KIA has been on an SUV offensive lately and the fourth generation Sorento will lead the pack as they go for the large family people’s mover.
It’s designed for raising standards in the class for space, efficiency and quality as it sits at the head of Kia’s South African SUV line-up, which also includes the Sonet, Seltos and the evergreen Sportage.
The Sorento’s redefined exterior design has sharper lines, high-tech details, and elongated proportions and gives it a more confident and mature presence.
Inside, its attractive cabin also introduces premium-quality materials, cutting-edge infotainment technologies, and a stunning new design.
CEO of Kia South Africa Gary Scott said 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,” Scott said.
The new Sorento is the first car to be based on Kia’s new-generation large SUV platform.
Paired with a bigger body to maximise cargo and luggage space, the platform ensures the Sorento is one of the most versatile and spacious three-row SUVs on the road.
The front of the Sorento evolves with a new interpretation of Kia’s hallmark “tiger nose” grille, displaying a wider shape which organically wraps around the integrated headlamps on each side.
The new Sorento will be available in South Africa with a choice of 10 paint finishes, and the option of 18-inch or 19-inch aluminium alloy wheels depending on the trim grade.
The interior of the fourth-generation Sorento represents a step-change in quality and design for Kia cabins with an attractive, upscale cabin that introduces a sophisticated next-generation design, based around twin digital displays in the dashboard.
The Sorento has always been popular with customers looking for practical third-row seating, and the new model makes life even easier for rear passengers.
Aided by the platform’s longer wheelbase, the second-row seats now slide up to 45mm further, creating a wider point of entry to the third row with more space for feet and legs.
A new four-cylinder, 2.2-litre “Smartstream” diesel engine is available in the fourth-generation Sorento.
The powerplant produces 148kW and 440Nm of torque, it is paired with Kia’s new eight-speed wet double-clutch transmission (8DCT).
Designed to offer the smooth shifting characteristics of a conventional automatic, the 8DCT enhances fuel efficiency over a conventional eight-speed automatic, depending on application.
PRICING:
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
