Kia Sportage (NQ5) - 2025 Minor Change

The fifth-generation Kia Sportage received a minor change for the 2025 model year and what an improvement this crossover has gained having been on the road for three years.

2025 Kia Sportage

Starting at 28,360,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, the facelifted Kia Sportage is packed with a bolder exterior revision and a new interior, and by surprise, the diesel variant from the pre-facelift model was removed, leaving only a choice of a 2.0L LPG, a 1.6L turbo, and a 1.6L turbo-hybrid.

2025 Kia Sportage

The 2025 Kia Sportage features an enlarged grille and an EV3-styled nose that some people think is too obvious. In addition, they also redesigned the wheels and tail lights to further enhance the vehicle's aesthetics. The pre-facelift model's high-end Gravity variant has been replaced with the first-ever X-Line variant that features a black badging, vertical slanted front grille, a slightly longer but more macho front bumper, 19-inch wheels, premium steering wheel, and suede headlining.

2025 Kia Sportage interior

The interior has given a significant revision for the recent minor change as hinted by the new Kia steering wheel design lifted from the EV3, a slightly bigger touch screen with a next-generation infotainment system, new air vent designs, and a fingerprint authentication system, among others. 

The Kia Sportage maintains its class-leading cabin room. The longer wheelbase provides more legroom, and there is enough space for plenty of luggage in the boot.

2025 Kia Sportage

As said before, the diesel variant from the pre-facelift model was removed, leaving only a choice of a 2.0L LPG, a 1.6L turbo, and a 1.6L turbo-hybrid. The LPG and the petrol variant are mated to an 8-speed AT while the hybrid is mated to a 6-speed AT. 

The 146PS 2.0L LPG variant has a fuel economy of 8.8km/L while the 180PS 1.6L turbo petrol engine has 12.3km/L of fuel economy, and the Sportage Hybrid, now with an improved 47.7kW electric motor, gets 16.3km/L.

Underneath, the Sportage still comes with front MacPherson struts, rear multilink suspension, and front ventilated disc brakes. Come front-wheel-drive, it behaves like a normal car, but with the 4WD drivetrain, it's capable of getting things dirty, almost. Thankfully, the Sportage Hybrid can be offered with the 4WD drivetrain, so it's not afraid of going under the weather. Coupled with e-handling and e-ride, the Sportage Hybrid drives slightly well.

The 2025 Kia Sportage has eight airbags, steering wheel grip detection, and a Driver Forward Attention Warning Camera. It also has Highway Driving Assist 2, navigation-based smart cruise control, Lane Keeping Assist 2, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear side collision avoidance assist, rear parking collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, side parking distance warning, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Safe Exit Warning.

The Kia Sportage is a common-sense crossover for those who are wise to drive one but with the latest minor change, common sense just took a slightly bolder approach in style, comfort, capability, and technology. Need to say more?

Available Colors: Snow White Pearl, Heritage Blue, Wolf Grey, Gravity Grey, Vesta Blue, Fusion Black, Shadow Matte Grey, and Jungle Wood Green.

Photo: Kia Corp.

Kia K8 (2025MY Minor Change)

The Kia K8 was launched three years ago and was the first car to wear the new logo. For the 2025 model year, the K8 has undergone a "Big Minor Change" and promises to be a better-looking luxury premium sedan that can outclass the Toyota Crown by a long shot.

2025 Kia K8

2025 Kia K8

The New K8 is the cleanest-looking Korean premium saloon to ever come out of Kia's lineup. It's the result of a major redesign of Kia's flagship saloon. The controversial front view has been reskinned with the EV9-styled nose, which became the blueprint for Kia's new design language. The caltrop-styled rear taillights have been revamped, and it now dons squarish wheel designs. This new design proves that today's K8 is coming on clean.

2025 Kia K8 interior

2025 Kia K8 interior

The interior has been heavily revamped for this big minor change with the new dashboard layout, a new floating dual-widescreen driver’s instrument and infotainment display ensemble with ccNC and OTA updates, a new steering wheel design with the KIA logo aligned to the right, dual wireless charging port, Meridian Premium Sound System, Ergo Motion front seats, and Dynamic Ambient Lighting, among others. Even with numerous improvements on the inside, The New K8 is still more than enough to accommodate VIPs, bodyguards, associates, and even CEOs of a big company, not to mention a decent boot space for sensitive goods.

The New K8 comes with a "dynamic escort light" function that lights up from below to welcome and see off occupants as they enter and exit the vehicle. This adds a bit of flashiness to this facelifted model if you catch my drift. It also comes with the Kia Digital Key 2 and the utterly important built-in camera in case of incoming sweet potatoes meddling your way.

