Showing posts with label kia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kia. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Fourth-Generation Kia Sorento (MQ4) - 2024 minor change

The fourth-generation Kia Sorento has gained its minor change for the 2024 model year. Packed with numerous revisions inside and out, the best-selling SUV from Kia is back for more having been on the road for three years.

2024 Kia Sorento
2024 Kia Sorento

Starting at 35,060,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, the facelifted Kia Sorento MQ4 continues to assert its dominance in its class with its revised looks, interior, and technology that will keep the best-seller afloat having spent three years of its service.

The biggest change for the recent minor change is the front and it now dons the EV9-styled nose, asserting its masculine looks. Apart from that, it features new wheel designs and slightly revised rear lamps that will keep the Sorento fresh and progressive in every detail.

2024 Kia Sorento
2024 Kia Sorento interior

The interior has been heavily revamped for the recent minor change as hinted by the redesigned dashboard that saw its airconditioning vents streamlined as well as featuring the Panoramic Curved Display that features two 12.3-inch screens (one for the instrumental cluster and the other for the sat-nav) in one extra-long monitor, and the questionable feature that combines radio controls and climate controls into one, not to mention the new seating designs that showcases its premium feel. Despite heavy changes on the driver's side, the Sorento is offered with a choice of either a five-seater, a six-seater, or a seven-seater, depending on the variant.

2024 Kia Sorento
2024 Kia Sorento

The facelifted Sorento is still offered with a choice of a Smartstream D2.2 engine, a powerful Smartstream G2.5T-GDi engine, and the 1.6L turbo-hybrid powertrain now offered with 4WD for the first time. 

Mated to an 8-speed automatic, the diesel variant produces 194PS of power (8PS less than the old one) while fuel economy is around 12.7km/L. The 2.5L turbo variant, meanwhile, produces 281PS of power and 9.4km/L of fuel economy.

The turbo-hybrid variant with its 6-speed automatic transmission has a total power output of 235PS and a fuel economy of 16.6km/L for FF variants while the 4WD variants get 14km/L.

For safety, the Sorento is packed with numerous ADAS such as Highway Driving Assist 2, navigation-based smart cruise control, blind spot collision avoidance assist, forward collision avoidance assist, rear parking collision avoidance assist, and Lane Keeping Assist 2. Coupled with the multiple anti-collision automatic braking systems, advanced rear passenger notification, reverse guiding lamp, and 10 airbags, this is the safest Sorento ever made.

One of South Korea's best-selling vehicles just got better with this minor change and the Sorento's back for more.

Photo: KIA

Saturday, September 30, 2023

Kia Ray EV

Originally available only for rental or car-sharing purposes until 2019, the Kia Ray EV returns, and this time, it's available to the general public starting at 27,750,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, making this the cheapest Korean electric car you can buy and own today.

2024 Kia Ray EV
2024 Kia Ray EV

2024 Kia Ray EV
2024 Kia Ray EV interior


No strings attached, of course. The Kia Ray EV made its comeback after a four-year absence and unlike the previous one, it's yours to drive and keep if you have the budget to fully own it.

The reborn Kia Ray EV looks just like the recently facelifted Kia Ray, meaning you can still expect the squarish front face with EV9-inspired headlamps, grille-less design, revised rear lamps, and the slightly revised interior with a 10.25-inch color LCD cluster and console-type gear lever as expected but because this is the electric version, you can expect a number of features to differentiate it such as the charging port, exclusive Smoke Blue exterior color, unique 14-inch alloy wheels, and the i-PEDAL mode that can be engaged via paddle shifters.

Micro-business entrepreneurs can have either the two-seater or the single-seater van variants where the rear seats have been deleted for the sake of extra cargo space needed to deliver some balikbayan boxes if you're into that.

2024 Kia Ray EV
2024 Kia Ray EV

The Kia Ray EV's electric powertrain is powered by a 35.2kWh battery pack, making it capable of producing 64.3kW of power output and 147Nm of torque. As for driving range, it's good for 205km in one full charge. As for safety, the Ray EV comes with numerous features such as Rear Collision Prevention Assistance, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Prevention Assist, among many others.

Made for the new normal, the Kia Ray EV is a budget-friendly electric vehicle you can really own and drive with confidence.

Photo: Kia

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Hyundai Santa Fe MX5 vs Kia EV9

Box-shaped cars never go out of style even in the age of the new normal and Hyundai has decided to think outside the box with their all-new, fifth-generation Santa Fe which is now, you guessed it, a boxy crossover.

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

Starting at 35,460,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe is no longer the Santa Fe that millennials remembered because it went through a radically different approach but it promises to behave like most crossovers should. So, what's it all about the Santa Fe MX5?

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

Ditching the sleek silhouettes of its predecessors, the Santa Fe MX5 features a boxy shape that can be awkwardly mistaken for either a Range Rover or a Ford Flex. Either way, Roblox jokes aside, it's not just limited to its cube looks because the headlamps, the front bumper, and the rear lamps are marked with the letter H because...it's Hyundai's kind of fetish.

