Chinese car brands are becoming competitive and offering more affordable options from compacts to minivans. At a good price point they have more features found in premium models that make them value for money.
Why are Chinese cars significant?
Chinese cars are getting to be as ubiquitous as other Asian car brands and are fast gaining steam. What was once seen as second-rate cars aren’t as they used to be! Improvements and upgrades of their models in areas like sub-compacts, crossovers, minivan and even in pickup trucks have shown a diverse line-up.
These automakers have improved their in-house design and the overall technology they use in their models. Chinese cars is at a certain stage, but they are giving more expensive Japanese and Korean cars a run for the money.
If most compact car offerings are standard not so with China cars. Because they add a feature or two with a lesser price point to lessen the gap and make their cars more attractive. For the Filipino car buyer, this is an opportunity to get cars at a lesser price but have extras and upgrades too. Is it even an issue whether it’s a Chinese automobile manufacturer that has European designers and engineers creating them?
Most showrooms of Chinese automakers have a sleek line-up of vehicles that make their other Asian counter-parts look drab. No boring and drab looking Chinese car brands that are set to compete with trendy and current designs that look expensive. This just the beginning but Chinese cars will eventually get up to par for Filipino car buyers to appreciate more.
Chinese cars are getting to be as ubiquitous as other Asian car brands and are fast gaining steam
Chinese cars as alternative choice
What specific points make Chinese brands such excellent alternative choices for Filipino car buyers. Like all brands, Chinese cars have advantages over their competition. Get to recognize the values that Chinese brands represent and the high quality they underscore.
Function and style are both important.
Chinese cars need to raise the bar for style and function, so it’s a complete option. In other Asian makes keeping cost low means a good-enough looking box just equip it with necessary features.
Value for money and more extras.
Chinese platforms need to compete and have better options to outsell the competition. For example, in some Japanese sub-compacts, they have no Electronic Brake Distribution installed with the ABS. But, they cost more in other options because of this or do not have it all.
They offer bigger engines with more horsepower and torque.
Chinese automobiles tend to pump in more displacement, horsepower, and torque into their cars. Japanese and Korean models tend to be under-powered accordingly compared to Chinese cars in their entry categories.
For example:
| Subcompacts | Compacts | Minivans | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese cars | Horsepower (PS) | +50 | +50 | +110 |
| Torque (Nm) | +50 | +50 | 140 | |
| Displacement (cc) | 1000 | 1300+ | 1499 | |
| Japanese cars | Horsepower (PS) | -50 | -50 | +99 |
| Torque (Nm) | -50 | -50 | 120 | |
| Displacement (cc) | 800 | 1000 | 1100 | |
>>> Japanese, Korean, European or American cars: Which to buy?
Total cost of the unit.
This is where Chinese car brands are hacking away by introducing more models at a lower cost than their competitors. Value-wise many Chinese brands are cheaper by far but don’t cheap out like other cars. Usually with some more items, safety features or anything that will tip the scale in their favor.
Best Chinese car names to buy in the Philippines
Philkotse.com introduces here a list of Chinese cars that break the price barrier with what they offer to Filipino car buyers. These options are meant to demonstrate how improved their models have become.
#1. BAIC M20 (also known as Beijing Auto Weiwang M20)
An affordable MPV/minivan option that can seat even or eight depending on the variant. Has a comfortable cabin with dual-AC and a touchscreen for a nice ride. Has more than enough room for bags and passengers.
An affordable MPV/minivan option that can seat even or eight depending on the variant
| Engine | L4 16V DOHC |
| Displacement | 1.5L |
| Transmission | 5 MT |
| Horsepower Ps | 75 |
| Torque Nm | 135 |
| Passengers | 7 - 8 |
| Safety Features | ABS w/ EBD |
| Interior features | Touchscreen |
| Price | P578,000 - P598,000 |
#2. Foton Toplander (also known as Foton Sauvana - Chinese: 福田萨瓦纳)
An affordable MPV/minivan option that can seat even or eight depending on the variant. Has a comfortable cabin with dual-AC and a touchscreen for a nice ride. Has more than enough room for bags and passengers.
An affordable MPV/minivan option that can seat even or eight depending on the variant
| Engine | Cummins ISF 2.8, 16 valve, Turbo Intercooler Diesel Engine |
| Displacement | 2,776 cc |
| Transmission | 5 MT |
| Horsepower Ps | 163 |
| Torque Nm | 360 |
| Passengers | 5 |
| Safety Features |
|
| Interior features |
|
| Price | P1,138,000 - P1,488,000 |
| Review | Foton Toplander 2018 Review |
#3. Foton Gratour (produced by Foton Motor, a subsidiary of BAIC Group)
For smaller families, this is an alternative over expensive options that can seat seven inside. For its size, the 1.2 L outstrips other options that produce less than 112 Nm of torque. A simple and functional cabin that has AC and good seating room. If you’re getting a sub-compact; this will be a better alternative.
For smaller families, this is an alternative over expensive options that can seat seven inside
| Engine | G03 - 1.2L |
| Displacement | 1206 cc |
| Transmission | 5 MT |
| Horsepower Ps | n/a |
| Torque Nm | 112 |
| Passengers | 7 |
| Safety Features |
|
| Interior features |
|
| Price | P510,000 - P540,000 |
#4. BYD S6 (first crossover SUV of BYD)
Get this SUV, mid-sized crossover from a Chinese car brand that has a 5-star C-NCAP safety rating that is a guarantee of its quality. Who wouldn’t want a premium mid-sized SUV that is powerful and with a well-appointed cabin as well. It looks sleek and stylish that will give any Japanese or Korean SUV a good run because of its affordable ticket price.
Who wouldn’t want a premium mid-sized SUV that is powerful and with a well-appointed cabin as well
| Engine | BYD 488QA |
| Displacement | 2.4 L |
| Transmission | 6 AT |
| Horsepower Ps | 165 |
| Torque Nm | 173 |
| Passengers | 5 |
| Safety Features |
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| Interior features |
|
| Price | P1,168,000 |
#5. Haima 2 (produced by Haima, China's car maker)
An affordable sports cross-over that has designs cues almost like the Mazda 2 but no relation or whatever. Get the engine going with 105 Ps and 140 Nm that gets to speed for superior freeway performance. Feel safer with EBD and ABS to keep the car steady with dual airbags for extra protection.
Get all these all-in for just under 799,000 php for an affordably priced option.
An affordable sports cross-over that has designs cues almost like the Mazda 2 but no relation or whatever
| Engine | 1.5 L |
| Displacement | 1,497 cc |
| Transmission | 6 AT ASG |
| Horsepower Ps | 105 |
| Torque Nm | 140 |
| Passengers | 5 |
| Safety Features |
|
| Interior features |
|
| Price | P799,000 |
Chinese cars in the Philippines: Wrap-up
Choosing the best Chinese car brands that are affordable is very beneficial for Filipino car buyers because they allow more options to consider. Pricewise and value wise these options have good features that make them a good, go-to option. Chinese cars are getting competitive more than ever and getting better.
We benefit from a broader choice and have better safety options in cheaper cars. Chinese car manufacturers are at the forefront of green auto-tech and getting better at it. Food for thought, when going car shopping next time. In passing, do not forget to visit Philkotse.com for more useful tips and advice on automobiles.
Pricewise and value wise these options have good features that make them a good, go-to option
