Prior to the launch of the all-new Kia
Sorento, codenamed MQ4, at the Geneva Motor Show next month, the South Korean
automaker has detailed the SUV’s new platform and one of its engines. Underpinning
the Sorento is Kia’s new midsize SUV platform that incorporates a compact
engine bay structure, shorter overhangs, and a longer wheelbase.
Compared to the outgoing Sorento, the new
model is 10 mm longer and features a 35 mm longer
wheelbase that now measures 2,815 mm. This results in “more room
than in many other midsize SUVs.” In North America, Europe, and Korea, this new
platform supports the car manufacturer’s latest ‘Smartstream’ turbo-hybrid
powertrain.
It combines a 1.6-liter T-GDI turbocharged
engine, a 44.2 kW (59 HP) electric motor, and a 1.49 kWh lithium-ion
polymer battery pack for a system output of 227 HP and 350 Nm of torque. A series of other petrol engines will be announced in the near
future as will an additional plug-in hybrid variant.
Customers of the new Kia Sorento in Korea,
the U.S. and Europe will also have some diesel engines available. In Korea and
Europe, Kia’s 2.2-liter four-cylinder ‘Smartstream’ diesel engine with 199 HP and 440 Nm will be paired with Kia’s new eight-speed wet
double-clutch transmission. Korean and U.S. customers will also be able to opt
for Kia’s 2.5-liter T-GDi ‘Smartstream’ engine delivering 277 HP and 421 Nm of torque, coupled with the same eight-speed transmission.
Elsewhere, the new Sorento includes Kia’s
first Multi-collision Brake system that will apply the brakes when the airbags
have been deployed after an initial collision in order to reduce the risk of a
secondary impact. Also used by the new Sorento will be a remote smartphone
Surround View Monitor that works alongside the in-vehicle Surround View Monitor
to make parking that little bit easier.
Additional details will be released on
March 3 when the 2021 Kia Sorento will celebrate its world debut at the Geneva
Motor Show.
