Kia Sorento (MQ4) Hybrid

When Kia launched the 4th generation Sorento early this year, only the diesel powertrain is offered at launch, but due to inconsistent demand, Kia finally added the cream of the crop of the 4th-generation Sorento; a hybrid powertrain unlike any other.

2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid

2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid interior

The arrival of the first-ever Sorento Hybrid showcases Kia's new way to make hybrids more enjoyable to drive unlike its Japanese competitors such as the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4 because what the Korean carmaker did is creating a new hybrid powertrain that will upset the boring Japanese ones.

How did they do it? Simple, really. They slapped a turbocharger to the hybrid powerplant. The Sorento Hybrid features the first ever 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, total power output is a high-performance-class 230PS, 35.7kgf-m of torque, and up to 15.3km/L of combined fuel economy for front-wheel drive variants.

Like the normal Sorento, it features a generic exterior design, spacious interior for six or seven people, high-tech dashboard with a Jaguar-esque rotary shift knob, new platform, reworked suspension setup, optional 4WD with Terrain Mode, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, and so much more.

The Sorento Hybrid starts at 36,000,000 Korean Won, which is more expensive than the normal, diesel-powered model, but if you are growing unsatisfied over the new model's diesel powerplant like the rest of the world, consider the Sorento Hybrid the ideal alternative. Besides, with the turbo hybrid powerplant, the Japanese competitors are in for a world of disdain because while being another crossover in the neighborhood, the turbo hybrid powerplant will leave the Japanese rivals crying, wishing they had turbos and better gearbox like the Sorento's. The more you know.

Photo: Kia Motors

Third-generation Kia Morning/Picanto - 2021 minor change

The third-generation Kia Morning compact hatchback has been on the road for three years and it's the ideal opportunity for the city car to undergo a minor change for the 2021 model year. Called Morning Urban, the latest minor change adds some more life to the third-generation model while balancing the things that are right with the things that are wrong. Let's take a look at the latest minor change.

2021 Kia Morning

The latest minor change for the Kia Morning features a revised front face complete with a reworked grille, new LED lamps, and new front bumper design while the rear view's slightly changed with new rear lamps, new rear bumpers, and for all the wrong reasons, faux exhaust tips to fool motorists from behind. Quite a tricky little city car, eh?

2021 Kia Morning interior

2021 Kia Morning interior

Before complaining about the facelift's rear design controversy thanks to the faux rear tips bolted to the rear bumpers, let's take a look at the interior because for the minor change, the interior's mildly revised with refined instrumental paneling, revised climate control switches, and an even bigger sat-nav from last time complete with revised UVO into the mainframe. You can even opt-in for optional driver's side seat ventilation to make it feel premium because the interior really feels premium for the drivers.

2021 Kia Morning

The Morning Urban features a brand new Smartstream G 1.0 MPi engine, which replaces the old 1.0L Eco Prime Kappa 3-cylinder engine from the pre-facelifted engine of the old model. Although the power output remains at 76PS, the torque output is down by 1Nm from the old engine, which doesn't mean much for them, and when mated to a 4-speed AT, fuel economy is now 15.7km/L combined, quite an improvement of course.

Safety is the top priority for the minor change and with that, the Morning Urban features a windscreen camera capable of using lane departure warning and lane departure assist as well as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. With this, this facelift makes it one of the safest compact cars you can buy.

The Morning Urban starts at 11,750,000 Korean won (around $12,000) and while slightly more expensive than the old one, it's still the cheapest Kia you can buy. 

If you didn't mind about the faux rear tips as well as the torque drop from its new engine and care about its tech and fuel economy, this recently facelifted Morning isn't quite bad at all. It drives nicely all of the time and that's it.

Available colors: Clear White, Milky Beige, Titanium Silver, Shiny Red, Sparkling Silver, Aurora Black Pearl, and Honeybee

Photo: Kia Motors

Fourth-Generation Kia Sorento (MQ4)

The Kia Sorento was one of the best-selling vehicles ever made when it was first introduced in early 2002 and for the past three generations, the Sorento never fails to cater to every single driver with convenience, performance, and comfort, something that the competition got them grinding their gears. With the Sorento reaching its all-new, fourth-generation model, there are some things to watch out for, something that previous owners can't wait to swap for this all-new model.