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe interior

If you had enough of staring at its Roblox-ish looks, take a look at the interior. Thanks to its squarish design, it's roomier compared to its TM predecessor although the dashboard feels like it's straight out of Grandeur because of the Grandeur-sourced steering wheel and the gear lever positioned behind it. It now boasts a long monitor where the first half is for the instrumental panel while the second half is for the touchscreen. Minimalism aside, there are knobs for the radio and the aircon, which are rather useful indeed. In expensive variants, you can wirelessly charge up to two smartphones just in case as well as the digital key feature where you will let your gadgets do the unlocking, the digital rearview mirror, and the rather controversial fingerprint authentication system.

Although it only has room for six to seven passengers, depending on the variant, the Santa Fe MX5 is roomier than its TM predecessor. Boot space is decent for a boxy SUV like this, making it more than enough to flex its daily conveniences as an all-rounder.

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

Believe it or not, the Santa Fe MX5 runs on the same bits and bobs as the Kia Sorento MQ4, meaning it behaves just like its compatriot. Although a lot different to drive compared to its predecessor, the HTRAC all-wheel-drive system with rough road driving modes made it capable through tarmac, gravel, and snow, good enough for a weekend picnic at Hannibal's. Dynamics aside, the available Alcon monobloc brakes deliver a dramatic braking feel unheard of in a Korean SUV.

Because the Santa Fe MX5 is built for the new normal, there is no diesel powertrain offered. Only a choice of a 1.6L turbo-hybrid powertrain with a total power output of 235PS mated to a 6-speed AT, and a powerful Smartstream G2.5T-GDi mated to an 8-speed AT, producing 281PS of power and a combined 10.1km/L of fuel economy. 

The Santa Fe MX5 marks the first time a Hyundai vehicle has a hybrid variant mated with the all-wheel-drive system. That's something that should have been done a long time ago.

Back to the new normal, the Santa Fe MX5 features an improved Hyundai SmartSense with Highway Driving Assist 2, navigation-based smart cruise control, blind spot collision avoidance assist, forward collision avoidance assist, rear parking collision avoidance assist, and Lane Keeping Assist 2. Coupled with the multiple anti-collision automatic braking systems, advanced rear passenger notification, reverse guiding lamp, and 10 airbags, it really is the safest Santa Fe ever made.

The fifth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe is no longer the Santa Fe that millennials remembered because of its Roblox-ish exterior design that intrigues insiders everywhere but with its spacious interior, turbocharged performance, HTRAC, and tech, it has progressed into utilitarian status. It truly is innovation in motion for the new model.

However, if you're unhappy about the Santa Fe MX5's squarish looks and because this is the new normal, here comes the more expensive alternative that makes the all-new Santa Fe look like Oxford, the Korean Lego of course.


2024 Kia EV9
2024 Kia EV9

This is the first-ever Kia EV9 electric full-size crossover SUV. With prices starting at 77,280,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, it is the most expensive in the Kia SUV lineup, although it's less expensive than the BMW iX3, a meager bargain of the season.

2024 Kia EV9
2024 Kia EV9

With styling that stays true to its concept car roots, the EV9 signals a new design approach for Kia recreational vehicles in the future, meaning the styling will heavily influence the fate of upcoming people movers from the said brand. Apart from its Mohave-sized proportions and the side view reminiscent of the Infiniti QX80, the EV9 has a surprising show-off feature when you switch the front lights on as the hidden parts lurking around the grille-less front view light up like a Rina-chan board. Get it?

2024 Kia EV9
2024 Kia EV9 interior

Although the exterior design has some cyber vibes to it, the interior is all about first-class comfort in every way. On the driver's side, you will be greeted with the steering wheel emblem lighting, a column-type shift lever positioned behind the wheel, a panoramic wide display where the first half is for the instrumental panel while the second half is for the touchscreen, dual color ambient lighting, and the available Meridian Premium Sound System. The GT-Line variant adds digital side mirrors, a digital rearview mirror, and a hidden touch button on the console, among others.

Inside, the full-sized EV9 can accommodate six or seven passengers and has decent boot space not bad for a full-size electric SUV but the six-seater variant has a party piece no luxury people mover has, not even today's Toyota Alphard; swiveling second-row seats. When coupled with the Lounge Package, you get yourself a luxury cruiser fit for taking high-rollers from Seoul to Busan.

2024 Kia EV9
2024 Kia EV9

Speaking of Seoul to Busan, the electric powertrain is capable of up to 501km of range for rear-wheel-drive variants while 4WD variants, especially the GT-Line, are good for around 454km, but driving conditions can vary. Running on a 100kWh Li-ion battery pack and the Electric Global Modular platform, rear-wheel-drive variants produce 150kw of power while 4WD variants produce a powerful 283kw of power. That's 385PS to you and me.

