ALL-NEW KIA SORENTO SUV

Futuristic styling and new technologies make a ‘stand-out’ SUV The original Kia Sorento was a ‘landmark’ vehicle which took the Korean brand into a whole new section of the automotive market all around the world. Introduced in 2002, it marked a huge step for Kia, challenging many established brands and starting the process of changing…

Futuristic styling and new technologies make a ‘stand-out’ SUV

The original Kia Sorento was a ‘landmark’ vehicle which took the Korean brand into a whole new section of the automotive market all around the world. Introduced in 2002, it marked a huge step for Kia, challenging many established brands and starting the process of changing public perception of Kia as a ‘maker of small cars’.

Sorento earned widespread media and public acclaim for its innovative styling, durability, off-road abilities and value-for-money. Over the next seven years, it attracted thousands of customers who had not previously considered buying a Kia, and achieved global sales of almost 900,000 units.

At its launch, the original Kia Sorento injected fresh visual excitement into the SUV segment with its ‘stand-out’ looks. Now under the direction of Kia’s Chief Design Officer (CDO), Peter Schreyer, the Kia design team aimed to deliver futuristic styling with a bold sense of power and dynamism, to once again differentiate Kia’s larger SUV from potential rivals by incorporating Kia’s new design DNA into the all-new Sorento.

New Sorento is also significantly sleeker than the previous model with an aerodynamic drag figure of Cd 0.38 – down from 0.425 – enhancing fuel economy and refinement.

New Sorento is a ‘Highline Cruiser’ five and seven-seater – a longer, lower, sleeker SUV with a host of new attributes that deliver genuine customer benefits. Ride and handling are more supple and more responsive. The cabin is more spacious and more luxurious. The vehicle delivers enhanced performance while consuming less fuel. The broader line-up offers a wide choice of engines, transmissions and drivetrains. New Sorento presents a stronger, more distinctive character that embodies Kia’s new design language while communicating athleticism, precision, power, agility, and state of the art design.

During development of the new Sorento, Kia engineers ditched the old body-on-frame structure and designed an all-new unitary (monocoque) bodyshell with room for up to seven occupants. The different construction method helped the new Sorento to achieve a weight loss of up to 215 kg, depending on model, compared with the previous Sorento – even though the new model incorporates numerous additional technical, safety and comfort features.

Building on the new bodyshell foundations, engineers concentrated on eight key development areas – class-leading performance, increased fuel economy, reduced emissions, improved on-road handling, more fun-to-drive responsiveness, greater cabin space and comfort, enhanced overall safety and the introduction of new technologies.

“With the new Sorento, we have created an all-new, seven-seater SUV that will soon be recognised as an ‘exciting all-rounder’ with a much broader customer appeal,” commented Hyoung-Keun Lee, Senior Executive Vice President & COO of Kia’s International Business Division. “Despite the current economic uncertainties, we are confident that new Sorento, with its expanded market coverage, will significantly increase Kia’s share of the utility vehicle market.

The new, longer bodyshell created for new Sorento, with its repositioned A-pillars and dashboard (moved forwards) and extended tailgate (moved rearwards), ensures that the cabin is much more spacious than the previous model. The real and perceived quality of the cabin is greatly enhanced and high-tech features such as: engine Start/Stop button (automatic models only), reversing safety camera and an optional panoramic glass sunroof. Added safety features all on models include DBC (Downhill Brake Control) and HAC (Hill-start Assist Control).

Reacting to market forces and consumer trends, Kia has downsized some of the engines for new Sorento – the petrol V6 shrinks from 3.8 to 3.5-litres and the 2.5-litre diesel is replaced by an all-new 2.2-litre unit – while improving the efficiency of all the powertrains. Fuelled by petrol or diesel, these engines will offer customers a broad 146.9kW to 206.6kW power spread, with CO2 emissions from just 171 g/km.

2. STYLING & DESIGN

A ‘Highline Cruiser’ with a bold sense of Power and Dynamism

Longer and lower, the new Sorento ‘highline cruiser’ brings sleek styling and a futuristic touch to the SUV world. With its longer front overhang, wedge profile, crisply defined greenhouse and accentuated wheel arch volumes, Kia’s new SUV looks powerful, modern, sporty and robust.

