Standout six: We choose the six best vehicles of 2022

Just like that, 2022 is coming to a close. And the local motoring scene was pretty eventful this year — what with soaring fuel prices, supply issues caused by the chip shortage, and even odd road rules (which thankfully, have been quashed) that threatened to put a dampen on the industry growth, the people’s need for mobility, or the gearheads’ passion for four-wheelers.

But despite these events, there was no stopping the consumers from getting behind the wheel of cars that fulfilled their hearts or heads’ desire. The latest sales figures are an indication that those issues barely made an impact on that crazy year.

Consumers were awash with options, after all. And we at ZigWheels Philippines believe that among the new cars introduced this year, there were six cars whose notable attributes — such as fuel-efficiency, and even excitement — made them standouts of 2022.

So here are the six standout cars, and reasons why they’re the chosen ones in our book.

2022 Geely Emgrand

The country’s best-seller is a Japanese subcompact sedan, so when other carmakers field their own entry to the segment, the public takes notice. Chinese carmaker giant Geely made headlines when it launched the Emgrand — and priced it reasonably (P750,000 to P998,000) to lure buyers away from the usual suspect.

Across the 2022 Geely Emgrand lineup, you get a normally-aspirated 1.5-liter engine, phone-mirroring functions, six-airbags, and reversing sensors. But the Emgrand’s real USP is its classy styling, solid build quality, and mature road manners — all of which make it less like an entry-level subcompact, but more of a baby executive sedan. If you want the looks and quality of a premium vehicle for less, consider the 2022 Geely Emgrand.

Read and watch our impressions on the elegant 2022 Geely Emgrand here and here.

2022 Honda HR-V

Some say Honda pioneered the small, quasi-SUV segment with the HR-V nameplate, so with the latest iteration (P1.25-million to P1.75-million), the carmaker naturally gave it some novel features to place it on top of the segment it started.

The 2022 Honda HR-V delivers brisk pace, thanks to its punchy, turbo 1.5-liter engine, and assures safe journeys with its Honda Sensing driver aids. While these are commendable, what makes the 2022 Honda HR-V special is how it delivers on the attributes that defined its brand and nameplate — funky styling, quick-flick handling, and expansive space for passengers and cargo. Fast, roomy, and reliable, the HR-V remains one of the top in its class.

Read more about our thoughts on the 2022 Honda HR-V here, or here, or you could watch them over here. Oh, and if you’d want to know how the crossover’s Honda Sensing works, let this be your guide.

2022 Nissan Kicks e-Power

‘E’ is for efficiency. Under the hood of the 2022 Nissan Kicks e-Power (P1.239-million to P1.539-million) is a 1.2-liter gas engine, but this only spins to provide charge to the electric motor that drives the front wheels. Basically, the vehicle is “gas-powered, electric-driven,” as its marketing tagline perfectly describes it.

The purpose of Nissan’s brand of electric-gas propulsion system is, of course, to lower fuel consumption. We can vouch for the system’s effectiveness — we drove the Kicks for 500 kilometers on a tankful, and we still had some fuel to spare. Along with efficiency, the 2022 Nissan Kicks e-Power mixes this with handsome looks, ample cabin space, decent spec, and an overall pleasant driving experience.

If you’re curious or still stumped as to how e-Power works, this should be of help. If you want to know more about the 2022 Nissan Kicks e-Power beyond its power plant, watch our review.

2022 Ford Ranger/Everest

Ford’s latest versions of its pickup/seven-seat twins are about the hottest items in their segments at the moment, and for good reason. The ‘next-gen’ Ford Ranger (P1.198-million to P1.885-million) and Everest (P1.799-million to P2.495-million) are more high-tech and rugged than ever.

Behind the 2022 Ford Ranger/Everest’s imposing C-shaped lights are a choice of powerful two-liter turbo oil-burners, underneath the trucks are new 10-speed automatic transmissions and off-road technologies, while inside, infotainment screens that are 10 to 12 inches in size allow control of their new convenience toys.

Know what makes the 2022 Ford Ranger/Everest truly next-generation in this article and this one, too. You can also watch these trucks in action in our video reviews, which are available here and here.

2022 Hyundai Stargazer

In its resurgence in the local market, perhaps Hyundai doesn’t need that stars align for it to receive fortunes its way.

Alright, so it’s a bit too early to say whether the 2022 Hyundai Stargazer could be a best-seller, but it does have the makings of being the brightest in the compact MPV market, by virtue of its fresh and daring space-age looks, comfortable and practical cabin, and impeccable driving and riding qualities. What a comeback Hyundai is making with the 2022 Hyundai Stargazer (P1.038-million to P1.258-million).

Read about our first impressions on the 2022 Hyundai Stargazer here. Click on this video if you want to watch, well, our stargazing experience.

2022 Toyota GR86

Let’s end our list with something that stirs the soul, shall we? But first, a short history lesson: For well over a decade, the Toyota 86 nameplate has always been a true driver’s machine, with its naturally-aspirated flat-four engine, rear-wheel drive, and an agile chassis.

In its 2022 Toyota GR86 (P2.328-million to P2.499-million) form, this sports coupe produces more power (237hp) from its NA 2.4-liter Boxer, which is mated to a six-speed stick or auto. Rear rollers are still the driven wheels, and suspension tweaks make the handling sharper than ever before. Match these to tactile feeling controls, and the 2022 Toyota GR86 retains the involving driving experience that made it into an automotive hero. 

Read our thoughts about Toyota’s slinky sports car here.

Can the year 2023 be able to top this selection of smart and sexy cars?

Photos from Ford Philippines, Dylan Afuang, Kent Flores, and Roy Robles