Kia shows off sharp new Sorento

Friday, 20 March 2020

Kia has revealed its new-look for the Sorento SUV, inspired by the small Seltos that has just arrived in New Zealand.

Kia has revealed full details of the new version of its popular Sorento SUV, with a choice of either a diesel or hybrid petrol powertrains.

The Sorento, originally scheduled to debut at the cancelled Geneva Motor Show, is the first vehicle to be based on Kia's new mid-size SUV platform. Styling has been changed at all angles, with 'sharper lines and uninterrupted surfaces,' Kia says, giving it a crisper, less curvy look than the current generation.

Kia's 'tiger nose' corporate grille is still present, now wider and wrapping around the headlights, which feature a new 'tiger eye' LED daytime running light design. It sounds like Kia is slowly evolving into building entire tigers on wheels. The front has a wider and lower air intake, bookended by wing shaped air curtains that channel air around the car.

The new Sorento has been fully detailed and will be offered with either diesel or hybrid power. A plug-in version is pencilled in for late 2020.

Moving to the side, there is a sloping windowline above chunky wheel arches. The rear end has also had a restyle, with new, split vertical taillights inspired by the North American Telluride. A stubby roof spoiler adds a degree of sportiness, as do vents sitting just aft of the rear wheels.

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If you do opt for the Hybrid, storage will be slightly impacted due to the battery taking up boot space.

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Inside the Sorento is rather tech-centric, with two big digital screens sitting pride of place. Those vertical vents look great too.

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The taillights take inspiration from the North American Telluride and look pretty darn snazzy on the Sorento.

Sorento's proportions have changed slightly, with shorter front and rear overhangs and a longer wheelbase making it 10mm longer than the outgoing model at 4810mm. The wheelbase base has also been extended by 35mm to 2815mm. The A-pillar is 30mm further back from the front axle for a more 'cab rearward' design.

Speaking of the cab, Kia says the interior has been ramped up in terms of luxury. There are two digital displays in the cabin, the larger 12.3-inch unit sitting behind the steering wheel while a slightly smaller 10.25-inch controls all infotainment and navigation systems. Haptic buttons line the left and right sides of the screen to control key functions while more buttons sit below the dash for the air conditioning systems. It looks like Kia has done away with the traditional gear selector too, opting instead for a rotary controller.

Expect lots of leather, metallic trim and embossed satin-effect surfaces, as well as a decent array of other technologies like mood lighting, wireless charging. Depending on spec, the Sorento will have either black cloth, leather or black quilted Nappa leather seats.

Under the bonnet will be a 2.2-litre 'Smartstream' diesel, offering 150kW/440Nm and connected to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. For the more eco-minded buyer, there will also be a Hybrid version, which combines a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 44.2kWh motor, fed by a 1.49kWh battery. System output is rated at 171kW/350Nm.

Fuel consumption and emissions data will be announced closer to the on-sale date later in 2020.

A plug-in hybrid version is also in the works, set to debut later this year.

As for storage, that depends on which model you choose. Diesel-powered models will have up to 821 litres (for seven-seater models) or 910L (for five-seaters).

As with any new high-end model, there is a bevy of driver assistance tech in the new Sorento. Depending on spec, Kia will include its latest Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system which, as well as detecting pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles, can see oncoming traffic when turning at a junction. Level 2 autonomous driving is standard, which lets the car control acceleration, braking and steering depending on the vehicles in front. This system works at speeds between 0 and 180kmh.

Additional tech includes a rear view monitor with reverse parking collision avoidance and rear cross traffic alert, a blind spot monitor, surround view monitor and highway driving assist. Those who cycle occasionally will be happy to hear of the Safe Exit feature, which prevents the rear doors from opening if the vehicle detects a hazard approaching from behind.

New Zealand pricing, specification and availability are yet to be confirmed.