The Kia K2700 was one of the South Korean brand’s long-standing K-series commercial trucks. It was the company’s most popular commercial vehicle in the global automotive market primarily because of its load-bearing capabilities and its versatility. Its range of models provided solutions to various cargo hauling and fleet transport needs, particularly for commercial use. Locally, it was offered in four different variations which were the base model K2700 dropside pick-up truck, the K2700 HSPUR (High Side Pick-up with Roof), the K2700 UPV (Urban Passenger Vehicle), and the K2700 Ambulance. A month after it was discontinued in the Philippine market, it was replaced by its spiritual successor, the K2500 Karga in September 2018.
Launch
The Kia K2700 began production in the 1980s under the Kia Bongo lineup. The pick-up truck first arrived in the Philippines in May 2005 in the form of its third-generation model. It received a facelift in September 2016 wherein it came with two additional variants that were launched at the 2016 Philippine International Motor Show.
Exterior
Generally, the Kia K2700 is a straightforward light commercial vehicle that comes in either a single or double cab model. Beyond aesthetics, it displayed functionality and practicality for hauling cargo and transporting people through its various models. The base K2700 dropside pick-up truck model allowed easy access to the truck’s deck from three sides, which enabled convenient loading and unloading.
Meanwhile, the HSPUR model came with a roof over the cargo area for extra protection of more fragile items. Finally, the UPV model was and is still commonly used for school buses and public transport with a fully covered rear, windows, and a door with a large opening for easy ingress and egress of passengers. It came with 14-inch alloy wheels.
Interior
The Kia K2700 came in various interior finishes depending on the model and purpose. Its common denominators were the spacious cabins and driver-oriented cockpits decked in hard plastics with easy to reach controls and buttons. First off, the K2700 HSPUR was capable of transporting cargo and people yet still provided necessary amenities for passengers such as rear air-conditioning. The K2700 dropside pick-up truck, on the other hand, offered spacious and open rear decks specifically for hauling cargo. Meanwhile, the UPV was offered in a range of configurations catering to different passenger needs. It can accommodate 17 passengers plus light cargo in a 15+2+1 configuration, with bolstered seats wrapped in fabric. Lastly, the K2700 ambulance model is fitted with the standard emergency life-saving equipment, such as a transfusion hanger and an oxygen tank with a regulator.
Technology & Safety Features
The Kia K2700 was equipped with the bare necessities in terms of entertainment, with an AM/FM radio in all variants. When it comes to safety, the pick-up truck was furnished with an anti-lock braking system, a reverse warning system, and a locking differential. The ambulance variant had additional features including a high-quality PA system and sirens to help address emergency situations.
Platform & Chassis
The Kia K2700’s stable handling came from a double-wishbone front suspension complemented by a leaf spring rear suspension. Stopping power came from ventilated discs in front and duo-servo drums at the rear.
Engine & Drivetrain
There are two engine options for the Kia K2700 which are a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine that produced 130 hp, and a 2.7-liter diesel engine that spewed out 80 hp. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission that delivered power to either all wheels or the rear wheels.