With an overwhelming number of choices out there, buying your first car can be intimidating. What makes it so is that you still have no idea what’s best for you since it’s your first time getting a vehicle.
A simple rule is that the best cars for new drivers aren’t always the most stylish or most advanced. Taking that into account, your first car should be affordable and practical. We’ve handpicked some of the best cars for beginners in the Philippines. Read on to learn more.
10 Best Cars for Beginners in the Philippines
The list below is a mix of hatchbacks and sedans that suit a diverse range of first-time drivers. Note that the specs are based on entry-level variants.
🚗 Toyota Wigo
- Price: ₱609,000 to ₱729,000
- Toyota Wigo specs:
- Seating capacity: Five
- Transmission type: Manual or CVT
- Engine: Three-cylinder, 12-valve, 998 cc (1.0L)
- Performance: 65 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 89 Nm @ 4,400 rpm
- Fuel type: Gasoline
The best cars for beginners in the Philippines are compact and lightweight. In this regard, the Toyota Wigo is definitely a frontrunner. It's perfect for city dwellers who want a no-fuss car that will take them from point A to B.
The new Wigo sports an updated grille and bumper design, befitting stylish would-be car owners. Toyota also claims that their latest iteration of the beloved hatchback comes with bigger dimensions and improved seat adjustment.
The Wigo just got smarter thanks to its upgrades, such as keyless entry and an eight-inch audio display.
🚗 Suzuki Dzire
- Price: ₱609,000 to ₱758,000
- Suzuki Dzire specs:
- Seating capacity: Five
- Transmission type: Manual or automatic
- Engine: Four-cylinder, 16-valve, 1,197 cc (1.2L)
- Performance: 82 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 113 Nm @ 4,200 rpm
- Fuel type: Gasoline
There’s a lot to be desired in Dzire, Suzuki’s entry to the subcompact sedan category. While one of the most affordable cars for beginners in the Philippines, it doesn’t skimp on aesthetics and utilitarian features.
For its exterior, the Dzire comes with clean lines and chrome accents. Driving is a joy with the car’s Auto Gear Shift (AGS), an automated manual transmission with a mechanism that automatically operates the shift and the clutch.[1]
When it comes to safety, the Dzire has dual front airbags and Electronic Stability Program (ESP). This system detects wheel slippage in certain circumstances.
🚗 Toyota Vios
- Price: ₱732,000 to ₱1,039,000
- Toyota Vios specs:
- Seating capacity: Five
- Transmission type: Manual or CVT
- Engine: Four-cylinder, 16-valve, 1,329 cc (1.3L)
- Performance: 98 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 123 Nm @ 4,200 rpm
- Fuel type: Gasoline
One of the country’s best-selling sedans is also one of the best cars for beginners in the Philippines. Meet the Vios.
With its classic design and reliability, the Vios has retained its mythical status. The latest variant now comes with a more elegant look and advanced creature comforts. For the latter, the car is outfitted with a 6.75-inch display audio. The cabin is also spacious, making it ideal for new drivers with a family.
New drivers can rely on the Vios’ safety features when navigating unfamiliar roads. The car, good for new drivers, is equipped with airbags, vehicle stability control, and an anti-lock braking system.
🚗 Honda Brio
- Price: ₱735,000 to ₱863,000
- Honda Brio specs:
- Seating capacity: Five
- Transmission type: Manual or CVT
- Engine: Four-cylinder, 16-valve, 1,199 cc (1.2L)
- Performance: 89 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 110 Nm @ 4,800 rpm
- Fuel type: Gasoline
Small but powerful—these words perfectly describe the Brio. This is one of the best cars for first-time drivers who want a leveled-up hatchback.
Compared to other hatchbacks, the Brio has a sportier look, complemented with practicality. Case in point: its engine is fuel-efficient, allowing you to drive up to 19.6 kilometers per liter. So whether you’re a new driver or an experienced card owner, this means big savings on your end.
