Cars that are breaking the limits of performance

If there is to be one defining characteristic of the 21^st century so far, it is speed. New technologies have given birth to new lifestyles and a society that encourages efficiency, performance, and capability.

On the road, most notably, this mind-set has taken shape in the innovative new designs made by the world’s top manufacturers. Vehicles today not only push the limits of form and function, but they also bear the hallmarks of unequaled performance that is standard in modern society.

Below is a list of the country’s top-performing vehicles that embody that standard.

Honda Civic Type R

Honda Cars Philippines recently introduced the fifth generation of the high-performance variant of its popular Civic hatchback to the market, the Civic Type R. Touted as the ‘pinnacle of performance’, the new variant carries Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology 2.0 liter VTEC Turbo engine, which produces 310 PS of power with peak torque of 400 N-m. Coupled with a smooth and precise 6-Speed Manual Transmission with Rev-Match Control System, this robust powertrain ensures an involving driving experience.

The Civic Type R is performance to a level on its own. Taking root from a solid foundation spanning six generations in the pursuit of the spirit of racing, the model has set the benchmark in the Nurburgring Nordschleife ‘Shrine of Speed’ with a record time of 7:43:80, making it the fastest production front-wheel drive car of its era.

Ford Ranger

Built to perform, Ford’s Ranger offers cutting-edge 10-speed automatic transmission and refined 2.0L Bi-Turbo diesel engine deliver all the power and torque you need for the biggest jobs, without compromising efficiency. The “Built Ford Tough” Ranger lineup in the Philippines has grown to 11 variants, including the recent addition of the Ranger XLS Sport which features striking design enhancements for the XLS variant that further strengthen its rugged, visual appeal.

The newest editions also come with Ford’s SYNC 3 in-car connectivity system with voice command and an 8-inch touchscreen LCD. To complement comfort with safety, driver-assistive features are also installed, such as Lane Keeping Alert and Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keeping Aid, Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Warning and Forward Alert, front/rear Parking Assist, Electronic Stability Program, Hill Climb Assist, Hill Descent Control, Adaptive Load Control, and Emergency Brake Assistance.

Mazda3

Mazda is known for efficiency, with its car maker’s proprietary SKYACTIV Technology, the blanket term for all of the company’s innovations under the long-term vision for technology development, and includes highly efficient engines, transmissions, and crash safety measures.

The new Mazda3 sedan brings all of the company’s innovations in a sleek, classy package. Between the utilized KODO — Soul of Motion design philosophy to define the Mazda 3’s aggressive features and the front and rear bumper designs, as well as the SKYACTIV technology for the car maker’s signature performance, the car does not want for performance.

The Elite range of the 4-door Sedan and 5-door Sportback variants of the Mazda3 will come with the highly fuel-efficient 1.5-liter Skyactiv-G engine while the Premium models will feature the more powerful 2.0-liter engine along with additional safety and comfort features. Both engines are mated to highly efficient Skyactiv-Drive 6-speed automatic transmissions. The all-new Mazda3 pioneers the new era of Mazda Premium by elevating the brand’s renowned driving experience with even higher levels of design, craftsmanship, engineering, and safety.

Suzuki Ertiga

Combining practicability, reliability, and performance, Suzuki’s all-new Ertiga aims to please. Boasting an all-new exterior design featuring a taller and wider nose, a dynamic shoulder line, deeper curves, an aerodynamic body and refined chrome accents, the Ertiga’s exterior exudes elegance with a strong personality that clearly differentiates it from other MPVs. Not only that, the new model also comes with an elegant black interior upping the definition of style and luxury.

Refined aesthetics are fit with a smooth and powerful 1.5 petrol engine that combines response with efficiency, producing 103 hp and 138 Nm of torque. The new Ertiga’s performance is smooth with minimal noise and vibration for a pleasingly quiet ride. The heart of the Ertiga, meanwhile, is passenger safety. Its new smoothly curving frame is more integrated and rigid for enhanced driving performance and reduced noise and vibration. It also raises fuel efficiency by lowering weight, and disperses energy more efficiently for greater passenger protection.

Toyota Vios

The Toyota Vios holds the title as the most popular vehicle in the country, and is one of Toyota’s successful creations, for good reason. Despite being in the market for more than a decade, the subcompact sedan has proven its caliber to countless of its drivers. The model maintains its relevance because of Toyota’s unique 1.3 and 1.5 Dual VVTi engines that provide speed, responsiveness, reliability and fuel economy unlike any other. The Vios also comes with either a five-speed manual or continuously variable transmission, alongside standard safety features like stability control, brake assist, and air bags.

New variants also expand and explore the capabilities of the Vios’ economical and performance-based design. The interiors provide a pleasurable, laid out dash and center console, with softer plastic panels and adequate storage spaces for comfort. Of course, safety is given priority, with Vios boasting of steadier and firmer steering alongside a suspension that smoothens out bumps and uneven surfaces on the road. The Vios also features electronic stability control, hill start assist and ISOFIX child seat anchors as standard. The effect is a comfortable, powerful driving experience. — Bjorn Biel M. Beltran