5 wagons you can buy if you hate SUVs

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

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

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2. 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.

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Mazda 6 Sports Wagon 2024

The Mazda6 Sports Wagon 2023 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 1,995,000. 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. 

₱ 1,995,000

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3. 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

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

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4. 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.

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Subaru Outback 2024

The Subaru Outback 2023 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 2,555,000, while the Outback 2.4 XT Touring Eyesight retails at Php 2,888,000 . 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.

₱ 2,555,000 - ₱ 2,888,000

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5. 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.

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