Kia Motors has revealed the new Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid for the first time, an ultra-low emissions version of the brand's flagship global SUV. The new variant combines supreme practicality with low running costs and high power, and broadens the appeal for the SUV.
The Sorento Plug-in Hybrid isn't just the lowest-emitting model in the Sorento lineup in Europe, but also the most powerful.
Combined, these enable the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid's powertrain to produce a total of 261bhp and 350Nm torque.
No pure-electric range figures have been offered as the car is pending homologation in Europe, however, Kia claims that the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid's all-electric range will be sufficient to enable drivers to complete most short drives on electric power alone.
Power is sent to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The transmission allows the full power of the engine and motor to be transferred in parallel, with minimal loss of energy. The result is immediate acceleration response at any speed, and direct access to available battery power at higher speeds.
The new model represents Kia's first use of an independent battery pack water-cooling system in a plug-in hybrid vehicle, ensuring optimal heat management and efficiency for the high-voltage battery pack. For the 90bhp electric motor, the rotor benefits from a new two-stage lamination process to reduce noise and vibration levels.
The engine also features Kia's latest 'Smartstream' innovations, including Continuously Variable Valve Duration technology, which regulates the duration that the intake valves open and close depending on driving conditions. This enables the engine to operate on different combustion cycles, seamlessly optimising engine performance and fuel efficiency.
As a result, the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid offers generous space for up to five or seven passengers like its Hybrid and diesel counterparts. It also offers one of the largest cargo capacities in its class, with the larger battery pack not taking up significant amounts of boot space - up to 809 litres (for seven-seat models) or 898 litres (five-seat models) with two rows of seats in place. In seven-seat models, with all seven seats in place, boot space is 175 litres (compared to 179 litres for its Hybrid counterpart).
A powerful 12-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system is also available, delivering a more immersive sound to all passengers, as well as a cabin Mood Lighting system, with up to 64 colours for users to choose from.
It 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, it provides drivers with live traffic information, weather forecasts, points of interest, and details of potential on- and off-street parking, in addition to nearby vehicle charging points. 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.
