5 wagons you can buy if you hate SUVs
Updated Sep 30, 2021
Introduction
In today’s time, the market for SUVs is growing significantly as interior space is becoming a necessity for car buyers. This is one of the reasons why the pickup platform vehicles (PPVs) like the Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Montero Sport exist, the former even managing to be included among the top 10 best-selling Philippine cars in 2020.
Wagons are like a low riding SUV, if you will
However, owning an SUV brings several disadvantages, such as its driving dynamics which are considered challenging compared to other vehicle types. The explanation for this is its high ground clearance for conquering flooded roads and off-roads, heavy body, and its use of a ladder-frame chassis.
Fortunately, there is a vehicle type called the wagon which offers SUV-like features without its common cons. As such, one can say that a wagon is similar to an SUV in terms of space minus the ground clearance and heavier chassis. This results in better driving dynamics without sacrificing interior capacity.
So if you are considering getting a wagon, we have listed down five models you can buy if you hate SUVs.
1. Volkswagen Santana GTS
We’ll start this list off with the most affordable wagon you can buy in the Philippines right now: the Volkswagen Santana GTS. It has affordable pricing that starts at Php 998,000 excluding options, and it comes with the space and styling you would look for in a wagon.
An entry from the renowned German automaker
The Volkswagen Santana GTS offers 372 liters of trunk space for your gear and equipment, expandable to 1,255 liters if you fold down the rear seats, which should be more than enough for most hauling applications. Overall, this vehicle proves that you don’t need to fork out a significant amount of cash just to get your hands on a practical and stylish wagon from a German brand.
Know more about Volkswagen Santana GTS 2024
The 2023 Volkswagen Santana GTS is the brand's entry into the niche market of wagons. It is available in the Philippines in one variant which is priced at Php 1,029,000. Powering this vehicle is a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine capable of generating 108 horsepower and 150 Nm of torque. As standard, the engine is connected to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
In terms of dimensions, the Santana GTS spans 4,282 mm in length, 1,706 mm in width, and 1,489 mm in height, with a wheelbase rated at 2,603 mm. Locally, this German station wagon competes against the likes of the Subaru WRX Wagon and Mazda6 Sports Wagon.
₱ 1,029,000
Explore2. Mazda6 Sports Wagon
The next one is perhaps the only premium or classy-looking wagon you can get in the local market. This is the Mazda6 Sports Wagon. Coming with a rugged finish seems to be the go-to for the rest of the models on this list, but this Japanese wagon stays true to the car brand’s award-winning Kodo design language.
Undeniably a Mazda
As on many vehicles of its type, cabin comfort is one of the Mazda 6 Sports Wagon’s strong points. This notion is backed by its Nappa leather seats with Senwood accents, 10-way power-adjustable driver seat with ventilation and memory, and automatic dual-zone climate control with rear A/C vents, among others. Mazda Philippines offers this model at Php 1,995,000.
Know more about Mazda 6 Sports Wagon 2024
The Mazda6 Sports Wagon 2024 is a front-wheel-drive, five-seater, five-door wagon. Locally, its sole variant is the Mazda6 Sports Wagon SkyActiv-G 2.5 AT, which is priced at Php 2,150,000. As for the Mazda 6 Wagon 2.5L Sports Wagon 20th Anniversary Edition, the price is Php 2,250,000. The sedan version, however, has two variants.
Size-wise, the Mazda6 Sports Wagon is 4,805mm long, 1,840mm wide, and 1,480mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,750mm. It also has a curb weight of 1,587kg.
Under the hood of the Mazda6 Sports Wagon is a 2.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine that can produce up to 187 horsepower and 252 Nm of torque. It is then paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox sending power to its front wheels.
Locally, the Mazda6 Sports Wagon has few local competitors. Price-wise though, it is comparable to the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
Mazda 6 Sports Wagon Launch
Mazda 6 was first introduced in 2013 with a sole variant which is the sedan. Eventually, the Sports Wagon was added to the Japanese brand’s lineup. In July 2019, the Sports Wagon model received a new facelift and a more powerful engine.
Mazda 6 Sports Wagon Exterior
The Mazda 6 Sports Wagon 2024 follows the brand’s Kodo design philosophy that applies a more sensual and minimalist aesthetic. Up front is a mesh-designed grille flanked with Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH) and LED Running Lamps. It also features rain-sensing wipers.
Adding to the appeal of the Mazda 6 Sports Wagon is an electric glass sunroof and its 19" Aluminum Alloy wheels. On the rear are halogen lamps.
Mazda 6 Sports Wagon Interior
Inside the Philippines Mazda 6 Sports Wagon are equally compelling, premium finishes. Seats are wrapped in deep chestnut Nappa Leather with Senwood Accents. It comes with a 10-Way Power Adjustable Seat with Ventilation & Memory and a 6-Way Power Adjustable Seat with Ventilation for the driver’s and front passenger’s seats, respectively. The rear seats come with a 60:40 split fold-down mechanism, a center armrest, and two USB ports.
On the sleek and straightforward dashboard are a front windshield projected active driving display HUD and a 7"LCD Display Meter Set.
