KIA Soluto

Similar to most subcompact sedan sedans, the Soluto is capable of seating up to five adult occupants including the driver. Leg room in the rear is more than enough even for three passengers. Standard on all variants is textured fabric seats. However, range topping trims do get comfortable leatherette upholstery, giving the cabin a premium look and feel. It also includes a height adjustment feature for the driver’s side. Fortunately, all trims sport a leather multi-function steering wheel with audio controls. Sitting in the middle of the dashboard is a 7-inch touchscreen head unit display which is also standard across all variants. It is equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay which one usually won’t find in a subcompact sedan. It also comes with FM/AM radio, Bluetooth connectivity, USB, AUX, and voice control.

The instrument cluster also received an updated design, making the switches and knobs feel great to the touch. The shift knob was also wrapped in leather, making it feel comfortable to hold when switching between gears. The digital trip computer and analog gauge cluster also make important information convenient to access and control. One unique thing about the Soluto that might take some getting used to is the front power window switches that sit beneath the air-conditioning controls. Though these don’t really disrupt the overall driving experience.

In addition to these features, the vehicle is equipped with a manual air conditioning system, a USB charging port, and a 12-volt charging outlet as well. All the variants’ head units are linked to a six-piece speaker system. For the boot, the Soluto subcompact sedan has a default trunk space of 475 liters. Overall, the Soluto’s interiors are top class for its below P1 million price point. Everything about this subcompact sedan’s interiors screams sophistication and it makes the daily routine of work schedules, rushing to meetings, and getting stuck in traffic a less stressful affair.

Despite sharing some similarities with the Hyundai Reina, the Soluto has its own distinct design that is centered on more subtle and sleek elements. The Soluto sports Kia’s signature slim tiger nose grille that connects back to the vehicle’s angular, swept back headlamps. This is further accentuated thanks to the large trapezoidal faux air intakes near the fog lamps integrated into the lower corners located by the lower grille. This style is reminiscent of the Kia Picanto, another subcompact sedan under the Kia lineup. The Soluto is also equipped with halogen headlamps, halogen turn signal lights, as well as halogen tail lights. Those who avail the top of the line EX variants will be able to utilize front fog lamps.

The Soluto measures 4,300 mm in length, 1,700 mm in width, 1,460 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,570 mm. The minimum ground clearance for the vehicle is approximately 150 mm. For the body, the Soluto features clean lines and a prominent shoulder crease that runs along the side of the vehicle. The rear also received angular combination tail lights as well as a license plate recess located on the bumper, giving the vehicle a cleaner appearance. While it has an overall simple design language, its straightforward look provides a sense of confidence that gives the vehicle a strong character.

All variants are equipped with a 14-inch set of wheels. However, the key difference is that the entry-level LX trims ride on a set of steel wheels while EX variants have more striking alloy wheels that give it some extra style points. Other exterior features include chrome door handles, a power adjustable rear view mirror, a rear window defogger, an outside rear view mirror turn indicator, and an integrated antenna. Unfortunately, the side mirrors are not power-folding.

Passenger & Boot space

The Soluto’s cabin can seat up to five occupants including the driver. The layout aims to fully maximize the cabin’s space and has resulted in a comfortable ride experience for passengers. The interior can be easily configured thanks to the adjustable and foldable rear seats. In addition to that, the driver’s seat also has a height-adjustable feature. For the boot, the Soluto subcompact sedan has a default trunk space of 475 liters. Other subcompact sedan sedans are often narrower to give it a sleeker look which can make the interiors feel cramped. The Soluto manages to offer a stylish appearance without necessarily compromising on space.

Despite being powered by a 1.4-liter gasoline engine, the Soluto manages to pull better output figures compared to most mainstream subcompact sedans. The subcompact sedan can hold its own well even on expressways such as the C5 or even EDSA and can easily hit speed limits with no problem. One thing that drivers might notice though is that the transmission wants to get out of lower gears early which while it’s good for fuel economy isn’t very helpful for power delivery. 

