Kia’s new 4th-generation flagship Sorento SUV has arrived in Mzansi bringing with it higher levels of classy sophistication and luxury, a clear departure from its unashamedly utilitarian roots.
Gary Scott, CEO of Kia South Africa, commented “The Sorento’s evolution over the last two decades echoes that of the Kia brand as a whole. While the car was initially launched in 2002 as a utilitarian all-terrain vehicle, the fourth-generation Sorento has been transformed into something altogether more desirable, and representing the perfect balance between premium quality features and value for money.”
The new Sorento features a much bolder and more elegant exterior design with its bodywork featuring sharp lines and creases that lend the SUV a more cutting-edge look Kia’s ‘tiger-nose’ grille has been reinterpreted on the Sorento which flows into the LED headlights which feature a ‘tiger eyeline’ LED daytime running lights.
The new Sorento stands 4 810 mm in length, 1 900 mm wide and boasts a 35 mm longer wheelbase at 2 815 mm.
A total of 10 body colours will be offered to buyers and the new Sorento rides on either 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels depending on the derivative.
Kia has clearly gone upmarket with the design and execution of the new Sorento’s cabin which is fitted with quality finishes and laden with technology. The cabin blends metallic trim, embossed satin-effect surfaces and black leather upholstery.
The dashboard is home to 2 side-by-side digital displays including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as well as a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with integrated navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Up to 2 smartphones can be connected via Bluetooth at the same time. A head-up display is also available. The infotainment system is controlled with new haptic buttons, the same used to control the climate control system. Other nice-to-have features include mood lighting, a wireless smartphone charger and a BOSE surround sound system.
The Sorento can seat up to 7 passengers and when the third row is stowed, load space is claimed at a generous 821 litres. Owed to its larger footprint, the new Sorento offers higher levels of leg-, head- and shoulder room for passengers. The second-row seats can slide up to 45 mm forward if needed.
The new Kia Sorento employs a new 4-cylinder, 2.2-litre ‘SmartStream’ turbodiesel engine, the same found in the new Kia Carnival. It offers 148 kW and 440 Nm of torque and comes paired with Kia’s 8-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The Sorento all-wheel-drive derivatives will for the first time feature a new Terrain Mode which enhances the Sorento’s performance in mud, snow and sand. The driver can easily switch modes using the Terrain dial in the centre console.
In terms of driver assistance features and depending on specification, the new Kia Sorento is equipped with Kia’s Kia’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) which includes features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) technology with pedestrian, cyclist and vehicle detection, Blindspot View Monitor (BVM), Around View Monitor (AVM) and
Blindspot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA), Smart Cruise Control (SCC), Lane Following
Assist (LFA) and Driver Attention Warning (DAW).
A total of 6 airbags are standard as is Kia’s Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) and Electronic Stability Control.
The new Kia Sorento is available in 3 trim levels. The entry point is the Sorento EX+ available in both 2WD and 4WD layouts. The mid-spec SX AWD derivative and range-topping SXL AWD specification complete the range.
See key specifications for each trim level below!
• 8,0” touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Automatic dual-zone climate control
• Auto lights and wipers
• Auto-folding, heated side mirrors
• Drive Mode Select and Terrain Mode Select (AWD derivative)
• Rear sunshade blinds
• Electrically adjustable front seats with lumbar support
• Electric tailgate operation
• Leather trim
• LED headlamps
• Smart Entry with push-button start
• PDC front and rear with rear-view camera
• 18” aluminium alloy wheels
• 6 airbags
• ESC plus Hill-start Assist Control
• Downhill Brake Control
• Trailer Stability Assist
The Sorento SX AWD adds the following features:
• 10.25” touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 12.3” TFT Supervision instrument cluster
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Mood Lamp
• Wireless smartphone charging
• 19” aluminium alloy wheels
• Rear Seat Check Alert
• Driver Attention Alert
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Lane Following Assist
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Blindspot Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Blindspot Monitor
• Around View Monitor
The Sorento SXL AWD builds on the specification offered in the SX AWD and is additionally equipped with:
• Driver Memory Power Seat with cushion extension
• BOSE surround sound with 12 speakers
• Dual LED headlamps (high and low beam)
• LED rear combination lamps
• Head-up display
• Panoramic sunroof
• Smart Cruise Control
Sorento 2.2 CRDi 7-Seater EX+ 2WD 8DCT – R809 995
Sorento 2.2 CRDi 7-Seater EX+ AWD 8DCT – R849 995
Sorento 2.2 CRDi 7-Seater SX AWD 8DCT – R914 995
Sorento 2.2 CRDi 7-Seater SXL AWD 8DCT – R988 995
The Kia Sorento is sold with a 5-year/unlimited km warranty (including roadside assistance) and a 6-year/90 000km maintenance plan.
Buy a Kia Sorento on Cars.co.za
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