Kia Soluto: Features explained

Kia has been relaunched in the country just a few weeks ago, and the company has launched a new car to announce the occasion. But contrary to what many enthusiasts were hoping for, this is not the Stinger. It is the new Kia Soluto that has joined the Kia Philippines lineup.

For a brand relaunch, the Soluto might not appear to be the strongest name. The subcompact was first launched in China in 2017 and is sold under the name Pegas. While this might seem disappointing to some people, there is a lot more to this car than its Chinese upbringing might suggest.

The Kia Soluto is essentially a small sedan equipped with a 1.4-litre dual CVVT petrol engine that produces 95 PS and 134 Nm of torque. It comes with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. There are four different variants on offer here that start from Php 625000 and goes up to Php 735000. This puts it in competition with cars like the Hyundai Reina,

lower variants of the Hyundai Accent, and even hatchbacks like the Toyota Wigo and Mitsubishi Mirage. Depending on which variant you go for, you can get things like leather seats and rear parking distance warning systems. There are five colors to choose from - Clear White, Titanium Silver, Aurora Black Pearl, Blue Stream, and Marcato Red.

But unlike other cars in this range, it is really what is standard across these four variants that make the Soluto exciting. As per Kia Soluto specs sheet, all its variants come equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. This allows you to connect your phone to the infotainment system to unleash its full potential. This is channeled through a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that can be connected to up to 6 speakers.

There are audio mounted controls on the steering wheel, and the instrument panel comes with a 2.8-inch LCD panel. The infotainment screen also serves as the rear view monitor that comes with parking guidance to help you maneuver into tight parking spots. All variants are also equipped with ABS with EBD and dual front airbags as standard.

However, there is no denying that the Soluto is built to a price. Still, Kia has made sure that the Soluto ticks all the right boxes for a budget subcompact sedan. There is ample space in the cabin despite the small size of the car thanks to a generous 2570 mm wheelbase. Seating is also quite comfortable with a central armrest for the front seats and comfortable seating for the second row.

360-degree rotatable air ducts also up the quality quotient of the interior alongside scroll wheel controls for audio on the steering wheel and cup holders in the central console. Driver seat is additionally height adjustable as is the headrest. Rear windows are also power operated. And as already mentioned, you can connect your phone to your car and use Android Auto or Apple CarPlay enabled apps.

This is a feature that is still difficult to find on many more expensive vehicles and certainly raises the value of the car by a lot. Other quality touches include electrically adjustable door mirrors with LED repeaters and chrome door handles, and an illuminated luggage compartment.

More importantly for a budget subcompact car, the Soluto also comes with an unmatched 5-year warranty. This means that living with this car is just as easy as buying it. Kia has made a name for themselves for building cars that deliver a lot of value for their cost. And the Soluto is no different.

There are not many sedan options in this price range, and the Soluto stands to emerge as a winner due to this advantage. Its combination of stylish design, spacious and contemporary interior, great drivetrain options, and modern features seldom found in this price range make it excellent value for money proposition.

In a similar fashion that the Kia Stinger shook the sports sedan market with its affordable performance, the Soluto provides an opportunity to buy a sedan that is well within reach.

Also Read:- Kia filed a patent for a new design logo