Car Features - Top 30 Best Selling Vehicles of the Philippines for 2016

According to reports from Philippine Daily Inquirer and Autoindustriya, 366 days of 2016 we have seen nearly 400,000+ vehicles driven off dealer lots. Sure, we had transitioned to a new administration and two major motor shows occurred in a span of months, people were excited to buy more cars. Despite some news of additional taxes for cars this year (it has yet to be approved), let us look back.

Filipinos, these are the 30 best selling cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs you have purchased this year.

30. Nissan Almera (3,176 units sold, +83%)

Updated for 2016 (it was launched last November 2015), the Almera received a new face as well as a lower engine option and a leather clad variant. While the 1.5 is the mainstay engine choice, the 1.2 is new for this year. Sales had jumped ever since, reaching its peak.

29. Chevrolet Trailblazer (3,211 units sold, -12%)

Chevrolet's best seller (and what would be its saving grace) received a minor change for 2017 just last October. It is the oldest among the bunch of PPVs, especially three main rivals had received all new engines and faces ever since. We seriously hope that Chevy would fix their pricing for this year.

28. Hyundai Tucson (3,308 units sold, +107%)

After giving up the crown to the Subaru Forester in 2015, the Korean car maker wrestled the title back for last year. Thanks to a lower price entry and a diesel engine (which is Hyundai's proposition), the Tucson is the best seller among compact SUVs.

27. Hyundai Grand Starex (3,733 units sold, +42%)

What used to be a Filipino favorite had now relegated itself to the sidelines recently, the Grand Starex had some changes in its line-up yet some people would buy them in droves. This model will turn 10 years old this year.

26. Mitsubishi Strada (3,965 units sold, -7%)

In 2015, which was its first year for of its model change, it sold nearly 4,000 units. Last year, it fell down to 3,965 in its full years. Sure, a 2.4 engine from the Montero Sport was added to the line-up in the 4x4 model but rivals had fresher engines and faces.

25. Isuzu D-Max (3,966 units sold, +27%)

Beating the Strada by just one unit, the D-Max experienced an increase in sales due to a new engine and for the LS models, an update for 2017 in September 2017. Sure, it may be conservative and utilitarian for some, but nothing beats the purpose of a pick-up truck.

24. Kia Picanto (4,073 units sold, -20%)

Kia's best selling vehicle is this tiny hatchback, which unfortunately didn't experience an increase in sales despite the industry trend. Old as it is, this one sells to a virtue of low down payment schemes which attracts first time owners.

23. Toyota Corolla Altis (4,154 units sold, -11%)

Despite falling sales by just a hundred units, the Corolla Altis is the segment leader among compact sedans. Sure, it may be conservative for some, but buyers who want something dependable on their daily drive wouldn't go wrong with this car.

22. Isuzu Crosswind (4,659 units sold, +14%)

For nearly fifteen years straight, the Crosswind had not received any major changes and despite this, people are still buying this one. However, it had lost its title as the brand's best seller especially that market tastes have shifted and the price difference isn't that far.

21. Nissan NP300 Navara (4,779 units sold, +15%)

The third best selling pick-up truck in the country had overtaken Mitsubishi in terms of sales in that category. One unique selling proposition of this one is its coil springs at the back (although the usual leaf springs can be ordered), ensuring a smooth ride.

20. Honda Mobilio (4,797 units sold, +62%)

Honda's missing link is this MPV, especially that it competes with several older rivals and those with diesel engines. Thanks to a fresher image, it had introduced a lot of people to the straight H brand without sacrificing utility.

19. Nissan NV350 Urvan (5,660 units sold, +34%)

No more simplistic engines, in its place is a modern CRDi engine plus individual vents complemented by Nissan's famed air conditioning system made this one a best seller. Shuttle drivers have now another van to choose from.

18. Mitsubishi Mirage (7,487 units sold, +25%)

Receiving an update last year coupled with an endorsement from Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza, Mirage sales experienced an increase. If its sedan counterpart targets a different market, this one attracts first time buyers aiming for something practical.

17. Ford Ranger (8,158 units sold, -3%)

August 2015, we had witnessed an updated Ranger for 2016. While sales are still at the higher scale, it had decreased despite the update. Seven or eight variants with varying equipment levels at different price ranges are available.

16. Honda City (8,913 units sold, +2%)

Honda's best seller in the country (it broke its record for the most number of units sold since 1996) never fails to be updated each year. From additional items to numerous limited edition models, the City would continue to sell well and we wonder what new features that would be added.

