Kia Philippines makes its move at MIAS 2025
BYD Cars Philippines may have been hogging the headlines these past few years, but ACMobility’s South Korean brand Kia Philippines is amping up its foray into electrification.
The automaker said in a press statement that its Kia Movement display at the 2025 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), which was held last April 10 to 13 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, highlights the brand’s focus on cutting-edge innovation, performance and style to Filipinos.
“We’re excited to be part of the 2025 Manila International Auto Show again, showcasing the ongoing Kia Movement,” said Kia Philippines chief operating officer Brian Buendia.
“As we expand our offerings across hybrids, internal-combustion engines, and battery-electric vehicles, we are driving the future of mobility, all rooted in the Kia Movement,” he added.
Something for everyone
Leading Kia Philippines’ MIAS lineup is the EV9 GT-Line three-row, battery-electric crossover, which was launched locally in October 2024.
The striking, six-passenger electric vehicle (EV) rides on the brand’s Electric Global Modular Platform and sports 21-inch alloy wheels, vegan leather upholstery, dual 12.3-inch displays and the Kia DriveWise active-safety suite. It gets a 99.8-kWh battery pack mated to dual electric motors sending 380 horsepower and 700 Newton-meters of torque to all four wheels.
And then there’s the brand’s best-seller, the Kia Sonet subcompact crossover – we found this to be a superb alternative to the likes of the Toyota Raize and equivalent subcompact sedans. Packing a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine, it offered strong fuel-economy figures of up to 11 kilometers per liter in the city and up to 20 kilometers per liter on the expressway.
And for those who want a well-priced, electrified crossover, there’s the Kia Sorento Hybrid that debuted last February. Powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-4 gasoline engine mated to an electric motor, combined output is 232 horsepower and 367 Newton-meters of torque, which are coursed through a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
The Sorento Hybrid promises to offer powerful performance and exemplary fuel consumption, all with the practicality of a three-row vehicle. Notable features include the Walk-in and Slide system that provides convenient access to the third row, as well as the enormous 2,139 liters of cargo space with all rear seats folded.
Finally, the standard Kia DriveWise includes a bevy of life-saving items, such as Smart Cruise Control System with Stop and Go, Blind Spot View Monitor, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Follow Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist and 360-degree Surround View Monitor.
MPV without compromise
Also at the Kia Movement booth is the Carnival, which is the brand’s longest-running nameplate in the Philippines.
The three-row, multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) is available with a 2.2-liter inline-4 turbodiesel pumping out 199 horsepower and 440 Newton-meters of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. And since November 2024, it has also been available with the same powerplant as the Sorento Turbo Hybrid, pumped up to 242 horsepower and 369 Newton-meters of torque.
The Carnival positions itself as a credible alternative to premium large crossovers – it is available with features like electrically adjustable and ventilated Relaxation Seats in the second row, as well as a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Kia DriveWise is likewise standard in the Carnival SX and SX+ Turbo Hybrid variants.
Kia Philippines said it is offering MIAS-exclusive promos, such as the P27,000 all-in downpayment for the Sonet, P40,000 discount on the Carnival EX Diesel and P134,000 all-in downpayment for the Sorento. Prizes likewise await visitors who do test drives and make reservations at the show.
Ready to help
Given that ACMobility is spearheading the Philippines’ drive towards electrification, it’s not surprising that its latest innovation was showcased at MIAS 2025.
Power on Wheels is the company’s mobile EV charging station that you can book in as little as three hours in advance. Available as of press time in the cities of Makati, Mandaluyong and Taguig, these battery-electric vans offer DC charging for EVs and plug-in hybrids with CCS2 ports that have at least 20-percent battery remaining.
ACMobility said the service is available through its EVRO app, where you can choose from three subscription packages starting at P1,450 a month. Meanwhile, single-session charging (at a minimum charge of 15 kWh) is at P35 per kWh plus a P200 service fee, which can be handy for when you’re low on charge at an inconvenient place or time.
Power on Wheels charges your EV to a maximum of 80 percent and targets EV owners who lack access to stationary EV charging stations. ACMobility said the service is available from Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., with payments via Mastercard, Visa or JCB credit cards.
The company added that the owner must provide building access and parking space access (including shouldering parking fees) with at least 2.1 meters of vertical clearance for the Power on Wheels van, preferably in a well-ventilated area with roofing.
Check out the comprehensive Kia Movement display and ACMobility’s innovative Power on Wheels at MIAS 2025!
