AC Motors going all-in with six new model launches this 2021

Updated Jan 26, 2021 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

AC Motors wants to further increase its market presence.

Ayala-led car distributor AC Motors Group shared its plan for the next coming years. The company plans to go all-in and make its presence felt even further in the Philippine automotive industry.

To make that happen, AC Motors Automotive Group President Antonio “Toti” Zara III said that the company is planning to launch six new models as well as six new fully-equipped showrooms this 2021.

Zara added that AC Motors aims to achieve a market share of at least 10 percent or more by the next four years. Despite the challenges brought upon by the pandemic, Zara affirms resiliency and full trust that the local automotive industry will bounce back.

2021 Kia Sorento front profile

All-new Kia Sorento

AC Motors consists of brands such as Kia, Volkswagen, Maxus, Isuzu, Honda, and KTM. With this, Kia Philippines President Manny Aligada said that the brand will be launching two new vehicles “very, very soon.”

However, the final dates have yet to be announced by Kia PH. Speaking of which, Kia PH could launch the all-new Sorento and Carnival in the market this 2021.

>>> Related: AC Motors launches online dealership to address mobility needs

2021 Volkswagen Santana front profile

2021 Volkswagen Santana

Aside from the all-new Kia Sorento and the next-generation Kia Carnival, AC Motors could also introduce the updated Volkswagen Santana subcompact sedan in the local market.

Last year, Volkswagen Philippines released a teaser for the Santana, which gives us a hint that it could also be one of the new models that AC Motors will launch this year. Other than the Santana, there are reports that Volkswagen PH could also bring in the seven-seater Teramont SUV. Moreover, Volkswagen PH could also launch a new compact crossover.

2021 Maxus D60

Maxus D60

We’re sure that the Maxus D60 is one of the vehicles that AC Motors will launch this 2021. Maxus Philippines has also hinted at the possible local debut of the D60 since last year.

The Maxus D60 is a compact crossover that’s available with either two or three rows of seats. Maxus Philippines has yet to announce the local specs of the D60.

On the other hand, AC Motors revolutionized its service by successfully launching a user-friendly one-stop-shop and digitizing all its services to cope up with the new normal. To stay strongly afloat during the crisis, other measures were also applied such as carefully adjusting its calculated investments and expanding its business models.

Through the years, AC Motors has been consistently providing top-notch car brands to its local consumers.

From introducing trusted Japanese brands Honda in 1991 and Isuzu in 1996 to launching full distributorships of Germany’s Volkswagen in 2013, Korea’s Kia in 2019, and Maxus from Britain in 2019, the Ayala owned company aims to be one of the trusted car dealerships in the country today.

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Know more about Kia Sorento 2024

Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento 2024 is the midsize crossover entry of the Korean automaker. Currently, Kia Philippines is offering the fourth-generation version of the nameplate which was introduced in 2020.  It is available in two variants with a price that ranges from Php 2,448,000 for the base EX to Php 2,638,000 for the flagship SX. Under the hood, this vehicle comes standard with a 2.2-liter Smartstream inline-4 diesel engine that is capable of making 199 horsepower and 441 Nm of torque. Only an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) is used to send power to the front wheels.

Dimensions-wise, the Sorento has a length of 4,810 mm, a width of 1,900 mm, and a height of 1,700 mm. Additionally, it has a wheelbase and ground clearance rated at 2,815 mm and 176 mm, respectively. Locally, this Korean midsize crossover competes against the likes of the Ford Explorer, Subaru Evoltis, and Mazda CX-9.

Is the KIA SORENTO as impressive as it looks? | Philkotse Reviews

>>> New and used Kia Sorento 2024 for sale in the Philippines

Kia Sorento Launch

The Kia Sorento Philippines was initially introduced as a compact SUV in 2002. In 2009, it was marketed as a midsize crossover as demand for such vehicles rose internationally. The third generation of the Kia Sorento was then introduced in 2014 but was offered in the local market a year later.

In 2021, Kia Philippines then brought in the fourth-generation Sorento, particularly the EX trim. The top-spec SX trim will then follow in January 2022. Both of the said variants use a 4x2 drivetrain.

