After much hype around the Hyundai Santa Fe, its sister vehicle is finally available on the local market. But, it’s not a brand new model. The facelift includes changes to the styling, LED lights, bumpers and wheels (greater choice now available) and a “re-engineered bodyshell”. The drive train is also said to have been optimised for fuel economy as pressure mounts for SUVs to be more efficient in the face of ever increasing fuel prices and environmental awareness.
On the inside the Sorento’s entertainment system has been upgraded to an 8 inch display/instrument cluster. The display is still LCD, but is touch capable. Besides the layout change and the new “satin chrome finish”, changes include electronically adjustable driver seats across the range, heated and ventilated seats on the all-wheel drive model, rear-view safety cameras, keyless start and a Bluetooth hands-free system.
As with its Korean brother, the Sorento has been dropped, with the ground clearance now 10mm lower. The focus more on comfort and handling than off-road capability, comfort changes include more legroom, better noise insulation, less steering vibration and more comfortable seating.
Under the hood, however, nothing has changed. The 2,2 litre turbocharged, inter-cooled diesel engine remains, with 146kWpower output and 436Nm of torque which peak between 1800 to 2500 r/min.
Transmission choice is limited to the six-speed automatic gearbox, with AWD vs two-wheel drive the only decision buyers have to take. The latter is lighter and more on-road orientated, whereas the all-wheel drive system electronically diverts engine torque to the rear by up to 50% when additional grip is needed. A 50/50 lock is also available for speeds up to 40km/h.
Price:
Sorento All-Wheel Drive: R479 995
Standard Equipment
18-inch alloy wheels with 235/60 R18 tires
Roof rails
Projection-style headlights
LED front positioning lamps
LED high-mounted stop light and rear light cluster
Manual-adjustable headlamp levelling
Full size spare wheel and tire
Rear spoiler
Comfort & Convenience
Automatic dual zone climate control with ionizer
Cruise Control
Dusk-sensing automatic light control with “Welcome Home” function
Tilt-and-telescopic adjustable steering wheel
Front and rear park assist system
Two 12 V power outlets
Active ECO fuel-saving program
Electro-chromic interior rear view mirror
Interior
Steering-wheel mounted audio controls
Leather wrapped steering wheel and gear lever shroud
Leather trim seats upholstery
Height-adjustable driver’s seat
Driver seat adjustable lumbar support
Powered six-way adjustable driver seat
Radio/CD player with MP3 compatibility and AUX/USB connectivity
Bluetooth hands-free system
Overhead sunglass storage
Map-reading lamp
60/40 split 2nd row seats
Four door-mounted and two front tweeter audio speakers
Safety & Security
Dual front, side and curtain airbags
Active front headrests
Anti-theft alarm
Front fog lamps
Front cornering lamps
Isofix child seat anchors in rear seats
Anti-theft immobiliser
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
BAS (Brake Assist System)
EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
CBC (Cornering Brake Control)
ESC Electronic Stability Control
TCS (Traction Control System)
HAC Hill-start Assist Control
ROP (Roll Over Protection)
Kia Sorento AWD
Additional factory-fitted standard equipment over the 2WD model
Exterior
19-inch alloy wheels with 235/55 R19 tires
HID Xenon headlamps
Comfort & Convenience
Smart entry with engine start/stop button
Optional panoramic glass sunroof with electric roller blind
The FlexSteer™ system
Interior
TFT LCD instrument cluster display
Alloy foot pedals
Powered 6-way adjustable driver’s seat with two built-in memory functions
Heated/Ventilated front seats
50/50 split 3rd row seats
Safety & Security
Rear view safety camera
Self-levelling suspension
