Kia releases 2020 Sorento SUV 18 | 03 | 2020
KIA HAS RELEASED its all-new Sorento SUV. On-sale in Europe in the third quarter of 2020, Kia’s new flagship is expected to start around £37,000 when it enters UK showrooms. Initially available as a diesel or hybrid, the range will be supplemented by a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) before year-end. (Related: All-new Kia XCeed crossover)
The PHEV is expected to use an 89bhp electric motor mated to a 1.6-litre petrol engine, delivering a combined 265bhp and a pure electric range of around 35-40 miles.
At launch, the entry level will be powered by Kia’s 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, delivering 199bhp to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid gets the same 1.6-litre as the PHEV, but is mated to a 59bhp electric motor. Combined they deliver 227bhp through a six-speed automatic gearbox. Fuel and emissions figures are set to be confirmed later in the year. (Related: Kia e-Niro starts at £32,995)
All models in the fourth-generation range will be available with the option of four-wheel drive. A new Terrain Mode designed to make the car more capable on rougher surfaces.
Bigger than its predecessor, the latest Sorento is around 10mm longer, wider and taller; wheelbase has grown by 35mm. This has a allowed Kia’s designers to increase legroom throughout the car. In addition, there’s also more headroom in the third row on seven-seat models. (Related: Roadtest — Kia Stonic 1.0 T-GDi)
Bootspace is 821-litres, increasing to 910 litres with the rear seats folded flat. According to Kia, each seat will have access to a USB port, allowing simultaneous charging of up to seven devices on the move.
A seven-seat option will also be available on the plug-in hybrid, with Isofix points on each of the five rear seats.
The new Sorento gets Kia’s familiar tiger-nose grille, which is flanked by new LED lights. These, in turn, are connected to a sharp shoulder line which runs around the entire car. At the rear, the split, vertical tail lights allow a wide, square boot opening. (Related: Kia Ceed GT-Line and GT prices)
Inside, Kia has raised the bar in terms of quality, fit and finish. European buyers will get the choice of black cloth, single- or two-tone leather or quilted Nappa leather seats, while the rest of the cabin will feature metallic trim pieces and satin-effect surfaces.
Standard across the range is a fully digital 12.3-inch driver’s display. In addition, an eight-inch infotainment screen will offer wireless smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 10.25-inch central touchscreen, which uses Kia’s second-generation UVO app interface, will be available as a option.
Buyers will also be able to choose from 10 exterior paint finishes, as well as 17-, 18-, 19- and 20in alloy wheels. Kia will confirm UK options closer to the on-sale date.
The new Sorento will also offer various autonomous driver safety aids, but the level will depend on the spec. But the safety aids will include intelligent speed limit assistance, smart cruise control with stop-go functionality, forward collision assistance with cyclist and pedestrian detection, blind-spot view monitoring, surround view monitoring, driver attention warning, highway driving assistance and lane follow assistance.
Related: Refreshed Kia Sportage range starts at £20,305
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Jim McGill