2025 Kia K8

The powertrain lineup has been carried over from the pre-facelifted model. On the ICE side, The New K8 is still powered by a choice of two petrol engines and a 3.5L LPG variant which is very cheap to fill. The 2.5L petrol engine produces 198PS of power and 25.3kgf-m of torque while the most powerful of the range, the Smartstream G 3.5 GDi engine, produces 300PS of power and 36.6kgf-m of torque. All are mated to an 8-speed AT, which is operated by a rotary knob selector.

The New K8 Hybrid features a turbocharged 180PS 1.6L petrol engine bolted to a new 47.7kW electric motor and a lithium-ion battery, while mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. As a result, it has a fuel economy of 17.9kmpl.

The New Kia K8 is a front-wheel-drive vehicle that offers a stable ride on the road. The predictive suspension does a good job of smoothing out rough patches as well as its Highway Body Motion Control and Active Load Noise Control for a quieter and more comfortable driving feel. The 3.5L variant has an available all-wheel drive, which gives it even more stability and a ride that's as smooth as an Audi, without the drama. 

The New K8 hybrid variant is even more noticeable than the gasoline model, thanks to the E-Ride and E-Handling systems first seen on the facelifted K5. These systems give the K8 hybrid a sportier ride and handling.

Of course, there's no shortage of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems for this facelift but The New K8 comes with a capacitive sensor-based steering wheel grip detection as well as Vehicle Stability Assistant 2 which now uses a steering angle control method instead of the traditional torque control, improving overall performance. 

The New K8 starts at 37,360,000 Korean Won, which is about $33,000. That's a lot of money, but it's a lot of a car. The New K8 is a luxury car that's designed to compete with the Toyota Crown.

The Kia that started the "Movement that Inspires" movement has turned.

Available Colors: Snow White Pearl, Ivory Silver, Moonscape Matte Grey, Sunset Beige, Interstellar Grey, and Aurora Black Pearl

Photo: KIA

Kia EV3 vs Hyundai Casper Electric

The first-ever Kia EV3 all-electric crossover slots in as the most affordable model in Kia’s lineup of electric crossovers, with prices starting at 39.95 million won (around $33,000). While it is the most affordable of Kia’s electric crossovers, it’s still not cheap. After factoring in additional costs like taxes and registration, the price of an EV3 will likely be closer to $40,000. That’s still a solid value for an all-electric crossover from a reputable automaker.

2025 Kia EV3

A concept turned reality, the EV3 takes over the void left by the Soul when it was gutted off from the lineup three years ago, moments after the new Kia logo's unveiling.

2025 Kia EV3

The EV3 is a concept car turned reality. It fills the gap left by the Soul crossover, which was discontinued three years ago. The EV3 has nearly identical styling to the concept car it was inspired by, and it's sized like the defunct Soul. This compact size makes it easy to live with, though it's obviously also a "mini-me" EV9. The cubic-styled wheel designs add a nice touch and give the vehicle a distinctive and futuristic look. It looks like something straight out of Tetris.

2025 Kia EV3 interior

The Kia EV3 also features a minimalist interior. The materials used to construct the cabin are also recycled. It’s a great look that makes sense for an electric vehicle. Plus, you’ll feel good about reducing waste every time you get behind the wheel. 

While drivers are greeted by its 30-inch screen on the driver's side with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a five-inch air-conditioning touch panel, there's one annoying feature that will ruin someone from his or her sweet spot; the Kia EV-first AI assistant that works just like the Amazon Alexa nonsense.

Of course, being a five-seater crossover, the EV3's rear seats can be folded down for added space. It even comes with a rear hidden compartment to store some more. Having a compact crossover with a 25-litre frunk and a 460-litre boot really means business, especially if it's a Kia.

2025 Kia EV3

Built on the Hyundai Motor Group's E-GMP, the EV3's electric powertrain runs on a 400V architecture and an 81.4-kWh NMC battery for the Long Range variant while Standard Range variants run on a 58.3-kWh NMC battery. Both variants run on a front-mounted electric motor that produces 204PS of power and 283Nm of torque. It does 0-100kph in 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 170 km/h. Fair enough.

The Long Range variant is good for up to 501km of driving range in one full charge and it will take around 30 minutes to reach from 10% to 80% while charging at a public charging station.

Being front-wheel-drive only, the EV3 features eDTVC for better traction for moderate reasons. It even comes with the new i-Pedal 3.0 regenerative braking with one-pedal operation just like the Nissan Leaf. As for safety, the EV3 is prepped with notable features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Highway Driving Assist, Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist, among others. 

The Kia EV3 crossover is the baby of the Kia EV lineup. There's also the recently facelifted EV6 and the king-sized EV9. The EV3 looks like the concept car it was inspired by, and it's sized like the discontinued Soul crossover. It's a compact size that's easy to handle in the city. I'm not sure how I feel about the AI assistant. It's kind of annoying and might be hard for people to fall asleep in the back seat.

