MANILA, Philippines--Whoever said guys do not look forward to Valentine?s Day? These are the same people who probably didn?t ask guys who love and know their cars. Overpriced dinners and flowers are a small price to pay to have a chance to celebrate with the love of their lives. This season, we wish to list a few interesting choices and stories from some very cool guys in their respective disciplines and industry. But before we take that trip to the highway of love or cruise down memory lane, here are some popular choices for date cars that don?t necessarily mean we need to break the bank.

Honda Jazz

Why not? It?s a market-class leader, very light on the wallet as far as fuel budget is concerned with enough change for a nice wine dinner. Its overall package sums it up?neat styling, highly affordable and slightly bigger dimensions (compared to the last generation) makes it a good first date car. It doesn?t tell the driver?s date that it?s a chick magnet, an impression that most ladies do not necessarily get comfortable with specially on the first date. Stylish yet frugal, it is also a fun ride as well. You won?t have a problem with parking in a tight spot as well. Here?s a tip?make sure you take out your date on a nice and elegant restaurant, you?ve saved enough for it.

Subaru WRX Sedan

This hot compact car has a set of race-inspired seats that is form-fitting and gives a nice hug for both driver and your passenger date, something you would need specially with its razor-sharp handling if you decide to set her pulse racing in out-of-town day trips on twisty roads. Its nice cabin space and relatively smoother ride (than its high performance STI sibling) is a better choice if you want to multi-task this car as a daily commute. Make sure you don?t drive too aggressively and end up spoiling your dinner date.

MINI Cooper Clubman

This modern interpretation of the new MINI comes with better legroom and luggage space for a nice weekender ?mini? honeymoon (for married folks, that is). It drives like a big car and everything is just cool about this car. From its swank interior and instrument layout, to its sweet-looking face any lady would love. Owning a car like this not only has ?cool? labeled in him all over, but also a guy who knows how to have serious fun.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe

This two-door dream coupe is a great choice considering its price tag and sexy looks. Who would have thought it came from the same folks who produced one of the most popular family vans as well? You don?t have to dream too long about this car to have one, you just have to pick between the hot four-cylinder turbo engine or the smoother more muscular V6 variant.

Mazda MX-5

This is the only car that broke the two-million-peso barrier in the list but I really had to pick this as well. A true roadster both in looks and character, the big bonus is its power retractable hard top. With the push of a button the roof breaks up into three panels folding in an origami-like fashion into the trunk and instantly becomes an open-top wind chaser. Reminiscent of its rag-top predecessor, it still retains much of its looks albeit updated body styling. Be careful though, better ask your date if it would be okay to mess up her hair-do a bit while basking the moonlight while cruising along the boulevard. It is also a cool car to take for short out-of-town trips since the trunk space wasn?t compromised much despite its folding power roof. We?ll have more on this car very soon.