The all-new Kia Sorento is now available in SA, sporting a price tag significantly lower than expected
Kia’s all-new Sorento has arrived in SA and we can only imagine the amount of fuss it’s going to create. At its core, this is a large luxury SUV, but a quick glance at the pricing reveals that it is set to compete within multiple SUV classes.
The entry-level model, for example, offers a lot more car than anything else in the mid-size SUV segment, while the top specification models offer more standard equipment, space and power and the refinement you’d expect from a car with a German badge.
The design is sleek, modest and sophisticated, which should serve the vehicle well, but we were more interested in the space that the exterior design allows for. The new Sorento is 95mm longer and 5mm wider, while the overall height has been reduced by 15mm. Most important of all is the 80mm increase in the wheelbase, which directly translates into more passenger room all-round.
Inside, Kia follows a “modern and wide” design theme meant to enhance the feeling of space. The new models use more soft-touch material and leather than ever before, providing a genuine premium feel.
All Sorento models come as standard with a Saturn Black interior, with cloth or leather trim, depending on the model grade.
Luggage capacity with the third row of seats folded flat is up to 605 litres, while five-seat versions have a 660-litre boot. Seven-seater models also feature a new under-floor tonneau cover storage compartment and integrated cargo net.
In entry-level guise, the Sorento is equipped with a 3,5-inch LCD screen in the instrument binnacle, which displays all the important trip computer information. Higher specification models have a seven-inch colour LCD display with all relevant journey information which the driver can select from the multi-function steering wheel.
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 a rear-parking camera.
Two engine options are available. The 2,4-litre petrol develops 127kW and 225Nm of torque, while the 2,2-litre diesel puts out a creamy 147kW and 440Nm of torque.
The petrol model is available in five-seater configuration with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual only.
Next in line is the front-wheel drive 2,2 CRDi LX, also available only in five-seater guise. It offers more equipment and a six-speed automatic transmission. Then comes the 2,2 CRDi EX, which gains all-wheel drive and two additional seats.
The range is topped off by the 2,2 CRDi SX AWD, which has blind spot detection, a Smart Power tailgate and a full glass panoramic sunroof.
All models are covered by a five-year/150 000km warranty, as well three years of unlimited roadside assistance. The Sorento 2.4 LS comes as standard with a four-year/90 000km service plan, while LX, EX and SX models have a five-year/100 000km maintenance plan.
Prices:
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