However, if you find the Kia EV3 too expensive or too annoying because of the AI assistant injected inside, there is a cheaper and simpler alternative: the Hyundai Casper Electric.

2025 Hyundai Casper Electric

2025 Hyundai Casper Electric interior

Priced at 31,493,670 Korean Won plus additional costs, the simple-looking Casper Electric brings everything Koreans loved about the Casper, now with the all-electric powertrain to back it up.

Although it looks and feels just like its petrol-powered equivalent, the Casper Electric features specifically-made front lamps, tail lights, and a new interior featuring a new digital instrumental cluster and touchscreen that are longer than the one from the normal Casper. Asked about the boot space, it's good for up to 351 liters with the rear seats folded down. It's offered only in one variant with five seats.

Bolted to a front-mounted electric motor and a 49 kWh battery, the Casper Electric produces 115PS of power and 147Nm of torque. It does 0-100kph in 10.7 seconds and a top speed of 150kph. As for driving range, it's good for up to 315km on one full charge.

The Casper Electric features a wide array of safety techs such as lane keeping assist, lane following assist, blind spot collision avoidance assist, forward collision-avoidance assist 1.5, and parking collision avoidance assist rear. It even comes with rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, safety exit warning, smart cruise control with stop-and-go, highway driving assist 1.5 (HDA 1.5), intelligent speed limit assist, driver attention warning, high beam assist, leading vehicle departure alert, and rear occupant alert.

To sum things up, the Kia EV3 is the more expensive and feature-rich of the two, and it's also a larger car. The Hyundai Casper Electric, on the other hand, is more affordable and simpler. Both are fun to drive, but I would recommend the Casper Electric to people who are on a budget or who don't need all the bells and whistles.

The more you know...

Photo: Kia, Hyundai

My FH5 Log: The Silent Movement

Kia's back in Forza! This time around, they've added the latest car to bear the new Kia logo. You know the one, the weird-looking one with the "Movement that Inspires" slogan.

What Kia is this, you may ask? Here's a hint; this is the overall prize car in the Forza Horizon 5 Modern Horizons update by hitting 80 points. It won the 2022 European COTY, 2022 Korean COTY, 2022 Red Dot Award for Best of the Best Car Design and Innovative Product, 2022 What Car? Awards Car of the Year and Electric SUV of the Year, and of course, 2023 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year.

The answer is this; The Kia EV6 GT. Before driving this award-winning EV, let's take a quick dive into the EV6 GT.

First launched in 2021, the Kia EV6 signaled the beginning of a new age for Kia. With its just-size styling and performance that defy expectations, the EV6 is the real materialization of the "Movement that Inspires" slogan. The EV6 GT is the range-topper that starts at 76,680,000 Korean Won plus additional costs when it went on sale a year after the normal EV6's launch. With the GT button pressed,  it will unleash the full capability of the EV6 GT. Apart from the adjustments to the e-LSD, electronically controlled suspension, and whatnots, it delivers an explosive performance of 585PS of power, 740Nm of torque, a 0-100kph time of 3.5 seconds, and a top speed of 260kph. As for the range, it's good for a combined 312km.

Not too shabby for an EV, right? Yes and no. Although I am utterly grateful to have a spin with this high-performance all-electric crossover that upsets the world over, that's the new world order the Korean way to you, feels like it wasn't enough to take on this...

As Han from The Fast and The Furious universe said, “What you think, I’m gonna let you roll in a Hyundai?” For now, yes. There's an all-electric Hyundai crossover that is worthy of bearing the N mark and I won this car straight from the Modern Horizons Storm Season Playlist.

This is the first-ever Hyundai IONIQ 5 N. The all-electric high-performance crossover with the credentials of the N car.

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is the high-performance version of the IONIQ 5 crossover and a sure sign that N is embracing electrification. It's got a sporty design, and the N Steering Wheel with N-specific functions, as well as a center console with race-specific features for your track day use.

The IONIQ 5 N is armed with an 84 kWh Li-ion battery pack and two electric motors powering the front and rear wheels. It produces a default 609 PS of power and 740 Nm of torque, more powerful than the Kia EV6 GT. With the N Grin Boost engaged for ten seconds, the power gets bumped to 650 PS, and with N Launch Control in play, it's capable of a 0-100 km/h time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 260 km/h. 

Although winning the 2024 World Performance Car award as well as Top Gear 2023 Car of the Year, Hyundai has really outdone itself with the IONIQ 5 N. This high-performance electric crossover not only looks the part but it's got the power and speed to back it up. The fact that it recently set a new record at Pikes Peak with a time of 9 minutes and 30.852 seconds in the Modified and Production SUV/Crossover classes is proof of that. I'm sure this car will continue to turn heads and make waves in the automotive world.