Although the driving feel is nothing compared to the Mohave or today's Santa Fe mentioned above, the EV9, even in 4WD GT-Line guise, feels like driving a Toyota Alphard in different directions and because of its electric drivetrain, it's surprisingly quiet as well. It even packs a wide array of safety features such as high beam assist, Highway Driving Assist 2, navigation-based smart cruise control, Remote Smart Parking Assist 2, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist 2, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Rear Parking Collision Avoidance Assist, among others.

Which would you go for? The Roblox-esque Hyundai Santa Fe MX5 or the heavyweight ultra-luxurious Kia EV9 with a front view that makes the Rina-chan board look like...Tobot Big Boss? It's an interesting question because even though they behave differently, they look futuristic in every way but in every way, it's hard to pick the definitive winner in this round of Unanswered Questions. Only time will tell.

Photo: Hyundai/Kia

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Kia EV6 GT

The EV6, launched last year, signaled the beginning of a new age for Kia and with its just size styling, and performance that defy expectations, the EV6 is the real materialization of the "Movement that Inspires" slogan. Love it or hate it, the EV6 is a revolution in motoring. Those who demand more from the EV6 finally got what they've wanted as the ultimate version of the EV6 has arrived and its performance is worth kicking.

2023 Kia EV6 GT
2023 Kia EV6 GT

2023 Kia EV6 GT
2023 Kia EV6 GT interior

The Kia EV6 GT, priced at 76,680,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, is the ultimate version of the EV6 where everything we know about this electric car just got juiced up to tear down the roads, not the environment. Finally, this is the EV6 that is worth the envy for those who demand one.

Beginning with the styling, the EV6 GT features unique aerodynamic styling that turns the commoner's EV6 into a striking image of a hot hatch, although it would be wrong to call the EV6 GT a super hot hatch because it doesn't look or feel like one. The lime-colored brake calipers add a nice touch to it.

While the interior works like the normal EV6, apart from the Panoramic Curved Display, infotainment systems, HUD, a rotary gear switch, i-PEDAL, and others, the EV6 GT features suede sport bucket seats while the steering wheel features a GT button. What does this button do? More with that later on but in the meantime, it's still as spacious as a normal EV6 although the boot space was dropped by 40L with the rear seats folded down, resulting in an overall boot space of 1260L.

Now's the time to tell about what the GT button does. When pressed, it will unleash the full capability of the EV6 GT. Apart from the adjustments to the e-LSD, electronic controlled suspension, and whatnots, it delivers an explosive performance of 585PS of power, 740Nm of torque, a 0-100kph time of 3.5 seconds, and a top speed of 260kph, as fast as a high-performance German super saloon. Whilst the added kick, the EV6 GT is worth driving on the road and on the track thanks to its sport-tuned dynamics underneath. As for the range, it's good for a combined 312km.

Although it's wrong to call it a super hot hatch and also absurd to call it the substitute for the soon-to-be-axed Stinger, the EV6 GT has showcased to the world the brave and the bold side of Kia's electrification, and with such performance, looks like the whole world is itching to get one someday. Better start praying, boys.

Photo: Kia

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Second Generation Kia Niro

Launched in 2016, the Kia Niro is a hybrid crossover that rivals the Honda Vezel by all means necessary. With the arrival of the second-generation Niro, the hybrid crossover is now fully prepared to take on the new normal with its new and improved looks, interior, performance, ecology, and tech that will bring the Honda Vezel to its knees, if you know what I mean. Let's investigate.

2023 Kia Niro

2023 Kia Niro

The all-new Kia Niro, which starts at 26,600,000 Korean Won, now shares almost nothing in common with its predecessor because the team that designed it truly mean it because rather than reskin the previous model, they've decided to go back to square one and create a Niro that will blend through the new normal. This is the result and this full model change really means a lot for this new model because checking through the design, the all-new Niro draws inspiration from the HabaNiro concept, which is rather nice for this new model, but look harder and you'll know it has the impression of a French car. Weird but it works. Besides, the C pillar on the new model adds a nice ring to it.

2023 Kia Niro

Step into the interior and the new Niro borrows the dashboard layout from the EV6, which is a rather surprising move for Kia to nick one of their own like an artist copying one of his own materials for use on his new work. Because the new interior went for the minimalist, driver-focused approach, some will have a hard time adjusting the aircon because it can only be operated on the sat-nav touch screen. That sounds hassling but on the plus side, in case you want to turn off the radio or change the stations, there's a button for that. Speaking of the sat-nav, it comes with the Greenzone Drive Mode, which automatically sets the car to EV mode while driving at residential areas or nearby schools and hospitals, anywhere that is marked as a Green Zone. It even comes with an available built-in cam in case you're in the mood for plucking sweet potatoes on the main road if you know what I mean.

In the name of consciousness for the environment, most of the materials in the interior are now made of recyclable materials, meaning this crossover has a guilt-free atmosphere.

