February 2020
This is the new Kia Sorento, the Korean company’s flagship SUV that will be launched with diesel and hybrid power, with a PHEV due before the end of the year
The all-new model has been revealed ahead of its public debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. This early unveiling is of a Korean-spec car, although differences from European versions will be marginal.
The Sorento takes its styling cues from the larger, US-only Telluride SUV, but the design has been toned down for the European market. There’s a familiar tiger-nose grille flanked by new LED lights, which connect to a sharp shoulder line that runs around the entire car. The split, vertical-orientated tail-lights allow a wide, square boot opening.
Inside, the new Sorento takes a leap towards its German rivals when it comes to quality, fit and finish. The differences from the Korean car shown here will concern just colour and trim, rather than overall layout.
The fully digital 12.3-inch driver’s display will be standard across the range, mated to a 10.25-inch central touchscreen with Kia’s second-generation UVO app interface.
UK specs will be confirmed later, but it’s expected that all Sorentos will feature autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with cyclist detection, leather seats and dual-zone climate control. Top-spec cars will get heated and ventilated seats, wireless phone charging and intelligent cruise control.
Available initially with a choice of diesel and petrol-electric hybrid powertrains, the Sorento range will be bolstered by a plug-in hybrid by the end of the year.
In order for Kia to meet the forthcoming sub-95g/km emissions targets, however, it’s thought that the ‘all-new’ diesel will only be available on one mid-range trim level. Despite the generous kit list, this car will be the entry point to Sorento ownership, undercutting the equivalent hybrid by several thousand pounds.
The hybrid powertrain will consist of a 1.6-litre petrol engine and a 59bhp motor for a total system output of around 230bhp. The plug-in hybrid will use a larger 89bhp motor with around 265bhp. Expect around 35-40 miles of pure-electric range in mixed driving. All UK models will use an automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive.
The new Sorento is around 10mm longer, wider and taller than the car it replaces, but the key difference is its wheelbase, which has been stretched by 35mm for improved interior packaging.
As before, the Sorento will be available with seven seats. And the plug-in hybrid will also get a seven-seat option, with Isofix points on each of the five rear seats. Fold the third row flat and the Sorento offers
up to 910 litres of boot space.
Credit: Auto Express.
