Finding a suitable KIA car in the Philippines can be daunting. However, it does not mean that you should just pick whatever model fits your budget.
It is undeniable that KIA is one of the most affordable brands in the market. Plus, it has evolved leaps and bounds through the years, making it affordable yet appealing like its rivals.
Another excellent selling point of this car manufacturer is its warranty. With a five-year warranty or 160,000-kilometer coverage, it is one of the most generous warranties in the car manufacturing industry in the Philippines.
So, it is not surprising that people would choose to buy a brand new or used KIA car. But is it worth it?
Why KIA Cars?
Based in Seoul, South Korea, KIA Corporation is a multinational car manufacturer. The name literally means “Rising from Asia,” and it started out as a steel manufacturer for bicycle parts in the 1940s.
The company started building small motorcycles in 1957 and they eventually ventured into cars in 1974. They were forced to shut down in the 1980s due to industry consolidation, and rejoined the automobile industry in 1986 in partnership with Ford.
Following the Asian financial crisis in 1997, the Hyundai Motor Company acquired 51% of KIA Corporation (then KIA Motors). Since then, KIA Corporation has hired a chief design officer who introduced the new corporate grille known as the “Tiger Nose” and became the official car of Pope Francis during his visit in South Korea.
Benefits of Buying a KIA
Aside from catering to the budget end of the market, there are other reasons owning a car can be worth it.
Best Warranty in the Market
Whether you bought a KIA Picanto for sale or a Rio, you can enjoy a 5-year or 160,000-kilometer warranty coverage, which is deemed above average. The warranty covers repairs and replacements of car parts that broke down due to material and workmanship defects.
Wide Range of Safety Feature
Aside from a generous warranty, KIA cars in the Philippines have a long list of features to ensure your safety. This includes the following:
- Ultra-high Tensile Steel Body Structure. It is designed to make the car lightweight and to increase its rigidity, resulting in a fuel-efficient and crash-safe car.
- Full Set of Airbags. Aside from the driver, the driver’s knees and the passenger seat are protected. A KIA car also has a curtain airbag and a front/rear side airbag.
- Seat Belt Pre-tensioner. It is a device that is meant to hold a passenger firmly in their seat before a collision occurs.
- Bumper Systems. These are meant for the pedestrians that you are likely to impact. KIA’s lower leg form or stiffener can minimize a pedestrian’s bending of the knee, making them fall onto the hood instead of going under and ending up in a more critical state.
Cost-effective
If you are looking for an inexpensive car, consider buying a new or a second hand KIA. One of the reasons they are affordable is because these cars are manufactured in South Korea. Hence, they do not have to pay tax to import cars to other countries.
Despite being budget-friendly, KIA cars are one of the most reliable and dependable automobiles on the road. They are built to last for around five years, ensuring that you are getting the most out of your money.
Roadside Assistance
Lastly, KIA offers 24/7 roadside assistance. This means that you can drive your car, anywhere in the Philippines, worry-free. That’s because you can contact the nearest KIA dealer for emergency towing, minor onsite repair, and more.
The Different Types of KIA Cars in the Philippines
Over the years, KIA Corporation has risen from bankruptcy, fire, and recall issues. They have manufactured affordable cars with world-class safety features.
If you are curious about which model of KIA car in the Philippines would suit you, here are some of them:
KIA Picanto
The KIA Picanto may be small but it has a spacious interior. Because of its compact design, it is ideal for a car owner who is always on the go.
With a starting price of PHP 590,000, it boasts a stylish dashboard that allows you to access driving, entertainment, and climate control in one place. The Picanto also uses over 44% of Advance High-Strength Steel (AHSS), enhancing cabin protection and dynamic performance.
KIA Carnival
For the family-oriented traveler and a starting price of PHP 2.5 million, the KIA Carnival in the Philippines would be a good fit. That’s because it has maximum cargo space, which you can achieve by folding the comfortable second-row and third-row seats. It also features a one-touch power door and liftgate, allowing you to open all doors simultaneously at the touch of a button.
KIA Sorento
The KIA Sorento is known for its state-of-the-art technologies for enhanced combustion efficiency. It also has a high-resolution display for navigation and audio, rear view monitor, and parking guidance. The best part is that a KIA Sorento in the Philippines is priced for as low as PHP 2.4 million.
KIA Rio
Dubbed as the “city-to-city car,” the KIA Rio is designed for travelers and adventurers by heart. The price of a KIA Rio in the Philippines starts at PHP 920,000. And with that price tag, you can have a dashboard that is designed to minimize distraction, allowing the person behind the wheel to keep his eyes on the road. Moreover, it enables you to bring your cargo easily, thanks to the car’s covering shelf.
KIA Carens
Although it is a bit shorter than your usual compact MPV, the KIA Carens have a generous width and ultra-long wheelbase. With a starting price of PHP 1.27 million, it boasts The Star Map, the car manufacturer’s new lighting concept. It also has a built-in air purifier, ambient mood lighting, an infotainment system, and a large sunroof.