2021 Kia Sorento

The all-new, fourth-generation, Kia Sorento, starting at 29,480,000 Korean Won (around $30,000) marks a big step toward Kia's best-selling SUV that has been known the world over with its usability, practicality, and comfort that is as close to the competition as you can get. Those who gained their family experience from the previous third-generation model will probably say that it performs better than the previous cars they had but for the fourth-generation model, I wonder how much has changed since I first had the hot seat from its previous model?

2021 Kia Sorento

The fourth-generation model's design isn't what you called generic but it's not revolting to look at either. On the front view, the new face looks a bit like a botched job while the side view looks like the previous model I had my hot seat on, and on the rearview, the headlamps can be easily mistaken for either a Ford Explorer or a Mustang without the terrifying blinkers that scares everyone behind it, not to mention the fact where exhausts planted below the car rather than to the faux tips. Despite its questionable exterior design, there's no stopping someone from getting their hands on this new model.

2021 Kia Sorento interior

2021 Kia Sorento interior

Because it's now slightly bigger than the previous model, the interior is surprisingly roomier than the old one as well, meaning it's almost as big as the Mazda CX-8 and it works rather well as a family mover on a daily basis. More spacious as well.

Whether you will take it at work, on a family play date, or on a relaxing Sunday drive to Leavenworth, the new Sorento really keeps it cool on the go. 

On the driver's side, you can expect lots of stuff to toy around with such as the 10.25-inch UVO navigation system, smartphone connectivity, an optional wireless smartphone charger, a built-in camera for when you can spot some sweet potatoes littering through the road, ambient lighting, a rotary shift knob like you get from the Jaguar, and so much more.

2021 Kia Sorento

The fourth-generation Sorento is available at launch with the brand-new Smartstream D2.2 engine which produces 202PS of power and 45kgf-m of torque. Mated to a brand new Smartstream 8-speed wet dual-clutch gearbox, it delivers a combined fuel economy of about 14.3km/L. That's some improvement compared to the previous model but you should really thank the new platform it dons on this new model because apart from its longer wheelbase and better fuel economy, the new platform results in a more enjoyable driving experience courtesy of its reworked suspension setup that delivers the best of SUV-like ruggedness and sedan-riding comfort, a step ahead from the previous model it replaces.

For 4WD models, the Sorento comes with Terrain Mode which allows the drivers to switch through three different modes; Snow, Mud, and Sand, allowing them to claw through different conditions like elephants on the mountainous borders a la Hannibal. There's even Advanced Driver Assistance Systems with Level 2 autonomy and Advanced Smart Parking Assist, meaning that with such high levels of intelligence poured into this crossover, it can be either surprised and annoyed at the same time because, with so many cars going AI-crazy in the name of safety, the new Sorento is not exempted here. Better behave like normal humans, people.

So, the new, fourth-generation Sorento may have nearly-revolting looks compared to the previous model but its comfort, practicality, tech, and performance push it slightly further forward, and when compared to the previous model I had my hot seat on, this is slightly an improvement and those who driven the previous model until now will be appreciated enough how much it changed and they're looking forward to upgrade to this new generation.

Photo: Kia Motors

Kia Niro (2020 minor change)

The Kia Niro, a hybrid crossover that runs on the same mechanical bits and bobs s the Hyundai Ioniq crossover, gained a minor change for the 2020 model year and this minor change is all about "new look, same taste" for Kia's dedicated hybrid crossover that is not as boring to drive as any Japanese hybrid crossovers it can lash into.

2020 Kia Niro

2020 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid

Starting at 24,200,000 KRW MSRP, the 2020 Kia Niro follows the footsteps of the recently facelifted Hyundai ioniq and that is all about "new look, same taste" in terms of style, comfort, ecology, and tech, no doubt.

