Value packed! The best brand new cars below P700k

Updated Oct 29, 2022 | Same topic: Best Advice for Car Buyers

Who says you can't get a decent brand new car for under P700k? We give you a list of the best brand new cars for the budget! Read on and maybe you can find your next car from this list.

There is one thing sure in life more than death and taxes, and that is inflation. Whether we like it or not, the money that we save and keep under our mattresses lose their value year on year.

That is why you should keep your money in a savings account or investment account which will at least protect your money from the inflation rate and build according to the Consumer Price Index.

honda civic

Remember when your 700k can get this? Me neither

Do I still have you with me? I promise that will be the last time I’ll be flexing my love of Economics 101. The point is, back in the day your P 700,000 can already buy you a fully loaded Honda Civic complete with those fancy toys and safety features.

Nowadays, however, the Honda Civic and other traditionally “go-to” family cars like compacts and even sub-compacts have moved up-market, even breaking the million peso mark.

toy-car-on-top-of-money

Soon this is all you can afford with your money

Fret not, ladies and gentlemen as there are still some cars out there that are very good and are worth every penny you spend on. I’m not talking about second-hand cars this time.

I understand that many people prefer brand new cars overused ones and live with the peace of mind having some sort of warranty with their purchase.

So today, Philkotse.com will be listing down those brand new cars below P700k and itemize them according to the market segment, from MPV/SUVs, Sub-Compact Sedans and my ever favorite Hatchbacks. This list will prove that you can fight inflation! Now let's take this list for a spin.

Body types
Car models
Price
MPV/SUV
suv-car
mpv car
Baic M50S Ultra-Luxury 7-Seater 2020
PHP 668,000
Foton Gratour iM6 2020
PHP 698,000
Chery Tiggo 2 1.5 2020
PHP 695,000
Sub-compact sedans
sedan car
Kia Soluto 2020 / Hyundai Reina 2020 PHP 675,000 / PHP 688,000
Volkswagen Santana MPI Trendline 2020
PHP 686,000
MG 5 1.5 Core 2020
PHP 658,888
Nissan Almera 1.2 Base MT 2020
PHP 657,000
Toyota Vios 1.3J 2020
PHP 688,000
Hatchbacks
hatchback car
Suzuki Alto STD 0.8 L MT 2020
PHP 445,000
Suzuki Celerio 1.0L CVT 2020
PHP 598,000
Toyota Wigo TRD 2020
PHP 696,000
Kia Picanto 1.0 LX 2020
PHP 635,000
Honda Brio 1.2 S 2020
PHP 658,000
Mitsubishi Mirage GLX 2020
PHP 699,000

>>> Go to our Cars for sale section to widen your search to more brands and models

1. Top 3 Best MPV/SUV cars below P700k

Baic M50S Ultra-Luxury 7-Seater 2020 -  PHP 668,000

Specifications
Name
Baic M50S Ultra-Luxury 7-Seater
Body Type
MPV
Engine
1.5-liter inline 4-cylinder DOHC 16 valve
Power
112 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque
150 Nm @ 4500 rpm
Transmission
5-Speed Manual
Price
P 668,000

Try saying that 3 times fast! The Baic M50S 2020 entry into the burgeoning 7-Seater wars which is currently dominated by the likes of the Toyota Avanza and Suzuki Ertiga.

It has leather-like material for the seats and is packed to the brim with convenience and safety features all for the low price of P 668,000. The only thing that’s holding it back really from becoming a sales behemoth is a lack of automatic transmission but that will just push the price higher.

2020-baic-m50s-ultra-luxury-in-the-sand

The 2020 Baic M50s Ultra Luxury is your budget but better Avanza

Foton Gratour iM6 2020 - PHP 698,000

Specifications
Name
Foton Gratour iM6
Body Type
MPV
Engine
DAM 15D Dual VVT 1.5-liter inline 4 DOHC 16 valve
Power
114 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque
150 Nm @ 3000 rpm
Transmission
5-Speed Manual
Price
P 698,000
Review Foton Gratour review by Philkotse experts

Here's a quick review of the Foton Gratour iM6. Watch me Swoon

The Foton iM6 holds a special place in my heart. This model was my introduction to modern Chinese cars in the Philippines. I’ve test-driven the Foton Gratour 2020 expecting to be totally disappointed but I ended up yearning for it.

The Manual Transmission is precise and almost “Honda-like” and the engine is willing to rev high up to accelerate. It also helps that Foton threw everything in but the kitchen sink. This goes head to head against Baic’s offering.

Chery Tiggo 2 1.5 - PHP 695,000

Specifications
Name
Chery Tiggo 2 1.5
Body Type
Sub-Compact Crossover SUV
Engine
1.5 l VVT DOHC 16 Valve
Power
106 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque
135 Nm @ 2750 rpm
Transmission
5-Speed Manual
Price
P 695,000

The newest kid on the block, Chery wants you to forget everything you know about the brand by bringing the Chery Tiggo 2020 in the market to disrupt everything. What do you need? Traction Control? Hill Start Assist? 4-wheel disc brakes? 16-inch alloy wheels? It has it all.