Despite being shorter than the previous model, the all-new Niro is longer and wider than its predecessor, meaning it has slightly more room in the back for people and luggage at the back, fit for everyday hustlers making a living on their everyday lives.

2023 Kia Niro

Now running on Hyundai Motor Group's third-generation platform, the all-new Kia Niro is now more vivacious and rousing to drive than its predecessor. It's also more rigid as well. Under the hood, the hybrid powerplant now features the Smartstream G1.6 petrol engine with 105PS of power connected to a 32PS electric motor and Li-ion battery. Mated to a 6-speed double-clutch gearbox, the new model delivers 20.8km/L of fuel economy, an improvement compared to the old Niro but not enough to bring down the Honda Vezel e:HEV by a long shot, which is interesting because while the Vezel is available with 4WD, the all-new Niro doesn't because it's only available with front-wheel-drive. Boo. On the plus side, because it's got the most sophisticated suspension setup, the new Niro can zip through the Vezel in the handling department, especially on twisted European roads.

In the interest of safety, the all-new Niro comes with Highway Driving Assistance, Remote Smart Parking Assistant, Safe Exit Assist, Rear-side collision avoidance assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, among many others.

And there you have it, the all-new Kia Niro is the definite rival to the Honda Vezel e:HEV, and even without the 4WD system that its Japanese foe has, it's still more enjoyable to drive than the Vezel by all means necessary. What a way for Kia to start the new year with the Niro's full model change and looks like they got their determined faces on following the launch of this new model.

As expected, the all-new Niro will be joined by its electric variant later this year but sadly, the Plug-in Hybrid variant will not carry on to the new model because, as a shocker for Koreans, the era of K-PHEV on Korean roads is well and truly over...for now. Shame.

Photo: Kia

Monday, August 2, 2021

Kia EV6

Ever since Kia ushered in the new age at the start of this year, they have big plans for their electrification under the Plan S strategy and this is their starting point; a fully electric crossover that features a just size styling and performance that will defy expectations. Welcome to the Kia EV6.

2022 Kia EV6
2022 Kia EV6

Priced at 47,300,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, the Kia EV6 is the result of the Korean carmaker's start of its electrification ambitions, and judging by all the hard work poured into making this, it's all common sense, or is it?

2022 Kia EV6
2022 Kia EV6

Let's start with the design and despite being a crossover, the EV6 features a striking hatchback design that makes them harder to resist in every way. Although the design is where the EV6 shines the most, there's something about the front and as noticed, the signature Tiger Nose grille is nowhere to be found. Kia says that the EV6 invokes the new "Digital Tiger Face" design but some are not sure about this but even without the Tiger Nose grille that became the hallmark of Kia, the EV6 is about as handsome as a Dodge Charger, whatever it is.

Apart from the design, the EV6 marks the return of the GT-Line variant, the one that hasn't been on the lineup since the second-generation K5. The GT-Line branding has been present in the world market except for South Korea until now and in this variant, it sports a sporty exterior design that sets it apart from the normal EV6.

2022 Kia EV6
2022 Kia EV6 interior

Now, what about the interior? Because it runs on the new E-GMP platform, the EV6 features a generous space as well as cutting-edge gadgetry deployed on the dashboard. On the driver's side, the EV6 features a Panoramic Curved Display, infotainment systems, HUD, a rotary gear switch, i-PEDAL, and others. On the passenger side, the EV6 is surprisingly comfortable and has a generous boot space of up to 1,300 liters as well. Of course, like most electrics, the EV6 features a frunk that carries up to 52L of cargo in FWD while 4WD variants can carry up to 20L of cargo on the front.

2022 Kia EV6
2022 Kia EV6

Let's get to know more about the EV6's performance because this is where it matters the most. At launch, only the 58kWh Standard and 77.4kWh Long Range variants are available in FR and 4WD configurations. A 4WD GT version is coming next year and this flagship variant packs 430kW of power and 740Nm of torque from its long-range battery pack.

In its FR layout, the Standard version produces 125kW of power and 350Nm while the Long Range version produces 168kW of power and 350Nm of torque. The 4WD layouts add 48kw on the Standard version and 71kW on the Long Range version. Judging on the latter, that produces more than the Smartstream G2.5 turbo engine that powered the Sorento and the Stinger.

What about range? In a rear-wheel-drive Long Range version, the EV6 has a range of 475km, enough to travel from Seoul to Busan with some extra juice to blast some tunes. Consider this a rebuke to the Lean Burn-powered Hyundais from the late '90s but there's more to it than just range because thanks to its V2L capability, the EV6 can be used as an electrical outlet for your appliances or a backup generator in an event of a brownout. As for charging, the EV6 is capable of high-speed charge from 10 to 80% in just 18 minutes.

Want to know how the i-PEDAL system works? It allows the EV6 to absorb energy from its brakes and allows the driver to stop the car gently without the need for a brake pedal. Simple as that.