15. Hyundai Eon (9,675 units sold, +17%)

This tiny hatchback had become everyone's freedom car at a lower price point without denting their wallets or surroundings. Sure, it may be basic for some (hubcaps, no airbags, wind-up windows at the back) but it does look somewhat modern over its main Indian rival.

14. Mitsubishi Adventure (9,705 units sold, +39%)

Beating its 2002 peak, Mitsubishi sold 9,700 units of their dependable Adventure last year. We have no idea on how interested spiked on this vehicle. It may be old, but there are some fans of this vehicle and production may end late this year due to stringent emission requirements.

13. Ford Ecosport (10,010 units sold, +15%)

Back in 2014, Ford entered a territory with no rivals and had enjoyed tremendous success. Last year, competitors came to eat a slice of its share and the Ecosport emerged as the segment's leader. We had witnessed a Black Edition which featured black color rims in the previous year.

12. Mitsubishi Montero Sport (10,768 units sold, -7%)

Being its first full year of its redesigned model, the Montero Sport didn't manage to buck the trend and rather, went to the reverse. Despite an all new engine, some find the design polarizing but the sudden unintended acceleration issue still lingers on.

11. Hyundai Accent (12,360 units sold, +79%)

Probably a record for a Korean brand when it comes to sales numbers (the honor used to belong to the Kia Pride back then), the Hyundai Accent saw huge success thanks to its diesel engine and the growth of transport based apps whose demand warrants this vehicle.

10. Toyota Hilux (12,405 units sold, +42%)

Sure, it was expensive than some of its rivals when it was launched in July 2015. However, price didn't prevent people to buy this pick-up truck especially it has a new engine (Toyota's GD engine family) which gave competitors a shock. We're pretty sure people are upgrading their trucks this year, thus the increase of this segment.

9. Ford Everest (12,453 units sold, +152%)

Although it was launched in May 2015, deliveries (albeit in limited quantities) started September but full blast shipments were fulfilled just last year. It had dislodged its smaller brother, the Ecosport, as the Blue Oval's best seller.

8. Isuzu MU-X (12,657 units sold, +16%)

If there is one vehicle responsible for Isuzu's increase in sales (as well as their ascent to the PPV sales rankings) is this one. Replacing the slow selling Alterra, the MU-X looked fresh and with ample shipments to meet demand, more units were sold last year.

7. Mitsubishi Mirage G4 (12,880 units sold, +13%)

Another surprise for Mitsubishi is this tiny sedan, which replaced the Montero Sport as their best seller. The G4 has oodles of space despite its tiny proportions, a fuel efficient engine, and low prices which had a lot of people buy them. Local production of this vehicle starts this month, with the hatchback following months later.

6. Toyota Avanza (13,466 units sold, +59%)

September 2015 saw an updated Avanza for 2016 and who wouldn't knew that this will sell more than it sold last time. It may be crude for some but offering a cheap seven seat vehicle in a dependable package, Toyota has a winner here.

5. Toyota Innova (18, 137units sold, +7%)

Sure, it may have more amenities and a new diesel engine which had a jump in price, this didn't deter people on buying this one. Do take note that deliveries of the new generation model started last April, with some first generation model units were sold earlier last year.

4. Toyota Wigo (18,430 units sold, +37%)

This Indonesian made hatchback became an entry point for most people to motoring freedom, all with the Toyota badge. Yes, it may have cheap touches but most didn't care, all they want is something that is easy to drive and live with.

3. Toyota Hiace (19,913 units sold, +19%)

For a van, reaching this number is an impossible feat. What the Mitsubishi L300 Versa Van and Kia Besta failed to reach during their prime years, the Hiace had done it and sales were up for this people mover. A 3.0 engine is now mandatory for all models.

2. Toyota Fortuner (28,549 units sold, +81%)

Woah, 28,000 units for something that costs over a million pesos, it's unbelievable. But Toyota did what competitors hope to reach, and they've managed this one so far. All new for 2016, it had new diesel engines and a body design but despite fresher alternatives, this is the one car to beat.

1. Toyota Vios (36,256 units sold, +9%)

For eight years straight, this is the one car that had defined the Filipino buyer, and this car fulfilled the things on what they are finding. Although it had sold the same number of units in 2015, this one is still the best seller, and for a good reason. 2016 saw an engine upgrade together with a new CVT transmission.

Source:

• Philippine Daily Inquirer, January 18, 2017