Firstly, the revised design of the facelifted Niro draws inspiration from its Niro EV variant, meaning it's got that new projector-type headlamps and fog lamps, new grille design, dual chevron-shaped LED DRLs, revised faux skid plate, rear LED combination lights, and new wheel designs to choose from. On the inside, the Niro's slightly revised with a new 7-inch instrument cluster and new 8-inch touchscreen display with the optional 10.25-inch UVO navigation system, climate control, optional paddle shifters, and others, which is good for a five-seater hybrid crossover with decent spacing inside and out.

2020 Kia Niro interior

The powertrain remains the same for the 2020 Niro, meaning you can still expect the same Kappa 1.6L GDi engine connected to a 32kW electric motor and a lithium-ion battery for the hybrid model, mated to its double clutch gearbox to deliver 19.5km/L of combined fuel efficiency. On the PHEV model with the Kappa 1.6L GDi engine connected to a 44.5kW electric motor and a 6-speed Double Clutch Gearbox, that's about 18.6km/L combined with the electric driving range of 5.1km/kwh.

For safety, the facelifted Niro comes with a wide array of available Advanced Driver Assistance Systems such as the new Lane Following & Lane Keeping Assist and High Beam Assist.

One of some reasons new and existing owners to get their hands on the revised hybrid crossover that has been craving on the road for three years.

Photo: Kia Motors

3rd Gen Kia K5

Kia's executive midsize saloon, the K5, has been on the block for almost a decade with two generations on the beat and for this third generation, the all-new K5 tries to survive the genre critically endangered by the crossovers that are selling like superheroes. Although not as super as it looks and feels, the all-new K5 prepares for a risky gamble with futuristic looks, interior, performance, and tech.

2020 Kia K5

Starting at 23,510,000 Korean Won (about US$20,200) MSRP, the third-generation Kia K5 is the Korean automaker's make-it-or-break attempt to restore the saloon genre by all means necessary with its new design, performance, and technology that will surely be the trending topic in the motoring public, whatever that means.

First and foremost, the styling, and while it claims to be the most futuristic-styled sedan to date, it's worth puzzling to observe, judging by its weird-looking headlamps that is not as weird as the Hyundai DN8 Sonata months ago where the DRLs stretched towards the body lines. On the back of it, it bears close resemblance from its big brother, the recently facelifted K7 Premier, and on the side, the Stinger-like curves are very streamlined indeed.

2020 Kia K5 interior

The inside is where the new K5 earns it because of the right blend of technology and comfort way beyond its premium status. The sat-nav, for instance, feels like it came from BMW. Then, there's rotary dial selector instead of a gear lever like you get in a Jaguar. And, finally, tons of luxury gimmicks such as the ambient light system, 8-inch HUD, 12-speaker BOSE sound system, voice commands, and the digital key feature where users can use a smartphone in place of a carkey to open a car. Very high-tech indeed and because it feels almost like a luxury car, it's not a bad car to get cozy with. Boot space's above average either.

2020 Kia K5 Hybrid

In addition to the 2.0L CVVL petrol engine, the new K5 is powered by a brand new Smartstream 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 180PS of power and 27kgf-m of torque with fuel economy expected at 13.8km/L combined. The former is mated with a 6-speed AT while the latter is mated to an 8-speed AT. Interesting.

For those who are looking for some added range should go for the Hybrid variant with up to 20.1km/L of fuel economy combined, courtesy of its hybrid powertrain which consists of a 2.0L petrol engine, electric motor, and Li-ion battery, not to mention the 6-speed automatic gearbox mated to it.

To keep its sporty and luxury status, which is almost interesting for a Korean-made sedan like this, the new K5 features ventilated disc brakes, MacPherson Struts, and rear Multilink suspension, keeping the car's momentum in bay for the sake of refinement.

2020 Kia K5

As most cars going all in for technology, the third-generation Kia K5 comes with the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems as well as Rear View Monitor with Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-traffic Collision-avoidance Assist, and a new Remote Smart Parking Assist, which allows users to use the car key to remotely get the car in and out of the parking space. Sounds very secret agent-ish but flattering.