Having enjoyed driving the two award-winning Korean EVs, it's time for the long-awaited duel. The Kia EV6 GT and the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N will clash to the top of the caldera with the fastest time will decide the victor. Obviously, the IONIQ 5 N has the upper hand because it's more powerful than the EV6 GT and it has one thing the EV6 GT doesn't; the N Drift Optimizer. I can enable the IONIQ 5 N's drifting capabilities at the push of the button. Long story short but you get the point.

Anyway, the grudge match between the two Korean high-performance EVs is about to begin. Roll the tape. Dojeon!

And now the results...

EV6 GT - 3m31.428s

IONIQ5 N - 3m23.687s

Hyundai wins the day! With its powerful electric drivetrain, unorthodox dynamics, and recent PPIHC experience, the IONIQ 5 N proved itself to be the victor over the Kia EV6 GT. I have to say that Hyundai really outdid itself with this high-performance electric crossover. Not only does it look the part, but it's also got the power and speed to back it up. With these recent developments, it's clear to me that Hyundai is embracing electrification, and I can't wait to see what they do next.

As Korean car manufacturers, Kia and Hyundai are in some ways part of the same family tree. But in another way, their recent models are showing the opposite to be true. The Kia EV6 GT and the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N both won Car of the Year in their respective years, but when you pit these award-winning cars against each other, the Hyundai comes out on top.

The "new normal" is upon us, and it's clear that electrification is the future. But the Hyundai Motor Group knows how to make EVs fast and clever. They've made these cars not just environmentally friendly but really fun to drive as well.

The more you know.

Kia EV6 - 2025MY Minor Change

The Kia EV6 has been on the road for three years. It's now ripe for a minor change. This is a chance to rediscover the fully electric Kia that made headlines.

2025 Kia EV6

Starting at 55,400,000 KRW plus additional costs, The New EV6 is the refreshed version of Kia's award-winning EV that promises fans and newcomers to rediscover it with a slightly different approach. Compared to the recently facelifted Hyundai IONIQ 5, it's better looking.

2025 Kia EV6

Beginning with the exterior design, the minor change features new G-shaped headlamps conjoined to the return of the signature Kia Tiger Nose grille, refreshed taillights, and new wheel designs. The standard EV6 features refreshed bumpers while the GT-Line features an even more aggressive design and the Civic Type R-styled rear bumper. Don't ask but squint harder. You'll see.

2025 Kia EV6

The interior has been refreshed in this minor change as hinted by a new steering wheel, revised 12.3-inch display panel, revised dashboard, ambient lighting, and a revised Qi wireless charging pad. In addition to a new software update, The New EV6 has a walk-away auto lock, powered steering wheel adjustment, a 12-inch head-up display, photocatalytic sterilization for the air conditioning, a digital rear-view mirror, and a built-in dash cam.

2025 Kia EV6

The EV6's electric powertrain was updated by increasing the size of its Li-ion battery from 77.4kWh to 84kWh, meaning the performance and ecology were updated as well. RWD variants have 229PS of power and up to 494km of driving range. AWD variants have 325PS of power and up to 461km of driving range. Not only it's more efficient than the pre-facelifted model, but it's better than the recently facelifted Hyundai IONIQ 5 as well.

The 2025 Kia EV6 has an 800-volt electrical architecture, which means that its battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes when plugged into a 350kW DC fast charger. These chargers are available at public locations throughout South Korea.

In addition to improved drivability thanks to its revised dampers, reduced motor noise, and increased rigidity, The New EV6 comes with new safety features such as the revamped remote parking assist, lane keeping assist, and low-speed autonomous braking.

The Kia EV6 is the beginning of the brand's new age. It's a commoner's crossover that embodies the "Movement that Inspires" slogan. This minor change is an opportunity to rediscover the EV6 with a slightly different approach.

Available Colors: Snow White Pearl, Moonscape Matte Grey, Ivory Matte Silver, Glacier, Yacht Blue, Runway Red, Interstellar Grey, and Aurora Black Pearl.

Photo: Kia

Fourth-Generation Kia Sorento (MQ4) - 2024 minor change

The fourth-generation Kia Sorento has gained its minor change for the 2024 model year. Packed with numerous revisions inside and out, the best-selling SUV from Kia is back for more having been on the road for three years.

2024 Kia Sorento

Starting at 35,060,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, the facelifted Kia Sorento MQ4 continues to assert its dominance in its class with its revised looks, interior, and technology that will keep the best-seller afloat having spent three years of its service.

The biggest change for the recent minor change is the front and it now dons the EV9-styled nose, asserting its masculine looks. Apart from that, it features new wheel designs and slightly revised rear lamps that will keep the Sorento fresh and progressive in every detail.