As for handling, the EV6 is surprisingly lively to drive in its rear-wheel-drive form and in its 4WD form, despite being a two-ton car, the EV6 is about as fun to drive as a Stinger even on the dirt, although the GT version does best but let's wait before it arrives. Still, for a two-ton electric crossover, the EV6 is rather impressive to drive on so many levels.

Being a fully electric car, there's no escape from the safety zone and with the EV6, it's got numerous Advanced Driver Assistance Systems such as the Blind-Spot Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, High Beam Assist, Highway Driving Assist 2, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Navigation Based Smart Cruise Control-Curve, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, among many others. Speedo boys aren't very pleased by such implementations and such will make them running scared.

The Kia EV6 truly is the beginning of the brand's new age and despite being a commoner's crossover, the EV6 is the real materialization of the "Movement that Inspires" slogan. Love it or hate it, the EV6 is a revolution in motoring and it's ready to take on the world.

Photo: Kia

Thursday, July 22, 2021

Kia Sportage (NQ5)

Kia's strong-selling midsize crossover, the Sportage, is now on its fifth generation and for this generation, it's now officially all-new from top to bottom, even the inside out. It's time to take a look inside the latest evolution of Kia's first SUV that has been around since 1993.

2022 Kia Sportage

The all-new, fifth-generation Kia Sportage, priced at 24,880,000 Korean Won, is literally all-new from the ground up thanks to its radically new design that is part of Kia's new age as hinted by the creepy new logo that haunts kids these days.

2022 Kia Sportage

2022 Kia Sportage

So, what's it all about the new exterior design? Judging from the mosaic front face that looks awkward but weird in every way as well as the side profile and the clean rear design, Kia did a lot of homework transformed the Sportage into a sharp-looking crossover that is as artistic as the new era Kia vehicles since the K8 a few months ago. Of course, that was in the normal version of the Sportage but the top-of-the-line Gravity variant featured a Mohave-esque front bumper, a side sill, and a curved roof rack on the top, just to make it look slightly rugged for a crossover like this.

2022 Kia Sportage interior

Step into the interior and you will notice that the all-new Sportage features a massive curved display on the dashboard, which is somewhat similar to the new Opel Mokka a while back. Like the new Opel Mokka, that super-long screen positioned on the driver's side is where the speedo is on one side and a touch screen on the other. As such, you can expect plenty of stuff on the driver's side to toy around with such as the touch panel climate control, rotary gear selector, and others.

Inspired from last year's Hyundai Tucson NX4, the new Sportage features the roomiest interior in its class thanks to its longer wheelbase and a new platform it now dons. Not only the legroom feels good but the boot space as well. This is the Sportage that is all about practicality like all crossover SUVs should and fit for all walks of life.

2022 Kia Sportage

Under the hood, the new Sportage has a choice of two engines; the Smartstream Diesel 2.0L engine that produces 186PS of power, 42.5kg-m of torque, and up to 14.6km/L of fuel economy while mated to an 8-speed AT and the high-performance Smartstream Gasoline 1.6L Turbo engine that produces 180PS of power, 27kg-m of torque, and up to 12.5kmpl of fuel economy while mated to a 7-speed DCT. Both the petrol and diesel variants are offered in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations.

2022 Kia Sportage Hybrid

And for the first time in a Sportage, a hybrid variant is offered and it comes with the Smartstream Turbo Hybrid powertrain where the turbocharged 1.6L petrol engine is bolted to a 44.4kW electric motor and a li-ion battery, while mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. With this setup, the fuel economy is around 16.7km/L. The catch? It's front-wheel-drive only so don't expect much.

Thanks to its new platform, the new Sportage is now easier to live with than the previous model and it behaves rather well also. Although not what you called exciting, it's nice to drive and it will give the Japanese opposition a quick run for their money. It even comes with the terrain mode switch that allows drivers to switch through different configurations that work through any given road condition. When set to Auto, it automatically detects road conditions for stable driving. It's almost as useful as a Roomba in your living room but if the auto's not your thing, you can switch through four different on-road modes and three off-road modes in case you're spending a weekend retreat at Hannibal's.

The new Sportage features a wide range of safety features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, rearview monitor, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Rear-side collision avoidance assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Remort Smart Parking Assist, Rear Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Remote 360 view Surround View Monitor. Quite a burn notice, huh?

The all-new Kia Sportage truly adapts to the new normal with its new look, new interior, new performance, and new tech. A fitting adage to Kia's new era and although some may not like the way it looks and feels, the all-new Sportage is a common-sense crossover for those who are wise to drive one.

Available colors: Snow White Pearl, Steel Grey, Gravity Grey, Fusion Blue Lake, Downing Red, Vesta Blue, Shadow Matte Gray, and Jungle Wood Green.

