Kia Motors Ireland have commenced delivery of the All New Sorento to its dealer network. The new car is being launched in two phases, 2.2 Diesel in Q4 2020 and the PHEV (with a 1.6 TDGi Gasoline engine) in Quarter 1 2021.
This is the 4th generation of the Kia Sorento which was initially launched in 2002, and along with its SUV companion Sportage brought the Kia brand to prominence both here in Ireland and throughout Europe.
Ronan Flood, Managing Director of Kia Motors Ireland comments: “The Sorento story echoes that of the Kia brand as a whole. In 2002 Sorento was very autilitarian all-terrain vehicle but this the fourth-generation Sorento has been transformed into something altogether more desirable.
“It is an important model for Kia, particularly now that it also represents, with the impending arrival of Sorento PHEV the first use of electrified power in our flagship SUV.”
The Sorento’s redefined exterior design – with sharper lines, high-tech details, and elongated proportions – gives it a more confident and mature presence. Inside, its attractive cabin also introduces premium-quality materials, cutting-edge infotainment technologies, and a stunning new design.
The new Sorento is the first vehicle to be based on Kia’s new-generation midsize SUV platform. Paired with a larger body to maximise cargo and luggage space, the platform ensure the Sorento is one of the most versatile and spacious three-row SUVs on the road.
This will be Kia’s most high-tech car ever, thanks to its progressive connectivity, driver assistance and infotainment technologies. Its user-friendly twin digital displays deliver advanced graphics, new telematics features and full wireless smartphone connectivity and the Irish Line up for the new car will feature many of these feature as standard.
The K3 2.2D FWD@ €49,800 model comes wth following equipment as standard : 18” Alloys, 10.25” Navigation Screen with Telematics, Rear View Camera,12.3” TFT monitor,leather upholstery with heated front seats and charge ports on all three rows of seats.
Standard safety features include Bind Spot Detection, Front Collision Avoidance,Lane Keep Assist,Lane Follow Assist,Smart Crusie Control,Highway Drive Assist,Smart Cruies Controland Parking Sensors Front and Rear.
The K4 model at €54,500 adds more comfort and safety features including panaoramic sunroof,driver and passenger power seats,12 speaker Bose sound system,rear heated seats,power opening /adjustable tailgate,Blind View Monitor,Around View Monitor and Parking Collision Avoidance.
The PHEV which arrives in early 2021 will be available in the same trim levels but with AWD as standard. Pricing for the PHEV will follow closer to launch.
Launch prices may change following the 2021 Budget
Exterior design
A more confident, mature and desirable design
Stylish and modern, the new Sorento is the flagship for Kia’s reinvigorated global SUV line-up, alongside the Stonic, Seltos and Sportage, as well as the Kia Telluride available in North America and certain other markets. The new model is the result of a collaborative design effort by Kia’s worldwide design network.
The concept of ‘refined boldness’ inspired Kia’s designers, who sought to maintain the robust, tough-looking aesthetic of earlier generations of Sorento, while applying a greater degree of refinement and elegance, and even a sense of sportiness.
Its bodywork incorporates sharp lines and creases – noticeably more sculpted than its more round-edged predecessor. With more contemporary geometric details and more swept-back, elongated proportions, the result is a more confident, more mature and more desirable design than ever.
The front of the Sorento evolves with a new interpretation of Kia’s hallmark ‘tiger nose’ grille, displaying a wider shape which organically wraps around the integrated headlamps on each side.
The headlamps themselves feature a new ‘tiger eyeline’ LED daytime running light, adding extra focus to the design by depicting the intense impression of the lines around a tiger’s eyes.
This sharper, more assertive appearance is complemented by a wide, rectangular lower air intake, bookended by wing-shaped air curtains to channel air around the car.
A sharp bumper lip is also capped with a skid plate, enhancing its robust appearance. The new model is 1,900 mm wide, 10 mm wider than the third-generation Sorento.
In profile, the proportions of the Sorento are subtly adapted to make it appear longer. The new model is 10 mm longer than its predecessor (now 4,810 mm), yet it features shorter front and rear overhangs.
