Salute TO Soluto

Controls are clear and simply laid out, with a touchscreen audio unit high on the dashboard.

The re-energized Kia Philippines, now under the management of Ayala Corporation, wasted no time in fortifying its lineup.

The first product “unboxing” for this year took place during the brand relaunch in January 2019: the brand new Soluto subcompact sedan was rolled out.

The Soluto took its place among nameplates already familiar to the Philippine motoring scene: the Picanto, Rio, Sorento, Sportage, and Grand Carnival.

Soluto has its work cut out for it, as it faces segment stalwarts such as the Toyota Vios, Honda City, and Mitsubishi Mirage.

Hyundai promptly rolled out its contender, too, in the guise of the Reina.

The Soluto measures 4,300 mm in length, 1,700 mm in width, and 1,460 mm in height on a 2,570 mm wheelbase, versus the current market leader Vios’ 4,425 mm x 1,730 mm x 1,475 mm on a 2,550mm wheelbase.

As can be expected from a company co-headed by ex-Audi designer Peter Schreyer, Kia gave the Soluto a clean design with some neat details.

The reverse-slope nose, angular headlights, and clamshell hood lend it a look that’s more European than the designs we’re used to from the Japanese and other Korean brands.

Ditto for the rear, where the simple trapezoidal taillamps flank a bulbous trunk with integrated lip-spoiler shape.

The chrome-framed black grille, Kia’s trademark “tiger nose,” is itself purely decorative, with no real holes, as are the bumper vents containing the fog lamps.

The Soluto has just the right amount of adornment to give it some character, at least in its top EX trim.

There are side mirrors with LED signal lights, chromed door handles, and glossy black finish on the bumper inserts.

Pop open the door and you have a cabin trimmed in dark and light gray, with leatherette seats.

The trim material looks impervious to spills, but the lighter areas will easily show stains such as from ballpen marks.

The driver’s seat has a height adjuster, and a right-side armrest, which are welcome, while the steering wheel adjusts for rake only (without telescoping function), which is not so welcome.

The secondary controls are clear and simply laid out, with a touchscreen audio unit high on the dashboard.

Below are rotary aircon controls and the power window controls. The power window controls aren’t in the usual door-mounted positions, and are not as easy to operate without a look-over.

As expected in new cars these days, the audio unit has Bluetooth connectivity. There’s integrated Android Auto and Apple Car Play, activated by plugging a compatible device via a USB cable into the dashboard.

Remote switches for the audio are built into the left-hand spoke of the steering wheel. The trip computer is in between the analog tach and speedometer.

Insert the switchblade-type key, twist it, and Kia’s 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine cranks to life.

It’s appreciably silent at idle and with mild operation of the throttle.

The clutch pedal feels light, which will help keep you sane in crawling traffic, while the five-speed manual slots into gears with ease, giving a mild sense of pleasure when the traffic frees up.

The engine features dual variable valve timing, producing 95 ps and 132 Nm. (The Vios 1.3 unit produces 99 ps and 123 Nm at similar rpm.)

Around town, the Soluto delivers a mild, hassle-free driving experience.

Acceleration is enough to keep up around town. We didn’t go beyond 100 kph on this weekend run, traffic never permitting us.

The engine gets gruff at around 5000 rpm, by which time an indicator suggesting to shift up will be flashing on the central LCD display.

Torture test

On our “torture test,” a steep upward ramp sequence with two 90-degree corners, the Soluto couldn’t climb without first building speed.

Lacking any traction control, it just spun its wheels as the fronts were unloaded. Admittedly, many front wheel drive cars—and front wheel-based all-wheel drive cars—struggle here.

This was an unusual test, though, and in normal driving situations—going to the mall and office parking lots—it was never a problem.

The Soluto’s back seat is comfortably wide for two, and sufficient for three medium-built adults. There’s more than enough knee room for me to sit behind myself.

At my height of 170 cm, you’ll have to lean back into the rear seat to stay clear of the ceiling, as sitting bolt upright can put your head near the headliner, especially if you’re sitting in the middle position.

Riding on 14-inch alloys, the Soluto’s ride is sufficiently compliant. The power steering is dialled for ease of use at low to moderate speeds, the high assist level making a cinch of parking and manuevering.

The Soluto has several convenience features, such as the backup camera and touchscreen audio, as well as some that we were glad to know were there in case we needed it: ABS brakes, dual front airbags and anti-theft immobilizer.

Kia is pricing the Soluto to roll out of showrooms quickly. The Soluto lineup starts at P625,000 for the 1.4 LX MT, going up to P675,000 for the automatic version.

Our 1.4 EX MT test car goes for P685,000, while the AT version is at P735,000.

Put in perspective, the top-featured EX goes practically for the cost of the Vios’ base model. (This calls for a proper comparison test.)

Potential buyers would no doubt feel reassured now that the brand is under the Ayala umbrella.

The entire lineup is covered by a five-year or 160,000-km general warranty, five-year or 150,000 km warranty for anti-perforation, and service parts warranty for one year or 20,000 km.

Kia Philippines is also promising to improve after-sales service and parts availability throughout its dealer network.

The next Kia model unboxing will be at the Manila International Auto Show on April 4, 2019.