Haima M3

The M3 is said to hold up to five passengers. It also offers ample head and legroom space. The seats, however, have no solid bolstering or support. On top of that, it is not equipped with height adjustment, but they do offer rails and a recliner. This model does not offer any remote key for the entrance; thus, you will need to key in every time to get in.

Seeing the dashboard of the M3, it follows the brand’s blueprint. The quality of the interior matches the price range of this car. The internal structure of this vehicle is surrounded by plastic trimmings. It has a trunk capacity and max cargo of 450-litre. Although the numbers say 450-litre of the rear boot, it is not that capacious due to the two box-like columns accompanied with a concave arch which causes the trunk to have a narrow opening to the farther corners.

The design of this vehicle looks good but not remarkably eye-catching. While there is not much to see, you will be surprised that this model offers a set of projector halogens. Now, what is so special is that majority of automobiles at this value do not offer those kinds of headlights but instead are equipped with halogen reflectors alone. The M3 does not have LED DRLs. Submerged into the rear taillight housing of this model are two fog lamps. Both of the variants measure 4,553mm in length, 1,737 mm in width, and 1,495mm in height. The wheelbase, on the other hand, of this vehicle is 2,600mm. 

This subcompact sedan is equipped with basic infotainment. It only provides AM and FM radio features along with a USB port. Though, if you fancy music while driving around you might be disappointed, the M3 does not have an auxiliary port. It does not even provide adequate power to charge an up-to-date smartphone nor can it connect audio from your cellular phone to the port. If you are in a desperate need to route your playlist, you can opt to save it in a USB flash drive or CD and from there, connect it to the designated port. One of the things you would enjoy is listening to your playlist via the four-speaker audio system which is a likable functionality of the M3.

Another option is of course getting an upgrade because then again, money can buy everything. 

The M3 has two variants: the manual 1.5-litre Standard MT and the CVT 1.5-litre Elite. It is powered by a 1.5-litre DOHC-inline 4 engine that produces 112 hp and 147 Nm of torque. This sedan is also hooked up with a 6-speed continuously variable transmission. It also saves up on fuel by having 5.9-litre/100 km as claimed by Haima.

When we talk about safety, the M3 offers an adequate amount. It offers the basics such as seat belts that come with a reminder for the ones who will drive, and it also has ISOFIX tethers. Although the price says otherwise, this subcompact sedan has a striking C-NCAP 2012 4-star rating. You might think it is unremarkable but considering the low-price tag of the M3, it is relatively exceptional. It has both driver’s and front passenger’s airbag, an electronic brake distribution (EBD), anti-lock brake system (ABS), an immobilizer, and electronic door locks.

If you are open-minded about what this sedan can offer given the PHP 579,000 – PHP 699,000 price range, then the lack of features on this automobile will be acceptable. The outdated infotainment system and uncomfortable seats to name a few can always be upgraded as long as you have the means to. Despite its shortcomings, the M3 is exceptional for its dependable service.