the Elantra is a virtual homerun in the compact market. I should know... I bought one and absolutely love it!

Hyundai Genesis – An affordable sports car? Why not? Every enthusiast deserves to own a real sports car at least once in his life. The Genesis has the muscle and the moves to put a smile on any car nut’s face. And it won’t break the bank!

Kia Sportage – with its Germanic styling you’d think the Sportage costs three times as much, yet it’s still the same affordable SUV as before. Except, of course, it’s much better looking and sports many safety and luxury features you’d normally find in something a lot more expensive.

Porsche Panamera Turbo S – For the nut in me who thinks that 500hp isn’t enough, I’ll give in to the 550hp Porsche Panamera Turbo S. It is an insanely fast, supremely smooth 5-passenger supercar that just makes so much sense the faster you go. Work hard, live the dream… and go balls to the wall in this “family man’s Porsche”.

Dong’s Picks

Ford Explorer 3.5 V6 – The all-new Ford Explorer is without a doubt the year’s most improved product. With all the belles and whistles you can expect from a vehicle at a price point that’s just ridiculous for the amount of comfort, technology and chutzpah it provides, Ford’s vaunted 7-seater is practically a bargain at P2.35 million (I know, it’s kind of weird saying that – but it’s true).

BMW 1Series – There was only one thing wrong with the previous generation 1Series. It was really much too small. The new generation BMW Series addresses this concern with a much-improved cabin. Plus, the new Twin Power turbo drivetrain is just a joy to toy with. 1Series buyers can’t get any more “joyful” with this current variant.

Hyundai Elantra – Talk about the coming of age of the ugly duckling! What was once a model targeting only fleet businesses (like taxis) has now become a major player in the compact car segment. It’s certainly got the looks to make a splash in the very competitive segment. And though I have yet to drive one, Andy swears it’s a winner – so much so that he put his money where his mouth is and actually bought one! If only for that singular fact, it gets my vote as one of this year’s best.

Audi A7 Sportback – The Audi A7 Sportback is the German automaker’s middle finger up the competition’s collective mugs. As always, Audi is the first among the major luxury car brands to deviate, proving that beauty need not be naturally conformist. Is it a five-door sedan? Is it a luxurious hatch? Hell, who cares? It fits right smack in between the A6 and the A8 in terms of positioning and it has made its select few buyers very happy owners. As far as statement cars go, there is none better. At least not this year.

Dodge Durango – Over the past few years, CATS Motors has been launching one fantastic Mercedes-Benz model after another. It’s been a while since they’ve launched a hands down absolute winner from their American brand. Well, the Dodge Durango puts an end to all that this year by being perhaps the best looking SUV (and one of the most improved model-to-model) of the year. Oh, and features wise, it’s simply wicked!

Angelo’s Picks

Kia Sportage – The Koreans keep upping the game and the Kia Sportage is the latest proof… “LIKE” on the LED lights!

Ford Explorer 3.5 V6 – The all-new Ford Explorer provides the best value in the mid-size SUV segment. It looks and feels so much better, too!

Dodge Durango – Back from the dead, this SUV is heavily improved and has “upscale” written all over it.

BMW 1Series – More size and better fuel efficiency are traits that blend well with the 1’s enduring nimbleness.

Audi A7 Sportback – It’s a beautiful car. ‘Nuff said.