Styled by a team headed by Kia’s CDO, Peter Schreyer, the 4.7-metre long new Sorento moves vehicle design in this segment up to a new level of sophistication, introducing a bold sense of power and dynamism.

“The dynamic design of the new Kia Sorento adopts simple, linear lines to create a powerful, yet polished appearance. Both sporty and striking, new Sorento represents a new breed of SUV,” comments Peter Schreyer.

Bold frontal styling, which incorporates Kia’s new ‘signature grille’ that blends seamlessly into the new Sorento’s four-light, black bezel wrap-around headlamps, creates a simple yet striking character. Although the vehicle’s width is unchanged, the overall stance is much stronger because the track has been widened by 38 mm (front) and by 41 mm (rear) – compared with the previous model – pushing the wheels to the outer edges of the wheelarches.

The profile’s rising upper belt-line and its chiselled treatment beneath the greenhouse (echoing the Cerato), plus the unique trapezoid C-Pillar adds tension and endows new Sorento with a distinctive appearance. Rugged styling for the lower character lines adds dynamic flair. The visual impact generated by the side view is boosted by the fitting of large diameter 17-inch alloy wheels on the 5-seater and 18-inch alloy wheels on the 7-seater.

Extending the rear window to the outer edges of the tailgate, hints at the light-filled, spacious cabin within. Large LED multi-colour rear combination lamps present a novel aspect and the two-tone bumper with its black lower mesh garnish enhances the new Sorento’s sporty appearance. The Sorento also features front- and rear fog lamps.

As an option, a two-part Panoramic sunroof will be available on the 7-seater model. The rear section is fixed, while the front section is powered and can be tilted for ventilation or slid fully back to enjoy uninterrupted views. Opting for this roof does not reduce cabin headroom in any way and inside, a multi-position roller blind allows the level of shade within the cabin to be finely adjusted.

The detailed design work for the new Sorento was carried out at Kia’s facility in California, USA. “We wanted to create a modern design that reflects the vehicle’s all-new unitary platform,” observes Tom Kearns, Chief Designer, Kia Design Centre America.

“We wanted the exterior and interior design to consistently communicate the new attributes – better ride, handling and fuel efficiency – with a more advanced expression that also captured our new Kia design language. The vehicle is sleeker and sportier than its predecessor. It communicates athleticism, precision and modernity and I think looks as good as it drives,” adds Kearns.

New Sorento will be available in a choice of 10 exterior colours that include ‘hi-tech luxury’ paint finishes. The Sorento will be available in the following colours:

  • Solid colours x 2 (Ebony Black and Clear White)
  • Pearl colours x 3 (Blue Jeans, Inky Blue and Java Brown)
  • Metallic colours x 5 (Brighter Silver, Muscle Beige, Metal Bronze, Titanium Silver and Spicy Red).

New Sorento is 95 mm longer and 15 mm lower than the previous model and features a wheelbase that has been reduced by 10 mm to 2700 mm. A combination of changes – the A-Pillars and the dashboard have been moved forwards, the tailgate has been moved rearwards by almost 70 mm, and the first and second row seats are a slimmer design – vastly increases the cabin space, allowing the fitting of a third row of seats to the benefit of up to seven occupants.

Exterior Dimensions Comparison (mm)

New Sorento     Difference     Previous Sorento

Length         4685         + 95         4590

Width*            1885         —–         1885

Height         1710         – 15         1725

Wheelbase         2700         – 10        2710

Front overhang      945        + 105          840

Rear overhang     1040        —–         1040

Front track        1618         + 38         1580

Rear track        1621         + 40         1580

Ground clearance      184         – 19          203

*excluding door mirrors

3. COMFORT & CONVENIENCE

High-quality trim and high-tech features enhance interior

The new Sorento’s interior styling echoes the sense of power and dynamism created by the exterior appearance and creates a new ambience that’s appropriate to a ‘highline cruiser’.

Kia is confident that both existing Sorento owners and new customers will be equally impressed by the new cabin’s generous proportions, sweeping dashboard design, high-quality fit, discreet trim accents and numerous high-tech features. Customers will be offered a choice of equipment levels and options.