2024 Kia Sorento interior

The interior has been heavily revamped for the recent minor change as hinted by the redesigned dashboard that saw its airconditioning vents streamlined as well as featuring the Panoramic Curved Display that features two 12.3-inch screens (one for the instrumental cluster and the other for the sat-nav) in one extra-long monitor, and the questionable feature that combines radio controls and climate controls into one, not to mention the new seating designs that showcases its premium feel. Despite heavy changes on the driver's side, the Sorento is offered with a choice of either a five-seater, a six-seater, or a seven-seater, depending on the variant.

2024 Kia Sorento

The facelifted Sorento is still offered with a choice of a Smartstream D2.2 engine, a powerful Smartstream G2.5T-GDi engine, and the 1.6L turbo-hybrid powertrain now offered with 4WD for the first time. 

Mated to an 8-speed automatic, the diesel variant produces 194PS of power (8PS less than the old one) while fuel economy is around 12.7km/L. The 2.5L turbo variant, meanwhile, produces 281PS of power and 9.4km/L of fuel economy.

The turbo-hybrid variant with its 6-speed automatic transmission has a total power output of 235PS and a fuel economy of 16.6km/L for FF variants while the 4WD variants get 14km/L.

For safety, the Sorento is packed with numerous ADAS such as Highway Driving Assist 2, navigation-based smart cruise control, blind spot collision avoidance assist, forward collision avoidance assist, rear parking collision avoidance assist, and Lane Keeping Assist 2. Coupled with the multiple anti-collision automatic braking systems, advanced rear passenger notification, reverse guiding lamp, and 10 airbags, this is the safest Sorento ever made.

One of South Korea's best-selling vehicles just got better with this minor change and the Sorento's back for more.

Photo: KIA

Kia Ray EV

Originally available only for rental or car-sharing purposes until 2019, the Kia Ray EV returns, and this time, it's available to the general public starting at 27,750,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, making this the cheapest Korean electric car you can buy and own today.

2024 Kia Ray EV

2024 Kia Ray EV interior

No strings attached, of course. The Kia Ray EV made its comeback after a four-year absence and unlike the previous one, it's yours to drive and keep if you have the budget to fully own it.

The reborn Kia Ray EV looks just like the recently facelifted Kia Ray, meaning you can still expect the squarish front face with EV9-inspired headlamps, grille-less design, revised rear lamps, and the slightly revised interior with a 10.25-inch color LCD cluster and console-type gear lever as expected but because this is the electric version, you can expect a number of features to differentiate it such as the charging port, exclusive Smoke Blue exterior color, unique 14-inch alloy wheels, and the i-PEDAL mode that can be engaged via paddle shifters.

Micro-business entrepreneurs can have either the two-seater or the single-seater van variants where the rear seats have been deleted for the sake of extra cargo space needed to deliver some balikbayan boxes if you're into that.

2024 Kia Ray EV

The Kia Ray EV's electric powertrain is powered by a 35.2kWh battery pack, making it capable of producing 64.3kW of power output and 147Nm of torque. As for driving range, it's good for 205km in one full charge. As for safety, the Ray EV comes with numerous features such as Rear Collision Prevention Assistance, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Prevention Assist, among many others.

Made for the new normal, the Kia Ray EV is a budget-friendly electric vehicle you can really own and drive with confidence.

Photo: Kia

Hyundai Santa Fe MX5 vs Kia EV9

Box-shaped cars never go out of style even in the age of the new normal and Hyundai has decided to think outside the box with their all-new, fifth-generation Santa Fe which is now, you guessed it, a boxy crossover.

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

Starting at 35,460,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe is no longer the Santa Fe that millennials remembered because it went through a radically different approach but it promises to behave like most crossovers should. So, what's it all about the Santa Fe MX5?

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

Ditching the sleek silhouettes of its predecessors, the Santa Fe MX5 features a boxy shape that can be awkwardly mistaken for either a Range Rover or a Ford Flex. Either way, Roblox jokes aside, it's not just limited to its cube looks because the headlamps, the front bumper, and the rear lamps are marked with the letter H because...it's Hyundai's kind of fetish.

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe interior

If you had enough of staring at its Roblox-ish looks, take a look at the interior. Thanks to its squarish design, it's roomier compared to its TM predecessor although the dashboard feels like it's straight out of Grandeur because of the Grandeur-sourced steering wheel and the gear lever positioned behind it. It now boasts a long monitor where the first half is for the instrumental panel while the second half is for the touchscreen. Minimalism aside, there are knobs for the radio and the aircon, which are rather useful indeed. In expensive variants, you can wirelessly charge up to two smartphones just in case as well as the digital key feature where you will let your gadgets do the unlocking, the digital rearview mirror, and the rather controversial fingerprint authentication system.

Although it only has room for six to seven passengers, depending on the variant, the Santa Fe MX5 is roomier than its TM predecessor. Boot space is decent for a boxy SUV like this, making it more than enough to flex its daily conveniences as an all-rounder.

