Everyone wants the best of everything, especially having a brand-new car. Unfortunately, not all Filipinos can afford high-end vehicles. But, thanks to car manufacturers who want to cater to all customers from all walks of life, they released many options that are both functional and affordable.
The recent spate of price increases in the country affects everyone and everything, including car prices. In fact, the TRAIN law boosted automobile excise tax from just 2% to 4% for cars priced at PHP 600,000 and below. For vehicles priced from PHP 700,000 to PHP 1,100,000, the tax increased from 2% to a staggering 10%. So, many customers are now looking for ways to save and many opt for buying affordable cars.
Today, compact cars like hatchbacks are in demand. They’re not only affordable, but also, they are fuel-efficient, functional, and overall offer value for money. Cheap is good but being smart about your purchase is even better. If you’re looking for the best value cars today, you’ve come to the right place.
You might be surprised by the many options for the cheapest brand new cars in the Philippines. We’ve listed these options below and provided a basic overview of each model.
Car Model | Price | Average Maintenance Cost (annual) – Change oil, tires, and car wash |
Suzuki Alto | PHP 445,000 | PHP 40,000 |
Chery QQ3 | PHP 499,000 | PHP 40,000 |
Haima 1 | PHP 499,000 | PHP 40,000 |
Hyundai Eon | PHP 508,000 – 526,000 | PHP 40,000 |
Toyota Wigo | PHP 547,000 – 686,000 | PHP 40,000 |
Honda Brio | PHP 585,000 – 732,000 | PHP 40,000 |
Kia Picanto | PHP 590,000 – 745,000 | PHP 40,000 |
Nissan Almera | Php 657,000 – 933,000 | PHP 40,000 |
Mitsubishi Mirage | PHP 659,000 – 720,000 | PHP 40,000 |
Chevrolet Spark | PHP 694,888 – 859,888 | PHP40,000 |
1. Suzuki Alto
The cheapest of them all, Suzuki Alto is only priced at PHP 445,000. Who would have thought you can buy a brand new car at this price? The Alto 800 from Suzuki undercuts the competition for as much as PHP50,000. It also represents immense value for money and excellent fuel efficiency so you can save it in the long term. Powered by a 0.8L SOHC 3-cylinder 12-valve gasoline engine and five-speed manual transmission, this car is ideal for city driving and basic transportation. You enjoy about 34 km/l average mileage, which is one of the most efficient in the industry.
2. Chery QQ3
Chery is a Chinese manufacturer that produces some very affordable cars. The company has other vehicles that sell for less than PHP 500,000. For the longest time, the Chery QQ3 hatchback had the privilege of being called the cheapest car in the Philippines but has now been dethroned. However, Chery QQ3 owners won’t complain because it still represents great value for money. It possesses a small, but economical 0.8 liter DOHC 16-valve gasoline engine that gives 51 horsepower and 70Nm of torque, reaching a speed of as much as 130 kph. Plus, other perks include safety features like airbags, security alarm, fog lamps, keyless entry, 13-inch alloy wheels, and fabric covered seats.
3. Haima 1
Priced at less than PHP 500,000, Haima 1 is another cost-effective car to beat. It’s powered by a 1.2L DOHC inline 4 16-valve engine partnered with a 5-speed manual transmission. It can reach the maximum 91 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 112 NM at 4,000 rpm. As a result, if you’re looking for a more powerful cheap car, this is the one for you.
Though it doesn’t have a long wheelbase, the legroom at the front and backseat are just enough. It also gives many perks such as central locks, fabric seats, driver and passenger airbags, child safety locks, power windows, fog lights, and a 4-cylinder engine. The Haima 1 can fit up to five adults comfortably, plus luggage. So, it’s good not only for a single driver but also for his family.
4. Hyundai Eon
If you’re looking for a laid-back car for city driving, the Hyundai Eon is right for you. With an emphasis on just the basics, this hatchback is very easy to maneuver and drive, not just because it’s small. It’s powered by an economical 0.8 L gasoline engine with a 5-speed manual transmission. It’s perfect for new drivers and those who want to buy their first car.
This car can reach up to 140 kph on a 54-horsepower engine. The only drawback is it can only accommodate four people (including the driver). But, if the size doesn’t matter, this is definitely a good car for a small family or couple.
5. Toyota Wigo
The Toyota Wigo made quite an impression when it was first launched in the Philippines. For one, it’s a compact car, but manages to have a spacious interior. Despite its size, the Toyota Wigo provides an ample amount of legroom for backseat passengers.
