Kia launched a model equipped with a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) turbo engine for the compact truck Bongo on the 23rd.
Instead of the existing diesel engine, it features the Smartstream LPG 2.5 turbo engine. The 5-speed automatic transmission, previously available only on the Bongo 1-ton model, is now also selectable for the 1.2-ton model. The 1.2-ton model, which has a larger cargo bed than the 1-ton, is generally more preferred but had only been available with a manual transmission until now.
The 5-speed automatic transmission delivers 159 horsepower and 30.0 kgf·m of torque, while the 6-speed manual transmission produces 138 horsepower and 26.0 kgf·m. Compared to diesel, power output has improved by approximately 18% and 4%, respectively. The combined fuel efficiency is about 6.3 to 7 km per liter. According to the company, if driving around 2,000 km per month with the 1-ton extra-long wheelbase two-wheel-drive King Cab with the 5-speed automatic transmission, it can save about 800,000 KRW annually.
The new vehicle comes standard with a passenger-side airbag, keyhole illumination, and automatic lighting settings across all trims. The top trim includes an 8-inch display audio system supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a rearview monitor, and a USB Type-C charging port as standard. A package combining popular features such as navigation is available for selection on all trims.
Popular optional features that received positive customer feedback, such as the flat-floor for convenient loading and the Plus Package that decorates the interior with brown accents, are also retained. Prices range from 19.93 million to 22.75 million KRW for the 1-ton model and from 24.21 million to 25.24 million KRW for the 1.2-ton model (2WD extra-long wheelbase King Cab, 6-speed manual transmission basis). If customers scrap their existing diesel vehicles and purchase this model, they can receive up to 9 million KRW in subsidies, including a 1 million KRW LPG cargo vehicle new purchase subsidy and up to 8 million KRW early scrappage support, depending on the support program.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
