The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically impacted the car selling industry. Many car dealers and manufacturers are offering special financing terms due to economic uncertainty caused by Coronavirus. According to US News, manufacturers like Chevrolet and Buick are offering 0% interest rate financing, and Ford is offering a deal that gives car buyers 6 months to make their first payment.

If you are a beginner, and need to buy a car during these times, you can use this article as a guide on what is suitable for starters in 2020.

Kia Picanto

The Kia Picanto projects comfort and freshness in its design. It may be small, but the car model offers variety of features—with its better performance and technologies that can cater consumer needs. Its exterior includes projection head lamps, fog lamps, 14" alloy wheels, spoiler integrated high-mount stop lamp. For its performance, it has steering wheel with tilt adjustment, segmented cluster LCR, 2.6" mono-LCD, 7" touchscreen audio with bluetooth carplay and android auto. Its price ranges from P590,000 - P745,000.

Kia Soluto

The Kia Soluto is considered a “subcompact” sedan that is new in the market. It offers a variant of engines on with manual transmission or automatic transmission. This small car is one of the affordable cars that you may find in the market in the PH. It conveniently fits 4 people inside with decent legroom, headroom, and elbowroom. The exterior features electric adjustable outside mirrors with LED side repeaters, chrome outside door handles, projector fog lamps, illuminated luggage compartment, and rear combination lamps. The interior is equipped with the basic set of compartments, console controls, and an adequate entertainment system. Its price ranges from P665,000 to P755,000.

Suzuki Celerio

The Suzuki Celerio is also a subcompact car that has far surpassed its old models. It now offers a more breathable cabin for a relaxing ride with 3 other companions. The luggage space has widened in this model, with its low-to-the-ground tailgate which opens wide, offering easy loading and unloading for everything you could possibly need in your getaways. Suzuki Celerio also has a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) which incorporates an “auxiliary gearbox” that increases gear ratio range for a good balance between acceleration performance from a standing start and fuel efficiency at high speeds, and the new 5-speed Manual Transmission which provides comfort in traffic and smooth acceleration through all five gears. Its price ranges from P558,000-P598,000 only.

Chevrolex Trax

Although the Chevrolex Trax has a higher value compared to others with its price ranging from P1,185,888 – P1,535,888, with its latest update in 2020, this new model now offers a new set of headlights complemented by the brand's signature 'bowtie grille," which adds to its muscular wheel flares and vigorous body lines. According to Chevrolet, with a seating capacity of five people, the cabin boasts refined fabrics, accent stitching, and leathered seats to provide class and comfort to the consumers. Also, vehicle information and entertainment function are shown on a 7-inch diagonal touchscreen with “Chevrolet MyLink Infotainment System.” The safety features of the all-new Trax include six airbags, park assist sensor, anti-theft alarm, it also has Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution, cornering brake control, roll-over mitigation, engine drag control, panic brake assist, and “Stabilitrack traction control”.

Volkswagen Santana

The Volkswagen Santana is the brand's official entry in the economy class of sedans in the Philippines, competing with the likes of the Toyota Vios, Honda City, Hyundai Accent and Mazda2. This model has 5-Speed Manual Transmission, with 1.4 MPI which allows you to take charge and use all the power of the engine for a positive response when you need it. For your safety, it also has an Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)—before, the only way to stop wheels locking and avoid skidding was to “cadence brake”— applying and releasing the brake quickly to prevent prolonged wheel lock and maintain the control of the car. With ABS, you can now brake more safely, as ABS detects when a wheel is about to lock - and automatically releases and reapplies the brakes to prevent a skid. Its price ranges from P686,000 to more than P900,000.

Honda Jazz

The Honda Jazz 2020 sets a good standard for beginners as it already provides the best quality in its class. It packs a powerful engine that can get you around the city and through highways. It also offers spacious legroom in the cabin that will help you relax while driving around the metro. This Honda model features driver-assist, and safety sensors. The Honda Jazz 2020’s price currently ranges from P868,000 – P1,088,000.

Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta 2019 ranks in the middle of the subcompact car class in 2020. It offers sporty handling and a straightforward “infotainment” system, albeit this small car is held back by its tight rear seats, small cargo hold, and lack of driver assistance features. The Ford Fiesta's appealing design utilizes light across its panels. This gives the model an athletic style that is very cool to stare at. It is also one of the most affordable cars in the brand's products with its powerful engine, great handling, and excellent stability. The price ranges from P698,000 - P905,000.

Driving in the Philippines can be a bit challenging given the traffic conditions, aggressive drivers hitting the road, and accomplishing requirements for the licence and ids, especially for beginners. It takes some time to gain some knowledge, and become more confident on the road. However, by having a thorough research on finding the right and suitable car for you, it can lessen the pressure to go and drive your own.