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

Believe it or not, the Santa Fe MX5 runs on the same bits and bobs as the Kia Sorento MQ4, meaning it behaves just like its compatriot. Although a lot different to drive compared to its predecessor, the HTRAC all-wheel-drive system with rough road driving modes made it capable through tarmac, gravel, and snow, good enough for a weekend picnic at Hannibal's. Dynamics aside, the available Alcon monobloc brakes deliver a dramatic braking feel unheard of in a Korean SUV.

Because the Santa Fe MX5 is built for the new normal, there is no diesel powertrain offered. Only a choice of a 1.6L turbo-hybrid powertrain with a total power output of 235PS mated to a 6-speed AT, and a powerful Smartstream G2.5T-GDi mated to an 8-speed AT, producing 281PS of power and a combined 10.1km/L of fuel economy. 

The Santa Fe MX5 marks the first time a Hyundai vehicle has a hybrid variant mated with the all-wheel-drive system. That's something that should have been done a long time ago.

Back to the new normal, the Santa Fe MX5 features an improved Hyundai SmartSense with Highway Driving Assist 2, navigation-based smart cruise control, blind spot collision avoidance assist, forward collision avoidance assist, rear parking collision avoidance assist, and Lane Keeping Assist 2. Coupled with the multiple anti-collision automatic braking systems, advanced rear passenger notification, reverse guiding lamp, and 10 airbags, it really is the safest Santa Fe ever made.

The fifth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe is no longer the Santa Fe that millennials remembered because of its Roblox-ish exterior design that intrigues insiders everywhere but with its spacious interior, turbocharged performance, HTRAC, and tech, it has progressed into utilitarian status. It truly is innovation in motion for the new model.

However, if you're unhappy about the Santa Fe MX5's squarish looks and because this is the new normal, here comes the more expensive alternative that makes the all-new Santa Fe look like Oxford, the Korean Lego of course.

2024 Kia EV9

This is the first-ever Kia EV9 electric full-size crossover SUV. With prices starting at 77,280,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, it is the most expensive in the Kia SUV lineup, although it's less expensive than the BMW iX3, a meager bargain of the season.

2024 Kia EV9

With styling that stays true to its concept car roots, the EV9 signals a new design approach for Kia recreational vehicles in the future, meaning the styling will heavily influence the fate of upcoming people movers from the said brand. Apart from its Mohave-sized proportions and the side view reminiscent of the Infiniti QX80, the EV9 has a surprising show-off feature when you switch the front lights on as the hidden parts lurking around the grille-less front view light up like a Rina-chan board. Get it?

2024 Kia EV9 interior

Although the exterior design has some cyber vibes to it, the interior is all about first-class comfort in every way. On the driver's side, you will be greeted with the steering wheel emblem lighting, a column-type shift lever positioned behind the wheel, a panoramic wide display where the first half is for the instrumental panel while the second half is for the touchscreen, dual color ambient lighting, and the available Meridian Premium Sound System. The GT-Line variant adds digital side mirrors, a digital rearview mirror, and a hidden touch button on the console, among others.

Inside, the full-sized EV9 can accommodate six or seven passengers and has decent boot space not bad for a full-size electric SUV but the six-seater variant has a party piece no luxury people mover has, not even today's Toyota Alphard; swiveling second-row seats. When coupled with the Lounge Package, you get yourself a luxury cruiser fit for taking high-rollers from Seoul to Busan.

2024 Kia EV9

Speaking of Seoul to Busan, the electric powertrain is capable of up to 501km of range for rear-wheel-drive variants while 4WD variants, especially the GT-Line, are good for around 454km, but driving conditions can vary. Running on a 100kWh Li-ion battery pack and the Electric Global Modular platform, rear-wheel-drive variants produce 150kw of power while 4WD variants produce a powerful 283kw of power. That's 385PS to you and me.

Although the driving feel is nothing compared to the Mohave or today's Santa Fe mentioned above, the EV9, even in 4WD GT-Line guise, feels like driving a Toyota Alphard in different directions and because of its electric drivetrain, it's surprisingly quiet as well. It even packs a wide array of safety features such as high beam assist, Highway Driving Assist 2, navigation-based smart cruise control, Remote Smart Parking Assist 2, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist 2, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Rear Parking Collision Avoidance Assist, among others.

Which would you go for? The Roblox-esque Hyundai Santa Fe MX5 or the heavyweight ultra-luxurious Kia EV9 with a front view that makes the Rina-chan board look like...Tobot Big Boss? It's an interesting question because even though they behave differently, they look futuristic in every way but in every way, it's hard to pick the definitive winner in this round of Unanswered Questions. Only time will tell.

