Following the unveiling of its fourth-generation Sorento SUV back in March, Kia has confirmed specifications and pricing for the new model which is now on sale in the UK, as well as updates to the Stinger.
The first model to sit on the new-generation mid-size SUV platform, the Kia Sorento’s styling is said to reflect the concept of ‘refined boldness’ with a ‘robust, tough-looking aesthetic and a greater degree of refinement and elegance’. In practice, buyers get a model that’s larger than before, benefitting passenger and luggage space, and one designed from the outset to accept electrified powertrains.
For now, though, there’s two engines including a new 1.6-litre T-GDi unit that is paired with a 44.2kW electric motor and 1.49kWh lithium-ion battery. Combined outputs are 226bhp and 350Nm of torque, delivered through a 6-speed automatic transmission, and Kia claim up to 40.9mpg and 158g/km CO2 emissions depending on trim level.
Joining the petrol engine is a new 2.2-litre, four-cylinder ‘Smartstream’ diesel unit with 199bhp and 440Nm of torque. Paired with a new 8-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox it claims 42.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 176g/k. All-wheel drive is standard and a plug-in hybrid powertrain is expected to arrive later in the year.
Buyers can choose from ‘2’, ‘3’, and ‘4’ trims, with even the entry-level model getting plenty of standard kit. All come with seven seats, along with LED head and tail lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic lights and wipers, dual-zone air-conditioning and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. An 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system includes DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a reversing camera. The 2 trim, available only with the 1.6-litre petrol engine, is priced from £38,845.
The 3 trim is available with both petrol and diesel engines with prices starting from £41,245. You get leather trim, an electrically-operated tailgate, larger 19-inch alloys, 8-way electrically-adjustable front seats and mood lighting for the cabin with a choice of 64 colours. There’s also Kia’s UVO Connect telematics system with live services delivered via an uprated 10.25-inch LCD screen.
At £46,945, the 4 trim tops the range and packs in the likes of 10-way electric adjustment of the driver’s seat, a panoramic roof, head-up display, and 12-speaker BOSE audio. The usual raft of driver assistance tech includes a new Blind-Spot View Monitor that displays a high-resolution video feed in the instrument cluster.
Meanwhile, the Kia Stinger saloon-cum-fastback has been treated to a range of updates for 2020.
Key amongst them is tweaks to the styling that include new LED lighting at the front and rear, the latter featuring indicators with a chequered flag pattern. Fresh alloy wheel designs also feature, while the cabin benefits from new trim colours, higher quality materials, and an upgraded infotainment system with an optional 10.25-inch touchscreen display.
Buyers can also opt for a 7.0-inch fully-digital, high-resolution instrument cluster. There’s also a raft of new Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADA), including Safe Exit Warning that warns passengers if they are about to open a door into the path of traffic.
The update also means that just the turbocharged 3.3-litre V6 engine will be offered, although power rises slightly to 368bhp thanks to a new Electronic Variable Exhaust Valve system – Kia says it provides a deeper note in Sport modes, while being quieter in Eco or Comfort mode.
The on-sale date, pricing and specifications for the UK will be announced in due course.
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