So, what's the word on the third-generation K5? Although the styling is west of weird, the value for money, the interior, the tech, and the performance really ticks the boxes rather well and although the new K5 lacks the charisma of the first one from the year 2010, which got everyone's attention in the beginning, it is worth a shot in the critically endangered sedan genre and looks like the new model is onto something for the whole world to see.

Photo: Kia Motors

Kia K7 (2nd gen) vs. Hyundai Grandeur (6th gen) - 2020 minor change

Kia's K7 and Hyundai's Grandeur, in their current generation, are now on their 2020 model years with their minor changes sporting bold new looks while retaining their same experiences for the drivers ever since they went on sale three years ago.

2020 Kia K7 Premier

First off, let's take a look at the facelifted second-generation Kia K7. Starting at 30,940,000 Korean Won (around $31,000), the K7 Premier, as they called it, features a distinctively new look inside and out, and new engine choices, not to mention the added tech involved.

Starting at the design, Kia must have done a good job revising the second-generation K7 for the 2020 model year. Tthe trademark Tiger Nose grille now sized like the grilles from the BMW 8-Series while the DRLs now aligning with the grille for a more dramatic look. On the back, Kia copied the rear view of the Genesis G90 while slapping some Kia credentials on it, making it harder for people to distinguish between the two cars in terms of rear views insights.

2020 Kia K7 Premier interior

The interior has been heavily redesigned on this minor change except for the steering wheel, which is a carry-over from the pre-facelifted model. The new interior throws away the analog clock from the pre-facelifted model, which is rather obvious for this model, while implementing a much longer touch screen which is updated on the go and works with the camera feature in case of sweet potatoes on the road, the K9-inspired digital instrumental panel which works with the Behind View Monitor, and a more comfortable seats for a more luxurious feel. Of course, it may be a Kia but it's about as luxurious as a BMW 3-Series of course.

In addition to the 2.2L diesel engine and 3.0L GDi engine with 266PS of power and R-MDPS, the K7 Premier comes with a brand new Smartstream G2.5 GDi engine, which combines the qualities of a gasoline direct injection and multi-port injection engines into one efficient packaging. This new engine produces a high-performance class-ish 198PS of power and 25.3kgfm of torque with combined fuel economy is expected from 11.1 to 11.9km/L. 

2020 Kia K7 Premier Hybrid

Those who are looking for a fuel-efficient ride to work may consider a hybrid variant which bolts the 159PS 2.4L petrol engine to a 38kW electric motor and a 1.76kWh li-ion battery, not to mention a six-speed AT on it to make it slightly more engaging to drive than any Japanese midsize hybrids, although the 16.2km/L combined fuel economy wasn't enough to upset its Japanese rivals.

Apart from the engine choices, the K7 Premier still comes with the front MacPherson struts and rear multilink suspension, making it as handy as expensive European imports on the go. Not bad for a poor-man's K9.

Of course, it wouldn't be a luxury car of today without tech and the K7 Premier offers Advanced Driver Assistance Systems as well as UVO connectivity, giving it plenty of reasons to explore the gadgetry lurking through this semi-luxury car for the businessmen working in the Gangnam offices.

2020 Hyundai Grandeur

If you think that the facelifted Kia K7 is very 3-Series-ish, the facelifted, sixth-generation Hyundai Grandeur might change your mind over budget luxury cars.

Priced at 32,940,000 Korean Won (around $33,000), the facelifted Grandeur is more expensive than the K7 relative but what makes it more unique is the styling this minor change delivers. Drawing inspiration from the Le Fil Concept, the facelifted Grandeur features a unique front face where the edges of the massive grille lit up, giving it a more concept car feel for a production car. Apart from the unique front view, the rear view's massively revised with a Kia Stinger-inspired rear view, which is rather unorthodox for a Hyundai.