Photo: Hyundai/Kia

Kia EV6 GT

The EV6, launched last year, signaled the beginning of a new age for Kia and with its just size styling, and performance that defy expectations, the EV6 is the real materialization of the "Movement that Inspires" slogan. Love it or hate it, the EV6 is a revolution in motoring. Those who demand more from the EV6 finally got what they've wanted as the ultimate version of the EV6 has arrived and its performance is worth kicking.

2023 Kia EV6 GT

2023 Kia EV6 GT interior

The Kia EV6 GT, priced at 76,680,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, is the ultimate version of the EV6 where everything we know about this electric car just got juiced up to tear down the roads, not the environment. Finally, this is the EV6 that is worth the envy for those who demand one.

Beginning with the styling, the EV6 GT features unique aerodynamic styling that turns the commoner's EV6 into a striking image of a hot hatch, although it would be wrong to call the EV6 GT a super hot hatch because it doesn't look or feel like one. The lime-colored brake calipers add a nice touch to it.

While the interior works like the normal EV6, apart from the Panoramic Curved Display, infotainment systems, HUD, a rotary gear switch, i-PEDAL, and others, the EV6 GT features suede sport bucket seats while the steering wheel features a GT button. What does this button do? More with that later on but in the meantime, it's still as spacious as a normal EV6 although the boot space was dropped by 40L with the rear seats folded down, resulting in an overall boot space of 1260L.

Now's the time to tell about what the GT button does. When pressed, it will unleash the full capability of the EV6 GT. Apart from the adjustments to the e-LSD, electronic controlled suspension, and whatnots, it delivers an explosive performance of 585PS of power, 740Nm of torque, a 0-100kph time of 3.5 seconds, and a top speed of 260kph, as fast as a high-performance German super saloon. Whilst the added kick, the EV6 GT is worth driving on the road and on the track thanks to its sport-tuned dynamics underneath. As for the range, it's good for a combined 312km.

Although it's wrong to call it a super hot hatch and also absurd to call it the substitute for the soon-to-be-axed Stinger, the EV6 GT has showcased to the world the brave and the bold side of Kia's electrification, and with such performance, looks like the whole world is itching to get one someday. Better start praying, boys.

Photo: Kia

Second Generation Kia Niro

Launched in 2016, the Kia Niro is a hybrid crossover that rivals the Honda Vezel by all means necessary. With the arrival of the second-generation Niro, the hybrid crossover is now fully prepared to take on the new normal with its new and improved looks, interior, performance, ecology, and tech that will bring the Honda Vezel to its knees, if you know what I mean. Let's investigate.

The all-new Kia Niro, which starts at 26,600,000 Korean Won, now shares almost nothing in common with its predecessor because the team that designed it truly mean it because rather than reskin the previous model, they've decided to go back to square one and create a Niro that will blend through the new normal. This is the result and this full model change really means a lot for this new model because checking through the design, the all-new Niro draws inspiration from the HabaNiro concept, which is rather nice for this new model, but look harder and you'll know it has the impression of a French car. Weird but it works. Besides, the C pillar on the new model adds a nice ring to it.

Step into the interior and the new Niro borrows the dashboard layout from the EV6, which is a rather surprising move for Kia to nick one of their own like an artist copying one of his own materials for use on his new work. Because the new interior went for the minimalist, driver-focused approach, some will have a hard time adjusting the aircon because it can only be operated on the sat-nav touch screen. That sounds hassling but on the plus side, in case you want to turn off the radio or change the stations, there's a button for that. Speaking of the sat-nav, it comes with the Greenzone Drive Mode, which automatically sets the car to EV mode while driving at residential areas or nearby schools and hospitals, anywhere that is marked as a Green Zone. It even comes with an available built-in cam in case you're in the mood for plucking sweet potatoes on the main road if you know what I mean.

In the name of consciousness for the environment, most of the materials in the interior are now made of recyclable materials, meaning this crossover has a guilt-free atmosphere.

Despite being shorter than the previous model, the all-new Niro is longer and wider than its predecessor, meaning it has slightly more room in the back for people and luggage at the back, fit for everyday hustlers making a living on their everyday lives.

Now running on Hyundai Motor Group's third-generation platform, the all-new Kia Niro is now more vivacious and rousing to drive than its predecessor. It's also more rigid as well. Under the hood, the hybrid powerplant now features the Smartstream G1.6 petrol engine with 105PS of power connected to a 32PS electric motor and Li-ion battery. Mated to a 6-speed double-clutch gearbox, the new model delivers 20.8km/L of fuel economy, an improvement compared to the old Niro but not enough to bring down the Honda Vezel e:HEV by a long shot, which is interesting because while the Vezel is available with 4WD, the all-new Niro doesn't because it's only available with front-wheel-drive. Boo. On the plus side, because it's got the most sophisticated suspension setup, the new Niro can zip through the Vezel in the handling department, especially on twisted European roads.

