Ssang Yong Tivoli 1.6 EXG
Price: $19,000
Power: 126 hp @ 6000rpm
Torque: 160 Nm @ 4,600rpm
SsangYong has made a comeback to the Philippine market after being handled by less-than-able companies in the past. Under the stewardship of Berjaya Auto Philippines, the Korean carmaker faces far brighter prospects in the local auto industry. I found the Tivoli, an unknown vehicle, very interesting and it definitely impresses with its specs and price!
Strong points:
- Mini Countryman look-alike
- Great customer service
- Decent trunk space
Weak points:
- Untested longevity
- Unknown performance
- Limited service centers
Nissan Juke 1.6 Upper
Price: $20,000
Power: 114 hp @ 5,600rpm
Torque: 154 Nm @ 4,000rpm
After our brief visit to SsangYong on Quezon Avenue, we walk over to the Autohub Group-owned Nissan High Performance Center. This establishment is the only authorized service center for the recently launched R35GT-R. While we don’t check out the GT-R, we do take a closer look at the Juke, which is becoming a huge hit for the young and young at heart searching for a fun-looking crossover.
Strong points:
- Within budget
- Exciting but economical
- Fresh brand presence
Weak points:
- Very small trunk
- Low rear headroom
- Questionable resale value
Ford EcoSport 1.5 Titanium
Price: $20,000
Power: 108 hp @ 6,300rpm
Torque: 142 Nm @ 4,500rpm
Ford EDSA is slowly becoming a regular stopover due to its convenient location and proximity to other dealerships. The American carmaker’s cute and popular EcoSport is winning the hearts and garage space, particularly of the fairer sex. And owning a Ford nowadays has never been easier thanks to aggressive pricing, special deals and discounts, and freebies. There’s a readily available supply of EcoSports, too.
Strong points:
- Affordable
- Well-appointed
- Cool features like sunroof
Weak points:
- Initially feels underpowered
- Parts availability issue
- The smallest in the group
Isuzu MU-X LS-A 4×2 2.0 VGS AT
Price: $29,000
Power: 161 hp @ 3,200rpm
Torque: 380 Nm @ 1,800-2,200rpm
Technically speaking, the MU-X shouldn’t be on this list because it’s much bigger and well over the budget. But the MU-X seems to offer the best value for money, for a 4×2 automatic variant. The biggest selling point of the MU-X is that Isuzu diesels last forever, and are also super-efficient.
Strong points:
- Diesel powertrain
- Biggest cargo space
- Very good ground clearance
Weak points:
- Well over the budget
- Difficult to get in and out of
- The biggest in the group