All-new Kia Sorento features hybrid and diesel powertrains

MANILA: The Korean automaker calls the all-new Sorento “the most high-tech Kia ever.” With new safety, connectivity and infotainment features, along with a self-charging hybrid powertrain, they wouldn’t be wrong.

The fourth-generation Sorento will initially come with a choice of two powertrains: a self-charging hybrid and a diesel. The former uses a 1.6L T-GDi (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct injection) engine complemented by a 44.2kW electric motor and 1.49kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack, and has a combined total power output of 226 HP and 265 Nm of torque. The latter has a four-cylinder 2.2L ‘Smartstream’ diesel engine with an aluminum cylinder block, producing 199 HP and 440 Nm of torque. Gearbox options are either an 8-speed automatic or and 8-speed ‘Smartstream’ DCT (dual clutch transmission).

Kia has announced that a third powertrain, a gasoline hybrid plug-in, is set to join the lineup later in the year.

Three trims of the all-new Sorento will be initially made available. All will sport LED technology for the headlights and rear combination lights, as well as for the daytime running lights, front and rear fog lights and high mounted brake light. Roof rails, 17-inch alloy wheels and a temporary space saver spare wheel are standard equipment. A black front radiator grille is married to wheel arch body moldings and side sills in the same color, with all versions featuring front and rear skid plates in silver.

Inside, it uses black cloth upholstery with light grey headlining to deliver a smart two-tone appearance. The seven seats come with a 60:40 split, remote folding and reclining for the second row and a 50:50 split and fold arrangement for the third row. There are USB charge ports in all three rows and dual-zone automatic air conditioning includes outlets for the third row.

It has an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rain sensing front wipers, automatic headlight control, and new to the Sorento is a 12.3-inch high-resolution digital instrument cluster. Connection is available via Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also comes with reverse camera system with dynamic guidelines is integrated into the 8.0-inch touchscreen and includes front and rear parking sensors.

The all-new Sorento also shows off an impressive seven airbag-system that incorporates a front center airbag, in addition to the usual driver and front passenger, twin curtain and pair of front side airbags. It has Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Follow Assist (LFA), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Manual Speed Limit Assist (MSLA), Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) and Driver Attention Warning (DAW) all feature, along with Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Brake Control (DAC) and an electronic parking brake (EPB) with Auto Hold functionality.

Drive Mode Select allows the driver to choose between ‘Comfort’, ‘Eco’, ‘Sport’ and ‘’Smart’ modes, while Terrain Mode Select incorporates three modes – mud, snow, and sand. It also features the new Multi-Collision Brake Assist (MCBA), Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go functionality and Ecall, which automatically summons the emergency services in the event of an accident.

The mid-trim gets bigger alloy wheels (19-inches), glossy black radiator grille, a satin chrome finish on the exterior door handles, bi-functional LED headlights, privacy glass. The cabin gets an upgraded center fascia with premium etching finish, black leather upholstery, eight-way power adjustment to both of the front seats, cabin mood lighting system. It will also sport an engine start/stop button with Smart Entry system and a Smart power tailgate and Highway Driving Assist (HDA).

The top-of-the-line trim comes with black Nappa leather upholstery with contemporary black headlining, 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat with electric lumbar support and integrated memory system. There’s also the panoramic sunroof with tilt and slide functionality and automatic electric roller blind, a head-up display, and a powerful 12-speaker BOSE® surround-sound audio system. Additional safety features of the top trim are Blind-spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA), Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), a 360-degree Around View Monitor, and Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA) system.

Photos from Kia

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