The thick-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel, which can be adjusted for height through a 40 mm range and for reach through a 30 mm range, is becoming a Kia trademark feature. Through the steering wheel, the driver can view another element of Kia’s developing design DNA – the ‘three-cylinder’ instrument cluster

with reddish lighting and a new ‘message centre’ digital information display at the bottom of the cluster. This display gives information about average and instant fuel consumption, current fuel level, range-to-empty, average speed, elapsed journey time and engine temperature, as well as door and tailgate ‘open’ alerts.

On the new Sorento, the information display also carries an ECO Driving Guidance System. This monitors throttle pedal position and fuel consumption and shows ‘Poor, Average, Good’ colour-coded readings in an ECO panel to help driver’s achieve the best possible economy. With the RPAS (Rear Parking Assist System), the message centre also displays an overhead plan-view graphic showing the new Sorento in relation to any pedestrians and obstructions.

The centre stack, which features a rugged diagonal garnish that extends rearwards into the centre console, presents heating, ventilation, audio and auxiliary controls in logical horizontal bands, with fine detailing that echoes the appearance of a premium audio system.

The new Sorento is equipped with a Radio/CD audio system, with MP3/USB/iPod connectivity, plus a built-in amplifier and 6-speaker system consisting of a 6.5-inch speaker in each door and a 1-inch tweeter at each end of the dashboard.

This system employs psychoacoustic audio technology to overcome the inherent challenges of an in-car sound system – small speakers, harsh environment and obstacles within the interior – and deliver concert hall quality sound with lively reproduction of bass tones. Remote controls for the audio system are mounted on the steering wheel.

The standard dual zone automatic climate control features air vents in the B-Pillars to cool second row occupants and a Cluster Ioniser system to further enhance cabin air quality.

Other high-tech ‘comfort & convenience’ features include RPAS (Rear Parking Assist System) and automatic steering wheel mounted cruise control. The 7-seater package features an engine Start/Stop button with smart key (automatic models only), and a rear view safety camera as well as the option of a two-piece panoramic sunroof.

Interior trim is standard with black one-tone leather seats, except for the Muscle Beige exterior colour, which is fitted with a Splendour Beige two-tone colour.

4. PRACTICALITY & STORAGE

Versatile seating for seven and more cabin space

The Sorento is available in a 5- and more versatile 7-seater. The longer bodyshell created for the new Sorento ensures that the cabin is much more spacious than the current model, with seating in three rows for up to seven people. Occupants in all three seat rows benefit from greater legroom and headroom. Legroom is increased by 13 mm (front) and 27 mm (second row); headroom is increased by 14 mm (front) and 1 mm (second row) and shoulder room by 10 mm (front) and 7 mm (second row).

With its stretched cabin, new Sorento is a genuine 7-seater with much more space for occupants seated in the third row. Third row headroom is 906 mm and legroom is 795 mm.

Access to the cabin is also improved as the ‘hip-point’ for the front and second row seats is lowered by 37 mm, the cabin floor is lowered by 32 mm and the second row near-side seats ‘double-fold’ to allow easy entry and exit for third row passengers.

Every new Sorento driver will be able to create the ideal driving environment thanks to the multi-adjustable seat, with a 46.5 mm height adjustment range, and the height-adjustable (+/- 20 mm) steering wheel, with (+/- 15 mm) reach adjustment. The fore/aft range of seat travel has been increased by 25 mm to better accommodate the tallest of drivers. Drivers should also benefit from the change to an organ-type throttle pedal for smoother operation and enhanced crash safety.

An Electric-powered driver seat is standard, with electric adjustment of the cushion height (front and rear independently) and lumbar support, plus the regular fore/aft and backrest angle adjustments.

For maximum versatility when accommodating people and cargo, the new Sorento’s second row seat is split 60/40 and the third row seat is split 50/50. These seats’ backrests fold almost flat to extend available trunk space. The second row folds down to 9 degrees and the third row to 2.5 degrees.

Luggage space in the new Sorento is among the ‘best-in-class’ as cargo capacity is increased by 15%, thanks to moving the tailgate back by 70 mm. When using the vehicle as a five-seater, with the third row seats folded down, total capacity is now 1,047 litres – 137 litres more than the previous model. Cargo capacity with all seats upright is 258 litres and a massive 2052 litres when both the third and second row seats are folded down.