KIA Forte
The KIA Forte is a compact sedan that balances fun and function. It has a spacious cabin that provides ample headroom and legroom, as well as a high-end dashboard that gives the car a sporty yet sophisticated touch. What’s cool about the KIA Forte is that it only costs PHP 1 million.
KIA Stinger
If you are looking for something that exudes a gran Turismo vibe, the KIA Stinger is the one for you. For PHP 3.2 million, this car is designed to provide high performance and supreme comfort, this car is a five-door fastback that features an extended wheelbase, driver assistance, and multi-function display.
KIA Sportage
The KIA Sportage is like the baby brother of Sorento, but comes big with flexibility, features, and design. All for as low as PHP 1.2 million.
It carries the signature Tiger Grille and a dashboard that is meant to provide convenience to the driver. The car’s safety features include blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, park assist system, and more.
What Features to Consider When Shopping for KIA Cars
Aside from an affordable price and sleek design, there are other factors you need to consider when buying a KIA car.
Safety
Your seatbelt is not the only safety feature that your preferred KIA car must have. Doing so allows you to drive with peace of mind, knowing that you are safe from collision, and increases your chances of survival in case something unprecedented happens.
Some of the safety features you should look for in a car are:
- Airbags
- Anti-lock brake system
- Electronic stability control
- Traction control
- Tire pressure monitoring system
Interior
Having a luxurious-looking car is one thing. But if it is challenging to provide or does not have ample legroom, the sleek exterior design will not matter. More so if your purpose of buying a car is to use it every day or have more adventures with your family.
That said, you should consider your car’s seating capacity, the comfort and leg space it provides, and storage space.
Design
Your KIA car’s design is more than just the color and its sleek looks. It can also impact the automobile’s aerodynamics. Doing so can make your vehicle fuel-efficient, especially at higher speeds.
Performance
There are cars built for speed and there are cars that are designed for long travel. Regardless, you need to ensure that your automobile has responsive steering. Doing so allows you to hug curves and turn into a corner without hassle. This also means that it is essential that you get to test drive the car that you want to buy.
Features
Aside from safety features, it would also help you to look for other technologies that come with your preferred KIA car. This includes a non-obtrusive dashboard, park assistance, and a rear-view monitor. What’s important is to look for car features that will make it easy for you to travel.
What KIA Car Best Suits You
Knowing what KIA car to buy will depend on your lifestyle, budget, and other preferences.
If you want a small to medium drive, consider buying a KIA Rio. It has a sporty look, yet spacious enough for a growing family to use. Meanwhile, the KIA Picanto is ideal for those who want to own their first car without breaking the bank. That’s because it is the manufacturer’s most affordable model.
On the other hand, you can opt for a KIA Forte if you have at least PHP 1 million. This model is also ideal for those who are looking for an exciting drive and extra power on the road.
Regardless, the car manufacturer produces vehicles that are practically designed and allows you to travel with your family.
How Much Do KIA Cars Cost?
As mentioned earlier, KIA cars are designed to cater to budget-conscious car buyers. Hence, you can expect to find a car that can suit your budget.
Used Cars
For as low as PHP 145,000, you can find yourself a second-hand model on Carousell. The most expensive used car for sale on the platform is priced at less than PHP 2 million. All you need to do is type something as simple as “used KIA Picanto for sale.”
However, keep in mind that buying used cars means that you will likely find issues. Luckily, Carousell is a safe buy-and-sell platform where you can contact the seller and schedule a test drive. That way, you can meet in a location convenient to you and check what car issues you are likely to find.
You can also use this opportunity to inspect the automobile’s papers. This is to ensure that you are not buying something stolen.
Another thing to keep in mind is that a used car is likely past its warranty coverage. From there, you can decide whether a second-hand KIA car is worth buying and the issue is something that you can have fixed.
Brand New
If you are the kind who is queasy about buying a second-hand car, you do not have to worry. That’s because a KIA car is affordable and has generous warranty coverage.
For as low as PHP 590,000, you can own a KIA Picanto, which is ideal for those looking for an entry-level car. Perhaps you are a fresh graduate who landed his first job? This model can be a great graduation gift for yourself.
On the other hand, KIA’s most expensive model is the Stinger at PHP 3.2 million. Nonetheless, this car screams power, thanks to its 365 horsepower, 510 Nm of torque, and 3.3-liter V6, twin turbo charged gasoline engine.
If you are buying a car that you and your family can use, consider buying the KIA Rio. This 5-door vehicle has a roomy cabin, allowing a growing family to have an adventure with ease. Meanwhile, the KIA Forte is considered one of the best models from this manufacturer. That’s because it has a compact design and amazing gas mileage.
Whatever car model you choose, what’s important is that it suits you and that you only deal with a legit car dealer.
Conclusion
There is no denying that buying a KIA car in the Philippines allows you to finally drive an automobile without breaking the bank. The best part is that it has features that can rival against other known brands. This is proof of how the car manufacturer has improved over the years.
If you are looking for an affordable, practical, and family-friendly car, buying from KIA is the way to go.
