Highlights include a Mercedes-style panel that links a larger infotainment touchscreen to a new digital instrument display, while a separate climate control panel is flanked by central air vents. The brand calls the new Sorento the ‘most high-tech’ model it has ever produced.
Technical firsts for Kia include improved cruise control that automatically readjusts limits according to corner gradients, a self-parking function accessed via the key fob, automatic braking if the car is about to hit something while parking and a blindspot monitoring system that uses cameras mounted on the door mirrors to project images of what’s alongside the car onto the dashboard.
Infotainment functions, including live traffic data, weather forecasts and nearby parking spaces, are displayed on a centrally mounted 8.0in touchscreen as standard. An optional head-up display shows speed restrictions, route guidance and driver assistance alerts.
Further optional extras in Europe include a 12-speaker Bose surround sound system, a mood lighting package and a larger 10.25in touchscreen.
Alongside safety features such as park assist, blind-spot assist, driver alertness detector and speed limit recognition, the Sorento is the first model to feature Kia’s new ‘multi-collision brake system’, which can determine the risk of a secondary collision after a crash, applying the brakes to prevent additional impacts.
The Sorento will be launched with a 199bhp 2.2-litre diesel engine and a hybrid powertrain comprising a 1.6-litre petrol engine, a 59bhp electric motor and a 1.5kWh battery for combined outputs of 227bhp and 258lb ft. The diesel sends its power to the wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, while the hybrid uses a six-speed automatic unit.
A plug-in hybrid will follow shortly after with 261bhp overall, an 89bhp motor and a 16.6kWh battery.
Buyers will have the choice of front- or four-wheel drive except with the plug-in hybrid, which will exclusively be a 4×4.
The Sorento will arrive in European dealerships this autumn. UK pricing and specification details will be revealed nearer the time.
READ MORE
EV to Edinburgh, take two: 700 miles in a Kia e-Niro
Next Kia EV will be ‘super-high-performance’ halo model