Kia reveals new Sorento

This model will be competing within the midsized SUV segment and will locally take its place alongside the new Seltos and updated Sportage.

The new Sorento features more angular and sculpted exterior themes when compared to its more rounded predecessor. Upfront features a wider version of Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille flanked by headlights including what Kia call the ‘tiger eyeline’ LED daytime running lights. Mirroring the angular theme is the rectangular lower intake and wing-shaped air curtains. The new Sorento measures in at 1 900mm wide, 4 810mm long and 10mm taller than its predecessor with a wheelbase of 2 815mm.

The side character line starts with the longer bonnet and extends to the rear lamps. Familiar to the Sorento model is the wide D-pillar, substantial bodywork and clad wheel arches. While including exterior design features form other modern Kia models, the Sorento includes new dynamic shapes on the C-pillar, body surfaces and creases. The sporty lower rear bumper gives the appearance of dual tailpipes and as with the front features a skid plate.

The Sorento retains an integrated spoiler which conceals the rear wiper and now, as with other new Kia models, feature the Sorento moniker central on the boot lid. While local specifications will be confirmed at a later date, the Sorento will launch in Europe with a choice of 10 paint finished, and the option of 17-, 18-, 19-, and 20-inch aluminium alloy wheels.

While in the predecessors the interior provided for robustness and utilitarian use, the latest model focusses on quality and comfort. In front of the driver is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment and navigation system featuring on the facia with an 8.0-inch also available as standard. The infotainment system will seamlessly connect to mobile devices via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The systems can also be controlled via haptic buttons flanking the screen and lower down the facia.

A premium feel is introduced by the inclusion of chrome surrounds on the vertical ventilation stack and centre console. The interior also includes variable Mood Lighting below the dashboard and door trim. While a BOSE sound system comes optional, the centre console features a wireless smartphone charger pad. The leather upholstery features embossed satin-effect surfaces and is enhanced by metallic trim throughout the cabin. European customers will have the option of either black cloth, leather (grey or black single-tone, or black-and-grey two-tone), or black quilted Nappa leather for interior finish and South African customers can expect the same.

The new structure and interior layout will provide for more space but also the addition of a battery pack under the floor for the Hybrid model. While the seven-seater offers up 821-litres while the five-seater models provide for 910-litres. On the seven-seat variants, the luggage space, with all the seats up, is increased by 32 per cent to 187-litres when compared to its predecessor. Kia claims the new model provides for more headroom, legroom and shoulder-room than on its previous models and even when compared to its competitors.

The new Sorento will for the first time for this model feature a hybrid engine configuration and will later be available with either a hybrid or plug-in hybrid options. The new ‘Smartstream’ electrified powertrain sees the combination of a 1.6-litre turbocharged combustion motor with a 1.49 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack and 44.2 kW electric motor to produce a total of 169 kW and 350 N.m of torque. The 1.6-litre T-GDi engine also features Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) technology which through the regulation valve opening times, increases performance at low-to-mid engine speeds and enhances fuel efficiency.

While the hybrid variant sends its power through a six-speed automatic transmission via a transmission-mounted electrical device, the four-cylinder 2.2-litre ‘Smartstream’ diesel-powered derivative does so via a new eight-speed wet double-clutch transmission (8DCT). The latter derivative, while not featuring hybrid technology, produces 148 kW and 440 N.m of torque.

As for safety, the new Sorento features Forward Collision-avoidance Assist (FCA) including pedestrian, cyclist and vehicle detection. Optionally available is Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM), Surround View Monitor (SVM) and Blind-spot Collision-avoid Assist (BCA), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Smart Cruise Control with Stop&Go (SCC) and Navigation-based SCC (NSCC), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), and Highway Driving Assist (HDA). The new Sorento also features a Rear View Monitor (RVM) with Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA) and Rear Cross-traffic Collision-avoidance Assist (RCCA).

Occupants also benefit from up to seven airbags with the front centre airbag stopping the heads of front occupants making contact in the event of a collision. All variants feature Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) and Electronic Stability Control. Also featured is a Multi-collision Brake system which sees the vehicle automatically apply brakes after the airbags have been deployed to mitigate a secondary collision.

South African availability and pricing will be communicated closer to the local launch.