Plus Chery’s distributor promises a 1,000,000 km powertrain warranty for your peace of mind and confidence. The entry-level manual transmission variant has all the aforementioned features and so much more.

chery-tiggo-2-on-the-road

The Chery Tiggo 2 is out to dominate the entry-level SUV segment

2. Top 5 Best Sub-compact sedan cars below P700k

Kia Soluto 2020 - PHP 675,000 | Hyundai Reina 2020 - PHP 688,000

Specifications
Name
Variants 1.4 LX 1.4 GL
Body Type
Sub-Compact Sedan
Engine
1.4 L Kappa MPI I4 DOHC 16 Valve
Power
94 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque
132 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Transmission
4-Speed Automatic
Price
P 675,000
P 688,000
Comparo review Kia Soluto vs Hyundai Reina comparo review

Regarding Korean car brands, we cannot miss out on 2 big pillars, Kia and Hyundai for sure! Kia and Hyundai have invested heavily in manufacturing facilities in China to improve production facility and these 2 cars are the first fruits of that strategy that made it to our shores.

Running on the Hyundai-Kia PB platform it shares the same engine parts and mechanicals. They have peppy 1.4-liter engines and are mated to precise 4-speed automatic transmissions.

2020-kia-soluto-on-the-road

The 2020 Kia Soluto is the Rio that we deserve

They are fighting an uphill battle but if street visibility and sales figures are any indications I think these Korean twins are doing just fine by the looks of things.

Watch how the Hyundai Reina Stacks up against the Reigning Sub-Compact King

Volkswagen Santana MPI Trendline 2020 - PHP 686,000

Specifications
Name
2020 Volkswagen Santana MPI Trendline
Body Type
Sub-Compact Sedan
Engine
1.5 L EA211 Inline-4 DOHC
Power
89 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque
132 Nm @ 3800 rpm
Transmission
5-Speed Manual
Price
P 686,000
Review Volkswagen Santana review by Philkotse experts

Volkswagen has not been having the best experience since its return to the Philippines in 2013 under new management with inconsistent sales. They mean to change that with the release of the Volkswagen Santana 2020. Thanks to its partnership with SAIC in China they are confident that they can win the hearts and minds of Filipino buyers.

2020-volkswagen-santana-mpi-trendline-on-the-road

Volkswagen is fighting an uphill battle for relevancy

MG 5 1.5 Core 2020 - PHP 658,888

Specifications
Name
2020 MG 5 1.5 Core
Body Type
Sub-Compact Sedan
Engine
1.5 L 15S4C Inline 4 DOHC 16 valve
Power
112 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque
150 Nm @ 4,500 rpm
Transmission
5-Speed Manual
Price
P 658,888

Morris Garages is a traditionally British carmaker with a long, storied heritage in making capable road cars and motorsports. They have now since been bought out by SAIC Motor Corporation Limited and they now make capable and fuel-efficient cars. The MG 5 2020 is a prime example and it still holds touches of British flair and luxury all for under P 700,000.

2020-mg-5-on-display

Oh, Behave! The Cheeky little MG 5 is a great value proposition

Nissan Almera 1.2 Base MT 2020 - PHP 657,000

Specifications
Name
2020 Nissan Almera 1.2 Base MT
Body Type
Sub-Compact Sedan
Engine
1.2 L HR12DE Inline 3 12 valve
Power
79 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque
106 Nm @ 4,400 rpm
Transmission
5-Speed Manual
Price

The Nissan Almera is the oldest model in this bunch and has the smallest and weakest engine. There are also murmurs that it will be replaced with a brand new model, the Nissan Almera 2020, in the Philippines for 2020 although nothing has been confirmed.

What it does have over the rest is value. Expect a lot of discounts coming to this car’s way and more savings in your pockets! There are better cars, though, seriously.

2020-nissan-almera-on-the-road-

The Nissan Almera is running on its last legs

Toyota Vios 1.3J 2020 - PHP 688,000

Specifications
Name
2020 Toyota Vios 1.3J
Body Type
Sub-Compact Sedan
Engine
1.3 L 1NR-FE I4 DOHC 16 Valve
Power
97 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque
123 Nm @ 4,200 rpm
Transmission
5-Speed Manual
Price

I am happy to say that there is still hope in the world, people. For under P 700,000 you get one of the most capable, reliable and easy to maintain cars in the Philippines today.

This variant of Toyota Vios 2020 includes safety features you will never find in cars at the same price. Where else can you find an entry-level car with 7 airbags, hill-start assist and traction control? This car is a no-brainer, really.

2020-toyota-vios-j-on-the-road

Despite being on top, Toyota still fights like a scrappy boxer

3. Top 6 Best Hatchback cars below P700k

Suzuki Alto STD 0.8 L MT 2020 - PHP 445,000

Specifications
Name
Suzuki Alto STD 0.8 L MT 2020
Body Type
Mini-Hatchback
Engine
0.8 L  F8D I3 12 Valve Engine
Power
46 hp @ 6,200 rpm
Torque
68 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
Transmission
5-Speed Manual
Price

What is the cheapest and most basic brand new car you can buy today? You will find a hard time trying to top the Suzuki Alto 2020. The long-running model has experienced so many model facelifts and changes to keep itself fresh and up to date that I believe it has reached a particular point where it really can't take any more.