The additional length is found in the wheelbase (a result of the Sorento’s new platform), which has grown by 35 mm to 2,815 mm. This subtly adapts the visual character of the Sorento, making it look longer and ‘faster’, despite being 10 mm taller.
It also extends the length of the bonnet, drawing the A-pillar 30 mm further back from the front axle. The trailing edge of the hood wraps around the front wings and turns into a single, strong character line which extends along the side of the Sorento and into the rear lamps.
Ever recognisable as a Sorento, it retains the characteristic wide D-pillar, substantial bodywork and clad wheel arches that have defined all three generations to-date. It also adopts certain other design features from more recent Kia models, however, including a new ‘shark fin’ on its C-pillar and sculpted body surfaces with sharp creases.
Interior design
Attractive, upscale cabin with premium material quality and progressive tech
The interior of the fourth-generation Sorento represents a step-change in quality and design for Kia cabins. From the first-generation 2002 Kia Sorento, which provided occupants with a practical, robust and utilitarian space, the Sorento today provides owners with something altogether more striking, desirable and comfortable.
One of the highest quality interior spaces found in any Kia to-date, the intuitive, tech-oriented cabin of the new Sorento is fitted with premium-quality materials and cutting-edge infotainment. At the same time, it retains the spaciousness and versatility that has characterised the Sorento over its 18-year existence.
The attractive, upscale cabin introduces a sophisticated next-generation design, based around twin digital displays in the dashboard. The 12.3-inch digital driver instrument cluster is twinned with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment and navigation system at the centre of the dashboard.
These display information clearly within the driver’s line of sight, and create an innovative wide-screen user experience. The car’s many functions can also be controlled with new haptic buttons on either side of the screen, which also feature further down the dashboard for the climate control system.
The focal point of the dashboard is the eye-catching vertical ventilation stack, with a chrome-effect surround that extends onto the centre console below.
The cabin of the new Sorento subtly integrates a range of other technologies, including an available Mood Lighting system, which emits soft ambient downlighting from beneath the dashboard and door trim, creating a lounge-like feeling and greater sense of space.
A wireless smartphone charger also sits at the base of the centre console, while a powerful BOSE surround-sound system on the K4 provides a more immersive in-car audio experience.
Packaging and versatility
The pursuit of practicality: new platform maximises space and versatility
The new Sorento is based on Kia’s new third-generation midsize SUV platform, providing superior space for people and cargo through more intelligent packaging. The result is one of the most versatile and spacious cars in its class.
The new platform is based around a compact engine bay structure and shorter front and rear overhangs, with a 35 mm longer wheelbase creating greater cabin space between the axles.
Not only does this enable the new model’s stylish, more swept-back design; the structure and layout of the new platform means the Sorento is able to accommodate electrified powertrains for the first time.
For passengers, the new platform maximises space in all three rows, offering more head-, leg- and shoulder-room than many rivals. In particular, the new platform has created a significant amount of extra legroom for first- and second-row occupants, as well as more headroom for third-row passengers.
The Sorento has always been popular with customers looking for practical third-row seating, and the new model makes life even easier for rear passengers.
Aided by the platform’s longer wheelbase, the second-row seats now slide up to 45 mm further, creating a wider point of entry to the third row with more space for feet and legs.
There is also a new grab handle built into the interior trim inside the C-pillar, giving third-row passengers something to hold on to as they climb aboard.
Once seated, the third-row armrest has also been extended by 100 mm for greater elbow support, while incorporating a cupholder and smartphone tray.
Powertrains
Launching with 2.2 Diesel /PHEV following
The Sorento’s new four-cylinder 2.2-litre ‘Smartstream’ diesel engineproduces 202 ps and 440 Nm torque. Sorento models with this engine can accelerate from 0-to-100 kph in 9.0 seconds for front-wheel drive models, and 9.2 seconds for AWD variants.
Top speed for all diesel models is 202 kph, while CO2 emissions are rated from 161 g/km forthe front-wheel drive model.
