Kia confirms new Sorento SUV landing here this year

Thursday, 6 August 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 confirmed the new Sorento is on schedule to arrive in New Zealand later this year.

The refreshed mid-size SUV has been given a number of changes, including a new platform, new looks and more tech.

At first, the only engine option will be a tweaked version of Kia’s 2.2-litre common rail diesel engine, which gets a lighter aluminium block to shave 38.2kg off the old engine. It makes 150kW/440Nm and Kia has bolted it to a new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, apparently a first for the segment.

Kia has confirmed the new Sorento hasn’t been delayed and will dot down in NZ later this year.

When the new Sorento was revealed, Kia said there would be a Hybrid version, combining a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 44.2kWh motor, fed by a 1.49kWh battery and system output of 171kW/350Nm. However, the local arm is yet to confirm local availability for this.

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There are quite a few changes, including those snazzy new rear lights.

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Inside should be rather luxe too, with two digital displays and plenty of high-quality materials.

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New drive modes will be available for those wanting to explore beyond urban limits thanks to the newly developed ‘terrain mode’, which adjusts the four-wheel drive system for better stability and control on a wider range of surfaces like mud, snow or sand.

As for styling, the new Sorento adopts similar lines as the Seltos. There are sharper edges, a more square front fascia including new ‘tiger eye’ LED daytime running lights and a wider and lower air intake, bookended by wing shaped air curtains that channel air around the car. A sloping windowline sits above chunky wheel arches while the rear end gets split vertical taillights inspired by the North American Telluride.

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.

Inside should be a more luxurious affair than before. 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.

Finally, a bevy of new tech has been added to the SUV, including Kia’s 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.

Pricing and final specs are still to be announced.