The all-new Kia Sorento launches this week and officially goes on sale in South Africa on the 1st of July 2015. The Sorento is a large SUV which offers up to seven seats, generous specification and the choice of either petrol or diesel engines. Theall-new KIA Sorento hadits global debut 2014 Paris Motor Show and is now in its third generation.

“The all-new Sorento is a key model for KIA due to our affinity for the SUV class of vehicles,” says David Sieff, Marketing Director, KIA Motors South Africa. “The third generation Sorento is especially exciting to bring to market as we make the next step up the quality and refinement ladder. We realise innovation and technology is expected from KIA but we have again brought key conveniences that make owing the new Sorento a driving pleasure,” he added.

2015 Kia Sorento Details

In terms of size, the new Kia Sorento is longer, lower and wider. The length has been extended by 95mm to 4 780mm, making the new Kia Sorento a rather large vehicle.While its large exterior makes its quite eye catching on the road, its the interior where the majority of improvements can be found. The interior is nowmore sophisticated and more luxurious, featuring significantly higher quality materials and there’s confidence that the brand is able to match its European counterparts.

There’s extensive use of soft-touch materials and leather which combine to create a modern and luxury feel to the cabin of the Kia Sorento.All Sorento models come with a Saturn Black interior as standard with cloth or leather trim depending on the model.There has been substantial improvements to the new Kia Sorento’s quality and this includes strengthened body, improved NVH, increased torsional rigidity which all add up to improved refinement.

Depending on the model, the all-new KIA Sorento is equipped with one of two instrument binnacles. In entry-level guise, the new Sorento comes as standard with a 3,5-inch mono LCD screen while higher spec models feature a 7-inch colour TFT LCD screen.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.

Technology in the new Kia Sorento

The new Sorento hasa number of new, advanced on-board technologies to improve convenience and further enhance the ownership experience. These include a Blind Spot Detection system, which uses radar sensors to monitor approaching vehicles from the rear in the lanes flanking the driver. If a vehicle is detected, a visual alert appears on the side view mirrors. Linked to the system is a Lane Change Assist function: if the Blind Spot Detection system detects an approaching vehicle in the blind spot, and the turn signal is activated in an attempt to change lanes, the Lane Change Assist emits an audible warning.

Also new is a Smart Power Tailgate, which automatically opens when the key is ‘sensed’ in close proximity to the trunk. When owners approach the rear of the vehicle and the key is within the correct range of proximity, the trunk opens automatically after three beeps, allowing you to load shopping bags or heavy objects straight into the vehicle without first having to shake a foot underneath the bumper.

In terms of engines, you can pick eithera 2.4-litre multi-point injection petrol engine or a2.2-litre ‘R’ turbodiesel engine.The diesel engine has been revised to offer improved smoothness and efficiency, while increasing torque. Kiaoffers 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.

High-specification versions areequipped with Kia’s DYNAMAX™ all-wheel drive system, which balances torque distribution to the front and rear wheels depending on the specific requirement. The system is further enhanced with a ‘4WD Lock’ mode, which splits torque distribution evenly between front and rear wheels and gives greater traction in snow, on sand, on other low-traction surfaces, and around bends.

Kia South Africa will offer the all-new Sorento in four derivatives, ranging from LS and LX at the entry level to the mid-spec EX and top-spec SX.

Starting offis the front-wheel drive KIA Sorento 2.4 LS, which is the only model powered by the2.4-litre MPI engine, and the only model equipped with a six-speed manual transmission as well as five seats. The next model is thefront-wheel drive Sorento 2.2 CRDi LX which hasa smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission.It too is a five seater. Next up is theSorento 2.2 CRDi EX which has theAWD system, as well as two additional seats. Finally, there’s therange-topping Sorento 2.2 CRDi SX AWD, which gains Blind Spot Detection, the smart power tailgate and a full glass panoramic sunroof.

Kia Sorento Price in South Africa

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 new Kia Sorentos come with KIA’s industry-leading 5-year / 150 000 km warranty, as well three years of unlimited roadside assistance. The Sorento 2.4 LS comes as standard with a 4-year / 90 000 km service plan, while LX, EX and SX models include a 5-year / 100 000 km maintenance plan.

Ashley Oldfield is currently at the launch of this vehicle. Look out for his driving impression in the next few days.