By Tessa R. Salazar
Inquirer

WHILE Japanese manufacturers are busy hosting local motoring journalists from the Philippines for the 2007 edition of the Tokyo Motor Show, rival Korean carmakers have been patient and busy reinforcing their product lineups in the local market, slowly eating away at the huge market share the Land of the Rising Sun has traditionally enjoyed in the Pearl of the Orient Seas.

The reinforcements from Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. Philippines are expected to face off with the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. The Azera (P1.758 million), Sonata 2.4L (P1.238 million) and Sonata 3.3L (P1.318 million) were launched simultaneously just last week. Azera and Sonata are CBUs (completely built up units) from Korea.

People mover

In the other Korean frontline, Kia has revealed what it touts as its version of the Chevy Town and Country with its people-mover 2.9-liter Carnival. Columbian Auto Cars, Kia’s exclusive distributor in the Philippines, now offers its lifestyle-centered eight-seater family vehicle with a common rail direct injection diesel engine versions.

The Carnival, contrary to its gaudy name, exudes a subdued style, but it does capitalize on its spacious interior (in reference, perhaps, to the all-in Big Top carnivals), easy-rear passenger access (rear seats easily foldable) and riding comfort.

The Carnival CRDi — just like the Sportage CRDi — already responds and purrs like a gasoline-powered vehicle. It also offers sequential mode for manual gear selection. The drive height is ideal for Asian physiques. The steering is light (good for lady drivers), while the brakes are powerful. Still, one could sense a wide-bodied heaviness in this hauler. But we’re not driving a sportscar, so it’s understandable.

The Carnival goes for P1.215 million (LX manual); P1.290 million (LX automatic); P1.450 million (EX automatic, all short wheel base); P1.570 million (EX automatic, long wheel base).

2-liter SUV

Speaking of the Sportage, this two-liter SUV offers full-time four-wheel drive CRDi (note: it’s not all-time, but full-time 4WD). The 4WD disengages at high speed and engages during wheel slip (of course, there’s also the 4WD lock button). There’s just that teeny bit of delay from a standing start, but once it starts moving, the Sportage blows by like a breeze.

The traction control makes the Sportage less likely to skid or slip. For the more confident drivers, there’s the TCS, or traction control switch that could turn the TC mode off.

Pop open the hood and one can see the engine is fully covered for protection (maybe not just from the elements, but from potential “tinkerers” as well).

Incidentally, the Sportage engine bears an uncannily similar look with the Hyundai Tucson engine. A mechanic may even mistake one for the other.

The handling, ride and road grip are impressive. It also feels light. The external noise insulation for a diesel-powered SUV is good. Basically, the only irritating noise you’ll hear is the jingling of the car keys in the ignition.

The Sportage price tags are P969,000 (gas 4×2) and P1.120 million (CRDi 4×4).

Photos courtesy of the Philippine Daily Inquirer