Mobility made affordable: Value-rich vehicles under P600K

Remember the selection of sub-P700K vehicles we lined up before? As we've seen, those cars hold the promise of transporting you from point A to point B in pocket-sized dimensions and modern amenities. 

Cars that retail below P600,000, on the other hand, carry almost the same attributes, too, at an even lower price of entry. Now frankly, cars in that price range — which we're going to show you below — are a rarity these days, so we have to hand it to the carmakers that are catering to those with the shortest of shoestrings. 

Keep in mind, though, that while carmakers have added as many features as possible to these sub-P600K cars, they have to do away with some of the niceties to keep the prices as low as possible. Expect to see steel wheels, manual windows, and stick-shifters — alongside various attractions — in these selection of vehicles. 

Kia Picanto 1.0 LX MT (P590,000)

Who says affordable cars can't look classy? Kia's baby hatchback is immediately recognizable with its clean, European-inspired styling. 

The Picanto's clean look continues inside, too, which features a radio with Aux, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity linked to four speakers. In terms of safety, the Picanto is fitted with a single airbag for the driver and child locks on the rear doors. 

The entry-level Picanto is motivated by a one-liter, three-cylinder engine that produces 67hp and 95Nm of torque. A five-speed manual is paired to the motor. 

Suzuki Dzire GA MT (P559,000) 

Suzuki isn't short on affordable mobility, what with its capable Carry truck, sassy S-Presso, and dependable Dzire (which also comes with a taxi version). 

The highlight of the Dzire is found on its rear end — a secure sedan truck offering 378 liters of cargo space. Behind the trunk is a cabin equipped with a 1-DIN AM/FM audio system with USB connectivity, manual aircon with pollen filter, and two rear Isofix child seat mounts. 

At the front end of the Dzire resides a 1.2-liter engine with hp and torque figures of 82 and 112Nm, respectively. Paired with a five-speed manual, the Dzire's engine can net 26.51kpl, according to the Automotive Association of the Philippines (AAP). 

Changan Alsvin 1.4L MT (P579,000) 

The Chinese Changan brand aims to stand out from the Korean and Japanese makes with stylish and value-rich offerings, such as the Alsvin. 

Just how does the Alsvin centers on value, you ask? Well, even in its entry-level variant, the Alsvin is equipped with a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment, steering wheel controls, and reversing camera. A tire-pressure monitor is also part of the safety equipment. 

Behind the Alsvin's curvy grille resides a 1.4-liter engine that makes 100hp and 135Nm of torque. As expected, a five-speed manual is fitted to this subcompact sedan. 

With everything considered, these cars show that shelling out below P600,000 will get you a good set of wheels.  

Photos from Kia Philippines, Suzuki Philippines Inc., Changan Motor Philippines Inc.