Deciding which commercial vehicle to buy for your business can get very confusing. For one, there is an overwhelming abundance of options. And there is the temptation to choose either the cheapest or the most expensive model, a decision that often leads to regret. Below is a list of the offerings by some of the country’s best-known commercial vehicle manufacturers that you might want to take a closer look at.
Kia K2700
The K-series truck from Kia Motors Philippines has an ambitious goal: to change the way truck is perceived. “With greater utility and a level of refinement you would expect to find in only a passenger car, the K-series truck not only makes getting the job done easier, it lets you do it in comfort,” the company says. Its exterior features a rear gate chain that is covered to protect against corrosion; a catcher that promises better grip; and a round-edged brim cover that allows easier loading and unloading. Driving the truck is made comfortable by the steering wheel whose height can be adjusted. And for storage needs, the glove box provides up to 11.13 liters of space. Powering the K2700 is the 2,665 cc J2 engine that is capable of producing 80 pferdestärke (ps) at 4,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) and 16.8-kilogram meters (kg m) of torque at 2,400. The truck is also equipped with a number of safety technologies, like the back warning system that alerts the driver to the obstacles behind the vehicle.
Hyundai H350
Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc.’s H350 model of light commercial vehicle showcases the South Korean brand’s modern family aesthetic, as well as its practical and sophisticated styling — from the front fog lamps set back into the front bender to ensure maximum visibility to the aerodynamically sculpted side mirror housings that minimize wind noise. H350’s interior boasts of advanced ergonomics and driver-focused efficiency. “Driver-focused H350 remains true to Hyundai’s core design principles of safety, ease-of-use and simplicity. With its spacious cabin, clear visibility and supreme car-like comfort, there’s always room for all,” the company says. A 2.5 CRDi diesel engine, with a six-speed manual transmission for rear wheel drive, powers the H350, allowing it to maximize drivability and deliver an efficient and safer ride. Seventy-five percent of the chassis of the H350 is made from high tensile steel to achieve optimum crew and cargo protection. And with the vehicle dynamic control system that triggers relevant brakes, the driver wouldn’t have to worry about keeping the H350 on course.
Tata Ace
Tata Motors Philippines describes its Ace model of small cargo truck as having “superior safety, versatile performance and ease of maintenance.” The company adds that it has changed the face of sub 1-ton goods carriers. Among Ace’s key exterior features are the wide-angle outer rear view mirror and a headlamp. Meanwhile, the interior highlights of the vehicle are the ergonomic steering wheel and the classy dashboard. Ace is powered by a 2 cylinder water-cooled engine capable of producing a maximum output of 16 horsepower (hp) at 3,200 rpm, and a maximum torque of 38 Newton meter (Nm) at 2,000 rpm. It also has a four-speed manual transmission and single plate dry friction diaphragm type of clutch. Ace can reach a top speed of 60 kilometers per hour (kph) and carry up to 70 kilograms of payload.
Nissan NV350 Urvan
The NV350 Urvan of Nissan Philippines boasts a sturdy construction, with a clean, modern look. The cargo van variant of the Urvan has a long body and a high roof that adds extra headroom as well as interior space for hauling big loads and large volumes. “Engineered with the worker in mind, NV350’s cabin was constructed for roominess and ease of use,” the company says. The cabin contains multi-function display that provides real-time fuel efficiency information, and odometer and trip meter data. To ensure, the NV350 Urvan is equipped with Supplemental Restraint System airbags and seatbelts. It also has an anti-lock brake system and a brake assist system that together assist the driver during braking, preventing tires from sliding and increasing braking pressure in emergency situations. The diesel 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that is inside the Urvan does not only offer high torque output but is also fuel-efficient and produces low noise.
