Kia Sorento – Where comfort meets versatility
28 November, 2023
With its luxurious and smooth ride, an efficient turbodiesel engine that provides both power and fuel economy, abundant space and all the comfort features your heart desires, the Kia Sorento truly has it all. Raising standards in the class for space, efficiency and quality, the fourth generation Sorento spearheads Kia’s South African SUV line up.
After spending significant time behind the wheel of the Sorento it was easy to see why it is a vehicle that families seeking comfort and versatility should consider and here are a few reasons why.
Quality and spacious interior : The interior introduces premium-quality materials, cutting-edge infotainment technologies and a stunning new design while retaining the spaciousness and versatility that the Sorento has always been known for. The upscale cabin features a sophisticated next-generation design based around the twin digital displays in the dashboard. The 12.3-inch digital driver instrument cluster is paired with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment and navigation system at the centre of the dashboard displaying information clearly within the driver’s line of sight and creating an innovative wide-screen user experience. The car’s many functions can be controlled via new haptic buttons on either side of the screen.
In addition, the cabin subtly integrates a range of technologies, including an available mood lamp system that emits soft ambient downlighting from beneath the dashboard and door trim, creating a lounge-like feeling and greater sense of space. A wireless smartphone charger sits at the base of the centre console, while a powerful BOSE surround-sound system ensures an immersive in-car audio experience. As the Sorento is based on Kia’s new-generation large SUV platform designers were able to increase proportions and luggage space, ensuring that the Sorento is one of the most versatile and spacious three-row SUVs on the road.
The Sorento offers generous space for up to seven passengers as well as one of the largest luggage capacities in its class, with 821 litres with the rear seats stowed. With so much space and versatility on offer, the morning school trips were especially carefree. The advantage of being able to slide the middle seat backwards and forwards and the effortless manoeuvrability of the rear seats allows one to access additional space when and where needed. The keyless entry and electrically operated rear boot made the daily commute and loading effortless.
Connectivity via Apple CarPlay allows one to effortlessly listen to your tunes via the superb Bose sound system. The wireless phone charging station and on-board satellite navigation system also make the daily commute that much more bearable.
Performance and economy : A new four-cylinder, 2.2-litre Smartstream diesel engine offers 148kW and 440Nm is paired with Kia’s new eight-speed double clutch transmission. Despite its size, the performance from the turbodiesel engine was very impressive. In and around town the eight-speed automatic transmission offered excellent ratios and the auto box shifted sweetly, making day to day driving effortless. The economy was equally impressive, achieving an average of 7,9 kilometres per 100km while mainly travelling around the suburbs, which remains impressive.
The latest Sorento AWD models offer enhanced all-terrain capability thanks to a new Terrain mode. Paired with the all-wheel drive system, Terrain mode makes the Sorento more capable in mud, snow and sand by carefully controlling the car’s electronic stability control as well as the distribution of torque to all four wheels. It also adapts transmission shift times to help find and maintain traction in a range of driving environments.
Peace of mind : All Sorento models are sold with an unlimited kilometre, five-year warranty, inclusive of roadside assistance as well as a six-year/90 000km maintenance plan.
Should you buy a Sorento?
The Sorento is a fantastic SUV that provides all the comfort, space and practicality you will ever need. Add the quality interior and array of comfort and convenience features and it is easy to see why the Sorento is such a great SUV, which truly takes the effort out of daily commuting.
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