Kia has launched the new generation
Sorento in the United Kingdom, where customers can choose between three grades,
dubbed the 2, 3 and 4. Pricing starts at £ 38,845 (US$ 50,810) for the entry-level
model, which features LED headlights and taillights, 17-inch alloys, heated
front seats and steering wheel, dual-zone climate control with vents for the
third row, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 8-inch infotainment system,
DAB radio, smartphone integration and a generous host of safety gear.
From £ 41,245 (US$ 53,950), the Sorento 3 adds
19-inch wheels and features a glossy black grille and satin chrome look for the
door handles. It also gets rear privacy glass, black leather upholstery, 8-way
power adjustable front seats, heated outer rear seats, ambient lighting, UVO
Connect telematics system, keyless entry with push-button start, electric
tailgate and a few other features.
The range-topping Sorento 4 starts at
£ 46,945 (US$ 61,405) and is specified with black Nappa leather, black headlining,
10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory function, ventilated front
seats, panoramic sunroof, head-up display, Bose premium sound system, and so
on.
All trim levels are powered by the
1.6-liter hybrid powertrain, which features an electric motor and a 1.49 kWh
lithium-ion polymer battery pack, paired to a six-speed automatic transmission
and all-wheel drive. It develops a total output of 226 HP and 265 Nm of torque, returning a combined 40.9 mpg UK (34.1 mpg US /
6.9 l/100 km) in the WLTP cycle.
The Sorento 3 is also available with the
2.2-liter CRDi turbo diesel, hooked up to an eight-speed auto and all-wheel
drive. The engine makes 199 HP and 440 Nm,
returning 42.2 mpg UK (35.1 mpg US / 6.7 l/100 km) combined. A plug-in hybrid
powertrain will join the range later this year. Kia has also announced pricing
for other European markets, with the new Sorento available from € 41,418.82
(US$ 48,685) in Germany.