The Kia Stonic, an iconic symbol in urban driving lifestyle | Motourismo

Manny Aligada, President of Kia Philippines showcasing the Stonic during the media drive on February 15, 2021 held at Casitas de Victoria in Nasugbu, Batangas.  .

In response to the success of  Kia Philippines’ unveiling of the perfect urban drive, the Stonic, in October last year, the Ayala-backed distributor invited the motoring media for a quick spin in the outskirts of Metro Manila.  The goal is to showcase the “5S Formula” (Style, Space, Shift, Sounds, and Service) that the Stonic will be known for.

Driving out to the countryside can be therapeutic. Even more so when your car is nimble, yet powerful enough to take on long drives, and conquer unpredictable provincial roads. The pleasure of driving in a convoy with a limited group of motoring media was a privilege, and a great way for us to experience the Kia Stonic, the brand's latest baby, a sub-compact crossover that you can take anywhere... easily.

Outdoor pool at Casitas de Victoria

Al fresco dining to observe safety protocols.

The well-organized media drive led by Georges Ramirez' team, brought our group to Casitas de Victoria, a family-owned resort in Nasugbu, Batangas. The sprawling property was a perfect venue for a quick get-away, and in our case, reconnect with our friends from Kia Philippines, while admiring the Stonic's aesthetics and capabilities. Truly an ideal car that's affordable, targeted for the young and active.

Arabelle Jimenez of Motourismo breezes along CALAX.

Throughout the activities, proper health protocols such as swab tests and social distancing measures were applied to participants and vehicles to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

The Kia Stonic convoy was a head-turner in city streets.

The 5 S Formula:

1. STYLE

Known for the Style That’s Iconic, the Stonic is bound to turn heads and become everyone’s center of attention, starting with the youthful colors complementing the overall award-winning design, the Tiger Nose Grille, Fin Type Antenna, Roof Rails, LED Daytime Running Lamps for the EX, Rear Combination Lamps, Rear Spoiler Garnish, and Projector Headlamps. 

Keeping it tight and fast.

In navigating city streets, winding roads, and expressways on the way to Tagaytay, the Stonic warranted confidence among the driver participants, thanks to the 185mm ground clearance on 16-inch alloy wheels. Further, the overall design would certainly match the unique character of the driver.

2. SPACE

Participants straightaway enjoyed the top-notch coziness with the Stonic’s 2,570-millimeter wheelbase, which guarantees excellent seating positions for its size.

Comfortable in the driver's seat.

Also, its versatility enables the driver to carry massive cargo. With the rear seats folded flat, luggage space instantaneously grows up to 325 liters, to make sure you can transport everything you need for work and play.

3. SHIFT

On the road to a sumptuous lunch, the Stonic also proved its mastery in fuel efficiency—even in heavy traffic—with the 1.4 dual CVVT petrol engine matched to a 6-speed automatic transmission being one of the powertrain options. The Stonic solidifies its position as a reliable ride during weekdays when traffic conditions in the city can be a nightmare.

Aside from being fuel efficient in all types of road and traffic conditions, the Stonic’s powertrain can also provide up to 100 PS and 132 Nm torque. Injecting heaps more fun and control on the daily drive is the tiptronic shifter that is also made available in this sprightly crossover.

Easy to park.

The Stonic is such a fun drive, parking it is even a happy chore. Like child’s play, pulling up at the parking area is made easier with the help of a rearview camera. The need for keys when turning the engine or simply locking the door is now a thing of the past, as the Stonic is engineered future-proof with Smart Entry and Push Start system for the EX variant.

4. SOUNDS

The Stonic is as fun to drive as it is to ride, with it being generous with technological features—beginning with the 8-inch touchscreen audio system that easily connects one’s mobile device via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and the six speakers that go with it for that joy-jamming while joy-riding, a USB port, and a 12V socket to ensure that every mobile device is always juiced up.

Cockpit shot by Monch Henares.

5. SERVICE

Just as how Kia Philippines prioritizes building customer relationships through countless delightful means, the Kia Stonic also offers a host of safety features so occupants can focus on enjoying the trip, no matter what. Among them are Hill Start Assist and Electronic Stability Control for the EX grade for assured smooth navigation.

The nimble Kia Stonic is served up with the customer-centric five-year or 160,000-km warranty, as well as with a 24/7 Roadside Assistance FREE for five years which covers Emergency Towing, Personal Assistance, Minor Onsite Repair, Medical Assistance and Information Service for a secured, enjoyable and worry-free ownership.

With such one-of-a-kind design, features and amenities that’ll inspire you to move, and a fuel-efficient power train that’ll drive your day, the Stonic becomes your daily statement of style on the street.

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More photos of the media drive to Casitas de Victoria, courtesy of Ronnie Trinidad:

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