Cabin storage space has also been boosted with a redesigned and much larger centre console that has a 15.9 litre capacity – a 10.1 litres (174%) increase over the previous Sorento. This new console can accommodate a 12.1-inch notebook computer and comes with a portable tray.

The twin cup-holders (one large, one medium), are positioned in tandem alongside the gear selector, to create room for the new console. Additional storage spaces include the large glove box, an illuminated lower tray in the centre stack and four door pockets. The second row seat also features a folding centre armrest with twin cup-holders.

Interior Dimensions Comparison (mm)

New Sorento Difference Previous Sorento

5. REFINEMENT

Skilful structural and aerodynamic engineering minimises NVH

During the design and engineering process to create New Sorento, Kia’s research and development team prioritised achieving a major improvement in the vehicle’s refinement and minimising its NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness). An excellent foundation for creating a vehicle with good NVH qualities is a stiff unitary structure and the new Sorento features a much higher percentage (70.4%) of high-tensile strength steel in its bodyshell – compared to the previous model’s (40%).

Significant improvements to the all-new bodyshell include reinforced engine bay front side members, tougher longitudinal front floor members, plus more rigid joints between the dashboard bulkhead and the floor and stiffer rear wheel housings. The use of 60 kg grade high-tensile steel in the B-pillars and both the floor and roof cross-members linking them, plus the side sills and side header rails, is a key factor in creating the stiffer structure.

The new bodyshell design was evolved alongside new designs for front and rear sub frames that allow the engine and front suspension and the rear suspension to be precisely mounted from beneath the vehicle during assembly. These sub frames also enable engineers to isolate the cabin and its occupants from both road shocks and from vibrations generated by those components.

Other measures taken to reduce NVH include lining the engine bay bulkhead with all-new, three-layer, noise-lowering materials and injecting sound-dampening foam into the hollow sections of the bodyshell at key noise-transference points.

Further noise-reducing actions include the creation of a more streamlined bodyshell with an aerodynamic drag figure of Cd 0.38, the use of 4 mm thick glass in the front side windows, the optimised shaping of the A-Pillar and door mirror housing to minimise wind noise, and the fitting of improved seals to the doors, especially at sill-level, and to the windows.

The results are idle noise levels of 38 dB (petrol) and 44 dB (diesel), while cabin noise during a 110 km/h cruise is 64 dB.

6. ENGINES

All-new ‘R’ diesel and upgraded petrol powerunits

Reacting to market forces and consumer trends, Kia has downsized both the engines available for new Sorento – the petrol V6 shrinks from 3.8 to 3.5-litres and the 2.5-litre diesel is replaced by an all-new 2.2-litre unit – while improving the efficiency of all the powertrains.

For 2009, customers will be offered the all-new 2.2-litre diesel engine from Kia’s next-generation clean diesel ‘R’ family. With a choice of either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, customers will have a choice of either a 2WD or 4WD drive train option on the diesel engine. In 2010, Kia South Africa will release the 7-seater automatic 3.5-litre 4WD V6 engine derivative

New ‘R’ diesel demonstrates world-class Kia engineering skills

The all-new ‘R’ family of turbo-diesel engines proves that Kia’s engineering capabilities are indeed world-class.

This new engine comfortably out-performs most four-cylinder and many V6 diesel units from rival brands, while complying with Euro4 emissions standards. The R2.2 engine benefits from a third generation common-rail fuel system with piezo-electric injectors that deliver diesel at high pressure (1800-bar) with an unprecedented degree of accuracy and control.

Outstanding features of the R2.2 engine include: all-aluminium construction, an E-VGT (Electronic Variable Geometry Turbocharger), an advanced ECU (Engine Control Unit) with a 32-bit microprocessor, a new high-efficiency EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation System) with cooler and bypass valve, a chain-driven DOHC 16-valve intake/exhaust system with needle-roller bearings and hydraulic lash adjusters, a balancer shaft and a close-coupled DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) installed in the engine.

Like the new Sorento’s petrol engine, the diesel also feature numerous weight-saving plastic components such as the intake manifold with swirl control valves, cylinder head cover and oil filter housing. The R2.2 generates a maximum of 146.9 kW and 436.4 Nm of torque from 1,800 – 2500 rpm. For use with the six-speed manual transmission, the engine is re-tuned to produce 421.7 Nm.

