Kia Soluto 2020: Subcompact of the year contender (B-Segment)

Updated Mar 09, 2022 | Same topic: Highlights of the Week

With 2019 coming to a close, we here at Philkotse will be nominating several vehicles as the top dogs in their respective categories. Here is one contender for the Subcompact B-Segment car of the year.

Kia Soluto 2020: Subcompact of the Year contender

  • Stylish exterior
  • Upscale and well-arranged interior
  • Lots of interior space for passengers and cargo
  • One of the most affordable sedans currently available right now. 

For a very affordable car, the Soluto looks fantastic

From the well-proportioned stance, the very eye-catching signature Kia tiger grille upfront along with the tasteful yet conservative roof-line, the Kia Soluto is a tame but great looking car. Even its conservative-looking rear end is appreciated by many discerning guys who dislike the increasingly busy rear ends of other modern cars in the Soluto’s price range.

This is in contrast to what we’ve said a couple of months ago in Kia Soluto 2019 Philippines review about the Soluto and suffice to say, the simplicity of vehicle has caught our admiration.

2020 Kia Soluto

The tiger-nose grille provides a lot of style for the Kia Soluto

Yes, there’s a bit of chrome on the front end, but the amount that they’ve placed on the grille is just right and is not gaudy at all. And while we have expressed before that we really dislike faux vents, the ones on the bumpers of Kia Soluto 2020 doesn’t bother us at the least.

A picture of the rear of the Kia Soluto.

The rear is plain but functional

And finally, we actually prefer the conservative, spoked style of the wheels of this car which is a breath of fresh air in comparison to the hyper-modern, childish, bey-blade looking sets manufacturers are giving their new models.

>>> Related: Kia Soluto vs Hyundai Reina

A picture of the side of the Kia Soluto.

The side of the Soluto shows off the model's proportions

Kia Soluto 2020 interior: Well-built and well-arranged

While there are some quiet spots on the Soluto like its rear end, Kia didn’t spare any details when designing the interior. Everything fits just right and it doesn’t look and feel like a car from its price range.

You’ll especially appreciate the Soluto’s interior when driving it or riding. It is well insulated from noise and vibrations and the suspension is soft and will provide sufficient damping.

And lastly, it’s a well-equipped car for its price. The top of the line version of the PH-spec Soluto comes with a 7-inch infotainment system that’s really easy to use and couple that with the well-arranged, easy to read and easy to reach controls, then you’ve got a winning interior.

kia soluto 2020 interior

The interior of the Soluto looks like it's from a more expensive car

Great value for your money

With all of its variants priced below Php 800,000, the current-gen Kia Soluto is one of the most affordable sedans available in the country right now. While indeed there are much cheaper alternatives, the build quality, the equipment and the power it makes all makeup for a lot of car for your buck.

Stay tuned here on Philkotse.com for more car of the year contenders.

Know more about Kia Soluto 2024

Kia Soluto

The Kia Soluto 2024 is a 5-seater subcompact sedan that has been selling well in the local market, accounting for 21 percent of Kia Philippines' 2021 sales. It is available in four variants, Kia Soluto 2024 Philippines price ranges between Php 780,000 and Php 865,000. Powering this vehicle as standard is a 1.4-liter inline-4 gasoline dual CVVT that is capable of generating 94 horsepower and 132 Nm of torque. Either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic can be connected to the engine.

Moving to the dimensions, the Soluto has a length of 4,300 mm, a width of 1,700 mm, and a height of 1,460 mm. Also, it comes with a wheelbase and ground clearance rated at 2,570 mm and 150 mm, respectively. In the local market, the Korean subcompact sedan competes against the likes of the Toyota Vios, Mitsubishi Mirage G4, and Geely Emgrand.

 

Kia Soluto Launch

The Kia Soluto was first introduced at the 2017 Auto Shanghai. The Korean marque then proceeded to make the said model available in China in the same year. Later on, it debuted in other countries as the Kia Pegas.

For the Philippine market, the Soluto was launched by Kia Motors Philippines. The said launch occurred simultaneously with the brand's relaunch under the Ayala Corporation. 

Kia Soluto Exterior

Kia Soluto front view

The Philippine-spec Soluto is equipped with halogen headlamps, halogen turn signal lights, and halogen taillights. The top-spec EX variants also have front fog lamps. As for wheels, All variants of this Kia model use a 14-inch set. The entry-level  LX, however, uses a set of steel wheels, while the EX has alloy wheels.

Kia Soluto Interior

Kia Soluto interior view

Like most of its competitors in the Philippine market, the Soluto can comfortably fit up to five occupants including the driver. All variants come standard with fabric seats and a manual air-conditioning system. It also has a USB charging port, as well as a 12-volt charging outlet.

Speaking of the driver, the Soluto also provides an analog gauge cluster, a turn-key ignition system, a digital trip computer, and a manually adjustable driver's seat. Lastly, the Kia sedan also has a default trunk space of 475 liters.

Technology & Safety Features

Kia Soluto infotainment screen

To keep its occupants entertained, the Soluto is equipped with a seven-inch touchscreen headunit capable of connecting via Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB, and aux-in. For all variants, the said headunit is linked to a six-piece speaker system.

Standard on the Soluto is an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution, dual front airbags, and ISOFIX child seat tethers.

Chassis & Platform

Kia Soluto side view

The Soluto for the Philippines market currently uses the PB Platform shared by Hyundai and Kia. Just like its brother, the Hyundai Reina, the Kia sedan has a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. For suspensions, it utilizes a MacPherson strut-type front suspension and a torsion beam-type rear suspension. Braking is handled by front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. The model also uses a hand-operated manual parking brake.

Engine & Drivetrain

Kia Soluto rear view

Propelling the Kia Soluto is a 1.4-liter inline-4 gasoline engine. It can produce up to 94 horsepower and 132 Nm of torque. For both the EX and LX variants, a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed torque converter automatic is available.

Available colors for the Kia Soluto are Clear White, Titanium Silver, Blue Stream, Aurora Black Pearl, and Marcato Red.

The Kia Soluto comes with features that make it a good daily driver in the city. However, it doesn't come with a lot of safety bits, unlike its rivals such as the Geely Emgrand and Toyota Vios.

Kia Soluto Pros & Cons

 Pros Cons
 
  • Good cabin space

  • Relatively affordable

  • Comfortable ride

 
  • Exterior is not as posh as the interior

  • Doesn't come with a lot of safety features

  • Needs a significant update

Kia Soluto FAQs

1. Is the Kia Soluto safe?

Kia Soluto 2024 only stops at a basic level with ABS, EBD, 2 airbags, a reverse camera, and a reverse sensor.

2. Does the Kia Soluto come with an automatic transmission?

The Kia Soluto comes with either an automatic or manual gearbox.

3. How many colors is the Kia Soluto offered?

You may choose from 5 color options including Titanium Silver, Clear White, Aurora Black Pearl, Marcato Red, and Blue Stream.

4. Is the Kia Soluto 2024 an SUV car?

No, Soluto 2024 is a sedan car.

5. What are the dimensions of the Kia Soluto 2024?

The overall dimension of the Kia Soluto is 4,300 mm length x 1,700 mm width x 1,460 mm height

 

₱ 780,000 - ₱ 865,000

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Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

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