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We think it’s safe to say Kia PH will launch the Stinger next

To be displayed at the Manila International Auto Show

Kia Philippines is such a tease. After unboxing the first of its offerings for 2019—the Soluto small sedan, in case you missed it—the Ayala Corporation-operated distributor has been pretty much mum about the next ones that are coming. Well, there’s company president Manny Aligada dishing out clues, but he has firmly refused to divulge the exact identities of the upcoming models in spite of our persistence to make him do so.

The executive has even shared that his team will be launching the second new Kia model for our market at the upcoming Manila International Auto Show on April 4 to 7 at World Trade Center in Pasay City. Our guess has always been the Stinger, but you can never be too sure until you see the proof, right?

Well, we think we already have the evidence right here…

Can you see the Stinger’s shape inside the cover? PHOTO BY BOTCHI SANTOS

This photo was taken at the basement parking of Kia Philippines. While the car is concealed, you can make out the general shape of the Stinger. And oh, there’s the distinct wheel design that’s peeking through the cover. Safe to say that this is the Stinger and that this is the main automobile that Kia is displaying at MIAS 2019.

Aligada, during a personal chat with VISOR today, still wouldn’t confirm the identity of the car in the photo. He would only say they are actually going to present “two boxes” at the show—assuming the second box could reach our shores in time for the event. Our guess for the second box? The Stonic crossover.

Kia Philippines president Manny Aligada just smiles when asked about the new models. PHOTO BY VERNON B. SARNE

So there. You got your wish. The Stinger is coming. See you at the Kia booth next week.



Vernon B. Sarne

Vernon is the founder and editor-in-chief of VISOR. He has been an automotive journalist since July 1995. He became one by serendipity, walking into the office of a small publishing company and applying for a position he had no idea was for a local car magazine. God has watched over him throughout his humble journey. He writes the ‘Spoiler’ column.



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