New name, Fresh lineup — Korean auto brand returns under a different Phl distributor

KG Mobility is a South Korean-based automaker with operations dating back to 1954. If the name doesn't ring a bell, it's because prior to December 2022, it was known as SsangYong Motor, the brand people are familiar with.

The change may be viewed as unnecessary since the name SsangYong Motor has already been recognized as one of the reputable car brands in the country for years.

But the name change was a perfect move since the KG Group — the chemical and steel company that is now KG Mobility's largest shareholder — has set its sights on going beyond traditional vehicle manufacturing and be able to produce electric and autonomous vehicles.

KG Mobility's focus on making the future of driving an exciting one through its lineup of mobility vehicles is something worth anticipating. That's why The Covenant Car Company Inc. is proud to be KG Mobility's partner in the country as exclusive distributor of its vehicles.

"The Covenant Car Company Inc. is very pleased to offer our discerning Filipino car buyers these innovative, safe, and modern automobiles from KG Mobility," TCCCI Chairman, Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia Jr., said.

"We are optimistic that the local motoring public will respond positively to our portfolio of product offerings, and we are likewise eager to grow KGM PH into a household name for expertly crafted, reliable, Korean-made automobiles."

During last week's official unveiling of vehicles, the TCCCI-KG Mobility partnership unveiled the first five KG Mobility models: the Tivoli subcompact crossover SUV, Tivoli Grand compact crossover SUV, Torres compact crossover SUV, Rexton mid-size SUV, and the Musso Grand pickup truck.

TCCCI announced that the entire lineup comes with a five-year or 100,000-kilometer warranty (whichever comes first), 24/7 roadside assistance, and an affordable cost-of-ownership package with ready access to spare parts and dedicated expert servicing under the KG Mobility Solutions aftersales program.

The figures indicated here are introductory cash prices valid until 31 December 2023, and suggested retail prices will be applied thereafter.

The Tivoli is KG Mobility's most compact crossover SUV offering. Powered by a 1.6-liter gasoline engine (maximum 126 hp and 160 Nm of torque) and mated to either a six-speed automatic or five-speed manual, the Tivoli is available in the following trims:

Tivoli Verge 1.6 MT — P898,888 (P938,888 SRP); Tivoli Verge 1.6 AT — P998,888 SRP; Tivoli Prime 1.6 AT — P1,138,888 (P1,198,888 SRP); Tivoli Apex 1.6 AT — P1,248,888 (P288,888 SRP).

The bigger crossover SUV model is the Tivoli Grand that also seats five occupants with its additional 238 mm body length for more passenger and cargo space (1,440 liters of cargo space vs Tivoli's 1,115 liters).

The Tivoli Grand is also powered by a 1.6-liter gasoline engine but available only in automatic transmission. The two trims for this model are:

Tivoli Grand Prime 1.6 AT — P1,188,888 (P1,228,888 SRP); Tivoli Grand Apex 1.6 AT — P1,268,888 (P1,288,888 SRP).

Korando successor

If you are familiar with the Korando SUV (which is no longer in production) under the SsangYong name, the Torres compact SUV is its successor.

Powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine (generating a maximum 160 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque) and mated to a six-speed gearbox, the five-seater Torres is equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems designed to prevent injuries or death.

The ADAS' Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning, High Beam Assist, Forward Vehicle Start Alert, Lane Keeping Assist, and Driver Attention Alert on top of eight SRS airbags and Safe Distance Alert ensure the safety of the vehicle's occupants. The Torres is available in two trims:

Torres Turbo Apex 1.5 FWD — P1,868,888 (P1,918,888 SRP); Torres Turbo Apex 1.5 AWD — P2,168,888 (P2,218,888 SRP).

Then we have the seven-seater Rexton which is currently KG Mobility's flagship SUV. Powered by a 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine (maximum 199 horsepower and 441 Nm of torque), it is also the most spacious with a cargo room enough to accommodate 1,977 liters.

Installed in the Rexton are auto on/off headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, an electrochromic rearview mirror, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning System, Hydraulic Brake Assist, Front Vehicle Start Alarm, Driver Attention Alert, Safety Distance Alert, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, among other safety features.

The Rexton is available in the following trims:

Rexton Apex 2.2 4×2 — P2,248,888 (P2,298,888 SRP); Rexton Highland 2.2 4×4 — P2,588,888 (P2,638,888 SRP).

For those who need to load more cargo in their vehicle, there's the Musso Grand which is a 2.2-liter turbodiesel pickup truck (maximum 184 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque). Depending on the trim, one can own a six-speed manual transmission, a six-speed automatic transmission or a four-wheel drive with a locking rear differential. The five trims available are:

Musso Grand Verge 2.2 4×2 MT — P1,198,888 (P1,248,888 SRP); Musso Grand Prime 2.2 4×2 AT — P1,528,888 (P1,568,888 SRP); Musso Grand Highland 2.2 4×2 AT — P1,628,888 (P1,668,888 SRP);Musso Grand Highland 2.2 4×4 AT — P1,898,888 (P1,938,888 SRP).

KG Mobility Korea executive managing director Ki Young Hwang, who was in the country last October to formalize the partnership with TCCCI, said he looks forward to the growth and development of KG Mobility Philippines.

"With our partners from TCCCI, the Filipino motoring public can expect a captivating lineup of new-generation KG Mobility SUVs and pick-up trucks, while providing reliable, customer-oriented aftersales and technical support for a worry-free ownership experience."

KGM Philippines is set to expand its network to 12 dealer-partners by the end of 2024.