It is powered by a diminutive 800 cc or 0.8-liter engine that makes a paltry 46 hp @ 6200 RPM and 68 Nm of torque. There's nothing much to write home about the Alto 800 except that it is one of the cheapest brand new cars below P500k you can buy today.

suzuki-alto-800-on-the-road

It's a great Toy Car if you can fit inside it

Suzuki Celerio 1.0L CVT 2020 - PHP 598,000

Specifications
Name
2020 Suzuki Celerio 1.0L CVT
Body Type
Mini-Hatchback
Engine
1.0 L K10C I3 DOHC 12 Valve
Power
66 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque
90 Nm @ 4,200 rpm
Transmission
CVT
Price
P 598,000

If anyone knows how to make small cars, that would be Suzuki. Their expertise in mini-cars is epitomized in the Suzuki Celerio 2020. With it’s simple yet aggressively stance look and class-leading fuel economy of 29.14 km/l thanks to the efficient CVT it has quietly become one of Suzuki’s best selling models ever.

2020-suzuki-celerio-at-high-speed

The Suzuki Celerio is one of the most underrated cars today

Toyota Wigo TRD 2020 - PHP 696,000

Specifications
Name
2020 Toyota Wigo TRD
Body Type
Mini-Hatchback
Engine
1.0 L 1KR-FE I3 DOHC 12 Valve
Power
65 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque
89 Nm @ 4,400 rpm
Transmission
4-Speed Automatic
Price
P 696,000

2020-toyota-wigo-on-the-road

Go-Fast bits make the reliable Toyota Wigo even more appealing

Toyota gives penny-pinchers a 1-2 punch in value first with the entry-level Vios and now it goes all out with the top of the line Toyota Wigo 2020. Being a TRD or Toyota Racing Development edition, you get branded front and rear aero kits as well as side skirts. Who says econoboxes have to be boring?

Toyota Wigo 2020 Philippines Review & Road Test | Hatchback Solution | Philkotse

Kia Picanto 1.0 LX 2020 - PHP 635,000

Specifications
Name
2020 Kia Picanto 1.0 LX
Body Type
Mini-Hatchback
Engine
1.0 L Kappa II MPI I3
Power
68 hp @ 6,200 rpm
Torque
95 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
Transmission
4-Speed Automatic
Price
P 635,000

Change has to start somewhere, for Kia in the Philippines, it was the Kia Picanto. The early to mid-2000s was a nightmare for gas prices. Kia released the Kia Picanto 2020 at this time and showed everyone that a small car need not be a penalty box on wheels.

The current generation is even more advanced with convenience, safety features and a certain Euro-inspired refinement.

2020-kia-picanto-lx-on-the-road

Cheap and Cheery is defined as the Kia Picanto

Honda Brio 1.2 S 2020 - PHP 658,000

Specifications
Name
2020 Honda Brio 1.2 S
Body Type
Mini-Hatchback
Engine
1.2 L L12B i-VTEC I4 SOHC 16 Valve
Power
89 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque
110 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
Transmission
CVT
Price
P 658,000

Just to get one thing out of the way, I am a Honda fanboy, but when they introduced the 2nd generation Brio, I was disappointed with the omission of the old 1.3 engine and the removal of that beautiful glass hatch. The Honda Brio 2020 with the 1.2 S variants, however, isn’t without its charms.

For one it is more fuel-efficient and the front does away with the bug-eyed look and goes for a more chiseled and muscular fascia. It also has the most power in its class of mini-hatchbacks.

Watch our in-depth review of the Honda Brio!

Mitsubishi Mirage GLX 2020 - PHP 699,000

Specifications
Name
2020 Mitsubishi Mirage GLX
Body Type
Mini-Hatchback
Engine
1.2 L 3A92 I3 DOHC 12 Valve
Power
77 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque
100 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission
5-Speed Manual
Price
P 699,000

When Mitsubishi announced that it would be abandoning small car production for crossovers, SUVs, and trucks they didn’t seem to be talking about the Mitsubishi Mirage 2020, and why would they? It is one of their biggest bestsellers because of its balance of value for money and fuel economy. It is the most expensive one in this list

2020-mitsubishi-mirage-on-the-road

A face-lift is on the horizon, but this shape is still a beauty

So there you have it, boys and girls! A baker's dozen of the most affordable brand new cars below P700k. You have your choice of SUVs, sedans, and hatchbacks. It seems like you can still get your money’s worth from your hard-earned cash after all.

Follow Philkotse.com for more news, tips, reviews, and insights on Philippines motoring and car culture!

Roy Robles

Roy Robles

Author

Sleek, Sexy, Athletic and Fast. These are words that were never used to describe our resident claustrophobe Roy Robles. After spending 10 years counting other people's cash in banks, he is just happy to be at Philkotse.com. Catch his articles everyday and make sure to honk if you see him.

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