Kia PH to launch two new models at 2022 PIMS

The biennial Philippine International Motor Show returns for its 2022 edition on September 15 to 18, four years after the last iteration prior to the pandemic. Sharing exhibition space with 12 other car brands, Kia Philippines is hinting that it will launch two models at the event.

Kia Philippines will reportedly reveal two new models at the 2022 PIMS, one of which is rumored to be the K5 sedan

However, the automaker is playing its cards pretty close to its chest as to what those vehicles might be, lest its rivals manage to steal its thunder. Kia is probably being extra careful now that the local affiliate of its sister company Hyundai has joined the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers in the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) which is organizing PIMS, adding to the competition.

What could be the two mystery vehicles that Kia Philippines is set to unveil at the event? The all-new Sportage compact crossover was initially speculated to be one of them, as Kia has reportedly secured local approval for a vehicle with a 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine, corresponding to the Sportage’s power unit. However, Kia Philippines said that the current Sportage may not be competitive in terms of pricing for now.

Negotiations are reportedly still ongoing to make the Sportage more competitive in our market

A strong contender could be the K5 midsize sedan, formerly known as the Optima, with the fifth-generation model sold since 2019. In the U.S. market, the K5 is offered with either a 1.6-liter or 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. The former is good for 180 horsepower and 264 Nm of torque, while the latter serves up 290 horsepower and 422 Nm of torque. Both front-wheel and all-wheel drivetrains are offered.

While guessing the second model is an even tougher call considering Kia’s other offerings, allow us to go for a long shot. You see, Hyundai Motor Philippines has confirmed that the 2022 PIMS will serve as a preview of its hugely successful Ioniq 5 electric crossover that boasts various accolades under its belt, including 2022 German Car Of The Year.

Kia Philippines President Manny Aligada promised to reveal a technologically advanced and innovative model

We're counting on the sibling rivalry between Hyundai and Kia to manifest at this year's PIMS, which means that Kia Philippines could respond by bringing out its ace in the hole: the EV6 electric crossover, underpinned by the same Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) used by the Ioniq 5. Kia Philippines President Manny Aligada did promise to unbox something that will “embody Kia’s advances in technology and innovation,” which could very well describe the EV6.

And the EV6 isn't lacking in praises from the industry either, winning the European Car Of The Year and Irish Car Of The Year honors for 2022 as well as being judged ‘Best of the Best’ at the 2022 Red Dot Design Awards. Both the Ioniq 5 and EV6 were also declared joint winners of the inaugural ‘Best Cars Of the Year’ Awards for 2021/2022, besting their rivals from Porsche, Ford, and Audi.  

Our fearless forecast is that the all-electric Kia EV6 will make an appearance at the 2022 PIMS

All these are still speculation at this point, and we’re counting down the days towards the staging of the 2022 PIMS to find out what exactly Kia Philippines has in store for our market. Meanwhile, stay ahead with our updates at Philkotse.com.