Kia has been going from strength to strength in Australia. Kia’s chief design officer, Peter Schreyer has created a sleek styling and futuristic “stand-out” SUV that looks equally at home in the hard concrete jungle and on the soft school run. “The dynamic design of the next-generation Kia Sorento adopts simple, linear lines to create a powerful, yet polished appearance. Sporty and striking, new Sorento represents a new breed of SUV”, comments Peter Schreyer. Speaking of schools, with seven big seats – the pair in the third row is comfortable enough for children – the next generation Kia Sorento makes a decent MPV for parents too. Drivers will appreciate how Kia engineers have banished the bus-like dynamics of the original Sorento. The next – generation Kia Sorento SUV is a lot smoother on the road, with a supple ride and low levels of noise. This huge improvement in refinement is thanks to the switch from a separate ladder-frame chassis to a modern integrated monocoque, coupled with numerous structural and suspension measures. Aerodynamics, too, have improved, with the coefficient of drag cut from 0.43 to 0.38. The slightly more slippery helps the new 2.4-litre four-cylinder haul the stocky Sorento up to speed. Despite a sizeable weight reduction of more than 200kg from the earlier model, the four-wheel-drive still tips the scales at almost 1.7 tonnes, which is a lot of work for 128 kW and 226 Nm of torque produced by the 2.4-litre. The engine is refined, and it mates well with slick innovative six-speed automatic transmission features a unique layout which enables it to be smaller, more compact and lighter than any other six-speed automatic on the market today. Although the vehicle’s width is unchanged, the overall stance is much stronger because the track has been widened by 38mm (front) and by 41 mm (rear) – compared with the previous model – pushing the wheels to the outer edges of the wheel arches. The standard goodies onboard the Next-Generation Kia Sorento SUV include MP3 compatible CD player, height adjustable headrest, 60-40 fold flat 2nd row seats, tinted glass, simulated carbon fibre trim, speed sensing auto door locking, and also equipped with six airbags with full-length side curtain airbags linked to rollover sensors as well as impact sensors maximise head protection for all occupants. Nuts& Bolts NEXT GENERATION KIA SORENTO Engine: 2,349cc 16 valves inline - 4 Power: 128kW at 6,000rpm Max torque: 226Nm at 3,750rpm Fuel grade: Regular unleaded petrol Brakes: Front ventilated disc brake Rear solid disc ABS EBD Transmission: six speed automatic (2 WD Front wheel drive-style) Fuel Tank: 70 litres Warranty: 5 Years / unlimited km (Privately registered) 5 Years / 130,000 km (Business and commercial registered)
