Kia’s flagship SUV has been completely overhauled, further cementing it as the class leader in the full-sized ‘value for money’ SUV market. Sporting a completely new design, updated engine offerings and loaded with kit, the Kia Sorento is sure to become even popular in the hotly contested sport utility segment.
Although now sleeker looking, and arguably better looking than the model it replaces, the new Sorento is now 95mm longer and 5mm wider, measuring 4.78m and 1.89m respectively. It is slightly shorter too with a 15mm reduction in height, yet promises increased headroom for passengers.
“Inspired by a theme the designers named ‘Streetwolf’, the design changes to the new model highlights the Sorento’s sleek, sinuous profile while creating a sophisticated appearance and a bold on-the-road presence.”
I’ll let you make of that what you will, although I reckon Kia have another winner on their hands. Well done Peter Schreyer – Chief Design Officer.
The interior promises more luxury than before too, with a good mix of “significantly higher quality” materials such as soft-touch plastics and leather. Having driven the new Kia Soul and coming away impressed by the interior quality, I’m sure the new Sorento will deliver on its promise.
Depending on model specification drivers will be able to keep an eye on vehicle info such as range and fuel consumption via a standard 3.5-inch mono LCD or 7-inch colour TFT LCD with digital speedometer, on higher specced models. Adjustments and preferences can be made from the standard multi-function steering wheel.
Standard throughout the range is a radio / CD / MP3 player, as well as multimedia ports for USB and AUX-in connections, and six speakers displayed via a central 3.8-inch screen. Again, higher specced models get a 4.3-inch colour touchscreen which also incorporates a rear-view parking camera.
Kia has paid special attention to making the new Sorento quieter and more refined than before strengthening the structure and adding new soundproofing material which is 29% thicker than before.
As before the Sorento will be available in either five or seven-seat guise. All models feature 40/20/40 split folding (second) row backrests allowing for a range of convenient storage options. Boot space on five-seat variants is 660-litres.
Seven-seat models still benefit from a flat loading bay which has increased from 515-litres to 605-litres with the third row can be easily folded flat via a convenient lever located in the boot.
Debuting on the Sorento are smart technologies such as a Blind Spot Detection system as well as Land Change Assist which helps drivers avoid dangerous overtaking manoeuvres when a vehicle is in their blind spot by emitting an audible warning to the driver.
Also new to the Sorento us a Smart Power Tailgate which automatically opens when the key is in close proximity to the boot. After three beeps, the tailgate automatically opens allowing you to offload shopping etc without having to fumble for keys, or as Kia says "without first having to shake a foot underneath the bumper". A cheeky little dig at Ford there Kia?
The tailgate will also close by itself and has a nifty memory function for opening height, convenient for the vertically challenged out there.
Power wise, new Sorento customers will have the choice of either a 127kW/225Nm 2.4-litre petrol or 147kW/440Nm 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine.
The entry level five-seat Sorento 2.4 LS is the only model in the range offered with a six-speed manual transmission driven through the front wheels.
Diesel models benefit from a six-speed automatic gearbox with selectable Drive Mode Select system allowing for Normal, Eco or Sport transmission modes and depending on model spec are either front-wheel drive or four-wheel, with the latter featuring Kia's DYNAMAX all-wheel drive system.
Entry level models receive just two airbags while higher specification models get six.
Pricing:
| 2.4 LS 5 Seat | R379,995.00 |
| 2.2 CRDi LX 5 Seat | R499,995.00 |
| 2.2 CRDi EX AWD 7 Seat | R599,995.00 |
| 2.2 CRDi SX AWD 7 Seat | R634,995.00 |
