AFTER completing a mere 82 kilometers with the Kia K2500 4×4 Double Cab, I have now updated my most desired vehicle list with it slotted in number two.
Officially, Kia is the only commercial vehicle distributor with an across-the-board 4×4 variant. Built in Korea, the Kia K2500 4×4 Double Cab has the power of K-Pop with out the
Why you may ask, does a commercial vehicle, with no real chance of winning a beauty contest or a drag race be on the bucket list of an adrenalin junkie? The answer is not in the sheet metal but what is under it.
This Kia K2500 with its 4×4 underpinning brings back memories of my dad’s Kia Ceres a.k.a. the KC2700.
Now that Kia was something else. It had leaf spring suspension, drum brakes all around, and a solid axle 4×4 upfront and in the rear had a flexible cross joint so the rear differential can have maximum articulation.
K2500’s grandad: an agricultural implement
The versions that came to the Philippines between 1988 to 1993 were sold as the KC2700 which was basically slotted in as an agricultural tool–and usually posed beside a tractor. In fact, the sparse ads for the KC2700 always had it beside some other agricultural implement and came out mostly in provincial newspapers. I am not sure if the ones initially sold here had a one-ton capacity, but ingenious Pinoy engineers could add a leaf spring to contain heavier loads.
The first of the four-wheel drive variants appeared in 1987 and proved to be so popular that by 1995 the rear-wheel-drive models were canceled in Korea and later overseas. The Ceres became an official agricultural implement in most markets where it was sold. Kia called the chassis and body on which it was built on the BA2.
Now the Ceres, as the grandfather of the Kia K2500 had a larger displacement engine yet lesser grunt that its’ grandson. Owing to the “nostalgic” technologies of its day the Ceres also run like a turtle or rather crawled like one. The rear-wheel drive versions were fine I was told, but the Philippine National Police had this vehicle as part of its fleet especially in the provinces.
But I have not answered the question of why is the 4×4 variant of this Kia light truck so desirable to me?
A real four-wheel drive
Underneath the glossy white, double cab body of the Kia K2500 4×4 is a fully functional 4×4 system. Though is not what off-road purists would consider mud-tracking, grass-cutting, dirt-throwing track, it proved how the Kia commercial vehicle’s engine and 4×4 drivetrain, do their jobs reliably. During the drive, I can only rate the standard street tires as good enough (one can assume the 4×4 will be on the road 99 percent of the time). For those who are actually off-the-grid and mostly, off-the-pavement will extract the most traction with beefier tires with mud gripping capabilities.
I also suggest ditching the plastic hubcaps.
The 4×4 system is uncomplicated. A simple lever on provides a selection from 2H, 4H and 4L. Each setting bring more traction and a lesser gear ratio, meaning more power to the tires. At the media test drive session in The General’s Farm in Tanauan, Batangas, event organizers Georges Ramirez and brother Louie upskilled participants on how to drive a commercial vehicle–not a pick-up, not an SUV–under tractionless conditions. There were several Kia Kargo trucks there in both 4×2 and 4×4 trim, but none shined like the Double Cab 4×4.
Spartan but luxurious enough
When I spoke to Kia Philippine President Manny Aligada briefly about the positioning and target market of the Kia Double Cab 4×4 specifically, he first brought me to a discussion of the general market for the whole line-up.
“Kia commercial vehicles are no longer an alternative choice,” Aligada says stressing how Kia’s sales for the Karga series have become so strong because it has proven not only fuel efficiency but also operating efficiency.
“We talk to our customers and would be target market, aside from observing trends and market conditions. Remember during the middle of the pandemic we noticed an increase in the need for small trucks for deliveries and how entrepreneurs were changing their mindset when it comes to vehicles to prepare themselves for business as soon as the pandemic is controlled. That time is now,” Aligada explains pointing out that the 4×4 in the lineup was a well-thought-of decision. Swaying away from it being a farm tool as in the Ceres, and to a more balanced use–transporting people and cargo–in a better package.
Designed for business
Specially-made to serve as a business tool for entrepreneurs, companies, and corporate groups. The Kia K2500 aims to tick all the right boxes by offering practical and functional features.
And boxes–20 balikbayan boxes measuring 18 by 18 by 24 inches–can fit in the back of the single cab Kargo variant. Here are the various forms and shapes one can get from the Kia K2500:
- The double cab dropside can seat 6 people in better than commercial vehicle cabin with huge legroom. This is my personal favorite. The dropside configuration while hauling substantial cargo at the same time. This body configuration is unique to the K2500 and it’s available in 4×4.
- Single cab dropside is the ideal carrier for those in the farming business, the construction industry, and the like. Easily load cargo at any side of the K2500 Dropside to save time and effort. But it can easily load jetskis and motocross bikes too!
- Kargo is not the male counterpart of Karga. But this competent cargo mover like the closed van but in more compact dimensions allowing for low ceiling clearances, normally in urban areas and underground parking, that typical closed vans cannot access.
