Of all the sedan sizes in the market, it's the subcompact ones that see the most successful sales.
Such sedans are viewed by consumers as more practical than their hatchback counterparts. These cars offer an enclosed cargo area, and are slightly bigger than hatches, but still small enough to drive easily every day.
Compact and midsize sedans, despite having larger cargo holds and more cabin space, seem to be overlooked in favor of similarly-priced crossovers or larger SUVs.
It's a competitive subcompact sedan segment which the Volkswagen Santana has driven into. Available here since 2018, the Santana targeted first-time car buyers with its price range (P686,000 to P962,000) and optional Blaupunkt infotainment.
To match rivals, the Santana is powered by a pair of 1.4-liter (90hp and 132Nm) and a 1.5-liter (108hp and 150Nm) engines, and a choice between a five-speed manual or automatic, depending on the variant.
What are the Santana's rivals?
One of the country's best-selling cars isn't the most adventurous choice, but with bulletproof dependability, it's easy to see the Vios' popularity.
The Vios aims to provide safe journeys. Select trims of the Vios have three or seven airbags, which go with anti-lock braking with electronic brake distribution brake assist, vehicle stability control, and hill-start assist control.
The Vios GR-S trim ups the street cred. It wears a GR (Gazoo Racing) emblem, a more aggressive front bumper and grille design, and an aero kit which includes a spoiler. Its black wheels add to the sporty look.
The City could be the techie's choice with an eight-inch touchscreen audio system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and WebLink in its upper variants such as the RS trim. The RS trim (P1.058 million) also wears LED lights and 16-inch alloy wheels
For safety, emergency stop signal (ESS) comes standard for all City models, as well as child safety locks and Isofix child seat anchors.
For the price of the Santana, the Accent 1.6 CRDi GL MT (P910,000) can be had, which regarded as the only diesel subcompact in the market.
The Accent's CRDi VGT engine is a Euro 4-compliant one with a 1.6-liter displacement. It generates 126hp and 260Nm of pull, and is mated to a six-speed manual. The diesel-automatic variety is the priciest in the range.
All Accent cars feature a 3.8-inch LCD display with AUX and USB capabilities, as well as a portable ashtray. Some Accent trims under the diesel one also make do without airbags, which could remind some people of '90s cars.
This Suzuki is an underrated model, but its specs could be worthy of attention.
The two variants of the Ciaz are moved by a K14B 1.4-liter gas engine that nets 92hp and 130Nm of torque. The entry-level car gets a five-speed manual transmission, while the top-spec is differentiated by a four-speed auto.
Inside, a touchscreen audio system with navigation, Bluetooth, USB, and radio provides infotainment.
The Volkswagen China's Santana is also up against the Chinese-owned British brand MG's 5.
At 4,601 millimeters long, 1,818mm wide, and 1,489mm tall, the 5 is plugged to be the largest in the subcompact class.
Aside from class-leading size, the 5 wants to offer best-in-class features with its 10.1-inch touchscreen color display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, steering-wheel buttons, and six high-fidelity speakers.
Photos from Volkswagen, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Suzuki, MG
Also read:
The Volkswagen Santana variants explained
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