Technology & Safety Features
The Mazda 6 Sports Wagon comes with a slew of tech and safety features. In terms of entertainment, the primary highlight is the Mazda Connect system which can be accessed through an 8-inch Touchscreen LCD Monitor. It comes with a USB port, a Bluetooth Hands-Free system, and Smartphone Mirroring capabilities. Audio comes out of an 11-speaker BOSE Sound System.
Among its many safety features are a Push Start and Stop Button that goes with the Smart Keyless Entry System, an Anti-Lock Braking System with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Front & Rear Parking Sensors, and a 360° Rear View Camera. Some special safety features on the Sports Wagon include the i-ELOOP Regenerative Braking System, Blindspot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist.
Platform & Chassis
The five-door wagon rides on a Mazda GJ Platform. The suspension comes in the form of McPherson Strut in front and Multi-Link for the rear. Its stopping power comes from Ventilated Discs in front and Solid Discs at the rear which are activated through an electric parking brake with auto brake hold.
Engine & Drivetrain
Under the hood of the Mazda 6 Sports Wagon is a SKYACTIV-G 2.5 In-line, 4-cylinder DOHC, 16-Valves gasoline engine. It is coupled with a SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-speed automatic transmission that sends power exclusively to the front wheels. It can produce 187 hp and 252 Nm of torque.
The engine also comes with a Sport Mode Drive Selection and Mazda’s signature G-Vectoring Control Plus technology.
Mazda 6 Sports Wagon FAQs
1. How much fuel can the Mazda 6 Wagon hold in its fuel tank?
The Mazda 6 Wagon's gasoline tank has a 62 L capacity.
2. How much does the Mazda 6 Sports Wagon cost?
The Mazda 6 Sports Wagon is about Php 2,150,000.
3. What engine is in the Mazda 6 Sports Wagon?
The Mazda 6 Sports Wagon uses a 2.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine that can produce up to 187 horsepower and 252 Nm of torque.
4. What distinguishes the Mazda6 sedan from the Mazda6 Sports Wagon?
The Mazda6 sedan and sports wagon differ mostly in their bodies, with the latter having a larger cargo area. The Sports Wagon doesn't provide turbocharged gasoline and diesel engine options, which is another difference in the available engine selections.
5. What are the dimensions of the Mazda 6 Sports Wagon?
The length, width, and height of the Mazda 6 Sports Wagon are respectively 4,805mm, 1,840mm, and 1,480mm.
₱ 1,995,000
Explore3. Subaru Levorg
Coming on the strength of its “rally-inspired, family-approved” tagline, the Subaru Levorg is a wagon that you might want to consider if you’re on the hunt for a wagon that’s both family-friendly and sporty. It is equipped with the Japanese car brand’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology to keep you and your passengers safe and secure on the road.
An agile and rugged wagon
Thanks to the standard Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system of the Subaru Levorg, it further improves the ride comfort, stability, and driving dynamics you can expect from a wagon. Subaru Philippines offers the lone variant of the Levorg at a price tag of Php 2,098,000.
Know more about Subaru Levorg 2024
The new Subaru Levorg is a compact sports wagon vehicle designed to provide outstanding performance in any terrain under any weather condition. Its interesting name is a combination of Legacy (LE), Revolution (VO), and Touring (RG), a glimpse of what this wagon is capable of. Currently, the Subaru Levorg 1.6 GT-S CVT and the Subaru Levorg 2.0 GT-S with Eyesight is locally available. You may choose from Ice Silver Metallic, Dark Grey Metallic, Crystal White Pearl, and Crystal Black Silica. For those opting for a vibrant colored vehicle, you may choose from Lapis Blue Pearl, Storm Grey Metallic, and Pure Red.
Discontinued
Explore4. Subaru Outback
The newest addition to Subaru Philippines’ lineup makes its way to the list. Looking at the Subaru Outback, its design might cause some confusion to the casual observer; some might say that it’s a crossover, while others could see it as a wagon. Regardless, the Outback traces its automotive roots to a wagon body style, so there’s that.
It flaunts a familiar Subaru face
As a result of this lineage, there are still traces of wagon-like features on the Outback, including the elongated body appearance, the spacious cabin for passengers, and the roomy cargo space. Similar to the Subaru Levorg, the Outback gets the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology and Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system for better driving dynamics. The Subaru Outback is available with a price tag of Php 2,380,000.
Know more about Subaru Outback 2024
The Subaru Outback 2024 Philippines is a five-seater crossover-like wagon propelled by a flat-four engine and is equipped with a symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. It is the ideal vehicle for adventurous folks as it provides ample ground clearance, as well as an outgoing, outdoorsy exterior design. The latest sixth-generation model comes with Subaru EyeSight 4.0, and it now comes with improvements to its multi-info display and infotainment user interface.
Subaru Philippines is offering the Outback in two variants. The base Outback 2.5i-T EyeSight is priced at Php 2,580,000, while the Outback 2.4 XT Touring Eyesight retails at Php 2,880,000. It has a dimension that spans 4,870 mm in length, 1,875 mm in width, and 1,675 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,745 mm. Locally, this Japanese wagon goes up against the likes of the Volkswagen Santana GTS and Mazda6 Sports Wagon.