Photo: Kia

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Kia K8 Hybrid

The first-ever Kia K8 luxury premium sedan, the first Kia to wear the new logo, is now joined by its new hybrid variant for those who want an economically conscious luxury sedan that is all about performance and ecology blended in a just-right vehicle that will humiliate Japanese luxury hybrids by all means necessary.


The K8 Hybrid starts at around 36,980,000 Korean Won plus additional costs and at first glance it looks, feels, and works just like its petrol-powered equivalent but with the hybrid powertrain to boot.

On the exterior design, it's just like the normal K8 judging from the massive front grille, the Arena logo-esque foglamps, caltrop-shaped rear lamps, and its fastback styling akin to the Audi A7 but the hybrid dons the HEV badge at the back and specially-made 17-inch wheels that are going to let them know.

On the interior, it features a 12.3-inch cluster with hybrid-specific dials while the 12.3-inch UVO navigation screen comes with hybrid contents that check how does its hybrid powertrain work. Like the normal K8, it still fits up to five people and features a wide range of luxury concessions to keep them accommodated on the go.

Under the hood, the K8 Hybrid features the Smartstream Turbo Hybrid powertrain first applied on the Sorento MQ4 last year. It's a turbocharged 180PS 1.6L petrol engine bolted to a 44.4kW electric motor and a li-ion battery, while mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. As a result, it has a fuel economy of 18kmpl.

Unlike most models, the K8 Hybrid is available only in front-wheel-drive so the only foes it will chase down is the Lexus ES because thanks to its sophisticated suspension setup, it will humiliate the ES by a long shot although the K8 Hybrid's less fuel-efficient compared to the ES, that's for sure.

Lastly, the K8 features the same roster of Drive Wise safety tech as the normal one, putting drivers on notice.

Although the new K8 Hybrid is less efficient than the Lexus ES, it's worth rewarding because of its turbocharged hybrid powertrain, six-speed AT that works unlike the ES's CVT and tons of luxury concessions that will upset its Japanese rival. Is this the hybrid luxury sedan you would want to try?

Photo: Kia

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Kia K3 (BD) - 2022 minor change

Introduced in 2018, the second-generation K3 sedan excels on its value for money, good looks, tech, and space while its GT hatchback is all about being a fun-to-drive car you can afford. Fast forward to today and the second-generation Kia K3 gained a minor change for the 2022 model year. So, what's new for the K3?



The second-generation Kia K3 received a minor change for the 2022 model year with prices start at 17,700,000 Korean Won, which is more expensive than its main rival, the latest Hyundai Avante. Yes, while it's expensive than its Hyundai relative that gained its full model change last year, there is so much to dig about this latest minor change starting with its design.

The revised design features a more streamlined front where the headlamps and the Tiger Nose grille are now conjoined. It's a pattern similar to the previous generation's facelift a few years ago and because Kia now lives in its new era, the new Kia logo has been applied of course. Oh, and the rear lamps have been revised as well. Just don't let the new Kia logo startle you. That new logo gave them the creeps.



The interior has been slightly revised on this minor change as well and in addition to the new Kia logo slapped on the steering wheel, the updated interior features a longer 10.25-inch UVO Navigation, an electronic parking brake that replaces the traditional one, which is bad news for speedo boys behind the wheel of course because they're not fans of the electronic parking brakes, and for the first time in four-door saloons, a smart trunk that can be opened automatically when it senses an incoming driver holding a smart key. Although the changes were minimal, it still snugs up to five people and still delivers the same boot space as usual with the K3 GT carrying more stuff than the sedan version, of course.



Nothing's changed on the specs, of course. The K3 sedan is still powered by the SmartStream G1.6 petrol engine mated to a SmartStream Intelligent Variable Transmission or IVT, a CVT that uses a chain-type belt instead of a push belt. Fuel economy is still 15.2km/L.

The K3 GT hatchback, meanwhile, still runs on a 1.6L Gamma T-GDi four-cylinder engine producing 204PS of power and 27.0kg•m of torque while mated to a 7-speed double-clutch gearbox. Fuel economy is around 12.1kmpl.

While the dynamics of these two body styles remained the same, with the K3 sedan focused on being a comfortable everyday car to drive just like your dad's Honda Civic, while the K3 GT is all about being sporty all over thanks to its sporty suspension setup implemented, the list of safety features have been greatly expanded and revised with the implementation of the navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision avoidance assistance, rear collision avoidance assist, and Safety Exit Assist.

Despite numerous improvements, it's still basically the second-generation K3 the world's familiar with and it works and feels just like the pre-facelift model, only better.

Photo: Kia

Thursday, April 8, 2021

Kia K8

The year 2021 marks a brave new era for Kia and having greeted the world with its weird-looking new logo that made everyone's skins crawl, they have welcomed the first of its new beginning; a brand-new luxury premium sedan called the K8.


The first-ever Kia K8, priced at 32.8 million won or over 33,000 Dollars plus additional costs, served as the replacement of the K7 premium midsize sedan, and this new luxury saloon is the first of Kia's bold new era because this is the first Kia model to don the new logo.


