The day's selection might not have a roof running the entire length of each vehicle, but let us assure you that they're just as good as their SUV counterparts. And although pickups might not be as popular among city-dwelling citizens, these new breed of trucks surely strut the form to fit their function.
Here's what the boys have to say about these fleet of flatbeds:
Ferman Lao, Kotse.com Editorial Director: 2011 Mitsubishi L200 GX Single Cab Pickup
The most affordable vehicle in this weekend's roster gets the most attention. Newly launched and aimed specifically at the commercial vehicle market, the L200 GX is free from modern amenities like power windows, power mirrors, or even power lock. But it's definitely eye-opening to see that in spite of being a basic model, this single cab pickup doesn't come across as cheap. The build quality is as solid as its higher class brethren, the Strada, albeit more spartan than and as functional as a workhorse should be. The interior is rock solid too, as the beautiful interior of the Strada translates very well into a working vehicle's command center well with robustness, functionality, and idiot proof-ness taking the front seat. Lighter and armed with a detuned version of the previous model Strada's Di-D engine, the L200 also becomes one of the best kept secret weapon a car enthusiasts can have.
Leslie Sy, Kotse.com's Online Guru: 2011 Mitsubishi Strada GLS Sport V 4x4 A/T
Pickups have always been a work vehicle, but the Mitsubishi Strada changes all that with a vehicle that can be used for utility and still be practical as a family vehicle on the weekends. Honestly, I'm a car guy, so pickups aren't my style, but the external features of the Strada appeals to me quite well. It has all the right curves and bulges that give this pickup a sporty muscular feel. Driving it around, the controlled, soft, and comfortable ride makes me want to get out and check if I am still driving a pickup or if somehow suddenly transformed into a luxury sedan. Power from the 2.5L variable geometry turbo diesel engine comes in at around 2,000 rpm and has a smooth delivery feel all the way to the redline. It’s great value for you, your work, and family, week in and week out.
Niky Tamayo, Bigbigcar.com Road Test Editor: 2011 Toyota Hilux 4x4 G Diesel A/T
There’s a lot riding on the shoulders of the new Hilux. With a ton of newer trucks on the market, the Hilux needs to work that much harder to sway buyers. The Land Cruiser-styled exterior is a good start and the improved looks and feel of the interior should help, too. Thankfully, the handling is as good as in the previous truck, but unfortunately, so is the ride. Though the tried and tested 3.0 liter D4-D may lack the impressive peak-power figures of newer 2.5 liter engines, it pulls like a freight train and doesn‘t suffer from unsettling surges like small-displacement high-power diesels do. Besides, who wants to go fast in a pick-up?
Chat with us about the 2011 - 2012 Car of the Year Philippines at the Kotse.com Forums.
