The First AutoIndustriya.com Editors’ Picks & Car of the Year Awards
AutoIndustriya.com awards 9 standout vehicles of 2022
2022 was a spectacular year for the Philippine motoring industry as auto brands started to bring in new models while buyer confidence picked up after the local market experienced stock shortages and financial insecurity caused by the pandemic.
People were flocking to dealerships eager to upgrade or purchase a new vehicle. With so many models to choose from, we did our part and narrowed the choices down, not by segments, but based on form, function, and target market.
Here are the seven category winners in AutoIndustriya.com’s 2022 Editors' Picks, which includes Car of the Year.
Editors' Pick - Electrified Drive: Audi 55 e-tron
As more manufacturers electrify their vehicles to varying degrees and offer different models in the country, Filipinos are starting to warm up to the idea of going from internal combustion to electric power. And the marque that made this transition seamless is the Audi 55 e-tron. It is the most user-friendly and makes the shift seamless.
Editors' Pick - For the Family: Toyota Avanza & Veloz
The MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) segment has been the most contentious in the industry simply because of its value-for-money proposition. These seven-seaters offer functionality, technology, safety features, and affordability. The Toyota Avanza and Veloz win this category because of their wide range of flexibility in terms of pricing and features, ranging from PHP 833,000 for the base Avanza to PHP 1.265 million for the top-spec Veloz.
Editors' Pick - Adventure Vehicle: Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4x4
No other truck offers what it has and drives as it does - that is why the Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4x4 is our Adventure Vehicle of 2022. It has a long list of off-road tech, functional features, outstanding versatility, and terrific aftermarket support. The next-generation model is a capable off-road vehicle, a great utility truck, a docile daily driver, and some user-friendly features like C-clamp pockets, power outlets, and rear box steps that give it a leg up over the competition.
Editors' Pick - Smiles Per Gallon: Subaru BRZ & Toyota GR86
The Subaru BRZ & Toyota GR86 siblings pick up this unique recognition, Smiles Per Gallon. As the name suggests, we give it to the car that left us smiling with how it drives. Fuel economy aside, it is more about delivering the best overall experience behind the wheel.
The reason behind its performance is the 2.4-liter unit in the GR86 and BRZ that makes both cars feel much livelier than before. You do not need to rev it as high to do some sideways action or have fun going fast in the mountains.
Editors' Pick - Best Value for PHP 999k Max: Geely Emgrand
The Emgrand is a subcompact sedan contender from Geely that is punching way above its price point. Why? At under one million pesos, you get the top-of-the-line variant with premium features like a sunroof, cruise control, leather seats, and soft-touch panels. Add its refined ride, overall quality, impeccable fit and finish, and voila, the model with the Best Value for PHP 999k Max.
Editors' Pick - Best Value for PHP 1.499M Max: Hyundai Stargazer
The Hyundai Stargazer may have arrived late to the party, but it made quite an impressive entrance. It has the latest intelligent features, a capable powertrain, and solid build quality. We also like the consistency of the panel gaps, the way the seats fold, its cab-forward design, and its futuristic design. Its entire package offers the Best Value for PHP 1.499M MAX.
Editors' Pick - Car of the Year: Nissan Kicks e-Power
Filipinos silently long to try out electrified vehicles, maybe not full EVs yet, but we are curious about hybrids. Pricing has made this technology beyond the reach of the average car buyer until Nissan introduced the Kicks e-Power. With an entry price of over PHP 1.2 million, motorists get an EV-like driving experience without dealing with the range anxiety associated with full EVs. Because of how it bridged the gap between full combustion and full electric motoring, aside from this award, the Nissan Kicks e-Power is the model that, quite literally, made hybrid a household tech in the Philippines.
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All of the models launched in 2022 were great vehicles, but like in any race, any contest, there can only be one winner. Each model had its merits, but only the deserving ones stood out.
Each category represents the demands of the Philippine auto market and how these manufacturers/models fulfilled each one. Congratulations to all the winners, and we look forward to a more robust industry in 2023.