Other perks of this car include airbags, ABS, four speakers, seatbelt warning, vehicle immobilizer and alarm system for G variants. It runs on a 1.0 L gasoline engine giving 66 horsepower and 89 Nm of torque. It has two variants – 4-speed automatic transmission and 5-speed manual transmission. All in all, it has four variants to choose from - Toyota Wigo 1.0 E MT (PHP 547,000), Toyota Wigo 1.0 G MT (PHP 586,000), Toyota Wigo 1.0 G AT (PHP 621,000), and Toyota Wigo 1.0 TRD AT (PHP 686,000).
6. Honda Brio
The Honda Brio has been revamped in 2019 and it looks stylish and sophisticated than the older variants. It has a new design that is now in line with the rest of Honda’s lineup, with a tail end that looks sleek, aggressive swept-back headlights, and a sportier look. It’s like Honda Jazz’s little sister.
The Honda Brio has a 1.2 L gasoline engine that can produce 89 hp and 110 Nm. There are many available colors such as Taffeta White, Carnival Yellow, Modern Steel Metallic, Rallye Red and the RS-exclusive Phoenix Orange Pearl.
- Honda Brio MT - PHP 585,000
- Honda Brio CVT - PHP 646,000
- Honda Brio RS CVT - PHP 727,000
- Honda Brio RS Black Top CVT - PHP 732,000
7. Kia Picanto
Another model in this list of cheapest brand new cars currently marketed in the Philippines is the Kia Picanto. This is Kia’s most affordable vehicle, which costs only PHP 590,000 to PHP 745,000. Now on its third-generation model, the Kia Picanto has a tiger-nose grille that’s extended to the headlights giving it a sharper and more aggressive look.
In terms of speed and performance, the new Kia Picanto boasts 1.0 L 3-cylinder engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. On the other hand, the higher model offers a 1.2 L 4-cylinder engine with a 4-speed automatic transmission. It has four variants – Kia Picanto 1.0 LX MT (PHP 590,000), Kia Picanto 1.0 LX AT (PHP 635,000), Kia Picanto 1.2 EX MT (PHP 700,000) and the Kia Picanto 1.2 EX AT (PHP 745,000).
8. Nissan Almera
Unlike the other cheapest brand new cars we’ve covered, the Nissan Almera is not a hatchback, but a subcompact sedan. It’s fitted out with a generous standard kit, with lots of features such as ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, rear air-conditioning, speed sensing door locks, and front airbags.
This four-door sedan is good as a family car. It has a 5-seater cabin that allows ample amount of head and leg room. The trunk is adequate for luggage since it has a 490L capacity. Plus, it’s equipped with an immobilizer, brake assist, sensing door locks, airbags, keyless system, and child protection lock.
Under the hood, is a 1.2 L engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. Another variant is larger and more powerful with a 1.5 L engine with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission.
This car has five variants – Nissan Almera 1.2 MT (PHP 657,000), Nissan Almera 1.5 E MT (PHP 735,000), Nissan Almera 1.5 E AT (PHP 824,000), Nissan Almera 1.5 V AT (PHP 900,000), and Nissan Almera 1.5 VL AT (PHP 933,000).
9. Mitsubishi Mirage Hatchback
The Mitsubishi Mirage is the perfect hatchback for any lifestyle. This car gained immense popularity when it was released and now, it has been refreshed and restyled. It boasts a bolder grille flanked by updated headlights and has a new rear bumper.
Under the hood, it presents a 1.2 L gasoline engine that makes 78 hp and 100 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission or automatic transmission. Inside, the car can accommodate up to five adults. The newly released Mitsubishi Mirage has only two variants left, GLX MT and GLX AT. The GLX MT variant is priced at PHP 659,000 while the GLX AT variant is at PHP 720,000.
10. Chevrolet Spark
When it comes to being compact, functional, and affordable, Chevrolet has something for you. The Chevrolet Spark is ahead of the competition when it comes to technology and design. It has a 1.4 L Ecotec DOHC 16-valve dual VVT engine that delivers optimum efficiency and responsiveness.
It has the signature almond-shaped headlights that give the car its unique and sophisticated look. It’s a hatchback with well-designed exterior and interior. Hence, it’s a good first brand new car for new drivers.
You can enjoy media like listening to music with its 7-inch touchscreen display that offers hands-free via voice control feature. It can be controlled using the buttons on the steering wheel. Lastly, it has many color variants such as Burning Hot Metallic, Merry Berry Me Metallic, Summit White, Pull Me Over Red, Switchblade Silver, Son of a Gun Gray Metallic, Caribbean Blue Metallic, and Black Meet Kettle.
Among the cars on the list, this is the most expensive ranging from PHP 694,888 – 859,888.
There you have it, the cheapest brand new cars in the Philippines. Take your pick and drive hassle-free with these affordable yet efficient vehicles.