Kia Sorento 2024 Exterior

The Kia Sorento 2024 measures 4,810mm long, 1,900mm wide, and 1,695mm tall. Though it is now in its fourth generation, it still displays the tiger-nose grille with polished chrome details, a trademark of Kia Motors. A pair of LED headlights with LED daytime running daylights, and LED front fog lamps.

Kia Sorento exterior

The rear of the Sorento boasts chrome trimmings, a rear spoiler, turn signal indicators, high mount stop lamp, and an LED taillight cluster for illumination. To wrap up its look, it then rides on a set of 18-inch alloy wheels and possesses the right amount of lines and curves to match its sophisticated aura.

Kia Sorento side end

Kia Sorento 2024 Interior

Its spacious cabin can comfortably accommodate seven fully-grown passengers. Both trims get leather upholstery, but the top-spec SX comes with electronically adjustable front seats with cooling. Passengers in the middle and rear can relax more as their area is equipped with air-conditioning vents. The rear has two seats that can be folded to expand its cargo capacity.

Kia Sorento seats

Kia Sorento 2024 Colors

The 2024 Sorento for the Philippine market can come in three colors. These colors for the all-new Sorento include white (Snow White Pearl), silver (Silky Silver), and black (Aurora Black Pearl).

Technology & Safety Features

To keep its occupants entertained, the Kia Sorento 2024 Philippines is equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen capable of connecting through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The said headunit is then paired with a six-piece speaker system. Moreover, the top-spec SX trim also gets a 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster, and a wireless phone charger.

Kia Sorento steering wheel

In terms of safety, the standard in all Sorento variants is six airbags. It is also kitted out with ISOFIX tethers for child seats, hill start assist, electronic stability control, anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution, and vehicle stability management.

Meanwhile, the top-spec SX gets several driver assist features. These include a blind-spot monitor, a 360-degree view camera, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, as well as following assist.

Kia Sorento Platform & Chassis

The Sorento has a unibody chassis construction that provides a smoother ride compared with vehicles with a body-on-frame chassis. Also, it is less likely to roll over as it has a low center of gravity.

The suspension on its front is Macpherson Strut paired with a stabilizer. At the rear, the Sorento uses a multi-link system that enhances the vehicle’s overall stability. Of note, the Sorento uses the Hyundai-Kia N platform which it shares with the Hyundai Santa Cruz, the Hyundai Tucson, among others.

Engine & Drivetrain

Under the hood of the all-new 2024 Kia Sorento is a 2.2-liter VGT CRDi SmartStream D engine. At maximum, it can produce up to 202 horsepower and 441 Nm of torque. For both the EX and SX variants, power is then sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

Kia Sorento engine

Despite being one of the latest to receive a major update, the Kia Sorento still manages to keep a relatively affordable price tag as compared to rivals such as the Mazda CX-9 and Ford Explorer.

Kia Sorento 2024 Price List

 Variants Price
Kia Sorento 2.2 EX AT 4x2 ₱2,448,000
Kia Sorento 2.2 EX AT 4x2 (Pearl) ₱2,458,000
Kia Sorento 2.2 SX AT 4x2 ₱2,638,000
Kia Sorento 2.2 SX AT 4x2 (Pearl) ₱2,648,000

Kia Sorento Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Premium-looking crossover
  • Relatively affordable as compared to rivals
  • Decent set of safety bits

Cons

  • It is available in one powertrain only
  • Only one paint comes with no extra charges
  • No X-Line AWD

Kia Sorento FAQs

1. How much is a 2024 Kia Sorento?

The price of the new KIA Sorento in the Philippines ranges from 2,488,000 Php for the entry-level model to 2,638,000 Php for the top-of-the-line model.

2. Does the 2024 Sorento have a remote start?

Yes, the advance of the Remote Start offers the convenience of enabling you to remotely start Kia Sorento up to 500 feet away.

3. How many seats does the Kia Sorento offer?

The Kia Sorento offers 7 seats that can accommodate 7 fully grown passengers comfortably.

4. What are the colors available in Sorento Philippines?

Kia Sorento 2024 colors are available in 3 colors in the following shades: Snow White Pearl, Silky Silver and Aurora Black Pearl.

5. What is the ground clearance of Kia Sorento?

The ground clearance of the Kia Sorento is 176 mm.

 

₱ 2,448,000 - ₱ 2,648,000

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