In a country where traffic is a way of life, more and more people are turning their focus away from SUVs, crossovers and sedans and turning to small cars. Economical, efficient, and often cost-effective, the humble little city car is fast becoming the king of city streets. Despite their diminutive size, many small cars come packed with features and flexibility that whatever your transportation needs may be, there’s likely a compact car that will meet them. Check out Carmudi’s list of the best small cars in the Philippine automotive market today.
© ToyotaThink of the Toyota Wigo as the default setting of small cars. Indeed, the 2014-2015 Best Micro Car of the Year award winner practically meets the needs for space, power, and features of most car owners. The once bland design is now a lot more pleasing thanks to a 2017 facelift, and combined with Toyota’s reputation for reliability (and affordable replacement parts), the Wigo is an easy choice if you're looking for a compact car that provides the best bang for the buck.
| Price Range | PhP 542,000 – 616,000 |
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| Wheelbase (mm) | 2450 |
| Overall LxWxH (mm) | 3660 x 1600 x 1520 |
Learn more about the Toyota Wigo by clicking here.
© HyundaiThe Eon is one hot little hatch, and the use of Hyundai's signature Fluidic Styling is very much evident. Its standout looks are evenly matched by its vibrant and easy handling. Steering is a tad imprecise though, and the acceleration offered by the 0.8-liter engine is much more suited to beginner drivers. That said, if you’re looking for a sleek-looking first car, then the Eon won’t disappoint.
| Price Range | Php 508,000 - 576,000 |
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| Wheelbase (mm) | 2380 |
| Overall LxWxH (mm) | 3495 x 1550 x 1500 |
Learn more about the Hyundai Eon by clicking here.
© SuzukiThe design of the outgoing model has been called a Mini Cooper imitator, but with its latest version, the Swift seems to be coming around on its own. If you want a car with sporty looks and performance but isn’t really muscular, then the Suzuki Swift is definitely your cup of tea. Albeit slower and less powerful than the previous model (82 hp from 94 and 113 Nm from 130), the 1.2-liter engine manages to be nimbler thanks to a newly introduced continuously variable transmission (CVT).
| Price Range | Php 755,000 – 899,000 |
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| Wheelbase (mm) | 2450 |
| Overall LxWxH (mm) | 3840 x 1735 x 1495 |
Learn more about the Suzuki Swift by clicking here.
© MitsubishiHandsome on the outside, the Mirage gets even better once you step into the cabin and take it out for a spin. The base 1.2L In-Line 3 DOHC 12-valve gasoline engine with MIVEC does provide sluggish acceleration, but the impressive economy more than up for this not-so-bothersome drawback. Plus, the sparse-but-classy interior, topnotch safety features, and updated tech ensures that the Mirage will always have an audience who’ll give it a second look.
| Price Range | Php 630,000 – 763,000 |
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| Wheelbase (mm) | 2450 |
| Overall LxWxH (mm) | 3795 x 1665 x 1500 |
Learn more about the Mitsubishi Mirage by clicking here.
© HondaAs one of the pricier small cars available in the country today, it sure doesn't sound proper to call the Honda Jazz an entry-level car. That said, this city car does have a lot of nifty gadgetry you won't likely see in its economy-focused brethren, such as the Eco Coaching Ambient Meter that informs you how to drive, ECON Mode button for better fuel economy, and side curtain airbags. And with its 2530 mm wheelbase, the Honda Jazz is hands-down the most spacious small car your can get—at least, as far as this list is concerned.
| Price Range | Php 857,000 – 1,078,000 |
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| Wheelbase (mm) | 2530 |
| Overall LxWxH (mm) | 3989-4035 x 1694 x 1524 |
Learn more about the Honda Jazz by clicking here.
© ChevroletThe liveliness of the Chevrolet Spark is enhanced by its quirky color offerings (Mint My Mind, Son Of A Gun Gray Metallic, Pull Me Over Red, and Brimstone, among others). Combine the Spark's vibrant energy with its nimble suspension and a price that won’t break the bank, and you've got a trifecta in your hands. Comfy seats at the front and rear make the Spark a good long-distance family traveler, albeit the latter can feel cramped for regular adults.
| Price Range | Php 694,888 – 859,888 |
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| Wheelbase (mm) | 2385 mm |
| Overall LxWxH (mm) | 3635 mm x 1595 mm x 1483 mm |
Learn more about the Chevrolet Spark by clicking here.
© HondaThe Brio is unquestionably the designated entry-level car in Honda's current line-up, yet true to its Honda heritage, a premium feel still permeates despite its starter car-status. Roominess is a weakpoint though, as the Brio is the car with the shortest wheelbase on this list. An SOHC i-VTEC 16-valve engine powers this micro car to a noteworthy 99 hp and 127 Nm torque performance.
| Price Range | Php 642,000 – P801,000 |
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| Wheelbase (mm) | 2345 |
| Overall LxWxH (mm) | 3610 x 1680 x 1,485 |
Learn more about the Honda Brio by clicking here.
© MINIHeavily imitated but never equaled, the shape of the Mini Cooper is one of the most distinctive on the road. The British car maker’s flagship model is renowned for being enjoyable to drive as it is pretty to look at, but of course, given the price tag, these are things that you would naturally expect. Newly updated for 2018, there's really nothing to regret about the Mini Cooper save for the fact that only those with spending power can afford it.
| Price Range | Php 2,550,000 |
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| Wheelbase (mm) | 2495 |
| Overall LxWxH (mm) | 3821 x 1727 x 1414 |
© KiaThe Kia Picanto is certainly one sporty and elegant little car. Well-equipped and well-refined, this little South Korean beauty has been streamlined to make for one concise, less-confusing, and greatly improved small car offering. It's bigger and better than before, and every change from the previous version only serves to impress.
| Price Range | Php 635,000 – 798,000 |
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| Wheelbase (mm) | 2400 |
| Overall LxWxH (mm) | 3595 x 1595 x 1495 |
Learn more about the Kia Picanto by clicking here.
© SuzukiThough Suzuki can’t compete with other big Japanese carmakers such as Toyota and Honda, the Suzuki Celerio is hardly a downmarket consolation prize. Despite its low profile and basic features, the Celerio can easily give models in its price range a run for their money. A stylish and aerodynamic silhouette is matched by the topnotch spaciousness of the cabin, which provides more than enough headroom, elbowroom, and legroom for all five passengers. The 1.0-liter 3-cylinder K10B engine powers the vehicle up with a respectable 67 hp and 90 Nm of torque.
| Price Range | Php 558,000 - 598,000 |
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| Wheelbase (mm) | 2425 |
| Overall LxWxH (mm) | 3600 x 1600 x 1540 |
Learn more about the Suzuki Celerio by clicking here.
Updated on September 3, 2020 by Gail Alcabaza
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