Car consumers are choosing high-riding crossovers, SUVs, MPVs, and even pickups over sedans, which leaves sedans with a limited amount of attention to spare. Sedans still have their advantages, which is perhaps one of the many reasons why some consumers are searching for this particular body design, despite the fact that they are being overshadowed by other options on the market with more road presence, engines, and passenger areas.

So the issue is: Is buying a sedan still an option given the appeal and affordability of crossovers? Choosing a sedan is still the best choice for a variety of factors.

What kinds of sedans are there?

The sizes of sedans are divided into tiny, subcompact, compact, midsize, and full-size categories. Typically, your decision among them would be influenced by your needs, finances, and even personal preferences.

Mini Subcompact

Starting with the mini subcompact sedans, these modest wonders may lack in size but some of their options contain pleasant surprises. In fact, this is where the sedan market begins, with prices often starting at P500,000 and upwards. The Suzuki Dzire and Kia Soluto are well-known examples in its sector.

Subcompact

Now you can choose a subcompact car if you want something a little bit larger. Locally, the class is oversaturated with choices, ranging from well-known veterans like the Toyota Vios and Honda City to those that are more recent like the MG 5 and the Geely Emgrand. As expected, the following models offer more space in comparison to those miniature versions, as well as more comfort and safety features. Prices typically start at P650,000 and go higher.

Compact

Given its variety of models that mix the correct size with performance, spaciousness, and high-tech amenities, the compact sedan segment is undoubtedly the most evenly balanced category in the sedan market. Locally, the Mazda3, Toyota Corolla Altis, and Honda Civic are among the vehicles entered. Compact sedans start at roughly P1,000,000, making it less cheap than the first two classes.

Midsize

Executive and senior professionals frequently choose this class in the Philippines since midsize sedans not only give them more room, but also the refinement and other creature amenities that would enrich their driving experience. The Mazda6 and the Toyota Camry are two of the more notable midsize sedans in the market right now. Prices typically begin at P2,000,000.

Full-size

In other nations, like the US, shoppers have a variety of full-size sedan options to pick from, including affordable car models like the Nissan Maxima and the Toyota Avalon.

This is where you get the most space, additionally, certain models are even available with a 4-seater arrangement, allowing the second-row with only two occupants since its captain chairs. Sadly, full-size sedans are only available for the Philippine market from luxury brands, examples include the Lexus LS and the BMW 7-Series. These full-size entrants are obviously expensive, with some models costing over tens of millions of Pesos.

With the categories covered, let’s know the qualities that make a sedan an attractive buy.

Advantages of Sedans

Comfort and Seats

The amount of inside room varies based on the sedan you choose. In a similar vein, the majority of sedans can seat five passengers. There are certain subcompact cars that outperform compact sedans in terms of available room, proving that bigger doesn't always equate to better. There are also times when only small people can use the center back seat after the left and right side are both occupied.

The design of the drivetrain is important, and the majority of small to compact automobiles have front-wheel drives in order to help reduce the need for a center tunnel and increase center passenger space. Most of the time, rear-wheel drive sedans or larger sedans have enough space inside to fit a rear-wheel drive system.

To adequately examine the car's interior space, however, it is still advised to bring your family along with you to the dealership, especially if you have a family of five. Once you've accomplished that and your family finds the back seat to be comfy, it becomes yet another factor that aids in closing the transaction.

Trunk Space

 

You can store your cargo in the trunk area that’s made secure by a full metal shell. While a sedan doesn't have the same level of utility and adaptability as an SUV or crossover, there are still some models with sizable trunks. Notably, sedans from compact to larger versions have foldable second-row seats to increase their load capacity.

Power and fuel economy

You'll be asking yourself questions like: Would I prefer a sedan with a gasoline engine, or possibly a more sophisticated hybrid powertrain? The Toyota Corolla Altis has a hybrid powertrain option, although the majority of sedans on the Philippine market are powered by 3- or 4-cylinder gasoline engines.

Today, several automakers are downsizing their engines and adding turbochargers to provide their vehicles good fuel economy and massive levels of power. Additionally, companies like Toyota are already offering the aforementioned hybrid choices to give the general public a taste of the electric driving experience. However, your driving habits and the environment, which include using the throttle properly, will have a significant impact on how efficiently your sedan uses fuel.

Maintenance Costs

In a sedan, as opposed to a crossover of similar size and category, you are also lighter and more maneuverable. In a crossover, you will be working with a larger body, so the metal alone is worth several pounds of weight. The issue of unsprung weight is also a consideration because you will also require larger wheels and tires.

The lighter the parts of an automobile, the more effective everything will be. The suspension won't have to compress as much, the engine won't be as taxed, and the brakes can stop the car more quickly. Because of this, a sedan has cheaper maintenance expenses than bigger cars.

Verdict

So sedans still have a place in the market, thanks to the practicality and maintenance costs that they offer. They deserve more garage space, too, so, if you happen to be interested in a sedan or any vehicle, you can visit our New Car Guide and find the model you want.

Photos from BMW, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Dylan Afuang, and Roy Robles