SUBARU OUTBACK XT and CROSSTREK GT - Beefed Up Subbies!
>>> New and used Subaru Outback 2024 for sale in the Philippines
Subaru Outback Launch
The Subaru Outback was introduced in 1994. It was appropriately named after the colloquial name of the wild, unpopulated areas in Australia known for its rugged beauty and challenging terrains. The sixth-generation Subaru Outback debuted at the New York International Auto Show in 2019 fitted with a refreshing platform.
The new Outback was then brought into the Philippine market by Motor Image Pilipinas in August 2021. This was then followed by another update that was rolled out at the 2023 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS).
At the 2024 MIAS, Subaru launched the Outback 2.4 EyeSight XT Touring.
Subaru Outback Exterior
The new Subaru Outback possesses a chiseled angular build supported by an abundance of black plastic cladding. Size-wise, it measures 4,870mm long, 1,875mm wide, and 1,675mm tall. Its elegantly charming exterior features a black grille, distinct front and rear LED lamps, LED headlights with auto-leveling, a power sliding sunroof, and LED daytime running lamps.
To further establish its sporty aura, a set of roof rails is fixed at the top while wide fenders are affixed below. Its rear end also features a hands-free tailgate, and it rides on a set of 18-inch alloy wheels.
Subaru Outback Interior
One can expect a premium feel inside the new Outback 2024 as you will be greeted with premium Nappa leather seats and a wealth of soft-touch materials. Moreover, the interior now features a default cargo space of 537 liters which is 10 liters more than the previous model.
It also provides a push-to-start button, a tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel, an electronically adjustable driver's seat and front passenger seat, armrests for the rear seats, etc.
Technology & Safety Features
To entertain its occupants, the Outback Philippines is equipped with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. Linked to that is a 576-watt Harman/Kardon 11-piece speaker system. The said sound system also comes with an eight-channel amplifier.
In terms of safety, it comes with eight SRS airbags. An anti-lock brake system with electronic brake distribution, immobilizer, stability control, electronic and speed sensing door locks, active torque vectoring, ISOFIX seat belts, etc.
It also has the EyeSight 4.0. A collection of driver-assist features that includes autonomous emergency steering, a wide array of exterior cameras, lane centering, driver attention monitor, and alert system, among others.
As of the 2024 update, the Outback also gets new steering wheel controls and new Type-C USB ports. Also added was the auto-restore X-Mode which can actively switch on the car's traction control system as needed.
Software updates were also provided to the vehicle's touchscreen and multi-info display.
Platform & Chassis
The sixth-generation Subaru Outback is underpinned by the new Subaru Global Platform. The said platform employs stronger steel, which results in a stiffer, more responsive drive.
Suspension for the new Outback is then handled by MacPherson struts for the front and double-wishbones for the rear. For braking, the Subaru crossover uses discs for all of its wheels. Its parking brake is an electronic type with an auto-hold function.
Engine & Drivetrain
The 2024 Subaru Outback 2.5i-T uses the new 2.5-liter boxer-four gasoline engine. At most, this mill can churn out 185 horsepower and 245 Nm of torque. Like the previous version, it still uses a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT), which can be manually controlled with paddle shifters.
The newer 2.4 XT Touring trim meanwhile, uses a 2.4-liter boxer-four turbocharged engine. At the most, it can generate 246 hp and 350 Nm of torque.
Subaru Outback 2024 Price List
| Variants | Price |
|---|---|
| Subaru Outback 2.5i-T EyeSight | ₱2,580,000 |
| Subaru Outback 2.4 EyeSight XT Touring | ₱2,880,000 |
Subaru Outback FAQs
1. How much does a Subaru Outback 2024 cost in the Philippines?
In the Philippines, the Subaru Outback is available in two variants priced from 2,580,000 PHP to 2,880,000 PHP.
2. What is the body type of the Subaru Outback 2024?
The Subaru Outback is an SUV car.
3. What is the wheelbase of Subaru Outback?
The wheelbase of the Subaru Outback is 2,745 mm.
4. Does the Subaru Outback 2024 have a reverse camera?
Yes, the Subaru Outback has a reverse camera. With it, you can see what is behind the car on the screen.
5. How many airbags does the Subaru Outback have?
The Subaru Outback has 8 airbags.
₱ 2,555,000 - ₱ 2,888,000
Explore5. Audi RS4 Avant
If you happen to both hate SUVs and have a massive budget for a more upscale wagon, then the Audi RS4 Avant is perfect for you. The RS4 Avant started the market for sporty wagons in the late 90s. It is powered by a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine capable of delivering 450 hp and 600 Nm of torque.
Who said wagons can't go fast?
As for the interior, the German wagon offers 495 liters of cargo space, growing to 1,495 liters if the rear seats are folded down. Audi Philippines typically doesn’t disclose the pricing of its models, including the RS4 Avant, so you could pay a visit to one of its three dealerships in Greenhills, Global City, and Alabang.
Know more about cars and car ownership on Philkotse.
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