New logo, new Stonic variant, and 2022 Sorento
There’s a new Kia in town and it’s evident in its new identity, new models, and renewed drive. The new logo is finally Philippines-official as Kia rolls it out starting with its dealership in Alabang. The three letters — all connected — represents symmetry, rhythm, and rising, the three basic elements that embody the automaker’s ambition to lead the way for change and innovation in the industry.
This new look comes with the new, ‘Movement That Inspires’ slogan that takes inspiration from the primal human act of moving to new places with new people to experience new things.
For Kia Philippines, all off the above starts at the dealer level where the showroom’s look and feel has been enhanced and the sales staff have been upskilled through various training programs to provide personalized service from start to finish and even extend assistance after the sale is made.
“Our brand’s purpose is to create spaces that will inspire consumers through our product design. To create more time for consumers so they can focus on what inspires them, and what they aspire for. To create innovative experiences that can influence people and today’s culture,” said Manny Aligada, President of Kia Philippines.
The Stonic, which Kia revealed is now the best-selling vehicle in the Philippines, gets a new Style Edition variant, and it will now sport the new logo. It comes in either Clear White or Prime Red and will have exclusive exterior features like body skirts and 16-inch blacked-out wheels. It slots right below the EX and goes for P895,000.
The biggest news of the day has to be the launch of the 2022 Sorento. It was two years in the making, mainly due to the pandemic, but it’s finally here. Bigger in every way compared to its predecessor, this fourth-generation model has a more sophisticated implementation of the tiger-nose grille and various features that give credence to its claim as a premium mid-size SUV. It has two variants, the EX and the top-of-the-line SX, and comes in three colors, Snow White Pearl, Silky Silver, and Aurora Black Pearl.
Standard features on the body include multi-reflector LED headlights with daytime running lamps, LED fog lamps, LED taillights, and a power tailgate. Inside, it offers a smart entry and Push-Start system, two-zone automatic climate control, leather seats, electric second-row folding backrest, and an eight-inch touchscreen display (with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker system). All models will also come with six airbags, and front and rear parking sensors.
If it’s high-end features you seek, it’s the SX you want. It has eight-way power front seats, driver seat memory, front seat cooling (and even heating), electronic parking brake, a 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster, wireless charging, and even advance safety systems (Blind Spot View Monitor, 360° Surround View Camera, Rear Cross and Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, and Lane Keep and Following Assist).
Powering the Sorento is a SmartStream 2.2L CRDi engine that puts out 202-PS and 441-Nm of torque. It uses an aluminum block that makes it almost 40 kilograms lighter than the previous generation and comes with a higher fuel pressure are 2,200 bar. Note that this engine has swapped back to using a timing belt.
For the first time ever, it’s now equipped with the SmartStream eight-speed wet dual clutch transmission that Kia says increases fuel efficiency by 3-percent, enhances acceleration by 9-percent, and has 58-percent increased maximum torque capacity because of better cooling performance.
The Sorento 4x2 SX 8DCT variant will be available starting the fourth week of November and will go for P2.588 million. The Sorento 4x2 EX 8DCT will be in the market by January 2022 and it is priced at P2.398 million.
“As you can see, the all-new Kia Sorento delivers value beyond its class, and a new consumer experience that truly fits this market. Sleek, smart, and intuitive, scoring high in design, performance, and safety. Ready to drive you to wherever your mind wants to go. Definitely movement that inspires,” added Aligada.