Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz receives Foton TransVan, Kia Stonic

Updated Jul 29, 2021 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

Well deserved.

Hidilyn Diaz will be awarded a brand new Kia Stonic and Foton TransVan as an expression of gratitude from both Kia Philippines and Foton Motor Philippines, Inc. (FMPI).

Hidilyn Diaz Olympic gold medalist

She inspired Filipinos with her dedication

The 30-year old Olympic gold medalist made history when she won the gold medal in the Women’s Weightlifting 55-kg Class held at the Olympic Games 2020 in Tokyo. Her victory gave the Philippines its first-ever gold medal at the international sports event since it first joined in 1924, breaking the country’s 97-year drought.

“The Filipino pride stands top high on an international audience with the triumph of our Filipino athlete, Hidilyn Diaz. As she drives home glory, we are honored to prize her utmost dedication with top-rated mobility of Foton TransVan 13-seater,” said FMPI President Rommel Sytin.

Foton TransVan front view

Foton TransVan

The Foton TransVan is a passenger van that can seamlessly accommodate 13 passengers. Passengers get to benefit from the van’s individually reclined seats so everyone can adjust their seats depending on the most comfortable position. Front and rear manual air-conditioning systems are installed to keep the cabin cool.

Under the hood, a 2.8-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine is used, producing 90 hp and 225 Nm of torque. The engine is coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission, sending all power to the rear wheels.

Kia Stonic front view

Kia Stonic

On the other hand, the Kia Stonic is a subcompact crossover that bears a sleek and youthful-looking design. Diaz can use the Stonic as her daily driver thanks to the model’s economical 1.4-liter gasoline engine that makes 97 hp and 132 Nm of torque. AC Motors, Kia Philippines’ official distributor, will hand the top-of-the-line EX variant which means that she can benefit from its 6-speed automatic transmission.

AC Motors with Hidilyn Diaz

Hidilyn Diaz is Ayala's 'Atletang Magiting'

The brand new crossover, however, is not the first support given by the Ayala group to the weightlifting champion. In 2016, Ayala Foundation supported the Philippine weightlifters including Diaz when the Bank of the Philippines (BPI) turned over training equipment to the group. And in 2018, Ayala Land hands over a check donation to the members of the Samahang Weightlifters ng Pilipinas.

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Know more about Kia Stonic 2024

Kia Stonic

The Kia Stonic is a five-seater, subcompact crossover. In the Philippines market, it has four available variants: the Stonic LX 1.4 MT, the LX 1.4 AT, Style Edition 1.4 AT, and the EX 1.4 AT. Currently, Kia Stonic 2023 Philippines price ranging from Php 835,000 to Php 990,000. 

Under the hood of all the Stonic trims is a 1.4-liter inline-4 gasoline engine that can make up to 97 horsepower and 132 Nm of torque. It then uses a six-speed automatic torque converter. Only the entry-level LX trim may come with a five-speed manual transmission. The one with the manual has a different engine tune of 94 horsepower. 

Size-wise, the Stonic is 4,100mm long, 1,735mm wide, and 1,533mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,570mm, and a ground clearance of 185mm. 

Locally, the Stonic competes against the likes of the Hyundai Venue, MG ZS, Chery Tiggo 2, Ford EcoSport, Geely Coolray, Hyundai Kona, among others. 

₱ 835,000 - ₱ 990,000

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Rex Sanchez

Rex Sanchez

Author

Rex Sanchez grew up in Saudi Arabia where he saw and got into the automotive scene. He started his career for an aviation company in the said region, writing about turbines and rotors which are later distributed for educational purposes. And now, he joined Philkotse.com as a staff writer. Currently, he is the youngest on the team and is more than ready to grow in the field.

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