Bigger, more sophisticated and boasting greater levels of luxury and technology, the highly-anticipated 2015 Kia Sorento has arrived in New Zealand.
And for the first time in more than a decade, the Kia Sorento can now be experienced with a smooth and powerful V6 petrol engine, in addition to the 2.4-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel models.
All new from the ground up, the third generation Sorento delivers a more premium look and feel, with a smoother, swept-back style that ensures the new model has a bolder onroad presence.
The distinctive styling takes its cues from the Kia Cross GT concept vehicle, featuring an upright and more prominent ‘tiger nose’ grille between the long, wrap-around headlights. It has also taken the lower roofline, higher beltline and swept-back shape from the Cross GT, giving the newcomer a more dramatic and muscular stance.
The sleeker appearance of the new Sorento is enhanced by its increased length (up 95mm to 4,780mm), reduced height (down 15mm to 1,685mm) and extra width (up 5mm to 1,890mm). It’s not all about good looks though, with the Sorento being among the most efficient SUV shapes on the road boasting a Cd (co-efficient of drag) of just 0.33, down from the already impressive 0.34 of the outgoing model and lower than most of its competitors.
The increased dimensions as a result of the newly developed chassis with a longer wheelbase of 2780mm (up 80mm) translate into more space for the occupants inside and their luggage.
All New Zealand Sorento models have a third row of seats, providing generous accommodation for up to seven people. More legroom and headroom is available for those in the rear, with access to the third row greatly improved through new sliding mechanisms on the outward second row seats. The second row seats now also split and fold 40/20/40 for improved versatility, cargo space has increased by 17.5%, and the redesigned, compact rear bumper makes loading easier.
Satellite navigation, including a 3-year free map update, reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitor and dual-zone automatic climate control are all standard across the Sorento range. LED daytime running lights are fitted to all models, along with 17” alloys on the LX models, 19” two-tone alloys on the EX, with the Limited and Premium variants benefitting from 19” chrome finish alloys.
With three engine options available including the existing the 126kW 2.4-litre petrol unit, a revised 147kW 2.2-litre R-series diesel and the new 199kW 3.3-litre V6 petrol, all three engines are matched to a six-speed, sequential shift automatic transmission. With the exception of the V6, all models are equipped with AWD that now benefits from Advanced Traction Cornering Control (ATCC), enhancing stability when the vehicle is driven on challenging roads.
Prices for the new 2015 Kia Sorento start from $49,990.
