TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY "LUXURY CARS"

Audi R8

Price: P10,900,000 (4.2 V8)

It's our first time to have a guest pore over a full list of exotics, and the R8 couldn't be a better super car cherry popper: futuristic looks, an all-aluminum chassis, and a choice between a V8 and a V10. It's easy to get in and out of, tough-as-nails unlike temperamental Italian exotics, and spacious enough for me. The inside feels like a German luxury sedan, and the fact that it's Iron Man's car of choice only adds to its appeal. 

Porsche 911

Price: P13,000,000 (Turbo S)

Walking to the other side of the PGA Cars complex, we enter the Porsche showroom and zero in on the yellow 911 Turbo S, loaded with options such as the awesome PDK twin-clutch gearbox, Porsche ceramic composite brakes, special leather package with yellow seat belts, and center-lock wheels. 911s are slowly becoming a dime a dozen locally so it has lost a lot of its flash factor, but the drive experience is still the best, and the Turbo is still the all-seasons, all-reasons everyday super car. I also look at the GT3 RS, which is my favorite 911. It's good for a weekend only-car, but tough for the daily grind.
  

Porsche Panamera

Price: P12,950,000 (Turbo)

Seeing that the Panamera is selling quite well. Its shape it truly challenging save for the most ardent of Porschephiles, yet the driving  dynamics are truly up there with the 911 sports car range. I only concern is the huge size. Also, getting in and out of the Panamera is difficult since the ride height is more supercar-low than sedan-upright. And it only seats four people with the rear seats divided by a wide center console with auxiliary audio and climate controls. But the Panamera delivers the best bled of eye-catching looks, sports-car performance and luxury-sedan comfort.

Jaguar XJ

Price: P9,600,000 (LWB)

The XJ greets us and we all climb in for a short test drive. It's nothing like any Jag, you'll see that the space inside is fit enough for a proper tea party. The profile is that of an old-school Bentley or Rolls-Royce, yet the interior is modern: aluminum knobs and buttons overlaid with real wood, dual panoramic moon roofs, and a carbon-fiber belt accent that wraps guest surprise is the full LCD digital dash display. As for power and response, bot are more reminiscent of the XKR sports coupes. Even on damp roads, the classy cat is pin-sharp, with powerful brakes to match. And the best part? Even Dynamic mode, the ride is as supple as ever.

Jaguar XF 

Price: P9,400,000 (XFR)

The rear looks nothing like a Jaguar-think Aston Martin due to the squinty taillights. The front is something  a  German could have penned, yet the Jaguar badge says otherwise. Inside, the futuristic theme continues Start up the motor and the knob style shifter pops out as the A/C vents swivel from the dash. The sales reps assure us these can be programmed to remain stationary, and that reliabitlity has increased greatly over the years.