206.6 kW Lambda petrol V6 is lighter and more efficient

Kia’s revised 3.5-litre ‘Lambda II’ engine is fitted with upgraded electronics and low-friction components, while also featuring lighter construction with an aluminium block, cylinder head and sump, plus numerous plastic components.

The 3470 cc V6 engine features dual CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing for both the intake and exhaust valves), four valves per cylinder, a higher rev-limit (6300 up from 6000 rpm), a new variable oil pump, and a three stage VIS (Variable Intake System). It produces power of 206.6 kW @ 6300 rpm and torque of 335.4 Nm @ 5000 rpm.

7. TRANSMISSIONS & DRIVETRAINS

New 6-speed gearboxes, plus a choice of 2WD or 4WD drivetrains

New Sorento buyers will be offered a choice of transmissions and drivetrains – depending on model. All diesel models will feature six-speed transmissions (manual or automatic) and all will be fitted with ‘high’ top gear ratios for reduced engine revs and improved fuel economy when cruising at higher speeds. The 3.5 litre petrol engine is standard in a 6-speed automatic transmission only.

Both these six-speed manual transmissions feature multi-cone synchronisation, optimised gear design, reduced weight, enhanced efficiency, reduced power loss, an optimised differential casing and enhanced durability up to 300,000 kilometres and they are filled with low-viscosity oil. Both are maintenance-free units requiring no servicing during the life of the vehicle.

All-new, world-class six-speed automatic transmission

New Sorento introduces Kia’s all-new, innovative six-speed automatic transmission – the most compact six-speed unit currently available anywhere in the world. This unit has 62 fewer parts than a five-speed unit, is 54 mm shorter, weighs 12 kilos less and boosts fuel economy by up to 12%. Part of the improved fuel economy results from the innovative ‘Neutral Control’ which automatically shifts the transmission from ‘D’ to ‘N’ whenever the car is stopped for more than a few seconds – reducing engine load.

The new six-speed automatic features a unique layout which enables it to be smaller, more compact and lighter than any other six-speed automatic on the market today. Like the six-speed manual, it is a ‘filled for life’ maintenance-free unit requiring no servicing during its lifetime.

The transmission is a regular ‘torque converter’ automatic, but it incorporates a unique ‘flat’ torque converter, which accounts for 12 mm of the (54 mm) reduction in the unit’s overall length, and features three planetary gear sets and four pinion differentials. A clever redesign of the hydraulic pressure control unit allows the transmission’s eight solenoid valves to be individually calibrated at the vehicle assembly plant, to ensure ultra-fast, smooth and precise gearshifts throughout the engine speed range.

In the cabin, a gate-type shift pattern offers the driver a choice of two operating modes. For town driving, fully automatic mode delivers all the usual benefits. For greater driver involvement, sport mode allows clutch-less sequential manual gear changes – up or down, one ratio at a time.

With this transmission Kia joins an elite group of just three automotive manufactures (Toyota and a GM/Ford joint venture), which have designed, developed and built their own six-speed automatic transmissions.

Customer choice of 2WD and 4WD Drivetrains

New Sorento buyers can select from two advanced drivetrains (2WD or 4WD) on the diesel derivatives, and 4WD only on the petrol derivative, to ‘best-match’ the on-road and off-road abilities of their new Kia vehicle to their individual lifestyle.

The 2WD drivetrain offers lower weight (60 kg less than the 4WD system), enhanced fuel economy and delivers good on-road traction, aided by the standard-fit TCS (traction control system) linked to the vehicle’s ABS system.

For buyers who regularly face difficult driving conditions, tow trailers (weighing up to 2,000 kilos) or go off-road, the 4WD drivetrain will be ideal.

This is a single ratio (High) 4WD system, with a default status that delivers 100% of engine torque to the front wheels during all routine city and highway driving. While in this two-wheel drive mode, fuel efficiency is enhanced compared to 4WD motoring. Whenever a front wheel loses grip a percentage of torque is automatically transferred to the rear wheels to maintain forward motion.

