The case for the MPV is very compelling. It’s a practical and relatively affordable way to carry seven passengers, while being compact enough to negotiate tight city streets. It is not a tool that can win impromptu traffic-light drag races. But Kaicene’s newest entry into the Philippine market promises to at least deal with the performance issue.

The CX70 definitely doesn’t look like it will set one’s pants on fire, but it does have one trick up its sleeve that can really blow the competition away. We were really expecting Kaicene to spec the car with a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter engine. But to our surprise, the automaker decided to equip it with a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline unit.

It delivers 148hp and, more importantly, 230Nm. The torque figure alone is around 60% more than majority of its naturally aspirated counterparts. Making use of this power is a six-speed automatic transmission. The additional ratios will surely aid the CX70 in going up steep hills or cruising at high speeds.

Measuring just over 4.7m long, the CX70 is also around 250mm longer than most of its rivals. That should offer each of its three rows ample space even for tall passengers. Even though the body appears to be mounted high, Kaicene says that the vehicle is of a unibody construction with MacPherson struts up front and coil springs at the back. But being rear-wheel drive, it will be interesting to see how much legroom the transmission tunnel will eat into.

Kaicene Philippines has thoughtfully equipped the CX70 with plenty of premium features. There are leather seats, an eight-inch infotainment display, parking sensors, a reversing camera, and even a sunroof. Outside, it gets LED running lights, power folding mirrors, and 17-inch alloy wheels. It’s not left behind in safety with disc brakes all around, traction and stability control, hill-start assist, and even a blind-spot camera.

Now, the sum of all this equipment would normally come to a seven-digit price tag. But the CX70 can be yours for a very attractive P879,000, which practically undercuts plenty of MPVs and even crossovers. The vehicle comes with a three-year (or 100,000km) warranty. If you’re interested, you can find out more by visiting any one of Kaicene’s dealerships nationwide.