In terms of driving, the electronic power steering makes the vehicle effortless and light to maneuver especially when cruising in the city. The Soluto also manages to handle potholes and road imperfections with ease. Drivers might notice some engine noise when pushing down hard on the accelerator but, in most cases, it remains minimal to unnoticeable. For its price point, the Soluto offers great vehicle noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels and excellent handling, making it an ideal city car. Though some might find the steering a little too light, especially when weaving through traffic it can still remain composed regardless. Overall, the Soluto is a great subcompact sedan to drive and doesn’t handle like a car under P700,000.

The Soluto sits on Hyundai’s PB platform which is shared by various models under the two Korean car companies such as the Hyundai Reina. Similar to previous generations, the vehicle has a front-engine, front-wheel drive layout. It measures 4,300 mm in length, 1,700 mm in width, 1,460 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,570 mm. The minimum ground clearance for the Solutio is approximately 150 mm.

For the suspension, the Soluto is equipped with a MacPherson strut with an H-type sub-frame in the front area. Meanwhile, the rear end is outfitted with a V-beam coupled torsion beam axle. The front brakes utilize discs while the rear is handled using drum brakes. The model is also equipped with a hand-operated manual parking brake.

Under the hood of this subcompact subcompact sedan is a 1.4-liter dual CVVT inline-4 gasoline engine that is capable of sending 94 hp and 132 Nm of torque to the front wheels. For both EX and LX versions, it can be paired to either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission. This is the same powertrain offering from its predecessor. Unfortunately, the Soluto has not yet begun offering a diesel engine option.

Fuel consumption

The Soluto has a fuel tank capacity of 43 liters. On the road, the sedan registers around 16.7 km/liter when driving at an average speed of 50 km/h. When cruising on the highway, it pulls about 20 km/liter driving at an average speed of 90 km/h. These numbers show that the Soluto proves to be a fuel efficient subcompact sedan. However, buyers should still note that these figures only included the driver and no other passengers inside the vehicle. The sedan will definitely end up using significantly more power when at full cabin and cargo capacity.

Besides an extensive suite of tech features, the Soluto also comes with a number of advanced safety features. This includes dual front SRS airbags for the driver and front passenger, an anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, ISOFIX child seat tethers, three-point seatbelts for the entire cabin, central locking, power door locks, an anti-theft device, and an engine immobilizer. In addition to that, the Soluto is also outfitted with a rear camera, parking sensors, a crash sensor, front and side-impact beams, and a seat belt warning. Kia Soluto has not yet received its safety ratings for adult and child occupancy safety from the ASEAN NCAP.

Is Kia Soluto a Good Car?

The Soluto’s main selling point is its myriad of tech and convenience features that are all packaged under P700,000. Standard on all variants is a 7-inch touchscreen head unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, USB, and AUX. For ease of driving, the car is equipped with headlight level controls, power mirrors, and a reverse camera with parking sensors. Steering wheel mounted audio controls are also standard. In addition to these, there is a 2.8-inch LCD driving display nestled at the center of the gauges for the trip meters, range, and fuel consumption. Other convenience features include front cup holders, a bottle holder, a vanity mirror, and rear seat headrests.

Kia Soluto Price Philippines: 

• Soluto 1.4 LX MT-₱720,000
• Soluto 1.4 LX AT-₱765,000
• Soluto 1.4 EX MT-₱785,000
• Soluto 1.4 EX AT-₱810,000

For its price range, the Soluto is one of the best value for money subcompact sedans in its class. For less than ₱1 million, drivers can expect an extensive suite of tech and convenience features while enjoying the vehicle’s stylish and comfortable interiors. It’s a car that can easily rival even the high-end ₱2 million sedans just for its ride handling alone. The Kia brand name also ensures reliable maintenance service.

Final Words

The Kia Soluto is a car that is jam-packed with everything a driver needs and more. Besides its affordability, the subcompact sedan doesn’t hold back on providing all kinds of tech and safety features. Kia intended for the Soluto to compete with local top sellers and we can definitely say that it’s a formidable foe. From its ride handling to its suite of advanced features, it’s no wonder why it’s made a name for itself for being the ultimate budget-friendly city car in its segment. Whether it's the entry-level LX or the top-of-the-line EX trim, the Soluto ensures a smooth and reliable ride experience.

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