Safety is a serious business for Honda. This is embodied by the Brio’s range of features, such as the three-point ELR seat belts, anti-lock braking system, rear parking sensors, and more.
🚗 Mitsubishi Mirage G4
- Price: ₱769,000 to ₱929,000
- Mitsubishi Mirage G4 specs:
- Seating capacity: Five
- Transmission type: Manual or CVT
- Engine: Three-cylinder, 12-valve, 1,193 cc (1.2L)
- Performance: 76 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 100 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
- Fuel type: Gasoline
Affordability plus style plus utility—if this is your equation as a new car owner, the Mirage G4 makes a good bet.
With its dynamic shield front and alloy wheels, the sportiness of the Mirage G4 is unmistakable. The interior, meanwhile, is loaded with practical features. These include cupholders in the front and rear areas, six-way adjustable seats, and automatic climate control, among others.
New car owners tend to make safety-related mistakes. The Mirage G4 reduces certain risks with its safety features, such as an anti-lock braking system; electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), which shortens braking distance; and pretensioners, which automatically tighten your seatbelt during collision.
🚗 Kia Soluto
- Price: ₱780,000 to ₱865,000
- Kia Soluto specs:
- Seating capacity: Five
- Transmission type: Manual or Automatic
- Engine: Four-cylinder, 16-valve, 1,368 cc (1.4L)
- Performance: 94 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 132 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
- Fuel type: Gasoline
The Kia Soluto is one of the most reliable automatic cars for beginners. This is a great alternative to other mainstream players, such as the Vios and the City from Honda.
The Soluto takes exterior aesthetics up a notch. For one, the outside mirrors are electric-adjustable with LED side repeaters. The outside door handles are made of chrome. And when it comes to light, the Soluto has projection fog lamps and rear combination lights.
Another wow factor is its generous interior space, allowing new car owners to accommodate up to four people. For its creature comforts, the car comes with a rotary temperature control, auto remote control, and a 2.8-inch LCD cluster.
Driving is made easy with the Soluto’s safety features. These include a rear-view monitor with parking guidance, immobilizer, and anti-lock brake system, just to name a few.
🚗 Nissan Almera
- Price: ₱839,000 to ₱1,149,000
- Nissan Almera specs:
- Seating capacity: Five
- Transmission type: Manual or CVT
- Engine: Three-cylinder, 12-valve, 999 cc (1.0L)
- Performance: 99 hp @ 5,000 rpm and 160 Nm @ 2,400 rpm
- Fuel type: Gasoline
If you’re a new car owner who loves intelligent features, the Nissan Almera makes a good candidate. One of its best features is its Nissan Connect capability, which allows you to control certain car features with just a tap on your smartphone. These features include remote engine start/stop, zone alert, speed alert, and curfew alert.
The new Almera also stuns with a futuristic look. This is coupled with a 1.0-liter turbocharged engine that makes for a smooth drive without consuming a large amount of fuel.
For its interior, the Almera is outfitted with an upscale finish and creature comforts. These include the leather-covered steering wheel, split folding rear seats with an armrest and cup holder, wireless charging port, and single-zone automatic air conditioning.
🚗 Honda City
- Price: ₱973,000 to ₱1,128,000
- Honda City specs:
- Seating capacity: Five
- Transmission type: CVT
- Engine: Four-cylinder, 16-valve, 1,498 cc (1.5L)
- Performance: 119 hp @ 6,600 rpm and 145 Nm @ 4,300 rpm
- Fuel type: Gasoline
The Honda City is one of the best cars for beginners in the Philippines, thanks to its elegant looks and dependable technical mechanisms.
For its exterior, the City subtly resembles the Civic and the Accord, Honda’s more premium sedans. The City is perfect for city driving, but it can take on tougher roads with its performance. Its engine can churn out a maximum power of 119 hp and a maximum torque of 145 Nm.
Despite its upscale look and powerful performance, the City is very economical. Every liter of fuel can cover up to 22.2 kilometers.
