5 most Affordable Chinese cars in the Philippines

Updated Jun 21, 2024

What are the best Chinese brands that are affordable for Filipino car buyers?

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 car brands

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.

baic m20 exterior

An affordable MPV/minivan option that can seat even or eight depending on the variant

BAIC M20 Specs
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.

foton toplander 2018 philippines

An affordable MPV/minivan option that can seat even or eight depending on the variant

Foton Toplander Specs
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
  • ABS, EBD
  • Seatbelts
  • 4-Probe Reverse Sensor
  • Dual airbags
  • Immobilizer
  • Child Safety lock
  • Isofix
  • Hill Descent Control (HDC)
Interior features
  • Headlight levelizer
  • Power windows
  • Keyless entry
  • Central locking
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.

foton gratour philippines

For smaller families, this is an alternative over expensive options that can seat seven inside

Foton Gratour Specs
Engine G03 - 1.2L
Displacement 1206 cc
Transmission 5 MT
Horsepower Ps n/a
Torque Nm 112
Passengers 7
Safety Features
  • 3-Point Seatbelts
  • Seatbelt Reminder for Driver
  • Common and Central Control lock
  • Remote Control key
Interior features
  • Front and Rear AC
  • Integrated fog and daytime running light
  • Remote Power windows
  • FM Radio
  • USB
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.

BYD S6 2.4L DCT 2017 philippines

Who wouldn’t want a premium mid-sized SUV that is powerful and with a well-appointed cabin as well

BYD S6 2.4L DCT 2017 Specs
Engine BYD 488QA
Displacement 2.4 L
Transmission 6 AT
Horsepower Ps 165
Torque Nm 173
Passengers 5
Safety Features
  • Seatbelts
  • Parking radar front and back
  • Child safety door lock
  • 3rd brake light
  • Isofix
  • Seat belt reminder
  • Side impact beam
Interior features
  • One touch start and stop
  • Infotainment system
  • 9 Speakers
  • On steering wheel audio controls
  • Leather upholstery
  • Smart Keyless entry
  • Cruise Control
  • Rear cam
  • AC w/ AC power outlet
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.

haima 2 exterior

An affordable sports cross-over that has designs cues almost like the Mazda 2 but no relation or whatever

Haima 2 ASG Specs
Engine 1.5 L
Displacement 1,497 cc
Transmission 6 AT ASG
Horsepower Ps 105
Torque Nm 140
Passengers 5
Safety Features
  • Dual airbags
  • EBD
  • ABS
  • Immobilizer
Interior features
  • AC
  • Etertainment system
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.

chinese cars

Pricewise and value wise these options have good features that make them a good, go-to option

Norjan Ismail Abbas

Norjan Ismail Abbas

Author

Norjan enjoys writing about various topics, and car is among them. Don't ever ask him which his most favorite car is since he has none. He believes each car is beautiful in its own way.

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