In the interest of safety, the all-new Niro comes with Highway Driving Assistance, Remote Smart Parking Assistant, Safe Exit Assist, Rear-side collision avoidance assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, among many others.

And there you have it, the all-new Kia Niro is the definite rival to the Honda Vezel e:HEV, and even without the 4WD system that its Japanese foe has, it's still more enjoyable to drive than the Vezel by all means necessary. What a way for Kia to start the new year with the Niro's full model change and looks like they got their determined faces on following the launch of this new model.

As expected, the all-new Niro will be joined by its electric variant later this year but sadly, the Plug-in Hybrid variant will not carry on to the new model because, as a shocker for Koreans, the era of K-PHEV on Korean roads is well and truly over...for now. Shame.

Photo: Kia

Kia EV6

Ever since Kia ushered in the new age at the start of this year, they have big plans for their electrification under the Plan S strategy and this is their starting point; a fully electric crossover that features a just size styling and performance that will defy expectations. Welcome to the Kia EV6.

2022 Kia EV6

Priced at 47,300,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, the Kia EV6 is the result of the Korean carmaker's start of its electrification ambitions, and judging by all the hard work poured into making this, it's all common sense, or is it?

2022 Kia EV6

Let's start with the design and despite being a crossover, the EV6 features a striking hatchback design that makes them harder to resist in every way. Although the design is where the EV6 shines the most, there's something about the front and as noticed, the signature Tiger Nose grille is nowhere to be found. Kia says that the EV6 invokes the new "Digital Tiger Face" design but some are not sure about this but even without the Tiger Nose grille that became the hallmark of Kia, the EV6 is about as handsome as a Dodge Charger, whatever it is.

Apart from the design, the EV6 marks the return of the GT-Line variant, the one that hasn't been on the lineup since the second-generation K5. The GT-Line branding has been present in the world market except for South Korea until now and in this variant, it sports a sporty exterior design that sets it apart from the normal EV6.

2022 Kia EV6 interior

Now, what about the interior? Because it runs on the new E-GMP platform, the EV6 features a generous space as well as cutting-edge gadgetry deployed on the dashboard. On the driver's side, the EV6 features a Panoramic Curved Display, infotainment systems, HUD, a rotary gear switch, i-PEDAL, and others. On the passenger side, the EV6 is surprisingly comfortable and has a generous boot space of up to 1,300 liters as well. Of course, like most electrics, the EV6 features a frunk that carries up to 52L of cargo in FWD while 4WD variants can carry up to 20L of cargo on the front.

2022 Kia EV6

Let's get to know more about the EV6's performance because this is where it matters the most. At launch, only the 58kWh Standard and 77.4kWh Long Range variants are available in FR and 4WD configurations. A 4WD GT version is coming next year and this flagship variant packs 430kW of power and 740Nm of torque from its long-range battery pack.

In its FR layout, the Standard version produces 125kW of power and 350Nm while the Long Range version produces 168kW of power and 350Nm of torque. The 4WD layouts add 48kw on the Standard version and 71kW on the Long Range version. Judging on the latter, that produces more than the Smartstream G2.5 turbo engine that powered the Sorento and the Stinger.

What about range? In a rear-wheel-drive Long Range version, the EV6 has a range of 475km, enough to travel from Seoul to Busan with some extra juice to blast some tunes. Consider this a rebuke to the Lean Burn-powered Hyundais from the late '90s but there's more to it than just range because thanks to its V2L capability, the EV6 can be used as an electrical outlet for your appliances or a backup generator in an event of a brownout. As for charging, the EV6 is capable of high-speed charge from 10 to 80% in just 18 minutes.

Want to know how the i-PEDAL system works? It allows the EV6 to absorb energy from its brakes and allows the driver to stop the car gently without the need for a brake pedal. Simple as that.

As for handling, the EV6 is surprisingly lively to drive in its rear-wheel-drive form and in its 4WD form, despite being a two-ton car, the EV6 is about as fun to drive as a Stinger even on the dirt, although the GT version does best but let's wait before it arrives. Still, for a two-ton electric crossover, the EV6 is rather impressive to drive on so many levels.

Being a fully electric car, there's no escape from the safety zone and with the EV6, it's got numerous Advanced Driver Assistance Systems such as the Blind-Spot Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, High Beam Assist, Highway Driving Assist 2, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Navigation Based Smart Cruise Control-Curve, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, among many others. Speedo boys aren't very pleased by such implementations and such will make them running scared.

The Kia EV6 truly is the beginning of the brand's new age and despite being a commoner's crossover, the EV6 is the real materialization of the "Movement that Inspires" slogan. Love it or hate it, the EV6 is a revolution in motoring and it's ready to take on the world.

Photo: Kia