2020 Hyundai Grandeur interior

Just like the Kia K7 Premier, the Grandeur's minor change featured a brand new interior which looks like a mashup between the Lexus LS's and the Hyundai Palisade's, that's for sure, not to mention the steering wheel which looks like the Kia K9's, but long story short because questionable interior design aside, it works like every luxury midsize saloon should be thanks to its numerous gadgets offered, the smartphone connectivity, the plush leather seats, the gear buttons, the JBL sound systems, and more. Everything that will please the luxury car buyers for more.

2020 Hyundai Grandeur Hybrid

The facelifted Hyundai Grandeur is offered in a choice of various powertrain choices ranging from the brand new Smartstream G2.5 GDi engine, which offers similar fuel efficiency as the Kia K7 Premier, the 159PS 2.4L petrol engine to a 38kW electric motor and a 1.76kWh li-ion battery for the hybrid variant, the more powerful 3.3L V6 engine with a sporty 290PS of power output, and a 3.0 LPi engine for fleet purposes.

Apart from the engine choices that made the Grandeur different to its K7 relative, they share some similar technology with safety comes first and convenience later. You get the point, of course.

So, which would you pick? For pricing, the K7 is the pick but if you consider a more powerful luxury car on a budget, consider the Grandeur with the 3.3L engine on it. Either way, they behave like expensive European imports and these two recently facelifted models are something Korean businessmen would want to have for all the right or the wrong barrels.

Photo: Kia Motors/Hyundai Motor Company

Hyundai Venue vs. Kia Seltos

Crossovers are becoming as influential as Hollywood superheroes you saw in theaters and looks like the Koreans are busy leading the most mainstream category of all. For Hyundai and Kia, they're not resting their laurels on the SUV craze as they are so busy launching crossovers, their eyes come rolling. Such examples are the debutantes known as the Hyundai Venue and the Kia Seltos.

2020 Hyundai Venue

2020 Hyundai Venue

Starting with the Hyundai Venue, it’s the newest compact crossover you’ve never heard of. Prices start at 17,990,000 Korean Won (less than 800,000 PhP), so it’s basically the cheapest of the SUV lineup, less than the Kona. With all that affordable pricing, what do you get in a cheeky little crossover with a name that breaks tradition from city-naming ones like the Santa Fe, Tucson, and the Palisade?

Checking on the design, the boxy styling on this high-riding compact is just one of the noticeable details of the Venue. There is the front face reminiscent of the Kona, although the waffle-styled nose shows its cheapness unless you go for the other grille that is slightly good than this, as well as the squarish rear lamps with the letter Z on it. The minimalist approach to the Venue’s styling really shows just how cheap this C3 Aircross rival is.

2020 Hyundai Venue interior

The interior of the Venue is about as functional as a revived Nokia 3310 phone but it’s decently practical for the small family and some boot for today’s grocery. While you may consider it a family car, the Venue can also be used for TNVS purposes, and with a cabin of this size, it’s like having a little chat room with you and the passenger who called you. Although cheap to look around, the Venue feels not so bad to live with.

2020 Hyundai Venue

Despite being an SUV, the Venue is available only with front-wheel drive and while it comes with a nifty choice of drive modes, especially snow, mud, and sand, the Venue feels like it won’t catch up with the likes of the Citroen C3 Aircross’s wondrous Grip Control feature but it feels so decent playing as the elephant in the room even with a wide array of safety tech too much to mention.

Powering it is a 1.6L Smartstream MPi engine producing 123PS of power and 15.7 kg.m of torque and with the available Intelligent Variable Transmission, which is basically a CVT first applied on the latest Kia K3, expect combined fuel economy up to 13.7km/L. So, it’s not as enjoyable to drive as the competition from its class but the Venue sure has a lot to go for the extra mile.

2020 Kia Seltos

With the Hyundai Venue in the glossary, what about the stylish equivalent known as the Kia Seltos? As the compact crossover inspired by the SP Concept and one of the most ambitious models Kia has ever made due to the fact that it will be the first Kia to be available in India soon, the Seltos has a lot to talk about for a compact crossover with the 19,290,000 Korean Won (830,000 PhP) price tag, which is more expensive than the Hyundai Venue mentioned above.