With a new aluminium block replacing the cast iron block of its predecessor, the new engine is 19.5 kg lighter compared to that found in the third-generation Sorento. Furthermore, it is paired with Kia’s new eight-speed wet double-clutch transmission (8DCT).
Designed to offer the smooth shifting characteristics of a conventional automatic, the 8DCT enhances fuel efficiency over a conventional eight-speed automatic by around 2 to 3%, depending on application.
The Sorento is a firm favourite among customers who regularly need to make use of its towing capabilities. When powered by the 2.2-litre diesel engine, the new Sorento is able to tow braked loads of up to 2,500 kg in weight.
The Sorento Plug-in Hybrid when launched early next year will be powerd by a1.6-litre T-GDi (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) engine, which, on its own, produces up to 180 ps and 265 Nm torque. The engine is paired with a high-capacity 13.8 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack and a powerful electric motor which produces 66.9 kW and 304 Nm torque.
Combined, these powertrain components enable the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid’s powertrain to produce up to 265 ps and 350 Nm torque.The PHEV with 6 speed AT will come in AWD as standard.
The Sorento Plug-in Hybrid’s all-electric range will be sufficient to enable drivers to complete most short drives on electric power alone. Its all-electric range and CO2 emissions are pending homologation and will be confirmed by Kia closer to the car’s on-sale date.
Ride and handling
A more enjoyable, satisfying drive and enhanced all-terrain capability
The first-generation Sorento (2002-2009) was based on a ladder-frame chassis, with the second-generation model (2009-2015) – the first monocoque-based Sorento – marking a step change in the car’s on-road behaviour. Now, the new platform represents a similar leap forward, engineered to maximise driving stability in all environments.
The car now delivers an even more assured, comfortable ride and more satisfying, enjoyable driving character than its predecessor, aided by heavily revised fully-independent suspension.
Engineers have sought to reduce the effect that road surface imperfections have on the body, and to reduce noise and vibrations through the suspension, while also improving body control and steering responses under cornering.
This has been achieved with a series of geometry changes and new components, as well as improvements to the structure of the suspension system.
The 35 mm longer wheelbase also contributes to an overall improvement in cruising comfort, while the new bodyshell – with a 4% average increase to tensile strength throughout its structure – also results in lower body vibrations.
Technology
The most high-tech Kia ever: new connectivity and infotainment features
The Sorento is the most high-tech Kia car ever made, thanks to a suite of technologies that enhance safety, connectivity and infotainment. The range of available features are designed to make travelling safer and less stressful while providing total ease of use.
Depending on specification, the cabin incorporates Kia’s latest 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering audio-visual navigation, and a new 12.3-inch high-resolution digital instrument cluster. Combined, the two twin digital displays deliver information to the driver with absolute clarity.
A first for Kia in Europe, the standard 8.0-inch display audio system enables drivers to connect their smartphones wirelessly for the first time, enabling full, seamless smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™.
The new Sorento also offers Kia’s innovative UVO Connect telematics system, connecting drivers by providing invaluable information via the in-car touchscreen and on their smartphone.
Featuring Kia Live services and accessible through the optional 10.25-inch LCD widescreen, the system displays live traffic information, weather forecasts, points of interest, and details of potential on- and off-street parking (including price, location and parking availability). UVO Connect also enables drivers to send route directions to their car before a journey, and check the location of their vehicle at any time.
The infotainment system also allows Bluetooth smartphone pairing for two phones concurrently, enabling separate phones to be used for, for instance, phone calls and music, while front passengers can also plug in their mobile devices via two USB chargers.
For second-row passengers, two USB charging sockets are integrated into the backs of the two front seats, with a third found at the rear of the front-row centre console.
Both third-row passengers also have their own charging points, meaning all seven passengers can keep their mobile device charged – the perfect measure to maintain harmony in a full car during longer journeys.
The Smart Power Tailgate (K3 Model) makes opening the boot easier with hands full of shopping. The user can activate the tailgate automatically by moving their foot beneath the car.
