Ride and Drive had the pleasure of flying to the warmer weather of the Lowveld to experience the launch of the 3rd generation Kia Sorento medium size SUV. Billed as taking it to the next level, the Sorento is no stranger to winning awards, and seems well set to do exactly that.. take things literally to the next level.
Starting with the muscular and elegant exterior, the Sorento is well sculpted and has a distinctive premium look about it, that bodes well for Kia dealership sales. Long known as a company that brings cars that are full of technology and sophistication, the Sorento looks to be a flag bearer of all these things for the brand.
With one of the world’s most awarded design teams (and KIA’s Chief Design Offer, Peter Schreyer, at the helm), the all-new KIA Sorento was predominantly designed at KIA’s Namyang R&D Centre outside Seoul, with significant input from the brand’s design studios in Frankfurt, Germany and Irvine, California.
The more prominent fog-lamps, and wrap around headlamps, as well as a larger, more upright ‘tiger-nose’ grille with a distinctive three-dimensional diamond pattern, give the Sorento a muscular and confident look.
Based on some new manufacturing techniques, which makes weld lines invisible, and the rear shoulders being broad, it gives the Sorento a distinguished solid look. The sleeker look of the new Sorento is enhanced by its increased length (+95 mm to 4 780 mm), reduced height (down 15 mm to 1 685 mm) and extra width (+5 mm to 1 890 mm).
Going inside the premium feel cabin shows the significant improvements that have been made to the all new Sorento. Luxury touch points abound, and the interior has a modern and spacious layout. It has a wrap around dashboard and horizontal instrument cluster, coupled with the luxury leather seats and door trims, that gives the driver a feeling of being in a a high end vehicle indeed. All Sorento models come as standard with a Saturn Black interior, with cloth or leather trim depending on the model grade.
Coming in a variety of multimedia entertainment options. 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.
Improved dampening lend itself to the the Sorento being more quiet inside as well as smoother drive too. Spaciousness is a key word of the new Sorento, and is available in five- or seven-seat versions. The new Sorento features 40/20/40 second row split folding seats for improved versatility, with a higher folding centre armrest. Depending on the model grade, the second-row seats can be ‘remotely’ folded by conveniently located levers in the side of the cargo bay.
Cargo space also increases: luggage capacity with the third row seats folded flat is up 17,5% from 515 to 605 litres, while five-seat versions of the Sorento have a large 660-litre trunk.
New technology has enhanced the ownership experience for potential buyers of the all new Sorento. 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. The lane Change Assist function is linked to the latter in that 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.
A really novel feature of the new Sorento 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.
Engines
The Sorento comes with two engines, a 2,4-litre multi-point injection petrol engine and the company’s much-loved 2,2-litre ‘R’ turbodiesel engine. My personal favourite was the diesel engine, as it had enough power and grunt for the size of the SUV. The 2.4 L engine needed to be driven ideally in the rev range to keep it comfortable and efficient.
KIA offers 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.
The all wheel drive system is further enhanced with a ‘4WD Lock’ mode, which splits torque distribution evenly between front and rear wheels and gives greater traction and even more predictable handling in snow, on sand, on other low-traction surfaces, and around bends.
High specification models also feature Advanced Traction Cornering Control (ATCC) that further aids handling by transferring torque to the wheels with the most grip. If the system detects understeer, ATCC is activated before the Electronic Stability Control system, providing more torque to the outer rear wheel and braking the inner rear wheel under cornering. The Sorento comes with three drive modes ,namely Eco, Comfort or Sport mode, so that the driver can choose his ideal driving condition, which offers either a fuel efficient,comfortable or sporty drive.
Safety
The Sorento is a safe car that passes the Euro Ncap 5 star and US Ncap safety ratings. In the JD Power Quality study, stringent quality requirement, it came only second to Porshe. Coming with passenger and driver airbags, and a total of 6 airbags, it really ticks the boxes for safety.
The Sorento comes in four model variants, ranging from LS and LX at the entry level to the mid-spec EX and top-spec SX.
Pricing
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 models ship as standard with KIA’s industry-leading 5-year / 150 000km warranty, as well three years of unlimited roadside assistance. The Sorento 2.4 LS comes as standard with a 4-year / 90 000km service plan, while LX, EX and SX models include a 5-year / 100 000km maintenance plan.
Summary
The Sorento will definitely find a place comfortably at the table for premium SUV,S , it ticks all the boxes for providing what drivers expect from this segment. Positives for me were the good looks, luxury touch points inside, the space and multi seating options. The 2.2 diesel engine for me was the way to go, and you have a drive train that will give you a powerful and enjoyable drive.
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