Kia Philippines is ushering in the brand’s new ‘movement’
Kia Philippines makes waves again as it now formally adopts the new emblem that was unveiled to the world by the South Korea-headquartered carmaker at the start of 2021. The highly stylized “Kia” is said to be, according to its global website, “a symbol of (its) new brand purpose and the values it promises to offer customers through future products and services, and the experiences these enable. Kia seals its brand promise by developing the new logo to resemble a handwritten signature. The rhythmical, unbroken line of the logo conveys Kia’s commitment to bringing moments of inspiration, while its symmetry demonstrates confidence. The rising gestures of the logo embody Kia’s rising ambitions for the brand, and, more importantly, what it offers customers.”
As the range of values suggests, it’s not a purely aesthetic change. Now that the logo formally finds its way to the Philippines, the Ayala-backed local distributor of the brand embraces it and what it stands for by committing to roll it out (along with the refreshed CI) to its network of dealerships. Kia President Manny Aligada said during a virtual presser that the company has talked to its “over 20 dealer principals (accounting for) 40 locations” in relation to the refresh. There’s, of course, a cost implication, but Kia is making sure to work with its partners to ensure that they can reflect the changes and get up to speed.
Kia Philippines is welcoming the rejuvenation by also bringing in the all-new model of the Kia Sorento, along with a new variant of its popular Stonic crossover. Bearing the brand’s signature Tiger Nose grille, the Sorento features leather-covered seats (with the SX trim getting power adjustments with driver memory plus front-seat cooling and heating). The seven-seater is said to promise comfort for passengers even in the third row.
Under the hood of the Sorento is a 2.2-liter Smartstream Diesel and DCT combo for “enhanced power, efficiency and more precise shifting (versus the previous generation) that crystallizes what Kia means by ‘Movement that Inspires.’” With prices starting at P2.398 million, the Sorento also bears a myriad of safety features: blind spot view monitor, 360-degree surround view camera, rear cross and forward collision assist, and lane keep assist (for the SX).
The SX also boasts a 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster and wireless mobile phone charger. The infotainment system is predicated on an eight-inch screen, and features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Audio finds expression through a standard six-speaker system.
Kia gives the Sorento a 5-year/160,000km warranty, along with 24/7 roadside assistance nationwide in aid of worry-free ownership experience. The all-new Kia Sorento 4×2 SX 8DCT variant will be available starting the fourth week of November; the 4×2 EX 8DCT should arrive by January next year.
Meanwhile, Kia’s bestselling crossover gets a new trim: the Kia Stonic Style Edition. Priced at P895,000, the variant now carries the new Kia logo (like the Sorento), and gets body skirting plus blacked-out wheels. A Style Edition badge also appears on its haunch. The Style Edition is expected to arrive in showrooms by the fourth week of November.
Finally, Kia Philippines said it is rolling out a new customer experience via upgraded online channels and social media setups. “Once you arrive at the dealership, you’ll immediately sense the new spirit of Kia from its new look and feel. Walk through the doors and be surrounded by the elevated ambience that brings to life the Kia vision to inspire,” the company revealed in a release. “As for customer service, various training programs have been developed to ensure that all Kia sales representatives take customers through every step of the process with extra care and personalized service. And this new level of attention extends even after the sale is made.”
When asked if the brand is ready to bring in electrified vehicles, Aligada said that EVs are definitely on the horizon – although “definitely not this year.” Kia Philippines is planning gradually ease them in on top of regular models, provided that charging infrastructure and ecosystems are in place. You could say that Kia is being very deliberate.
For more information, like and follow Kia Philippines on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to its YouTube channel; visit www.kia.com.
