The compact Volkswagen Lavida is in a crowded segment, but it elbows its way into it with that famous German badge and decent spec.
Under the Lavida's hood resides a 1.4-liter turbo engine, with 128hp and 225Nm of torque, mated to a seven-speed DSG transmission.
Inside, the seats are wrapped in cowhide, passengers are kept cool with an auto climate system, and doors lock when the car starts to move. Kids are also safely strapped in their child seats, which are installed on the Isofix anchors.
Volkswagen will also throw in the Volkswagen Service Advantage with the Lavida. The package includes a one-year or 10,000km PMS, three years or 100,000km warranty, and a one-year 24/7 emergency roadside assistance for free.
At P1.171 million for the Lavida's sole variant, the 230 TSI DSG SE, will those aforementioned spec be enough to threaten the competition?
The 10th-generation Civic is said to one of the sportiest Civics, with improved handling and steering. The addition of adaptive dampers, beefier brakes, and an overall stiffer setup contribute to this Honda's sporty character.
Though sadly not priced like the Lavida, there's a turbocharged 171hp 1.5 liter in the RS Trim. What is priced like the VW is the entry-level Civic powered by a 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine.
This engine produces a maximum power of 139hp and 174Nm of torque. Power from both engines is transmitted through a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) developed based on Honda's Earth Dreams Technology.
For generations, the Corolla Altis always called its rock-solid reliability as its highlight feature. While it's not always a tech expo, it didn't matter to people who only wanted to transport five with decent space and fuel economy.
The Corolla Altis Hybrid may deliver more than decent fuel consumption figures, but the 1.6 will won't be a gas guzzler either. The engine puts out 123hp and 156Nm of torque through, depending on the variant, a six-speed manual, or a seven-speed simulated CVT in this Lavida alternative.
The Lavida's Chinese rival is the MG 6 in its top-of-the-line trim, which does cost more than the VW in exchange for more kit.
The 6's highlight features include a seven-inch virtual instrument cluster, and infotainment courtesy of an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay. A sunroof brings in light to the cabin.
Just like the Lavida, the Forte wears European-inspired styling but with a sportier twist with more aggressive air dams and that Tiger Nose grille.
The Forte 1.6 EX AT is powered by a 1.6-liter gasoline engine that outputs 126hp and 155Nm of torque, which is mated to a six-speed automatic.
With its cargo-carrying capabilities and tech, the T-Cross may get buyers to cross over from the conservative sedan.
Bearing the claimed longest wheelbase in the subcompact SUV class with 2,651 millimeters, it can seat five occupants while offering 329 liters of luggage space at the back. When seats are folded, the space expands to 1,319 liters.
Along with an eight-inch infotainment, the T-Cross adds USB ports in the front and rear, and safety features such as rear park distance control, tire pressure monitor, and electronic stability program.
Photos from Volkswagen, Honda, Toyota, Kia, MG
Also read:
Volkswagen Lavida: Variants explained
Volkswagen brings global model to PH anew with T-Cross
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