Kia has launched the newly refreshed third-generation Sorento SUV in South Africa. The new Kia Sorento has undergone significant improvements including a new exterior design, a re-engineered bodyshell, an enhanced powertrain, improved handling and additional conveniance and luxury features.

“Although the refreshed Sorento is not a brand new model, the changes to the vehicle are dramatic, resulting in an improvement of the overall driving experience. We are confident that this remodelled vehicle will continue the success of the Sorento name badge in South Africa, and that customers will be delighted by the new features and improvements on the vehicle”, comments David Sieff, National Marketing Manager, Kia Motors South Africa.

New Kia Sorento refreshed for the better

Engine Capability

The new Kia Sorento retains its 2.2-litre turbo charged diesel engine that delivers 147kW at 3 800rpm and 436Nm of torque at 1 800rpm. Acceleration from zero to 100km/h will take 9.9 seconds for the AWD automatic model. The new Kia Sorento also features a new exhaust gas recirculation system that reduces CO2 emissions and cuts the production of nitrogen oxide. A six-speed automatic tranmission is offered on all Sorento models with a choice of either 4X2 or 4X4 drive formats.

Exterior Styling Features

The new Kia Sorento features a restyled front and rear that creates a larger area of body colour surfaces while the boldly sculpted profile remains unchanged. The Sorento features new front and rear bumpers with vertical-axis fog lights, a new front grille, headlamps with LED positioning lights and a new tailgate with reshaped LED combination lamps.

Furthermore, the Sorento AWD model includes a new optional two-part glass panoramic roof and 10-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels. The 2WD model rides on 18-inch alloy wheels.

The new Kia Sorento is available in 10 exterior colours including Clear White, Bright Silver, Snow Pearl White, Aurora Black, Temptation Red, Mahogany Brown, Glittering Metal, Golden Beat, Cosmic Blue and Sage Green.

Interior Styling Features

The AWD model features a new centre stack touch screen display with the heating, ventilation, audio and auxiliary controls set out in logical horizontal bands with distinct detailing.

Additionally, the new Kia Sorento now features a Supervision cluster on the AWD model with a colour TFT LCD information panel. The new centre console has a straight-gate gear selector with a booted leather lever for the automatic transmission. The model further features a standard rear-view safety camera as well as a Start/Stop button with a smart key. A Bluetooth hands-free system is standard on all models.

Safety Features

Safety features include six airbags and various active and passive safety features including Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist System (BAS), Traction Control (TC), Roll-over Protection (ROP), active head restraints and ISOFIX child seat anchors.

New Kia Sorento – Price

The price includes a 5-year/150 000km warranty, a 5-year/100 000km maintenance plan and 3-year Roadside Assistance.