Northern sojourn
In life, we sometimes need direction to help us get to where we want to go.
It could be something as simple as using Waze or Google Maps to get around Metro Manila’s rush-hour congestion or as reassuring as the advice of a best friend when dealing with tribulations. For Kia Philippines, the recent appointment of its new managing director, Jay Lopez, seems to have given the brand a second wind.
Despite its decades-long presence in the country, the South Korean carmaker has finally ventured into electrification with the likes of the Sorento Turbo Hybrid, the Carnival HEV and the EV9 battery-electric crossover. This is on top of the entry-level models that Kia has long been renowned for, namely the Soluto and the Sonet.
To show us how far it has come, Kia Philippines this month took selected members of the media to a three-day drive from Manila to Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte.
SUV with sophistication
Our epic journey began at Solaire Resort North in Quezon City, where I found out that I would be paired with my old friend and fellow racing driver Fred Agustin (more popularly known as John Agustin Scuderia on social media).
Our first ride was the top-spec Sorento SX+ Turbo Hybrid, with Fred taking the initial legs from Solaire to the PTT gas station on the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway. Joining us as passengers only were Cedric Francisco and Matt Mallari (also known as the legendary tandem from Motoring Today).
As a passenger, I thoroughly enjoyed the Sorento SX+ Turbo Hybrid’s amenities, particularly the air-conditioned front seats. But what really stood out was the sheer refinement and comfort offered by this seven-seat crossover, which is a huge contrast to the clattery and bouncy ride of its traditional turbodiesel rivals.
When I took over driving duties from PTT to our lunch stop in Rosario, La Union, the Sorento’s car-like driving dynamics truly distinguished it from other large seven-seaters, particularly when our convoy had to do evasive action at triple-digit speeds after some lunatic decided to stop his pick-up truck on the overtaking lane of the expressway.
Ultimate family hauler
Following our sumptuous lunch at Kayu, our party of four moved to the seven-seat Carnival HEV multi-purpose vehicle, where Fred was behind the wheel from Rosario to Agoo in Pangasinan.
The absolutely palatial interior of this Kia, combined with its soft leather upholstery and electrically adjustable and air-conditioned seats, meant all of us felt like we were riding in business class. Once again, the refined and powerful turbo-hybrid powerplant suited the high-class vibe.
In Agoo, I took over driving duties and Fred, in his trademark eloquence, described the Carnival HEV as an “extra, extra, extra long hatchback.” He was absolutely right – despite the mushy brake pedal and rather numb steering, the Carnival handled winding roads and provincial highways with reasonable athleticism until we arrived at our overnight rest stop.
I initially found the name of the four-star Awesome Hotel in San Juan, La Union rather odd until the view from beyond the lobby simply took my breath away. The afternoon sun cast its light on an absolutely pristine sea, with the gentle breeze and the crashing waves making a tune that only the finest beaches can sing.
All-electric indulgence
The next morning, Cedric, Matt and I took our places in the EV9, while Fred was behind the wheel once more.
I had never been inside an EV9 until this trip and I was just astonished at all the toys it had – all first-row and second-row seats were air-conditioned and offered electrically adjustable leg rests. The huge center console is likewise a work of genius, offering a bevy of cubby holes for all stuff you’d need on a long drive.
As we continued our journey north, Fred got to enjoy the EV9 on some more winding roads, where its all-wheel-drive system and huge bursts of power put a smile on all of our faces. I got to enjoy this when I took over at Tagudin in Ilocos Sur, although the numb steering and very mushy brake pedal detracted from a truly pleasurable drive.
Nonetheless, the sheer capability of the EV9 made me realize how much the brand has grown since we bought our awful Kia Pride in 1995 – the South Korean brand has evolved from being a laughingstock to a world-class automaker that can take on the biggest names in Japan, China and Europe.
Small and feisty
From Santa Maria in Ilocos Sur, our steed all the way to the end of our trip was the top-spec Kia Sonet SX.
Fred and I took turns until our lunch stopover in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, which is renowned for its historic church. After a truly intoxicating dose of the region’s famous bagnet, we headed off once more through the winding roads of Ilocos Norte to the Agua Grande hydroelectric power plant.
Along the way, we encountered the colossal windmills that form part of our country’s renewable energy portfolio. This backdrop seemed rather fitting when we arrived at Agua Grande, where an ACMobility 120-kW DC fast charger was nestled between lush, green mountains on one side and the raging sea on the other.
During my stints behind the wheel of the Sonet SX, I realized how zippy this tiny crossover was, whether through mountain roads or wide stretches of national highway. Its good chassis, pliant suspension and responsive transmission made it a far more capable vehicle than the lackluster Toyota Raize Turbo.
Our last stop for the day was the three-star Ikani Resort in Pagudpud – hundreds and hundreds of kilometers of driving have finally led us to this world-renowned slice of paradise, where we enjoyed gale-force winds fresh from the sea. If we headed any further north, I would need to speak Chinese or Japanese.
The next morning, we took the Sonet SX for one last drive to Laoag International Airport, where we flew out that afternoon to return to the gridlock of Metro Manila. As we took off from our northern getaway, I reflected on how well Kia Philippines now caters to Filipinos, whether you are a first-time buyer or are seeking the ultimate in electrified mobility.
Then again, when you already know the way, you can certainly lead the way.