The City is equipped with SENSING, Honda’s proprietary safety suite. This includes adaptive cruise control, Lane Keeping Assist System, Auto High-Beam, and Road Departure Mitigation. All these and more can assist new car owners when it comes to safe driving.
🚗 Suzuki Swift
- Price: ₱989,000
- Suzuki Swift specs:
- Seating capacity: Five
- Transmission type: CVT
- Engine: Four-cylinder, 16-valve, 1,197 cc (1.2L)
- Performance: 82 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 113 Nm @ 4,200 rpm
- Fuel type: Gasoline
The Suzuki Swift is one of the best cars for first-time drivers who put a premium on looks, practicality, and performance.
The chrome-accented grille and polished alloys make the Swift a head-turner on the road. Step inside and you’ll be treated to a stylish and generous interior. Features include a console box tray, front cup holder, glove box, rear cup holder, manual air conditioner, and meter cluster.
When it comes to driving, new car owners can count on the Swift’s responsive acceleration and smooth cornering. The Swift is built on the HEARTECT platform, a frame that increases body stiffness while delivering vehicle performance and improving collision safety.
🚗 Mazda2
- Price: ₱1,250,000
- Mazda2 specs:
- Seating capacity: Five
- Transmission type: Automatic
- Engine: Four-cylinder, 16-valve, 1,496 cc (1.5L)
- Performance: 108 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 141 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
- Fuel type: Gasoline
If you have some money to spare, you can never go wrong with the Mazda2, one of the best automatic cars for beginners.
The Mazda2 sports a recognizable luxurious look. The youthful and fun aspect of the car is visible in its hatchback outline. Moreover, the 16-inch diamond-cut aluminum alloy wheels contribute to its premium appeal.
The Mazda2’s interior screams refinement. The cabin is outfitted with black leather and suede seats. You can drive or sit in peace, as the car comes with improved sealing that blocks outside noise.
The Mazda2 features a SKYACTIV-G engine, which makes for fuel efficiency. At the same time, this setup allows fun and light driving.[3]
Price List: Best Cars for Beginners in the Philippines
What’s the cheapest car for new drivers? Compare your options easily with this price list of the best cars for first-time drivers:
Read more: Cheapest Cars in the Philippines: Find the Right Car for Your Budget
What to Consider When Buying Your First Car
If you’re looking for guidelines on buying your first car, consider the following:
👉 Price
Your first car doesn’t have to be expensive. You can always find a car with a relatively affordable price tag that already comes with advanced features.
Buy a car with a monthly amortization that won’t eat half of your income and will allow you to live comfortably. If brand-new units are too pricey for you, consider used cars.
Read more: Is It Better to Buy a Brand-New or Second-Hand Car in 2023?
👉 Future Expenses
Your car expenses don’t end with your down payment and monthly amortization. You need to consider costs you may incur in the future, such as fuel, repairs, and registration.
Read more: Car Models with Low Downpayment in the Philippines
👉 Insurance Cost
Every new car owner should get insurance to protect themselves and their passengers. However, remember that expensive cars also come with expensive insurance.
If you want to reduce your premium, shop for an affordable and entry-level unit. Smaller cars are cheaper to insure, too.
👉 Lifestyle
Your first car greatly depends on your lifestyle. If you live in the city, a hatchback can help you navigate traffic and pass through small alleys. Weekend warriors who love going on road trips may find sedans appealing.
👉 Safety
New car owners are prone to mistakes. A car loaded with safety and security features will help reduce risks and give you confidence when driving.
Final Thoughts
Shopping for your first car shouldn’t be a challenge, especially if you know your needs and lifestyle. When checking out units, remember that the best cars for beginners in the Philippines need not be expensive and flashy. Go for something that gets the job done while ensuring your safety.
First-time car owners like you should prioritize car insurance. This will give you and your passengers peace of mind as you navigate the roads full of uncertainties. Compare your options and apply via Moneymax:
-3.png?width=106&height=25&name=download%20(1)-3.png){kind=small}
Sources:
Back to Blog 