2020 Kia Seltos interior

2020 Kia Seltos interior

Unlike the Hyundai Venue, the Kia Seltos features a much thought-provoking design that is relatively superior for such size and while the exterior design is about as dramatic as the concept car it was based on, the interior is not Nokia 3310-level like the one from the Hyundai Venue. This is as functional as today's Samsung Galaxy smartphone and you'll have a lot of reasons to toy around with its self-updating sat-nav, its smartphone connectivity, its HUD, the BOSE sound system, climate control, and other stuff. Aside from toying around with its gadgets, the Seltos, like the Hyundai Venue, is decently comfortable for a compact crossover of many uses; be it a family car, a road-tripper's car, or for TNVS duty. Expect anyone doing the latter driving the Seltos anytime soon but don't get your hopes up because of what lies underneath.

2020 Kia Seltos

The Seltos is powered with a choice of either a 1.6L T-GDi or a 1.6L CRDI-VGT diesel engine, both mated to a 7-speed DCT, but the turbocharged petrol is the one to go for because of its 177PS of power, meaning that it has the gusto to get to work as easy as pie. The diesel has a lot of torque to pull some stuff but who cares about diesel today. Of course, the DCT promises faster shift times compared to the normal automatic but for an inexperienced user, this can be somewhat of a hassle.

While the Seltos comes with the same driving modes as the Hyundai Venue, it comes with the optional 4WD system for better traction and usability in case you are busy listening to today's weather forecast but considering that if you want to take it on gravel or snow, go help yourselves because the Seltos has slight offroad capability despite the optional 4WD drivetrain.

Of course, the Seltos has a wide array of safety features in its class but again, too much to mention.

Looking at the combined fuel economy rating, the diesel can get through 17 to 17.6km/L whereas the petrol can get through 11.8 to 12.7km/L, both in front-wheel drive configurations, which is decently impressive.

With both of these Korean crossovers in the glossary, which would you pick? For budget, you can go for the Venue, but for something much of an all-rounder, you can go for the Seltos. The decision is up to you.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company/Kia Motors

Kia Soul Booster (SK3)

Kia first launched the Soul in the autumn of 2008 as an ideal answer to Toyota's Corolla Rumion and Nissan's cube and with a decade passed with two generations in the belt, the urban boxy crossover prepares with a third coming with the arrival of its third generation model complete with new look, new features, and a new name; Soul Booster.

2020 Kia Soul

2020 Kia Soul EV

Kia Motors rings in the new year with their new model, the third-generation Soul, and this urban crossover gets a futuristic makeover from top to bottom, just to give first-time buyers a boost in confidence while traveling through the city centers like your basic hipster.

Starting at the design, Kia decides to retain the iconic look that was carried over from the previous two generations but gave it a more futuristic twist. Although the new look is as handsome as Daft Punk's helmet, there's something missing about the new look; the Tiger Nose. With the Tiger Nose out of the equation for the new Soul, could this new model hint at a new design direction for Kia? Only time will tell but in the meantime, let's peek inside for more.

2020 Kia Soul interior

2020 Kia Soul EV interior

The new interior reflects its futuristic nature of this third generation model and while you're not driving, you can toy around with the new interior as long as you want just to get to know about its new dashboard better. From its available 10.25-inch navigation system with UVO and Kakao, HUD, available Krell Premium Surround, smart wireless charging, and sound mood lighting, this thing is like a beat box on wheels. Despite being bigger than the previous model, one thing that will upset your pals is that the new Soul's got a slightly shorter rear legroom which is somewhat a bad mark for the new model but the boot space is now slightly bigger than before, meaning there's more room for your thrift shop hauls that will infuriate your kids when you get back home.

2020 Kia Soul

2020 Kia Soul EV

The Soul Booster's offered with two powertrains; a petrol and an electric. That's it. In the normal petrol variant, the Soul's powered by a 1.6-liter twin-scroll turbocharged I-4 GDI engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. This engine produces 204PS of power and 27.0kg-m of torque so that is as nippy as a Nissan Juke with the same turbo engine but more importantly, it's not afraid to eat the Juke for breakfast, lunch, and tea, although unsure about the double clutch gearbox though.

