Surrounding the journalists in the type of area that a vehicle would be most at home in is a great start to a new vehicle launch. Such was the case with the launch of the all-new Kia Sorento.
The Lowveld, the bush and dirt roads all matched the character of the large SUV, but little did we know that the similarities would run even deeper. Strong lines, muscular physiques, agile frames well adapted to the surroundings. Sweeping wings and stability, comfortable in the scrubland and the rocky terrain. All traits that could be found in both the wildlife in the area and the new Sorento.
Longer, wider and lower than the previous than the outgoing model, the all-new Sorento is the third incarnation of this model and packs more value than ever before. It is pitched up against the likes of the Toyota Fortuner, Hyundai Santa Fe and the Volvo XC60, and when you’re taking on these established models, you have to have sharp teeth and a will to survive.
The body shell is 53% stronger and more rigid than in previous models, has 6 airbags as standard and carries a 5-start Euro and US NCAP rating as well as a Top Pick from the IIHS. Driver aids are now expanded to include Blind Spot Detection (BSD) as well as Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Active Traction Cornering Control for improved handling and poise.
The styling is updated with Hawk-eye headlights and a Tiger nose, complete with a reverse grille effect, something that I quite like the look of. Where the entry level petrol powered model runs on a set of 17-inch alloys, it’s the gunmetal 19-inch alloys and the aluminium skid plates of the upper level diesel models that really look the part.
The interior has been lifted with use of new materials and the overall feel is one of class, even when selecting the base spec petrol model. Use of leather, carbon-fibre-look, and piano black trimmings go a long way in creating a pleasant cabin that several hours could be spent in. It’s a spacious and comfortable cabin, the driver seat on the diesel models has an electric 14-way adjustment scope and in the 2.2-litre diesel models, the inclusion of a third row of seats, sees it armed to take on the likes of the Fortuner and Santa Fe.
The entry level 2.4-litre direct injection LS petrol model is the only one offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox. It develops 127kW and 225Nm torque and only powers the front wheels. It’s the cheapest model on offer and is devoid of some of the creature comforts, but still retains most of the safety. It retails for R379 995 and is a 5-seater layout.
The 5-seater layout is also available in a 2.2 turbo diesel CRDi LX model, also front wheel drive and for your R499 995, you’re getting considerably more in terms of convenience and trim. This motor develops 147kW and a healthy 440Nm torque.
The same motor can be found in both the CRDI EX and SX models, developing the same power but with the aforementioned third row seating and additional add-ons as standard. Pricing here is R599 995 and R634 995 respectively.
All models drive exceptionally well with sure footed stability, even from the two-wheel drive models. While the lack of low down torque can be felt in the petrol model, the manual gearbox can be shifted with smooth precision to keep the motor on the boil. The diesel models, available only with the 6-speed automatic gearbox, is exceptionally quiet and pulls strong from down low. Here, the AWD system adds to the stability and rough-and-tumble capabilities of the new Kia Sorento.
Pricing
| KIA Sorento 2.4 LS | R 379 995 |
| KIA Sorento 2.2 CRDi LX | R 499 995 |
| KIA Sorento 2.2 CRDi EX AWD | R 599 995 |
| KIA Sorento 2.2 CRDi SX AWD | R 634 995 |
All models ship as standard with KIA’s industry-leading 5-year / 150 000km warranty, as well three years of unlimited roadside assistance. The Sorento 2.4 LS comes as standard with a 4-year / 90 000km service plan, while LX, EX and SX models include a 5-year / 100 000km maintenance plan.