Before getting to know more about the K8, let's observe the design first and while the fastback styling made the K8 seductive to look at, the front and the rear view is rather questionable because, on the front, the massive grille on it makes it less suitable for those who have trypophobia while the foglamps are like several Arena logos bonded together. Yes, it's the brand that made sportswear but we're not talking about swim clubs, friend. At the back, you will see some caltrop lines on the rear lamps which are rather pointy indeed.


Step inside and you are greeted to a well-balanced interior that matches the same level as expensive German imports. Toying around with a wide range of gadgets such as the 12.3-inch UVO navigation, Meridian Premium Sound system, ergo motion seats, Kia CarPay, and so on, it's easy to find out why the K8 matches its German opposition in terms of keeping its occupants occupied on the go. As for the comfort side, its five-seating capacity makes it a suitable vehicle for VIPs, bodyguards, associates, even CEOs of a big company. The boot space is rather decent as well. Because it runs on the third-generation platform, it's surprisingly roomier than the K7 it replaces. Good one.


Under the hood, the K8 is powered by a choice of two petrol engines and a 3.5L LPi which is very cheap to fill. The 2.5L petrol engine produces 198PS of power and 25.3kgf-m of torque while the most powerful of the range, the Smartstream G 3.5 GDi engine, produces 300PS of power and 36.6kgf-m of torque. All are mated to an 8-speed AT, which is operated by a rotary knob selector similar to the ones used by the Jaguar Land Rover vehicles.

As a front-wheel-drive vehicle, the K8 is all about being stable on the roads while letting its sophisticated suspension setup do the talking, although it's more active to drive than the K7 it replaces. For the 3.5L variant with all-wheel-drive, the K8 is taking advantage of its newly-found balance to be as smooth as an Audi without all the drama involved. Coupled with the third-generation platform and some reworked chassis and the end result is a luxury car that is almost as emotional as expensive German imports, any way it can. As for safety, the K8 is packed with numerous safety features that will put them on notice.

The first-ever K8 from Kia may have the most questionable exterior design ever made for the rebirth of Kia but its interior comfort, tech, and performance made it a worthy contender to the Audi A4. This car truly is the new beginning for Kia and we can expect great things for the brand's revival.

Photo: Kia

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Kia Stinger VS Genesis G70 (2021 minor change)

Two Korean premium midsize sedans, the Kia Stinger and the Genesis G70 gained some minor changes for the 2021 model year and with the former taking a more conservative approach, the latter goes for a more heavy approach to its minor change. What's up with their latest minor change?

2021 Kia Stinger

2021 Kia Stinger

Let's begin with the Kia Stinger. When it was launched three years ago, this sports saloon caught the attention of horsepower-hungry, phone-flipping, speedo boys who can't wait to enjoy its dynamic character and its newfound street cred. Despite its popularity, there were only a few who are buying it, which is rather sad. While the Stinger's fate is in the balance, this minor change feels like it doesn't help because of its same looks, or is it?

On the styling side, the minor change features the same front as the old Stinger but with some new headlamps to differentiate it. Then, there is a new set of wheels to make a clear statement about it. And on the rearview, the Stinger gained new rear lamps, which sums up really well.

2021 Kia Stinger interior

On the inside, you will notice that the sat-nav is now longer than the old one, gained blue accents on the trim, and ambient lighting, and sports new and premium seats to make it look luxurious. These interior updates made the Stinger feel more luxurious, which is somewhat contrasting.

2021 Kia Stinger

The recent minor change made the Stinger look mature but it feels as fun to drive as the previous one especially when there are big changes under the hood. In the list of engines, the 2.0L turbo, and 2.2 diesel have been thrown away for good and while it retains the top-of-the-line 3.3L Turbo V6 engine, now producing up to 373PS of power, the facelift welcomes the Smartstream 2.5L turbo engine first appeared in the latest Genesis G80, producing 304PS of power and 43kg-m of torque. Both of these engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

While it behaves like the old Stinger thanks to its sport-tuned suspension, available AWD with Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control, and Brembo brakes, the facelifted Stinger has a load of safety tech that feels like it's in charge of driving.

Price? 38,530,000 Korean Won, which sounds more costly than the old but amazingly, it's less expensive than the Genesis G70 that I'm showing it to you right now.

2021 Genesis G70

2021 Genesis G70

The 40,350,000 Won Genesis G70 boasts a big minor change, which sounds like a heavy approach compared to the Stinger's because the new model now sports the signature Genesis look first debuted on the GV80 SUV last January. With that new look, the G70 is starting to look and feel like a different car compared to expensive European imports.

2021 Genesis G70 interior

The interior looks the same as the old one except for the sat-nav, which is now longer than the previous one, and now boasts tons of tech stuff including the rather handy built-in dash cam, which is great for spotting sweet potatoes on the road, if you know what I mean, and humiliate them on social media when you come home.

