The new Kia Sorento SUV is available to order now in Britain, starting from £28,795, and features greater refinement and new on-board technologies.
Kia’s new Sorento range comprises of six specifications, each utilising four-wheel drive, and four trim levels. There’s just one engine in the range, a 197bhp 2.2-litre diesel which can be mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
The 0-60mph sprint time is nine seconds when using the manual ‘box or 9.6 seconds for the automatic. The most efficient specification is the standard model, which averages 49.6mpg and emits 149g/km. Other manual models average 46.3mpg and emit 161g/km. New automatic Sorentos average 42.2mpg and emit 177g/km.
The trim levels start with KX-1 and are logically followed by KX-2, KX-3 and KX-4. While the standard trim is available with a manual ‘box only, the KX-2 and KX-3 – which start at £31,995 and £35,845 respectively – can utilise the manual or automatic transmission. The range-topping KX-4, which starts from £40,995, is only available with the automatic ‘box.
Standard equipment for each new Sorento includes a rear spoiler, cornering lights, front wiper de-icers, cruise control and air-conditioning. There are a lot of new safety features introduced for the new Sorento as well, including advanced cruise control, blind spot detection, around view monitoring and adaptive front lighting.
The seven-seater cabin has been improved compared to the previous Sorento thanks to some re-engineering of the body and chassis. Now the Kia SUV offers better refinement, as well as more headroom and legroom and 90 litres extra luggage capacity. Better quality materials are also used for the interior to give the car a classier feel.
First deliveries of the new Kia Sorento are set to take place next month.