Back in January of this year, Kia Philippines have come under new management which was cemented in an event held in Makati. Now under that management of the Ayala Corporation, specifically their subsidiary: AC Industrials, Kia Philippines is hard at work in further expanding the Korean marque’s foothold on the Philippine automotive market.
Along with the new management, Kia has also re-launched its model line-up of passenger vehicles this year. And aside from that, they are also re-launching their Commercial Vehicles and one of those excellently robust Kia made vehicles is the Kia K2500.
1. Kia K2500 (Kia Karga): The look
The Kia K-series which includes the K2400, the K2700 and the K2500 were first launched back in 1980 under the name Bongo. Since then, the Kia made light commercial has gone through four generations with the fourth one the current which was launched back in 2005.
With the fourth generation K series commercial vehicles, Kia has made them more modernized and unlike previous iterations have equipped these vehicles with a common rail fuel injection.
Also, the K series overtime was able to keep up with the ever-changing emissions standards making them as environmentally friendlier as more and more versions come up.
Here is the Karga itself basking under the sun. Sure it looks utilitarian but it's also most definitely durable
Here in the Philippines, the Kia K2500 has indeed become a common sight as it had been a good choice to fulfill a myriad of transport roles. From utility vehicle to people carrier, and even as a rescue vehicle, the K-series has proven itself well.
Now with its re-introduction, the numerically designated K2500 with passenger cab now calls itself the Karga which means carry in Filipino and it does really fit its most common vehicle layout: the very durable and very affordable 18 passengers “jeepney” like setup which has foldable seats to provide a massive cargo capacity.
Driver airbag is available for Kia K2500
2. Kia K2500 (Kia Karga): Features and Engine
Currently, the Kia K2500 is available for sale with a 2.5 liter CRDi engine mated to a 6-speed manual with power sent to the rear wheels. It is rated to make about 128 horsepower and 255 Nm of torque. It’s also of note that this engine is Euro-4 compliant as such it runs cleaner and is much friendlier to the environment than previous versions.
According to the latest car news, Kia K2500 currently comes in two additional layout options, a closed van type capable of carrying loads up to 835 kg maximum and a cab & chassis which can be customized to whatever you want it to be.
In some other countries where the K2500 is available, some have even made mobile home type vehicles with this platform. So yep, very versatile.
Further adding to that versatility is that the Kia K2500 Karga also comes with two transmission choices, a 4x2 which does its job well and also a 4x4.
This enables a K2500 to navigate the gnarly back roads of the Philippine countryside and as we’ve said earlier, can make it suitable as a rescue vehicle or a utility vehicle especially for those from far-flung places in the country.
The cabin is spartan but it is well arranged and decently comfortable
3. Kia K2500 (Kia Karga) Philippines Pricelist
Surprisingly, the Kia K2500 2019 comes at an affordable price for its capabilities.
|
Variant
|
Price
|
|
Kia K2500 Cab and Chassis
|
Php 810,000
|
|
Kia K2500 Karga 18 seater
|
Php 998,000
|
|
Kia K2500 Closed Van
|
Php 910,000
|
So if you’re in the market for a durable and very versatile commercial vehicle, you might want to check out the Kia K2500 and its variants.
Know more about Kia K2500 2024
The K2500 is a commercial vehicle from Korean car brand Kia Motors Philippines. It is built to cater to business requirements such as transporting passengers and moving cargo. In the Philippines, the K2500 is offered with a wide range of variants to choose from. It includes the K2500 4x4 Single Cab and Chassis, K2500 4x4 Single Cab dropside, K2500 Kargo Plus 4x2, K2500 Karga Plus 4x2, K2500 4x4 doube-cab dropside, K2500 Kargo 4x4, and K2500 Karga 4x4.
>>> New and used Kia K2500 2024 for sale in the Philippines
Kia K2500 Launch
The Kia K series has been catering to businesses worldwide since its successful introduction in 1980. In other parts of the world, it is known as the Kia Bongo, Kia Big-Up, the Kia Travello, the Kia Kaon, Forland K1, and the Kia Frontier.
The first generation, the Kia Ceres, one of its first models, was made available in the Philippines. This agricultural workhorse was used extensively to carry big loads on urban and rural highways.
The Kia Bongo III was launched locally as the company’s fourth-generation vehicle renamed the K2700. The model was sold in our market from May 2005 to August 2018. In the same year, Kia Motors Philippines launched the K2500 Karga series.
More recently in 2021, Kia updated the K2500, with its Karga and Kargo variants having a cargo capacity of 1,235 kg.
