A couple of days on from the unveiling of the new Kia Sorento, more information has been released regarding the underpinnings of the car. The fourth-generation three-row SUV will ride on a new platform, enabling the car to have a more stylish design and improved ride and handling.
Break out the measuring tape and you’ll realise that while the new Sorento is 10 mm longer than before, its wheelbase has actually grown by 35 mm to 2,815 mm, with 30 mm going into the more rearward placement of the A-pillars. This, together the shorter overhangs, is said to provide the car with a more premium look.
Kia also says the interior provides more space than many other midsize SUVs, while better packaging has led to class-leading boot space. For the first time, the Sorento will also be available in six-seater form (seven-seater as standard) with two individual second-row pews.
Safety has also been improved thanks to a redesigned body with multiple structures, despite now weighing 80 kg less. There’s also a new multi-collision brake system that automatically applies the brakes after the airbags have been deployed, reducing the severity of secondary collisions. The car will also come with up to eight airbags, including a centre airbag between the front seats.
Also coming to the Sorento is the remote Surround View Monitor which, as the name suggests, allows users to monitor their car’s surroundings via a smartphone, just like a BMW. Do note that the availability of these features will vary depending on the market.
The revised Smartstream engine lineup will also be market-specific, with Korean and European buyers getting the option of a new 2.2 litre turbodiesel that produces 202 PS and 440 Nm of torque. It is paired with a new eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission that is claimed to have a 58% higher torque rating compared to the previous seven-speed unit thanks to optimised clutch cooling.
Efficiency has also been increased by up to three percent compared to the outgoing eight-speed torque converter automatic. All-in-all, Kia claims a fuel consumption figure of 14.3 km per litre for the Korean market. The latter will also be offered the new 2.5 litre turbocharged T-GDi petrol engine destined for North America; fitted with direct and indirect fuel injection, it makes 281 PS and 421 Nm and is paired to the same DCT.
Kia has also confirmed a hybrid that combines a 180 PS/265 Nm 1.6 litre T-GDi mill with a 44.2 kW (60 PS) electric motor and a 1.49 kWh lithium-ion battery under the floor of the car – without intruding into luggage or passenger space – with total outputs of 230 PS and 350 Nm. Fuel consumption is rated at 15.3 km per litre.
More details will be announced later on, including additional petrol engine options and a new plug-in hybrid. As previously reported, the Sorento will make its world premiere on March 3 at the Geneva Motor Show.
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Gonna be one heavy beast to lug. Many are saying X70 with the 1.8T mill is already underpowered so I can’t imagine how slow moving this Sorento with its 1.6T mill.
Should be its big brother coming here first – the rave, angular & boxy look – KIA”Telluride” – in the US, currently still soldiered on 3.5NA, no 3.3TwinTurbo yet
geely x70 – 1.8T, 184PS and 300Nm
kia sorento – 1.6T, 281PS and 421Nm
got it?
There is no replacement for displacement. Got it?
x70 > kia sorento. Got it?
“180 PS/265 Nm 1.6 litre T-GDi mill”
Did you read the article?
It “combines a 180 PS/265 Nm 1.6 litre T-GDi mill with a 44.2 kW (60 PS) electric motor and a 1.49 kWh lithium-ion battery under the floor of the car – without intruding into luggage or passenger space – with total outputs of 230 PS and 350 Nm” Both of u go back read again..
omg kia stop making cars. just let geely make cars, they’re the best in the world.
1.6T HEV is less powerful, FC only improve 1km/L.
They can sell the 1.6T HEV selling cheaper by big margin.
Big deal. What matters is how it’s gonna be specified when launched in Malaysia by the local distributor; who should be changed to another group that values car sales more than figuring out their next holiday location.
Bashers will say this car expected to fail badly because it uses DCT gearbox.
Dayyum
Forget the hybrid
Send the 2.5 tgdi to malaysian market!
Or….ours mostl likely soldier on with the R series 2.2 turbodiesel
Can’t wait to know the price in Malaysia…it will be a big failure if the center display is changed to 4” TFT like current model in Malaysia
Pls, bring thr 6 seater…
wet dual-clutch transmission == EU, Korea, China
CVT == Japan
AT == America the Dinosar
6 seater wont sell well in msia i guess, better make it 7 seater for our market.
Any news on 2021 grand carnival?
i really hope for the 6 seater option..suitable for my kids..they really their own space
No not DCT, please give us option for the 8AT!