Picking A Pick-Up - Here Are The top 5 Choices

MANILA: The Philippines automotive market is experiencing a sudden boom in the sales of the pick-ups and why not, after all, this one drive can provide the comfort and convenience of an SUV with utility and functionality that of a commercial drive. Keeping the need of such versatile vehicles in mind, almost all the leading mass market cars manufacturers have added at least one pick-up in their current fleets. Surely, this has given a choice to the prospective customers to choose from a wide range of pick-ups available in the Philippines automotive market. With a cut-throat competition in the pick-up segment, all the manufacturers promote their vehicles as the best one and make the customers confuse. Here, we are with the top 5 pick-ups available in the local market with quick overviews to assist our readers with their pick-up purchase -

Chevrolet Colorado

The only American entry in this chart is from Chevrolet Colorado which has always made its manufacturer proud with its sales numbers. Colorado is available with a choice of 2.5-litre and 2.8-litre engines across its variants. The 2.5-litre power unit is capable of churning out 163 hp of max power at 3600 rpm along with 380 Nm of max torque at 2000 rpm while the 2.8-litre turbo unit generates 200 hp of high power at 3800 rpm and 440-500 Nm of high torque at 2000 rpm. The muscular looks of this American drive are complemented with sporty and elegant features of the cabin. The refined cabin has an intelligently designed dash which is packed with the Camaro-inspired instrument cluster. For entertainment purpose, MyLink 7-inch touch display, smartphone-iPod-iPhone connectivity, Bluetooth, AUX and USB are given in this drive. The safety of the occupants is secured with features like front airbags, remote control entry, vehicle immobilizer, seat belt warning alarm, reverse camera, reverse sensors and Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

2016 Toyota Hilux

The absolutely stunning and robust 2016 Toyota Hilux is offered in 2 different engine capacities to offer a choice to its customers. The 2.4-litre variable nozzle turbo with front mounted intercooler engine knocks out 147 hp of peak power at 3400 rpm along with 400 Nm of peak torque between 1600 and 2000 rpm. The bigger sibling of this engine is a 2.8-litre power unit delivering 174 hp of max power at 3400 rpm and 450 Nm of max torque between 1600 and 2400 rpm. The striking external looks of this drive is complemented with a sporty cabin with advanced comforting and safety features. An infotainment facility comprising 6.5-inch touch screen with MP3, Bluetooth, 4/6 speakers, USB compatibility and AUX connectivity. For the optimum safety of the occupants, dual front, driver knee, side and curtain shield airbags are equipped with this pick-up along with other advanced aspects comprising Anti-Lock Braking System, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, Stability Control, Traction Control and Brake Assist.

Mitsubishi Strada

Mitsubishi Strada is offered in 3 trims – GL, GLS V and GLS Sport V in the Philippines automotive market. The 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine packed in the base model GL, delivers a peak power of 136 PS at 4000 rpm along with a peak torque counting to 324 Nm at 2000 rpm. Though the same engine is appointed in rest of the 2 trims also but then it is offered with Variable-Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) which enhances the power to 178 PS at 4000 rpm and delivers a max torque of 400 Nm at 2000 rpm. Apart from delivering terrific power and performance, Mitsubishi Strada has a swanky appearance which makes it look like an SUV from a distance. The Japanese manufacturer has cleverly engineered this vehicle with the J-line design which keeps the wheelbase short and maximize the cabin space to comfort all the 5 passengers with ample space. The dual tone subtle interior trim in black and gray gives a pleasant feel. With some chrome here and there in the cabin, a fully loaded dashboard comprising an advanced infotainment system with CD player, MP3, AUX, USB, Bluetooth connectivity, wi-fi display and a 6.75-inch LCD monitor with touchscreen interface (depending on the trim) is there. Coming to the safety part, Mitsubishi's signature RISE body construction incorporates front and rear crumple zones with reinforced beams which are capable of absorbing impact energy. Also, there are dual front airbags, ABS, Hybrid-type Limited Slip Differential and Tire Pressure Monitoring System for the safety of the occupants.

Nissan NP300 Navara

Nissan NP300 Navara is one of the most appreciative pick-ups not only in the Philippines automotive market but in all the markets it is available so far, thanks to its sporty looks and power-packed performance. The popularity of this pick-up encouraged the manufacturer to launch a sportier version of this drive under the label of 2016 Nissan Navara Sport Edition in May 2016. This Japanese drive houses a 2.5-litre VGS engine under its creased hood which knocks out 163-190 PS of high power at 3600 rpm along with 403-450 Nm of high torque at 2000 rpm. With this beastly power and tough built-up, the cabin is equally impressive. The all-black cabin of this drive gives a sporty appeal while chrome hints at the steering and center console add more value to the aesthetics. The comfortable sedan like seating is not the only attraction in this drive and there are gadgets and gauges which make the traveling fun and comfortable in it. To keep the fun factor alive in this pick-up, Nissan has equipped it with MP3, USB, AUX, iPod connectivity, Bluetooth and 5.0-inch display (depending on the variant). Safety has also been considered quite important and so the Japanese automaker has appointed dual SRS airbags, ABS, EBD, BA, VDC, and Traction Control System in this pick-up.

Isuzu D-Max

Another Japanese in to make it to this list is Isuzu with its D-Max pick-up. This drive comes with an option of 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre engine options across its variants. The 2.5-litre engine gives 136 hp of power along with 320 Nm of torque while the 3.0-litre turbodiesel power unit is capable of generating a peak power of 160 hp and 380 Nm of high torque. With this big turbodiesel engine, Isuzu D-max recently won the Euro 4 Fuel Economy Run by delivering 38.46 kmpl. Apart from an impressive mileage, D-Max has an athletic structure and a roomy all-black sporty cabin. Made to carry heavy loads and run smoothly on off-road terrains also, this drive has comforting features which can impress anyone. To add fun factor, the manufacturer has added an entertainment system comprising CD/VCD/DVD player, Bluetooth connectivity, MP3, USB, AUX and a 7-inch touch screen. For the safety of all the 5 passengers, Dual SRS airbags, ABS, EBD, BA, reverse sensing system and reverse camera are equipped.