KIA MOTORS

Kia Bongo K 2500 line 2023/2024

The Kia Bongo K 2500 has been completely updated. After all, the new emission control rules required manufacturers to make profound changes to their products. Furthermore, the light truck, which is part of the 2023/2024 line, will now be offered in a single version, now with lever-operated 4x4 traction. Optionally, the model can come with air conditioning.

According to Kia's technical director, Gabriel Loureiro, the 4x4 version should please all types of audiences. In the same sense, he says he intends to win back customers who left the brand. That is, those who bought the Kia Bongo 4x4 in the past. This is because the company offered the model with all-wheel drive from mid-2007 to 2009. However, since then there were only 4x2 versions.

Option for the horticultural sector...According to brand executives, one of the advantages of the Kia Bongo is that the 4x4 traction can be activated while the truck is moving. However, to engage the reduced gear it is necessary to stop the truck, which can be driven by drivers with a category "B" driver's license.

Additionally, there is a super reduced mode, ideal for use on slippery floors, such as mud and sand, for example. In other words, the model can also work in operations in rural areas. Therefore, it can serve agribusiness customers, such as the horticultural segment, for example.

On board, the panel features a new design and a 7” digital screen. In addition, there is an on-board computer and a multifunctional steering wheel that allows you to access various controls. The driver's seat has adjustments and there is another seat for two passengers. All are covered with synthetic fabric.

New Kia Bongo is strong...Estradão ran with the Kia Bongo K 2500 on urban roads, without and with 4x4 traction engaged. For the evaluation, we loaded the truck with 500 kg of ballast. It is worth remembering that the load capacity is 1,811 kg. Furthermore, the total gross weight (GVW) is 3,475 kg.

After that, we covered sections with steep inclines, with the 4x4 engaged. Therefore, it was possible to verify that the system also helps to overcome climbs on paved roads more easily. After all, all wheels drive the truck. The feature is also useful in the case of heavy rain and a flooded track.

Furthermore, the powertrain contributes to good performance. The Kia Bongo K 2500 has a 2.5 turbodiesel engine with intercooler. The four-cylinder with 16-valve cylinder head generates power of 130 hp at 3,800 rpm and torque of 26 mkgf at 1,250 rpm.

Focus on urban use...In turn, the transmission is a six-speed manual. According to Kia, the fuel injection system is new. Therefore, it meets the emissions rules set out in Proconve L7. In the same sense, the system includes use of Arla 32.

Another advantage of the model is its dimensions. The Kia Bongo measures 4.83 meters long and 1.74 m wide. Thus, it is 11 cm shorter than a Fiat Toro pickup, for example. Furthermore, it is 2 cm narrower than a Volkswagen T-Cross SUV.

According to the brand, the turning diameter is 4.93 m. Therefore, the truck can travel easily through narrow lanes. It is also easy to maneuver and park in tight spaces, such as docks. As well as pick-up and drop-off points for stores and supermarkets, for example.

In other words, the model is classified as an Urban Cargo Vehicle (VUC). Therefore, its circulation is permitted in places where heavy trucks are prohibited from traveling.

Good answers...In practice, the Kia Bongo is agile in urban traffic. In this sense, your engine responds promptly to accelerator commands. Thus, it tackles steep climbs with vigor, even in 4x2 traction mode. However, depending on the degree of the incline, the truck goes up "galloping".

However, simply engaging the 4x4 will reduce this effect considerably. Thus, running at a speed of around 20 km/h, the engine rotates at 2000 rpm. In any case, on less severe slopes, the Kia Bongo climbs smoothly in 4x2. Thus, at 30 km/h, with 3rd gear engaged, the four-cylinder works smoothly, at around 1,500 rpm.

Furthermore, the good adjustment of the suspensions contributes to comfort on board. According to the brand, the system is independent at the front, with torsion bars. At the rear, there is a rigid axle with a leaf spring, which, according to the company, guarantees greater robustness. Especially in the case of vehicles that mostly travel on hilly roads.

Model is made in Uruguay...The windows are electrically operated. However, the doors are locked manually. According to Kia, the 2024 Bongo 2500 K line has a suggested price of R$174,990. Therefore, it is around R$15,000 more expensive than the 4x2 version, which is no longer offered in Brazil. With air conditioning, which is optional, the price rises to R$181,990.

The Bongo is made by Kia Motors from Uruguay, a company that belongs to the Gandini Group, representative of the South Korean brand in Brazil. Production is at the Nordex factory, which also assembles Citroën Jumpy and Peugeot Expert vans and vans, for example.

Credit: Werther Santana/ESTADÃO MAGAZINE