Motoring updates in the ‘new normal’

TessDrive shares news and updates from vehicle and other motoring-related businesses in the Philippines, as the country picks itself up, dusts all the setbacks in 2020 off, and gets back on track to the future.

Kia Stonic sojourns fueled by ‘5S Formula’

An instantaneous wave of “oohs” and “ahhs” followed the unveiling of Kia Philippines’ perfect urban drive, the Stonic, in October last year. It was love at first sight for the comely crossover’s fan base, and thoroughly whetted the appetites of motoring enthusiasts.

Following the success of this virtual “catwalk” staged by Ayala-backed distributor Kia Philippines, the Stonic thus leapt out of the screens and into the hands of the motoring media for a quick spin in the outskirts of Metro Manila to showcase its “5S Formula” (Style, Space, Shift, Sounds, and Service).

The day trips with the media were done in several batches held over the months of February and March this year. Throughout the activities, proper health protocols such as swab tests and social distancing measures were applied to participants and vehicles to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Despite the stringent procedures, participants thoroughly enjoyed the road trip via the Stonic’s nifty offerings.

Style

Known for the “Style That’s Iconic”, the Stonic turns heads for its youthful colors complementing the overall award-winning design, the Tiger Nose Grille, fin type antenna, roof rails, LED daytime running lamps for the EX, rear combination lamps, rear spoiler garnish, and projector headlamps.

In navigating city streets, winding roads, and expressways on the way to Tagaytay, the Stonic warranted confidence among the driver participants, thanks to the 185mm ground clearance on 16-inch alloy wheels.

Space

Participants straightaway enjoyed the top-notch coziness with the Stonic’s 2,570-millimeter wheelbase, which guarantees excellent seating positions for its size.

Also, its versatility enables the driver to carry massive cargo. With the rear seats folded flat, luggage space instantaneously grows up to 325 liters, to make sure you can transport everything you need for work and play.

Shift

On the road to a sumptuous lunch, the Stonic also proved its mastery in fuel efficiency—even in heavy traffic—with the 1.4 dual CVVT gasoline engine matched to a 6-speed automatic transmission being one of the powertrain options. The Stonic solidifies its position as a reliable ride during weekdays when traffic conditions in the city can be a nightmare.

Aside from being fuel efficient in all types of road and traffic conditions, the Stonic’s powertrain can also provide up to 100 PS and 132 Nm torque. Injecting heaps more fun and control on the daily drive is the tiptronic shifter that is also made available in this sprightly crossover.

The Stonic is such a fun drive, parking it is even a happy chore. Like child’s play, pulling up at the parking area is made easier with the help of a rearview camera. The need for keys when turning the engine or simply locking the door is now a thing of the past, as the Stonic is engineered future-proof with Smart Entry and Push Start system for the EX variant.

Sounds

The Stonic is as fun to drive as it is to ride, with it being generous with technological features—beginning with the 8-inch touchscreen audio system that easily connects one’s mobile device via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and the six speakers that go with it for that joy-jamming while joy-riding, a USB port, and a 12V socket to ensure that every mobile device is always juiced up.

Service

Just as how Kia Philippines prioritizes building customer relationships through countless delightful means, the Kia Stonic also offers a host of safety features so occupants can focus on enjoying the trip, no matter what. Among them are Hill Start Assist and Electronic Stability Control for the EX grade for assured smooth navigation.

The nimble Kia Stonic is served up with the customer-centric five-year or 160,000-km warranty, as well as with a 24/7 roadside assistance free for five years which covers emergency towing, personal assistance, minor onsite repair, medical assistance and information service for a secured, enjoyable and worry-free ownership.

With such one-of-a-kind design, features and amenities that’ll inspire you to move, and a fuel-efficient powertrain that’ll drive your day, the Stonic becomes your daily statement of style on the street.

The Kia Stonic is now available in the following variants and prices: LX MT – P735,000; LX AT – P835,000, and; EX AT – P925,000, and in the following colors: Prime Red, Extreme Blue, Clear White, Flame Orange, Flash Yellow, and Clear White.