Kia K2500 Exterior
The all-new Kia K2500 was built with performance and utility in mind. It measures 4,825mm long, 1,740mm wide, and 2,105mm tall on a 2,415mm wheelbase.
Its front bears a wide windshield that provides a clear view of the road. The large halogen headlights illuminate the road ahead in low-light conditions, flanking Kia's trademark tiger-nose grille.
The K2500 is offered in either single-cab or double-cab configurations, with cab and chassis models able to be outfitted according to the customer's requirements. A sturdy dropside bed and closed van options are available for hauling cargo. Meanwhile, the single-cab Kargo variant with sliding windows is fitted with padded benches for passenger use, featuring a folding function when cargo storage space is needed.
Supporting the gross weight of 2,980kg for the Single Cab Karga, 2,112kg for the Single Cab 4x4 dropside, and 2,156kg for the Double Cab 4x4 dropside is a set of 15-inch steel wheels.
Kia K2500 Interior
The Kia 2500's cockpit area features basic yet necessary features, with an analog instrument panel behind the steering wheel. Power windows are standard on the front, as well as manual air-conditioning vents accompanied by additional ones at the rear for the Karga variant.
The default capacity for the Kia K2500's cab is three passengers, with the Karga variant able to accommodate between 10 and 16 passengers.
Technology & Safety Features
The Kia K2500's dashboard features a blank space where customers can install a 2-DIN audio head unit or even a touchscreen monitor. These can be patched to two speakers which come standard, accompanied by a USB port and AUX IN jack that also come by default. The light commercial vehicle comes with basic safety features, namely a pair of 3-pt. ELR seatbelts for the front. Stopping power comes in the form of front disc and rear drum brakes.
Platform & Chassis
To ensure its durability during operation, the Kia 2500 uses torsion bar springs in front and multi-leaf springs at the back.
Engine & Drivetrain
The Kia 2500 runs on a 2.5-liter common-rail direct-injection diesel engine that produces 128 horsepower and 255 Nm of torque. It is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. Single-cab variants are offered with either a rear-wheel or four-wheel drivetrain, while double-cab variants come exclusively with four-wheel drive.
The Kia K2500 squares off against a handful of competitors in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) category, which includes the Mitsbushi L300, Suzuki Carry, Hyundai H-100, and the Isuzu Traviz. Compared to its rivals, the K2500 features the most variants, affording flexible choices for customers. Its engine output is identical to that of the H-100, the highest in its class. The K2500 matches the Traviz in terms of its 200mm ground clearance and is second to the H-100 in terms of length and height while matching the Hyundai's width. However, the Suzuki Carry surpasses it with a maximum height of 2,030mm.
Kia K2500 2024 Price List
| Variants | Price |
|---|---|
| Kia K2500 4X2 Close Van MT | ₱1,198,000 |
| Kia K2500 2.5 MT 4x4 Double Cab Dropside | ₱1,210,000 |
| Kia K2500 2.5 MT 4x2 Single Cab and Chassis | ₱1,216,000 |
| Kia K2500 2.5 MT 4x2 Utility Van | ₱1,216,000 |
| Kia K2500 2.5 MT 4x2 Utility Van w/ Dual Aircon | ₱1,233,000 |
| Kia K2500 Kargo 4x2 MT w/ Dual AC & Rear seats | ₱1,295,000 |
| Kia K2500 2.5 MT 4x4 Single Cab and Chassis | ₱1,307,000 |
| Kia K2500 2.5 MT 4x4 Utility Van | ₱1,307,000 |
| Kia K2500 Kargo 4x4 MT w/ Dual AC & Rear seats | ₱1,395,000 |
Kia K2500 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Wide range of variants
- Powerful engine
- Spacious cab interior
- Available with 6-speed manual and four-wheel-drive
- Good visibility
Cons
- No head unit included
- Spartan interior amenities
- Bouncy ride on account of unrefined suspension
Kia K2500 FAQs
1. What is the engine of K2500?
The Kia K2500 gives users a 2.5-liter common-rail direct injection diesel engine capable of generating 128 horsepower and 255 Nm of torque.
2. What is the ground clearance of the Kia K2500?
The ground clearance of K2500 is 200mm.
3. How much is a brand new 2024 Kia K2500?
The price of the new brand 2024 K2500 ranges from 1,198,000 Php to 1,395,000 Php, depending on the versions.
4. Does the Kia K2500 have remote start?
No, it does not.
5. What type of car is the Kia K2500?
The KIA K2500 is a light commercial car.
₱ 1,010,000 - ₱ 1,280,000
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