Toyota Hiace - Generation 4 (1995-2005)

TOYOTA HIACE (1995-2005)

After years of discontinuation, the Hiace name was revived starting with a sole GL variant having a diesel engine. An update in 1999 introduced numerous trim models including a Super Grandia a year later and a limited edition J three years later.

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Mercedes Benz A Class - Generation 1 (2000-2003)

MERCEDES BENZ A CLASS (2000-2002)

Considered as the smallest Benz vehicle in the line-up (entry level in other words), the A Class has lots of kit for the size and this is the model affected by the infamous flipping in the elk test. While the novelty was there, it got worn off by a 2003 discontinuation.

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Toyota Liteace - Generation 3 (1989-1999)

TOYOTA LITEACE (1989-1999)

Toyota Motor Philippine's first people mover was the Liteace, which was before the Tamaraw's existence. First models didn't have any power amenities but GXLs of 1993 gained those. It was discontinued in 1999.

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Mini Hatch - Generation 2 (2009-2014)

MINI HATCH (2009-2014)

While the rest of the world got the second generation model in 2007, it hadn't gotten its official launch two years later. Initially, the regular model and the S arrived first with the JCW followed later on. While this one got replaced by an all new model in 2014, the convertible lives on.

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Car Profiles - Audi A3

AUDI A3

The Audi A3, which was only available in 3-door and 5-door hatchback bodies, has now gained a boot, the same way the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is a boot-ed A-Class. The entry level luxury sedan done right, without making any compromises in interior quality. One of the highest rated cars of 2014, the Audi A3 Sedan narrowly edges the Mazda 3 in garnering the 2014 World Car Of The Year Award.

The Good: Everything the car has must be good

The Bad: Except for those who want to be at the rear

Price Range: 
Our Rating: *****

Last Update: February 8, 2015

Car Features - Best Selling Car Nameplates in the Philippines from 1995-2014

2014 was a record year for the industry, which saw some nameplates increase their sales (and in the case of old timers, beating their own records) and some declining.

For this year, new entries had their debut in this list with older cars such as the Kia Besta, Kia Pride, and Isuzu Hilander got knocked out of the list. The Mirage hatchback, who got its break in 2013 saw declining sales the following year causing its fall from this list. And after five years, the Fortuner bested the Montero Sport.

Do take note that vehicle figures for 2014 are from the manufacturer itself (Toyota) and while the Montero Sport's figures are estimates from our sales report.

See the records from 2011 and 2013.

Top 20 most successful nameplates in the Philippines from 1995-2014

Toyota Tamaraw FX - Generation 3 (1993-2002)

TOYOTA TAMARAW FX (1993-2002)

1991 saw the launch of the Tamaraw van but it wasn't until 1993 that the FX body came into fruition. This vehicle became a hit and inspired other manufacturers to bring their own versions. Due to declining sales brought by more modern rivals, it was discontinued in 2002.

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Volvo S40 - Generation 2.1-2 (2004-2013)

VOLVO S40 (2004-2013)

Now sharing its platform with the Ford Focus and Mazda 3, the S40 remains its Volvo roots. Unlike the model it replaced, it can be had with one engine although some T5 models arrived in limited quantities. The wagon version is named the V50.

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Toyota Avanza - Generation 1 (2006-2011)

TOYOTA AVANZA (2006-2011)

Slotting below the Innova in size and price, the Avanza can be had with either 1.3 or 1.5 gasoline engines. A five seater model of the J, aimed towards fleets, was launched in 2008.

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See the latest model of the Avanza

Volvo S40 - Generation 1.1-2 (1997-2004)

VOLVO S40 (1997-2004)

One of the five vehicles Volvo launched in June 1997 locally to complement the 850/960 replacements, the S40 is based on the Mitsubishi Carisma alongside its wagon counterpart, the V40.

See the overview of this S40