The Soul Booster EV, meanwhile, features a new liquid-cooled li-ion polymer 64kWh battery that promises to last longer and charge faster with the Combined Charging System DC fast-charge to keep the road trip going. The electric motor churns out 204ps(150kW) of power and 40.3kg-m(395Nm) of torque, and at one full charge, it's capable of 386km of driving distance, meaning it's capable of completing the round trip from your home to Cabanatuan and back, theoretically. There are other features to that will keep the Soul Booster EV more enjoyable such as four drive modes, smart regenerative braking, Brake and Hold System, Smart Regen System, and Smart Eco Pedal Guide.

Whichever Soul you're driving, you can expect advanced driver-assistance systems that will keep the trip home safe and secured and with BSW, RCTC, and Parking Distance Warning added, it's even more safer.

Should you buy one? The Kia Soul Booster starts at 19,140,000 Korean Won for the turbocharged variant while the EV starts at 46,000,000 Korean Won. So, there you are. While the new Soul has a slightly shorter rear legroom that will upset the rear occupants, even those demanding to be seated at its "sweet spot", the futuristic nature really is a boost in confidence for Kia's urban crossover fit for the urban lifestyle. Millennials better get ready to have one right now.

Photo: Kia Motors 

Forza Horizon 4: Snow Stinger

It's wintertime in Horizon UK and with so much things to do when all of Britain is covered in snow, I decided to take a break from some usual shenanigans to bring you this Korean hero I'm digging to. It's from Kia and it's called the Stinger.



Most people might think that because I'm driving a Kia, I might get the jeers from the peers because it's Korean but this Kia is different than then might think because despite being made by Kia, the Stinger is a luxury sports saloon that is not afraid to take on the European rivals. It maybe born in Gwangmyeong but it was honed at the Nurburgring to deliver world-class performance that makes it a class apart from the rest.

Under the hood lies a 3.3L Twin Turbo V6 producing 365 horsepower and with the 8-speed AT armed, it does 0-100kph in 4.9 seconds and while this isn't as fast as a BMW M3, it's fast enough to outrun one of Kim Jong-un's wonky northern missiles. (Cue explosion effects)



By default, the Stinger is rear-wheel drive, which is a basic requirement for sports saloons, as well as a limited-slip differential and because of its Nurburgring-honed dynamics, Kia did succeed in making a sports saloon but only just. A rear-wheel drive Stinger, as standard, shows that the Stinger doesn't behave like a Korean car and you can give thanks to the man who used to work at BMW for that matter, but what about an all-wheel drive Stinger? Could that setup turned into an Audi and ruined it? As I read through the info, the Stinger's optional all-wheel drive has Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control, meaning it works pretty much like the Ford Focus RS, but does it work? To find out, I decided to fit the Stinger with AWD drivetrain while making some adjustments to prepare for the worst as well as doing something special since the Stinger showed up.







It's snowing, right? If it's snowing outside, I know exactly what this sign means. What? Don't recognize her anymore? Never mind, that design I made before really fits the Stinger's persona and with the AWD configuration set, the Stinger is ready for some Double Dare in British roads. Don't be scared, Lily-sama. We got this physical challenge under control.


Physical challenges complete!



Rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, whichever your Stinger's going to be, you'll be glad to know that this car exceeds expectations of what a luxury sport saloon should be and it breaks the stereotypes of what Korean cars are. I am glad that I drove one of the best cars made from the Land of the Morning Calm, and also K-POP. Still, with my thoughts about the Stinger done, the journey continues...

Kia K3 GT 5-door

Addressing concerns that the newest Kia K3 discards its fun to drive factor for fuel efficiency because of the new gearbox that made the new model behave like a Japanese city car, Kia Motors provided customers with a tangy new addition to this new model. Dubbed the K3 GT, it can be offered in a choice of a 4-door saloon and this, a 5-door hatchback.

