Kia Philippines, now operated under the helm of AC Industrials, had big surprises for the motoring public at the recent 15th Manila International Auto Show.
The Korean nameplate first revealed its all-new 2019 Kia Forte. The Forte’s new sporty and more adventurous design is already clearly inherent of the bold design cues of its brawnier brother, the Kia Stinger. Its signature tiger nose grille gifts it with a more commanding presence while its sporty interior is both driver-focused and ergonomic.
The third-generation Kia Forte is available in three variants: the LX and EX, which both carry a 1.6-liter dual CVVT gasoline engine with 128ps and 155Nm of torque (mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission); and the GT – the sportier and more powerful variant that uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline direct-injection engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. It boasts an impressive 204ps of power and 265Nm of torque.
Meanwhile, Kia’s halo car and visionary product of the Kia GT concept – the Kia Stinger – was unveiled with much enthusiasm by Kia Philippines President Manny Aligada. It is an awesomely handsome car designed by German design chief Peter Schreyer, and which was developed at the Kia Design Studio in Frankfurt, Germany.
The Kia Stinger is meant to achieve a perfect combination of delightful ride, handling, comfort and capability. It brands itself as a quick-footed, luxurious, balanced, spacious and quiet grand tourer – packaged in muscular fastback form.
It’s powered by a 3.3-liter twin-turbo petrol V6 and boasts of maximum power of 370ps and maximum torque set of 510Nm. The car’s top speed is 270 km/h and it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds!
