Following this teaser image (and video) released a month ago, Kia has last week unveiled its third-generation Sorento in its home market, Korea.
The third-generation Sorento is a significant departure from the previous model, offering an improvement which brings it closer to the current family design of this Korean manufacturer.
Interestingly, the exterior design was led by Kia’s Namyang studio in Korea, with important input from the company’s design studios in both Germany and California, USA.
Grown up
The new model is larger compared to the outgoing version. It is 95 mm longer (4 780 mm), 5 mm wider (1 890 mm) but 15 mm lower (1 685 mm). For better interior comfort, the wheelbase has increased by 80 mm to 2 780 mm. The results, according to Kia, is also an increase in luggage capacity.
Looking at the cabin, it is noticeable that the multi-function steering wheel now offers even more options than before. The infotainment screen will also offer new technologies. These include an “around-view” feature making use of four cameras, assisting the driver in parking maneuvers.
Overseas the Sorento will be available in both 5- and 7-seat versions, while the second row of seats will be able to split in a 40/20/40 configuration.
As the Kia Sorento offers a new structure, the engineers have been able to increase torsional rigidity by 14%. The NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) levels have also been lowered, and the company claims that cabin noise is reduced by between 3 and 6%.
Five engine derivatives will be offered with the Sorento. A 2,4-litre direct-injection petrol engine (GDI), a 2,4-litre and 3,3-litre multi-point petrol engine (MPI) and updated 2,0- and 2,2-litre turbodiesel engines. These engines will deliver power outputs of between 128 and 201 kW.
Safety features will include Adaptive Smart Cruise Control (ASCC), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Front Collision Warning (FCW), Blind-Spot Detection (BSD) and Lane Change Assist (LCA).
As expected, the full specification level, options and engine range will only be made available by Kia in South Africa closer to this SUV’s local introduction early next year.
The Sorento will be shown to the world’s media and show visitors at next month’s Paris Motor Show.