For improved traction and greater safety while driving in slippery conditions – such as rain, snow, mud, unpaved roads or off-road – the driver can manually select ‘Lock Mode’. This mode splits the torque 50/50 between the front and rear axles – for better stability and maintains that split up to a speed of 30 km/h.

Traction is also boosted by the available HAC (Hill-start Assist Control) which prevents slipping backwards, and DBC (Downhill Brake Control) which limits vehicle speed to just 8 km/h on steep descents.

8. SUSPENSION & RUNNING GEAR

Impressive on-road performance with off-road capabilities

Determined to give the new Sorento a sophisticated ride/handling balance appropriate to a ‘Highline Cruiser’ and to rival the best vehicles in its SUV class, Kia chassis engineers worked hard to ensure that this new Kia also gives precise and rewarding responses to driver inputs.

For the new Sorento the suspension engineer’s brief was to shift the handling bias a little to improve the on-road driving experience, in terms of ride quality and steering ‘feel’ – while retaining the vast majority of the previous model’s off-road abilities. The suspension has been lowered by 10 mm, front and rear. Thanks to the new unitary (monocoque) bodyshell construction the centre of gravity has been lowered by 54 mm. Depending on model, the front/rear weight distribution of the unladen vehicle ranges from 58/42% to 59.5/40.5%.

The Double Wishbone front suspension of the previous model makes way for lighter, less expensive and much more compact MacPherson struts. These are mounted on a lightweight hydro-formed subframe. The subframe mountings and the rubber bushes throughout the suspension have been firmed up to deliver a more sporty ride and better steering ‘feel’ – without affecting ride smoothness and without transmitting vibrations into the cabin.

At the rear, the ‘live-axle’ of the previous model is ditched in favour of an all-new fully independent multi-link suspension, also mounted on a subframe. The coil springs are realigned to reduce side-loads and friction, and automatic self-levelling is available on all 7-seater models to compensate for varying people and cargo loads.

Although the handling bias has shifted towards on-road motoring, the new Sorento will still be a capable off-road performer. The approach angle is 25.1 degrees, the departure angle 23.1 degrees and the ramp-over angle 17.1 degrees.

For precise vehicle control and good ‘feel’ the new Sorento’s steering uses a speed-sensitive hydraulically power-assisted rack-and-pinion system. For the new model, the steering gear ratio has been raised to 15.35 (from 17.6:1), and the steering is now more direct (12.8% faster), requiring just 3.02 turns of the wheel lock-to-lock, compared to 3.7 turns for the previous model.

For maximum stopping power, Sorento is equipped with an all-disc braking system. Ventilated 321 mm front discs are fitted, while the rear braking system features 302 mm solid discs.

9. SAFETY

Advanced ‘active’ and ‘passive’ safety systems

Kia Motors puts the safety of people using its products as a top priority and invests heavily in R&D to ensure its cars and vehicles are designed and equipped to achieve the highest levels of ‘active’ and ‘passive’ occupant protection.

New Sorento presents buyers with a range of state-of-the-art systems and equipment to ensure that owning and driving this all-new SUV will be a safe and enjoyable experience.

Active safety technologies include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), ESC (Electronic Stability Control), HAC (Hill-start Assist Control), DBC (Downhill Brake Control) and a RPAS (Rear Parking Assist System), plus several systems to boost braking performance during extreme conditions.

Using the electronic sensors that are part of the ABS anti-lock braking system, the BAS (Brake Assist System) recognises the driver executing an emergency stop and delivers maximum braking power to ensure the shortest-possible stopping distance. In addition, EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) monitors the car’s load – the combined weight of occupants and cargo – and adjusts the front/rear distribution of the braking pressure to maximise stopping power.

ESC (Electronic Stability Control) is a proven accident-reducing system much praised by the Euro NCAP organisation, which will be compulsory for new cars sold in Europe from the end of 2011. Sensors monitor the vehicle’s progress and then reduce engine power and/or apply individual brakes to correct under steer or overseer and mitigate possible roll-over situations, by ensuring that the car follows the course intended by the driver.

HAC (Hill-start Assist Control) prevents slip-back during stop-start driving when climbing inclines, while DBC (Downhill Brake Control) maintains a steady 8 km/h speed on steep descents.

