Will 2022 Kia Sportage debut at PH motor show?

We're only several months away before the Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) returns after a two-year hiatus. The 2022 edition is expected to showcase all-new models, refreshed nameplates, and announcements regarding future plans for the years to come.

While most automakers have yet to officially announce their plans for this year's PIMS, Kia Philippines president Manny Aligada has already shared some important news ahead of the motor show. During yesterday's inauguration of AC Motors BGC Centrale, Aligada announced that they will soon be “unboxing” a new model that will 'embody Kia's advances in technology and innovation'.

While Aligada did not go into detail as to what they'll be unboxing at PIMS 2022, we have reason to believe that Kia might launch the all-new Sportage at the upcoming motor show. Last week, AutoIndustriya.com reported that the automaker was able to secure approval for an upcoming vehicle. Based on the listing, the mystery vehicle will have a turbo-diesel engine with a displacement of 1999cc or 2 liters.

Looking at the vehicles Kia has available abroad, the only crossover to have a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel engine is the next-generation Sportage. The new 2.0-liter Smartstream turbo-diesel motor benefits from an all-aluminum construction and makes 186 PS with 417 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Combined with the fact that the current Sportage is already due for a full model change in the Philippines, this leads us to believe that Kia is already busy making the necessary preparations.

The 8^th PIMS is penciled for September 15 to September 18, 2022, at the World Trade Center. Hopefully, more details about Kia's latest offering will be revealed in the coming weeks or months.