2021 Genesis G70

Unlike the Stinger, the G70 retains most of its engine lineup consisting of the 2.2L CRDi-VGT engine with 202PS of power output, the 2.0L Turbo GDi engine with 255PS of power output, and the 3.3L Turbo V6 engine producing 370PS of power and 52kgf-m of torque. All are mated to an 8-speed AT.

What's surprising is that the new G70 boasts a new "Sports+" drive mode which lets its engine and gearbox loose to get the most out of it and in the high-end 3.3L V6 with Sports Package, it features a flashy Variable Exhaust Valve System which makes it sounds more frisky. Couple that with its sport-tuned suspension and available Dynamic AWD system and the result is a rather enjoyable Korean luxury car that can be driven harder and longer.

On the safety side, the new G70 boasts a wide array of safety techs such as Forward Collision-Avoidance, Blind-spot Collision Avoidance, Safe Exit Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, Lane Following Assist, Multi Collision Brake, Rear Occupant Alert, and so on.

These updated Korean luxury midsize sedans may feel different but they're worth the try so, which one will you go for?

Photo: Kia Motors/Hyundai Motor Company

Monday, August 31, 2020

Kia Carnival (KA4)

Since 1998, the Kia Carnival is a minivan that tries to be the little brother of the Hyundai Starex. As the current Hyundai Grand Starex is aging like a bonafide senior citizen, the Carnival keeps changing and with this fourth-generation model, the all-new Carnival is going to be the best Carnival ever made because of its sharp styling, more family-oriented interior, new tech, new performance, and new levels in safety, resulting to a minivan that nearly matches the same level as the Toyota Alphard but without all the drama involved.

2021 Kia Carnival
Here it is, the all-new, fourth-generation Kia Carnival. Priced at 31,600,000 Korean Won (around US$ 27,000), the all-new Carnival retains the same family-friendly comforts as its predecessors but with new and exciting features that made the new model the ideal alternative to rivals from the Rising Sun.

2021 Kia Carnival

One look at its design and you'll know that the new Carnival is all about business and leisure compared to its previous model because judging by its gaudy front grille that has a teething impression of an elementary school girl with acne on her face and braces on her tooth. Scary but the side view is reminiscent of 90's Japanese MPVs and the rear view is anything but basic to them. In short, the new model bears a love-it-or-hate-it impression on the outside but the design is not really the case for the new model because the true beauty of the fourth-generation model is the spacious interior.

2021 Kia Carnival interior

The new Carnival's interior really fits the "Connecting Hub" slogan very well because with so much high-tech conveniences offered, the passenger side is what sparked interests of many. Of course, you can have a seven-seater, a nine-seater, or for the ultimate in road-tripping, an 11-seater. The choices are quite surprising at first but the latter two are so much unrivaled because of the fourth-row seats. If the new Carnival is made to compete Japan's most luxurious minivans, you should go for the seven-seater variant because of the second-row seats that offered can be reclined just like what you expect from a Toyota Alphard or a Honda Odyssey. Couple that with some optional extras like a rear-seat entertainment system and the result is a very accommodating minivan.

On the driver's side, you are greeted by a host of features such as an optional sat-nav, smartphone connectivity, climate control, Kakao i, high-tech intstrumental cluster, a rotary shift knob that speedo boys called it worthless, lots of space to store your stuff, and many other features that will keep you occupied for more.

Boot space? It's identical to the previous model but the addition of fourth-row seating means no more unless you fold them down for more. Quite a hassle but this is how minivans roll these days.

2021 Kia Carnival

Under the hood, the 4th generation Carnival offers two new choice of engines such as the more powerful Smartstream G3.5 V6 engine with 294PS of power and the Smartstream D2.2 diesel engine that delivers 202PS of power, 45kg-m of torque, and 13.1km/L of combined fuel economy, enough for trips from Muntinlupa to the floating restaurant somewhere in the south and back.

Because it utilizes on a third-generation platform as well as MDPS, the new Carnival is now better to drive and better to live with than its predecessor and durable as well. It maybe worth the bulk than today's Sorento but it works like any other minivan should, no doubt. As for safety, the new Carnival hosts a wide array of safety tech under the Drive Wise banner but I'll leave it here.

2021 Kia Carnival

Based on experience, anyone who bought a new Sorento may have to think twice before trading one for the new Carnival because despite the new Carnival being more pricey than the Sorento, the new Carnival offers a lot of stuff that the Sorento can't and with that, you might want to consider this instead of the new Sorento.

The new Carnival, thanks to its new platform, new interior, new design, new technology, and new packaging, is a surefire sign to say that Kia's on a roll because while it's becoming more of a threat against its Japanese rivals, the same family-friendly feeling that past models bore still remains, making it the ideal Korean minivan for all walks of life. For work or for play, the new Carnival is all about getting the job done from start to finish and for anyone who has experience with past Carnival models, this is the best Carnival ever made.

Photo: Kia Motors