AutoIndustriya.com presents awards for 2024 Editors Picks
The outstanding vehicles of 2024 recognized by AutoIndustriya.com Editors
2024 saw the entry of several new players that diversified the Philippine auto industry. Overall, it reached another new milestone last year selling over 475,000 vehicles.
The extension of import duty exemptions for hybrids spurred a surge in automotive electrification in 2024. The Philippine market saw a wave of new and exciting hybrid, plug-in hybrid, range-extended electric, and battery-electric vehicles across diverse price points.
Autoindustriya.com visited the brands to present their awards for the 2024 cycle of the Editors' Picks and Car of the Year.
2024 AutoIndustriya.com Editors’ Picks – As Your First Car
As Your First Car Category Winner: Kia Sonet
Finalists: BYD Seagull, Dongfeng Nanobox, Geely Coolray, MG One
In the "As Your First Car" category, the Dongfeng Nanobox and BYD Seagull offer compelling EV options for budget-conscious buyers, with the Seagull boasting better range and features. The Geely Coolray also makes a return, offering improved performance and value, while the MG One impresses with its refinement, though sales figures suggest a need for stronger marketing. Ultimately, the Kia Sonet takes the crown, offering a well-rounded package of features, driving dynamics, fuel efficiency, and an established brand reputation at a competitive price point.
2024 AutoIndustriya.com Editors’ Picks – Electrified Drive
Electrified Drive Hybrid Category Winner: BYD Sealion 6 DM-I
Finalists: Honda Civic e:HEV, Toyota Corolla Cross HEV
In the hybrid category of our Electrified Drive awards, the Honda Civic e:HEV impressed with its performance and handling, though its price point is a consideration. The Toyota Corolla Cross HEV offered better value, but its performance and older battery technology left us wanting more. Ultimately, the BYD Sealion 6 took the win, impressing us with its DM-I system's performance in local conditions. Its sufficient electric range for daily commutes and range extender system effectively eliminated range anxiety, while providing ample power for the large crossover.
Electrified Drive Electric Category Winner: BYD Seagull
Finalists: Hyundai Ioniq 6, BYD Seal
While the globally recognized Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a great BEV, its high price tag makes it inaccessible to many. The BYD Seal offers thrilling performance at a more reasonable cost. However, the BYD Seagull takes the Electrified Drive award in the BEV category for an everyday EV that's both fun and affordable.
2024 AutoIndustriya.com Editors’ Picks Premium Electrified Drive
Premium Electrified Drive Category Winner: BMW i5
Finalists: Lexus LBX, Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid
In the premium segment of our Electrified Drive awards, we prioritized familiarity as a key factor in EV adoption. While the Lexus LBX hybrid offers a new entry point into electrified Lexus ownership, its size limits the typical Lexus comfort and luxury experience. The Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid brings the brand into the electric age, but for this category, we sought a vehicle that fully embraces electrification. The BMW i5, the electric iteration of the quintessential 5 Series executive sedan, delivers the same familiar experience in a fully electric package, making it the deserving winner of the Electrified Drive award for the premium category.
2024 AutoIndustriya.com Editors’ Picks – For The Family
Family Mover Category Winner: GAC M8
Finalists: Hyundai Custin, Kia Carnival
This year's "For The Family" award focused on vehicles ideal for both family and executive transport, prioritizing comfort and luxury. While the Hyundai Custin impressed with its features, its engine felt underpowered. The Kia Carnival offered ample space and a capable diesel engine, but the hybrid version remains untested. Ultimately, the GAC M8 emerged victorious, offering a plush ride, a smooth yet powerful engine, and, crucially, relaxation seats with massage functions, making it the perfect choice for both family outings and executive travel.
2024 AutoIndustriya.com Editors’ Picks - Adventure Vehicle
Adventure Vehicle Winner: Ford Ranger Raptor V6
Finalists: Jetour T2, Foton Tunland V9, Mitsubishi Triton Athlete, BAIC B30e Dune, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
The Philippine market has embraced rugged 4x4s like the Jetour T2 and Foton Tunland V9, while the Mitsubishi Triton Athlete impressed with its upgraded engine and chassis. The BAIC B30e Dune offers a unique electrified adventure vehicle proposition. The highly anticipated Land Cruiser Prado, while promising, seems poised for even greater heights with its upcoming hybrid variant. However, the Ford Ranger Raptor V6 takes the crown as our Adventure Vehicle of the Year. Its enhanced performance, especially the V6 engine (which we even helped bring to the Philippine market, thanks to Vince's enthusiastic feedback from his Vietnam drive), combined with its upgrade-friendly design, elevates the Ranger platform to a new level.
2024 AutoIndustriya.com Editors’ Picks – Driven To Thrill
Driven To Thrill Category Winner: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Finalists: Ford Mustang, Ferrari Purosangue, BMW i4 M50
This year saw us drive impressive vehicles like the Ferrari Purosangue and the potentially groundbreaking Ford Mustang, but the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N emerged as the clear winner for our "Driven To Thrill" award. While the BMW i4 M50 offered exciting EV performance, the Ioniq 5 N truly captured the essence of driving thrills, delivering a fully electric package that rivals the sensations and handling of traditional combustion-engined performance cars. Its simulated sounds and overall driving experience in both Tanay and the Nürburgring convinced us that the Ioniq 5 N represents an important step forward in the age of electrification.
2024 AutoIndustriya.com Editors’ Picks – Car of the Year
Car of the Year: BYD Sealion 6 DM-I
Finalists: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, Kia Sonet
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N impressed with its electric performance thrills, while the Kia Sonet redefined the typical first car with its feature-rich offering. However, the BYD Sealion 6 is the clear game-changer and our 2024 Editors' Picks Car of the Year. Its impressive DM-I technology makes it ideal for long trips, but its exceptional value for money truly seals the deal. For just over PHP 1.5 million, buyers get a CR-V-sized crossover packed with premium features like a high-end audio system, digital screens, a panoramic sunroof, spacious cabin, and a comfortable ride, making it an unbeatable package.
As with our previous editions, the candidates and winners for Editors’ Picks and Car of the Year include only vehicles launched in the country in 2024, and the cars should have been driven and/or reviewed by the editorial team of Autoindustriya.com.
