This year looks set to be a busy one for Kia with no fewer than six new models to be launched locally. The company has kicked off proceedings with the introduction of the new Sorento.
The Sorento’s overall appearance has been given a minor tweak. The subtle cosmetic enhancements include revised front and rear bumpers with vertical-axis foglamps, a new front grille and headlamps with LED positioning lights and a new tailgate with reshaped LED combination lamps. The AWD drive model comes with the option of a new two-part glass panoramic roof.
There is only one engine available – a 2,2-litre turbodiesel developing 147 kW and 436 N.m of torque. It features a new exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system that reduces the production of both nitrogen oxide and CO2 emissions. This unit is mated with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Customers have the option of 2WD or AWD versions. Standard features across the range include automatic dual-zone climate control, cruise control, front and rear park assist, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, leather wrapped steering wheel and gear lever, radio/CD player with MP3 compatibility and AUX/USB connectivity, Bluetooth hands-free system, dual front-, side- and curtain airbags, rear Isofix child seat anchors, ABS with EBD and brake assist, cornering brake control and electronic stability control. The 2WD model features a five seat layout, while the AWD is a seven-seater.
The Sorento 2,2 2WD costs R399 995 and 2,2 AWD R479 995.
Kia will also be launching its new Optima GDI next week, the K2500 bakkie soon after, the new Cerato saloon in May/June with the hatchback following in August, the Cerato Coup in October/November and the new Soul in the fourth quarter.
The company has also agreed to release its monthly sales figures to Naamsa – something that it has never done before. Last year, Kia sold in excess of 26 300 vehicles in South Africa – a 43 per cent growth on 2011. The Korean manufacturer doesn’t expect its sales to grow by much more in 2013 due to limited availability of stock. The United States and Europe are considered the most influential markets and, as a result, get the bulk of the stock.
