The new fourth generation Kia Sorento has been revealed.
Powerful, progressive and versatile, Kia Motors Corporation's flagship SUV is designed and engineered to take on everything life throws at it.
In seven-seat models, with all seven seats in place, boot space has increased by 32% compared to its predecessor to 187 litres. Controls in the side wall of the boot allow users to fold down the second-row seat backs remotely with the touch of a button.
The Sorento has always been popular with customers looking for practical third-row seating. Aided by the platform's longer wheelbase, the second-row seats now slide up to 45mm further, creating a wider point of entry to the third row with more space for legs. The third-row armrest has also been extended by 100mm for greater elbow support, while now incorporating a cupholder and smartphone tray.
The new 1.6-litre T-GDi engine features Kia's new Continuously Variable Valve Duration technology, which regulates valve opening time according to driving conditions, instead of operating on a fixed opening time.
Power is sent through a six-speed automatic transmission which also houses the electric motr, allowing the full power of the engine and motor to be transferred in parallel with minimal loss of energy. The result is immediacy in acceleration response at any speed, with direct access to available battery power at higher speeds.
The Sorento also has a head-up display, which projects onto the base of the windscreen
For second-row passengers, two USB charging sockets are integrated into the backs of the two front seats, with the third 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.
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 pre-set 'core' colours selected specifically by Kia interior designs, or from a full gamut of 64 colours.
The new Sorento also features the 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. 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. 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. The new Sorento also implements Kia's first Multi-Collision Brake system, which automatically applies vehicle brakes when the airbags have been deployed after an initial collision, further protecting occupants from secondary collisions.
