DOUBLE the introduction and you’ll get twice the pleasure of witnessing a duo derived from the passion to go beyond boundaries. Columbian Autocar Corp. (CAC), distributor of Kia automobiles in the Philippines, recently unveiled the all-new 2015 Grand Carnival and the all-new 2015 Sorento.
The grandness
Entirely restyled, the all-new Grand Carnival projects an elegance that stems from its European-inspired design. Up front, the black with chrome bar radiator grille dominates with the projector-type headlamps. The rear tailgate is fully automated—essential when one’s hands are full. Also, power sliding doors in the second row can be operated with a touch of a switch.
Elegant wood accents with chrome intensify the detail of the elegant cockpit with controls and switches within easy grasp, 3.5″ OLED-type multiinformation display and informative gauge panel with vivid display. The two-toned gray leather seats are appealing and comfortable at the same time.
The long wheelbase (3,060 millimeter) produces an expansive and luxurious cabin with outstanding leg room for a seven-seater. Folding the third row seats instantly creates a spacious cargo bay. In fact, media men in groups were invited to play a game that demonstrated the voluminous interior by stuffing bulky-sized ice chests into the rear of the vehicle.
The all-new Grand Carnival is offered in six colors: Clear White, Snow White Pearl, Bright Silver, Platinum Graphite, Aurora Black and Titanium Brown.
The next level
For a midsized sport-utility vehicle (SUV), the all-new Sorento exudes a refinement thanks to Kia’s Namyang design studio in South Korea and significant inputs from the brand’s Frankfurt, Germany, and Irvine, California, design studios. The distinctive fascia formed by the dark metallic tiger-nose radiator grille and wrap-around projector headlamps conveys a solid configuration.
Similar to the Grand Carnival is the horizontal layout of the instrument panel but with different materials and trim accents. The wraparound dashboard is proof of the premium interior motif. Seats are draped with soft-touch genuine leather radiating an elegant, yet, sporty expression with enough lateral support. This seven-seater SUV’s luggage capacity has been increased by 17.5 percent. The vehicle’s frame structure has been fortified and fitted with noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) insulation. In addition, the DYNAMAX all-wheel drive (AWD) system enhances the Grand Carnival’s surefootedness in extreme driving conditions.
Drivers can capitalize on the drive mode select system and steering assistance systems for normal or spirited driving. To promote fuel efficiency, an Eco mode is available that adjusts shifting points in advance.
The all-new Sorento comes in eight colors: Silky Silver, Imperial Bronze, Aurora Black, Metal Stream, Snow White Pearl, Sunset Red, Platinum Graphite and Clear White.
Less size, more power
Both the all-new Grand Carnival and Sorento employ the 2.2-liter in-line four-cylinder, 16-valve, turbocharged diesel engines with common rail direct injection (CRDi) coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. Although it has a relatively smaller displacement, the engine cranks out a staggering 197 hp at 3,800 rpm and an impressive 442 N-m of torque between 1,750 rpm and 2,750 rpm.
Targeted directions
This writer had the privilege to speak with CAC President Ginia R. Domingo, who shared her thoughts on sales targets and other plans.
“Well, as for the Grand Carnival, we’re looking at selling anywhere from 20 to 30 units in a month, so it’s not a big volume mover. As for the Sorento, we are looking at anywhere from 50 to 100 a month—a little more aggressive but probably not until we have the full lineup. We will have four variants of the Sorento and that should happen anytime between the second and third quarters of this year. As for the Grand Carnival, we’re looking at introducing a top variant 3.3-liter petrol-powered engine and the more utilitarian 11-seater with fabric seats as the base model,” Domingo said. Prices of both models have yet to be announced.
Story & photos by Randy Peregrino
Image credits: Randy Peregrino