Cars designed for their unique needs
To help moms get to where they need to go, there are a wide variety of vehicles choices available. They range from small but efficient, large but versatile, to tall and stylish. We go through some of the most recently-launched vehicles that are perfect for moms and talk about their style, features, and qualities that make them uniquely suited for such tasks.
Toyota Veloz
The newly unveiled Toyota Veloz is a seven-seater with modern design inside and out. The Veloz is marketed as a people carrier but with the look and feel of an SUV. Comfort was Toyota’s first priority, evident with its spacious cabin. It comes with the power to haul all passengers thanks to its’ 1.5-liter engine with dual VVT-I technology paired with a very efficient CVT transmission that constantly adjusts to driving conditions.
This new-generation vehicle also comes with the technology to make it easier to drive. First of which is its smart entry and push-start system, a digital display in the dashboard, and large multimedia display in the center with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. It also comes with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) features , like the panoramic rear view monitor and rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, hill start assist control, Automatic High Beam, Lane Departure Alert, and a Pre-Collision System that monitors the road ahead for potential collisions.
One of its most unique features are seats that can fold flat to create a unique space inside for taking a break, camping in the car, or having a snack.
The all-new Veloz starts at P1,185,000 for the 1.5 G CVT and P1,225,000 for the 1.5 V CVT.
Suzuki Celerio
For mom’s that want to keep things tight and efficient, there’s the newly-unveiled Suzuki Celerio. This new vehicle is the smallest of the bunch, making it the easiest to park in tight spaces and also one of the most fuel efficient.
The new Celerio has been made larger than its predecessor and is also packed with new features. First of all, it gets a touchscreen infotainment system with phone mirroring. It’s even easier to maneuver with parking sensors and hill-start assist to help in tricky conditions. There’s also antilock brakes (ABS), dual airbags, stability control is standard.
Of course, the real selling point of the Celerio is its efficiency. It’s powered by a 1.0-liter engine paired with a choice of a manual or Auto Gear Shift (AGS) system. The AGS is an automatic that uses a similar transmission to a manual, giving the driver the responsiveness, efficiency, and easier maintenance of the former system. It still comes with a manual mode (without a clutch) for times when the driver needs to override the system.
Suzuki says the Celerio (with AGS) achieved an astounding 28.25km/L during fuel efficiency tests conducted with the AAP.
Best of all, the Celerio is also the most affordable with a starting price P708,000 for the manual and P754,000 for the AGS automatic.
Honda HR-V
For those that want a vehicle that represents their sophisticated style, there’s the Honda HR-V. Developed as a functional but safe subcompact crossover, the all-new HR-V features an aggressive new look with sporty details.
The new look integrates design features like LEDs and Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), with a sporty fastback rear, while still maintaining the height of an SUV.
The interior reflects the same thoughtful design with a human-centric cabin, designed with good ergonomics and quality materials. It has a mix of digital and analog screens in its dashboard, while the infotainment features an eight-inch touchscreen display with a six-speaker sound system. It’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible giving the driver access to several apps.
The HR-V is also designed for the budding ‘Plantita’ thanks to its ULT seats with three adjustable modes: Utility Mode folds the rear seats down for maximum cargo; Long Mode allows the front and rear passenger seats to fold for long cargo; and Tall Mode allows the rear seats to be tipped-up to accommodate a plant.
The HR-V comes with a 1.5-liter i-VTEC in the S variant of a 1.5-liter i-VTEC Turbo in the V variant, both paired with a CVT.
It also comes with an extensive list of safety features called Honda SENSING that make it easier to drive on highways as the car’s many features help it stay in lane, warn of other vehicles and even slow down if necessary.
The HR-V is priced at P1,250,000 for the S variant and P1,598,000 for the V variant.
These are just some of the cars we recommend for moms. To better understand some of these features we mentioned, read our next story: Features to look for.