2019 Kia K3 GT

2019 Kia K3 GT interior

Whereas the saloon can be offered in normal or GT variants, the hatchback is offered exclusively as the GT so focus is shifted on this one and while it carries the same exterior design as the saloon version, the K3 GT's hatchback profile is as stunning as the Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback, one of the key rivals of this car, and from every angle, this is something you really want to get your hands on if you got yourselves a driver's license for the first time.

On the interior, since this is the GT model, it's been given red stitching on the seats and the steering wheel while the door panels are as trendy as a nightclub. It maybe youth-focused but it carries all of the same stuff as the saloon such as the touch screen sat nav that works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB ports, wireless charging station, KRELL Premium Sound with 8-speaker, and many more. Because being a hatchback, the boot space is decent enough for your everyday stuff from work or for weekend trips and the rear seats can be folded down to make the most out of it. You can make it a five-seater, a three-seater, a two-seater, and as a little sleeper. Smart thinking, right?

Under the hood, the K3 GT is powered by 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, which is a bit of a buzzkill for a sporty hatchback of that size, but it's the dynamics that put the shine on the K3 GT as it features a sports rear multilink suspension as well as improved springs so that now, it's stable at the bends and comfortable. With the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres set as well as the available tuning package featuring some handling upgrades, the K3 GT really puts a charm on the dynamics department and although being a Korean car, it doesn't really behave like a Korean car at all. It really is something that can't be denied from the start.

For added safety, the K3 GT, like most models, now come with Forward Collision Warning and Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Driver Attention Warning, and High Beam Assist, all standard, while the Smart Cruise Control and Blind-spot Collision Warning are optional extras.

Prices for the K3 GT starts 19,930,000 Korean Won and although costly to own compared to the normal K3, the new K3 GT promises to bring back the fun-to-drive character to this new model, something that the normal K3 is missing the whole time, and with that, there's so much to talk about a sporty variant that does almost everything to keep the drivers happy for more.

Photo: Kia Motors

Fourth-generation Kia Sportage - 2019 minor change

The fourth-generation Kia Sportage is now on its 2019 model year and has been given a minor change. Called Sportage the Bold, this minor change features some of the newest additions on the commoner's crossover that is somewhat a commoner on Korean roads, from Seoul to Busan.

2019 Kia Sportage

2019 Kia Sportage interior

So, what's new on this minor change, you may ask? First and foremost, the Sportage has received new front and rear bumpers, which is somewhat hideous for crossover standards if you ask the other folks, as well as some new lamps and a choice of new alloy wheel designs from 16 to 19 inches. The interior hasn't been touched but it's been offered with a choice of two interior colors; black and brown. Also, the sat-nav's revamps with KakaoI voice recognition system, T-Map Mirror Link, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. Plus, the Sportage is the first Kia to be offered with the brand new UVO IoT Service, which is a car-to-home service that lets you communicate with your Sportage while at home. It takes time to get used to opening your new Sportage with your voice but it beats using the key in a long shot.

2019 Kia Sportage

2019 Kia Sportage interior

The engine lineup's changed for this minor change as well. The e-VGT R2.0 diesel engine is now mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox while the old e-VGT U-II 1.7L diesel engine has been thrown away and replaced by a brand new 1.6-litre 'U3' Smartstream D engine, which is the cleanest diesel engine Kia has ever made. The new diesel engine produces 136PS of power and 32.6kg-m of torque and is mated with a 7-speed DCT, which has a tendency to not work if you are not familiar with double-clutch gearboxes on normal vehicles like this, fuel economy, depending on wheel size, is a combined 16.3km/L. The Nu 2.0L MPi petrol engine remains in the lineup but sadly, the manual gearbox is gone for good, which is somewhat a bad trip for some.

As for safety, the new Sportage comes with a wide range of driving aids such as Front Collision Avoidance, Back Side Collision Warning, Lane Departure Assist, High Beam Assist, Rear Cross Warning, and Driver Attention Warning, among many others.

The Sportage the Bold starts at 21,200,000 Korean Won.

Available colors: Pure White, Snow White Pearl, Steel Grey, Sparkling Silver, Fiery Red, Mercury Blue, and Cherry Black.

Photo: Kia Motors