Users can also select the height to which the tailgate opens, from a partial opening to full opening, depending on the environment – for instance, a lower opening setting may be ideal for those with limited garage space.
A powerful 12-speaker BOSE® surround-sound audio system is also available, delivering a more immersive sound to all three rows. A new ‘Sound of Nature’ ambient sound function for certain markets enables occupants to select from a range of relaxing natural soundscapes.
The cabin’s Mood Lighting system lets users tailor the cabin even further, with the interior illuminated in one of seven preset ‘core’ colours selected specifically by Kia interior designs, or from a full gamut of 64 colours.
Safety
Advanced driver assistance systems with new Remote Smart Parking Assist
The Sorento offers higher levels of active and passive safety than many of its rivals thanks to an enhanced range of driver assistance systems. Kia’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) help to reduce many of the inherent hazards and stresses of driving, protecting occupants and other road users on every journey.
Depending on specification, the ADAS range in the new Sorento includes Kia’s latest Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) technology with pedestrian, cyclist and vehicle detection. This also detects oncoming traffic when making a turn at a junction.
The Sorento is also available with a Surround View Monitor (SVM) and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Smart Cruise Control with Stop&Go (SCC) and Navigation-based SCC (NSCC), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), and Highway Driving Assist (HDA).
The new model is equipped with Kia’s new Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), which acts as a ‘second pair of eyes’ for drivers. It enhances safety for occupants and other road users by eliminating a driver’s left- and right-side blind spots.
If the driver indicates to change lane with another vehicle hidden in their blind spot, the system displays a high-resolution video feed on the left or right side of the TFT-LCD instrument cluster.
The video feed comes from discreet wide-angle, high-resolution cameras, hidden in each of the door mirror housings. These provide a wider viewing angle than the door mirrors, giving drivers a clear view of any approaching vehicles.
Kia’s ‘level two’ autonomous driving technology, Lane Following Assist (LFA), controls acceleration, braking and steering depending on the vehicles in front.
LFA operates between speeds of 0 and 180 kph, using camera and radar sensors to maintain a safe distance from the car in front, while monitoring road markings to keep the Sorento in the centre of its lane.
The new Sorento also features a Rear View Monitor (RVM) with Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA) and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA).
In addition, it is also the first Kia available in Europe with the company’s new Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA), which enables drivers to move their car autonomously out of a front-and-back parking space remotely with their key fob.
This is designed to make it easier for passengers to get in and out of the car in tight parking spaces, or if another driver parks too close to access any of the doors.
RSPA brakes the Sorento automatically if it detects another car, cyclist or pedestrian behind the vehicle or crossing behind it.
The Sorento is fitted with up to seven airbags (dual front airbags, dual front seat-mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, and front centre airbag).
The front centre airbag, a new innovation, provides additional head protection for front-seat occupants and is designed to prevent their heads coming into contact during a collision.
All Sorento models are equipped as standard with Kia’s Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) and Electronic Stability Control systems to help drivers maintain control under braking and cornering.
The new Sorento also implements Kia’s first Multi-Collision Brake system, which enables the Sorento to mitigate the severity of secondary collisions. It automatically applies vehicle brakes when the airbags have been deployed after an initial collision, further protecting occupants from secondary frontal or side impacts.
The Sorento’s body is made up of a blend of steel and aluminium, maximising torsional rigidity while keeping weight low. The bodyshell construction features a higher proportion of Advanced High-Strength Steel and hot-stamped steel components than its predecessor.
The blend of high-strength steel enhances occupant safety, giving it torsional rigidity 12.5% higher than the perceived ‘safety leader’ in the Sorento’s segment – yet the strengthening to the bodyshell construction renders it 5.6% (54 kg) lighter than that of its predecessor.
Furthermore, the more rigid bodyshell reduces road vibrations in everyday use.
Production and quality
Manufactured in Korea
Like its predecessor, the new Sorento will be built for Europe and many other markets at Kia’s Hwasung manufacturing facility in Korea.
