Kia’s all-new Sorento made its local debut earlier this week. The new large SUV features a theme the designers named ‘Streetwolf’. It is a an evolutionary take on styling, which means that the new model draws from its predecessor but adds a fresh take to its appearance.
The new Sorento is boasts increased length (+95 mm to 4 780 mm), reduced height (down 15 mm to 1 685 mm) and extra width (+5 mm to 1 890 mm).
New inside
KIA claims that the most significant improvements to the car are to be found on the inside where KIA’s European design team based in Frankfurt, the designers have created a more sophisticated and luxurious cabin.
Higher specification models feature a 7-inch colour TFT LCD screen, with an electro-luminescent instrument cluster and digital speedometer that further improves the modern form of the interior.
All models come as standard with a radio/CD/MP3 player, as well as multimedia ports for USB and AUX-in connections, and six speakers around the cabin. In entry-level models, information is displayed on a 3,8-inch display, while higher specification grades feature a 4,3-inch colour touch screen that incorporates the rear-parking camera.
More comfort and convenience
Compared to the previous-generation model, the increased exterior dimensions and the extended wheelbase (+80 mm to 2 780 mm) of the all-new KIA Sorento have created generous additional space in the cabin of the new car.
Although the roofline is 15 mm lower, repositioned seat cushions ensure increased headroom for occupants in all rows and greater legroom in the third row of seven-seat models. Available in five- or seven-seat versions, the new Sorento features 40/20/40 second row split folding seats, with a higher folding centre armrest.
Power and performance
Local Sorento models come with a choice between a 2,4-litre multi-point injection petrol engine and a 2,2-litre turbodiesel engine. The petrol unit develops 127 kW/225 N.m while the oil burner produces 147 kW/440 N.m.
Kia SA offers the all-new Sorento in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configuration, with a choice between six-speed manual and automatic transmissions – the combination dependent on the specification grade.
Brake sizes have also increased slightly for greater stopping power with rear discs growing from 302 mm in diameter to 305 mm. Solid discs at the front are 320 mm in diameter.
Model range
KIA South Africa will offer the all-new Sorento in four specification grades, ranging from LS and LX at the entry level to the mid-spec EX and top-spec SX.
The entry point into the range is the front-wheel drive 2,4 LS, which is the only model powered by KIA’s 2,4-litre MPI engine, and the only model equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. The Sorento 2,4 LS is only available in five-seat configuration.
Moving up the range is the front-wheel drive 2,2 CRDi LX, powered by the 2,2-litre turbodiesel engine and equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. Offering more creature comforts than the preceding LS model, the Sorento 2,2 CRDi LX is also available only in five-seater configuration.
The 2,2 CRDi EX gains the an AWD system, as well as two additional seats. The EX is only bettered by the range-topping Sorento 2,2 CRDi SX AWD, which gains further specification than that included in the EX model such as a powered tailgate and full glass panoramic sunroof.
Pricing
KIA Sorento 2,4 LS R 379 995
KIA Sorento 2,2 CRDi LX R 499 995
KIA Sorento 2,2 CRDi EX AWD R 599 995
KIA Sorento 2,2 CRDi SX AWD R 634 995
All models come with a 5-year/150 000km warranty, as well three years of unlimited roadside assistance.
The Sorento 2,4 LS comes as standard with a 4-year/90 000km service plan, while LX, EX and SX models include a 5-year/100 000km maintenance plan.