During reversing, RPAS (Rear Parking Assist System) helps to avoid contact with pedestrians and other vehicles. It uses four ultrasonic sensors to accurately detect obstructions behind the car. Visual information about the distance and direction of obstructions from the car is displayed as an overhead ‘plan view’ on the cabin’s ‘message centre’. An audible warning is also triggered, the sound intensifying in both volume and frequency as the car moves closer to the obstruction.

Good visibility is an important aspect of safe motoring and the Sorento 7-seater is standard with HID (high intensity discharge) Xenon headlamps. These lamps, which feature automatic self-levelling, have 2.5 times the power of regular halogen lamps and four times the bulb life, while also being 30% more efficient.

Maximising protection with ‘passive’ safety technology

As well as improving refinement and NVH, the new Sorento’s robust bodyshell structure delivers real passive safety benefits with increased impact resistance. Using a much higher percentage (70.4%) of high-tensile strength steel the new vehicle achieves excellent rigidity and strength.

Particular attention was paid to the B-pillar areas, with a roll-over hoop incorporated into the B-pillars, and much stronger (60 kg grade) steel is used in the side sills and the floor cross members. Additional side-impact protection is provided by re-designed interior door trim panels with broader, flatter areas to minimise injuries to the pelvis during a side-impact.

Inside, the new Sorento is equipped with dual front-, side and full length curtain airbags and both front seats are equipped with ‘active’ head restraints. These move forwards during a rear impact to minimise movement of the occupants’ heads and protect them against whiplash injuries.

The new Sorento bodyshell has achieved the top-score 5-Star rating in Europe’s Euro NCAP and the USA’s current official NHTSA crash tests as well as a ‘Good’ rating (again the top-score) in IIHS tests for both frontal and side impacts.

10. STANDARD EQUIPMENT

New Kia Sorento SUV

Kia Sorento 5-Seater

Exterior

  • 17-inch alloy wheels with 235/65 R17 tyres
  • Chrome radiator grille
  • Chrome rear body garnish
  • Front and rear fog lamps
  • Front and rear mudguards
  • Roof rails
  • Full size spare wheel
  • High-mounted stop light
  • Rear spoiler

Comfort & Convenience

  • Hydraulic power steering
  • Powered driver seat
  • 60/40 split second row seat
  • 50/50 split third row seats
  • Steering wheel mounted audio controls
  • Steering wheel mounted cruise control
  • Power outlets in front centre console and second row
  • Remote tailgate release
  • Cargo bay under-floor storage box
  • Keyless Entry with central locking
  • Speed-sensing auto door locking

Interior

  • Black leather seats, with the two-tone beige interior standard on the Muscle Beige model
  • Tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel
  • ECO fuel-saving driving indicator
  • Dual zone Climate control
  • Radio and CD player with MP3/AUX/USB/iPod connectivity
  • 6 speakers with built-in amplifier
  • Interior chrome package

Safety & Security

  • Driver and front passenger airbags
  • Side (1st row) and full length curtain airbags
  • Dual front active head restraints
  • Dusk sensing auto light control
  • ECM (Electric Chromic Mirror)
  • Engine immobiliser
  • ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
  • RPAS (Rear Parking Assist System)
  • ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
  • DBC (Downhill Brake Control)
  • HAC (Hill-start Assist Control)

Kia Sorento 7-Seater

  • additional factory-fitted standard equipment over 5-seater model
  • 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/60 R18 tyres
  • Xenon headlamps
  • Rear view camera with 3.5-inch screen display on interior mirror
  • Smart key with button Start/Stop button
  • Self levelling suspension
  • Washer fluid level sensor
  • Optional panoramic sunroof

11. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 

New Kia Sorento SUV

Body & Chassis

The new Sorento offers the choice of either a manual or automatic transmission on the 2.2 litre 5- and 7-seater diesel models, and automatic transmission only on the 3.5 litre 7-seater petrol model, This 6-speed gearbox results in excellent acceleration, higher torque capacity and smooth, fuel efficient gear changes.