- Karga. Kia says it is the ideal people hauler. No reason to disagree. It is very spacious with its 19-seat capacity and it comes with rear air conditioning to give passengers maximum comfort–and if you flip the seats up, you can fit in about 20 balikbayan boxes in the hold. Here’s proof right here.
- The closed van version is perfect for logistics partner–forwarding companies, FMCG, the van can even be (I assume with the proper insulation and equipment) carry on refrigerated transport duties. But in its regular form (bodies are built by outside makers and approved by Kia) it is able to transport big items or high-volume deliveries such Kia says “Minimize your trips and fuel expenses, by maximizing the cargo you can transport with this variant.”
- The cab & chassis variant in that bare trim will take loads of up to 1,635 kg. Sounds like a good base for a motorhome. Or an ambulance, a flat bed pick-up or a small dump truck. Whatever it might be, this is the platform to build it on.
Manny Aligada says that business owners and managers can freely choose the body configurations that will exactly fit their requirements. A commercial vehicle that can adjust this much to the needs of a specific operation is more than just a vehicle. “It’s a reliable business partner.”
Power is the key
I sat beside my long-time friend and ex-race driver George Ramirez in the 4×4 Dropside to test both the drivetrain and the might 2.5L CRDi engine with turbo. The first thing I noticed was it was amazingly quiet. Living with diesels almost all my driving life, I know the noise and knock of such engines but in the K2500, it was dampened and quiet.
The ergonomics of the K2500’s driver and passenger seats are almost pick-up truck-like. It is a lie to say that the comfort levels are really good, but the ride and drive, except for the almost vertical steering wheel and the lack of a front nose is much like an entry-level SUV or pick-up with leaf spring rear suspension. But for a small truck, it is quite comfortable.
Now for entrepreneurs, this will allow them to drive the K2500 themselves, and for their drivers, means more comfortable rides which translate to safer and even more productive drives–even during tough business operations and long drives.
The 4×4 variant even offers a center armrest with cupholders, overhead cabin lights, a sunglass holder, and more. Now isn’t that pick-up truck amenities or what? Having these features makes it even more likable as a self-drive “Tito-mobile” and favorable to businessmen and entrepreneurs who care for the people who work for them.
“It is really strong and quiet,” George tells me. “Well, you are selling the product, I am here to find fault in it,” I retorted as we laughed. Then he asked “did you find anything you don’t like in it?”
“The fact that I can’t bring it home today,” I replied.
Part of this Kia K2500 power is an added leaf spring in the rear suspension across the line-up. Manny Aligada revealed this to me as I pointed out how I felt it was a good tactic not to include an audio system and instead have the air conditioning as standard equipment.
“May abang na para sa audio system. (There is a ready connector for the audio system),” Aligada quickly points out as he explained that in Kia’s customer studies, businessmen believe in providing more comfort for the driver.
This proves how the Kia K2500, in its 4×4 trim has the competence to provide both the ease of transporting people, cargo, or both. Since it is the only one in its segment to have a 4-wheel drive variant, the K2500 can safely negotiate places with no roads, moderately high floods, and possibly river crossings.
All K2500 variants come with generous cargo space that can accommodate the needs of different businesses. And with great space comes the responsibility to withstand all the load that needs to be carried. Good thing the K2500 has a durable build capable of transporting bulky and heavy cargo.
Aftersales and then more
Kia K2500 comes with a 3-Year/110,000 kms Warranty and a 3-Year free 24/7 Roadside Assistance. It also has a low cost of maintenance to help businesses further minimize spending and maximize profits. And in case of unexpected happenings, Kia has a large stock of readily available parts and a nationwide network of service centers, always ready to serve and greatly reduce downtime!
With these after-sales perks that offer peace of mind plus all the other factors mentioned above, it seems that the K2500 is indeed the ideal business partner.
Experienced in hauling
My first encounter with the K2500 was in the aftermath of the Taal Volcano eruption in January 2020. Back then the vehicle not only performed its civic duties it also brought great hope to those who were affected by Taal’s sudden tantrum. We only drove the rear-wheel-drive models, in transporter trim but the experience was a very happy and fulfilling one.
Kia says that they will take the “challenge entrepreneurs, companies, and corporate groups would be delighted to know that lots of businesses and industries” who may find the K2500 especially the 4×4 variant ideal for their operations. Then a list follows:
- Logistics companies
- Architecture, engineering, and construction companies
- Utilities, installation, and repair services
- Catering
- Local Government Units
Kia also points out that “numerous K2500s are presently out there serving as dependable partners to businesses in these fields. And for those who are not yet convinced to make the K2500 a part of their company, Kia is 100 percent ready to further prove and showcase that their commercial vehicle is the right choice–a sign of the Korean car brand’s commitment to conquer the commercial stage.”
We will find more about that after I get to test drive it over the Christmas weekend.
