That's the problem with the japanese automakers, they keep all the goodies to themselves.

Korea still has a stigma especially to the older generation here, due to the poorly made vehicles of hyundai and Kia in the 90s. This is no different from Toyota or Nissan in the 60s and 70s, when at that time you either buy US or European, and Japan made cars were junk.

The Korean advancement of late is pretty impressive, and I am also happy that the Korean automakers are bringing in to the Philippines vehicles that are made for both US and European markets, unlike Japan with their JDM and USDM spec only variants and models.

For me, the only confidence-inspiring Japan made cars are just that, Japan-made. The thing is, most Japan cars for the ASEAN market are manufactured in the ASEAN, to save on tariffs and cost. We prize "made in Japan" due to the discipline and strict tolerances followed by Japanese workers, which we could not really say the same for the ASEAN plants. Unfortunately, Japan made cars are also very pricey.

That being said, Korean cars offer us the same tech as the Japan counterparts, but at friendlier prices. It is all good for the value conscious consumer.