Engine

2.2-litre Diesel

  • Name ‘R2.2’
  • Type DOHC, four-cylinder in line, with E-VGT
  • Capacity 2.2-litres, 2199 cc
  • Bore & Stroke 85.4 x 96.0 mm
  • Compression ratio 16.0:1
  • Max power 146.9 kW @ 3800 rpm
  • Max torque / MT 421.7 Nm @ 1800-to-2500 rpm / AT 436.4 Nm @ 1800-to-2500 rpm
  • Valves 16 (4-per-cylinder)
  • Fuel system CRDi, common-rail, high pressure, direct injection
  • Turbo system Electrical Variable geometry turbocharger (E-VGT)
  • Construction Cast iron cylinder block and aluminium head Emissions class Euro-4

3.5-litre Gasoline

  • Name ‘Lambda ll’
  • Type Quad-OHC, six-cylinder,with dual CVVT
  • Capacity 3.5-litres, 3470 cc
  • Bore & Stroke 92.0 x 87.0 mm
  • Compression ratio 10.6:1
  • Max power 206.6 kW @ 6300 rpm
  • Max torque 335.4 Nm @ 5000 rpm
  • Valves 24 (4-per-cylinder)
  • Fuel system Multi-point injection
  • Construction Aluminium cylinder block and head
  • Emissions class Euro-4

KIA SORENTO / TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Transmissions

  • 2.2 D
  • 3.5 P

Manual

  • 6-sp

Automatic

  • 6-sp
  • 6-sp

Gear Ratios

  • 2.2 D MT/AT
  • 3.5P AT
  1. 3.538 / 4.212 – 4.615
  2. 1.909 / 2.637 – 2.831
  3. 1.179 / 1.800 – 1.842
  4. 0.814 / 1.386 – 1.386
  5. 0.737 / 1.000 – 1.000
  6. 0.628 / 0.772 – 0.772

Reverse

  • 3.910 / 3.385
  • 3.393

Final Drive

  • 4.750 / 3.913
  • 3.195

Final Drive

  • 4.071

Drivetrains

  • 4-wheel drive (part-time)

Electronically controlled single ratio (High) system delivers 100% of torque to front wheels during normal road driving. Manually selected ‘Lock Mode’ splits torque 50/50 between front/rear axles for enhanced stability during slippery conditions (up to 30 km/h). Safety aided by electronic Traction Control, ABS Anti-lock Braking and ESC with Downhill Brake Control and Hill-start Assist Control.

2-wheel drive

Delivers 100% of torque to the front wheels. Safety aided by electronic Traction Control, ABS anti-lock braking and ESC with Downhill Brake Control and Hill-start Assist Control.

Suspension & Damping

Front     Fully independent by subframe-mounted Macpherson struts, with coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers. Anti-roll stabiliser bar.

Rear Fully independent by subframe-mounted multi-links, coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers – with self-levelling system on 7-seater.

Steering

  • Type Hydraulic power-assisted rack and pinion
  • Overall ratio 15.35:1
  • Gearing 3.02 turns lock-to-lock
  • Turning circle 10.88 metres

Brakes

  • Power Single 11-inch booster
  • Front 321 x 28 mm ventilated discs
  • Rear 302 x 11 mm solid discs
  • ABS 4-Channel anti-lock system with EBD
  • BAS Boosts braking power during emergency stops
  • DBC Downhill Brake Control maintains 8 km/h speed during descents
  • HAC Hill-start Assist Control system to prevent rollback.

Wheels & Tyres

  • Standard: 5-Seater
    • Alloy 17 in x 7.0J
    • 235/65 R17 tyres
  • Standard: 7-Seater
    • Alloy 18 in x 7.0J
    • 235/60 R18 tyres

Spare Full size alloy wheel and tyre

Capacities

  • Fuel tank 70 litres
  • Kuggage (SAE) 258 litres (behind 3rd row seats)
  • 1047 litres (behind 2nd row seats)
  •  2052 litres (behind 1st row seats) Weights (kg)
  • 4-wheel drive 2.2D MT / AT 3.5P AT
  • Curb weight (min.) 1760 / 1810 – 1760
  • Gross weight 2510 / 2510 – 2510

2-wheel drive

  • Curb weight (min.) 1720 / 1750
  • Gross weight 2510 / 2510

Performance

4-wheel drive

  • 2.2D MT / AT
  •  3.5P AT

Top speed / kph

  • 190 / 190 0-to-100 kph / sec 9.6 / 10.0 – 8.1

Towing (max) kg*

  • 2000 / 2000


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