One for every kind of dad
Typically the default driver whether it’s short trips within the city, or to farther off places out of town, a lot rests on a father’s shoulders. Many families can rest assured that they’ll reach their destination safely with Dad behind the wheel.
While a new car is typically a family decision, it would be wise to lean towards something more ideal for these heads of families if they’ll be the one doing the driving. There are many cars available now with features designed to make the chore of driving and the time on the road more enjoyable and relaxing. We’ll go over some of the best vehicles for fathers and the many features they offer to make it worthwhile for the family.
For the family-oriented dad
Bringing the whole family along has a great deal of requirements. Aside from being able to fit the entire family, the vehicle also has to be quite capable, especially with the growing popularity of car camping now. Come rainy season, that same car could be needed to cross floods to pickup family members stranded either at the office or school.
Thankfully, Suzuki has one such vehicle that can meet all these requirements: the XL7. Built upon the already capable Ertiga seven-seater MPV, the XL7 takes it up a notch with its more rugged design and enhanced capabilities. These make it even better suited to take the rough roads of the car camping site or any floods stranding your loved ones.
The XL7 also features a 10-inch touchscreen system with large fonts and symbols that are easy to make out even if you’re driving at night. These systems boast of improved compatibility with smart phones, allowing users to connect via Bluetooth or a USB cable to use their apps through the intuitive display.
The driver gets a modern instrument cluster as well with a combination of analog gauges and a multi-information color LCD (with G-force data, acceleration, braking, engine output, and torque). The Suzuki XL7 is also quite affordable, priced at P1,138,000 for a vehicle that easily seats 7.
For the sporty dad
Being a family man doesn’t have to mean compromising on style. For the dad that still wants to flaunt his impeccable style, there’s the MG HS SUV. This new model boasts of stunning design with swooping body lines and an athletic stance. It also rolls on 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. True to MG’s heritage, it has a very sporty look.
Inside, the new HS offers a uniquely sporty interior. It starts with sport bucket seats that comfortably hug the body, with six-way power adjustment. It also gets a sporty sculpted steering wheel giving the driver better grip.
The dashboard has a 12.3-inch Virtual Driver Information Center that combines all vital info in a digital display. It’s complemented by a large 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the center which comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multimedia functionality.
For the other passengers, the HS also features a large panoramic Stargazer Sunroof for clear views and airing out the cabin. The HS is also equipped with a unique, adjustable ambient lighting system that allows users to change the cabin’s interior lighting color to suit your mood.
Powering it is a 1.5-liter inline-four DOHC turbocharged petrol engine. It’s paired with a seven-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic Transmission to produces 169-PS and 250-NM of torque. The HS also comes with a proprietary “Sport Mode” button right on the wheel that allows for crisper steering and throttle response.
The MG HS is priced at P1,258,888.00 for the HS Alpha 1.5T, and P1,308,888.00 for the HS Trophy 1.5T.
For the rugged dad
For the more adventurous dads out there, there’s no better choice than a pickup. Its high ground clearance, cargo capacity, and more rugged design makes it overqualified for any errand, and suitable for weekend exploits like sports, camping, or long drives.
Among the pickups out there, there’s no better choice than the Nissan Navara Pro-4X. Its unmistakably rugged design shows it means business, be it the matte black grille or the orange highlights along the body. It rides on 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, allowing it to go anywhere at any time.
It comes with an Intelligent Key for easy entry. Inside is an eight-inch touchscreen audio system paired with dual-zone climate control. For the driver, there are also Zero Gravity-type leather front seats to alleviate fatigue on long drives.
It’s powered by a 2.5L turbo diesel with 190 PS and 450 Nm of torque and boasts of a payload capacity of 1.1 metric tons. Despite this capability, it still comes with almost sedan-like suspension with dual rate coil springs for a supple ride.
It’s also incredibly easy to drive with Nissan Intelligent Mobility features like an Around-View Monitor, Forward Collision Warning, Emergency Braking, Driver Alertness, Lane Intervention, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, Blind Spot Warning, and even Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
This total hunk of a truck is priced at P1.746 million and is more than capable to take on any activity with the family, be it camping in the wilderness, trips to the beach, or even to uncharted destinations.
For the dad that has earned it
For the families that hope to make it easier for their dad that has worked hard to provide, there is no better reward than a luxury vehicle. Among them, one of the most appreciated will likely be the Lexus RX SUV.
The Lexus RX is a luxury crossover SUV designed to offer both a luxurious ride, impeccable style, and all the capabilities one expects of an SUV.
The RX SUV comes in several variants to suit any dad’s expectations. The RX 350 (P4,498,000) has a 3.5-liter V6 direct-injection engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Keeping things in control is Adaptive Variable Suspension which continually adjusts shock absorber damping rates in real time. Not only does this inspire driver confidence, but it also keeps the ride buttery smooth — as expected from a Lexus.
The RX 350 F Sport (P5,158,000) shares the same ‘F’ spirit and enhances the sporty driving experience with a few key features. Inside are unique F Sport dials with full-length illuminated needles that add an element of excitement. The cabin is decked out in dimpled leather with an exclusive perforated finish on the steering wheel and shift knob. And then there are the aluminum pedals, exclusive to F Sport models.
These are just a few of the great cars suited for the wonderful dads in our lives. Just as some fathers want to give their family the world, we’re sure you won’t settle for anything but the very best vehicle for your dad.