Hot on the heels of the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia recently introduced the facelifted Sorento.
The facelift includes a refreshed exterior design, upgraded interior and additional standard specification.
From the front you can spot a new radiator grille, new headlamps and bumper. Enhancements to the rear design also include a new bumper design, sleeker taillamps, and a subtly revised tailgate. All models ride on newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels shod with 235/60 R18 rubber. All models feature a full-sized spare wheel.
On the inside you’ll find a new steering wheel, gearshift lever and instrument cluster with improved graphics.
Another important upgrade to the enhanced Sorento line-up is that all model derivatives offer seating for up to seven passengers, with leather upholstery as standard across the board. Featuring 40/20/40 second row split folding seats for improved versatility, with a higher folding centre armrest, these seatbacks can be ‘remotely’ folded by conveniently located levers in the side of the cargo bay. The third row seats fold away flat in the luggage compartment, ensuring that luggage space is not compromised when the seats are not in use. When the seats are folded flat, Sorento offers 605 litres of luggage space.
The entry-level LS specification has been discontinued, as well as the high-spec SX and SXL models. The Sorento range will henceforth comprise a mid-spec LX and a mid-high-spec EX derivative, both available either with front-wheel drive, or a Dynamax all-wheel drive system.
The LX features dual zone automatic air-conditioning, automatic headlamp control auto-folding and heated side mirrors with integrated side indicators, electric windows front and rear, and rear USB ports. The higher-spec EX model also features an auto defog system, illuminated door scuff plates, rear sun shade blinds, electrically adjustable front seats (with two-way adjustable lumbar support for the driver’s seat), integrated roof rails and a wireless smartphone charger.
All derivatives feature a new eight-inch colour touchscreen with embedded navigation, from which occupants can also control audio.
The 2.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel is carried over and it produces 147kW and 440Nm of torque. The big news is the all-new eight-speed automatic, which is a first for Kia.
The new transmission offers four different drive modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport and Smart.
All Sorento models come as standard with a five year warranty, as well as a standard five-year/100,000km service plan and three-years of roadside assistance.
Pricing:
KIA Sorento 2.2 CRDI LX R569,995
KIA Sorento 2.2 CRDI LX AWD R609,995
KIA Sorento 2.2 CRDI EX R599,995
KIA Sorento 2.2 CRDI EX AWD R639,995