It’s bigger, more sophisticated and more German-looking than ever: it’s the third generation Kia Sorento that had its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show.
The styling of the SUV was led by Kia’s Namyang design studio in Korea, but the automaker said there was significant input from the firm’s Frankfurt, Germany and Irvine, California design studios.
The new model benefits from increased length (+95 mm to 4,780 mm) and width (+5 mm to 1,890 mm), plus a longer wheelbase (+80mm to 2,780mm). While the height is 15 mm lower to 1,685 mm, Kia says the repositioned seat cushions make up for the loss. Cargo space is also up by 17.5 percent, from 515 to 605 liters, with the third row seats folded flat.
You can have the new Sorento in either 5- or 7-seat versions, with the second row seats of the latter fitted with a ‘remote folding’ feature controlled by two levers in the side of the cargo bay, while also sliding to allow easier access to the third row.
Kia says it has improved the quality of the interior with a higher proportion of soft-touch materials and leather, and thicker dashboard soundproofing panel, which together with other measures, reduces cabin noise by 3-to-6 percent, depending on driving conditions.
Europe will get three engines for the new Sorento with outputs ranging from 185PS to 200PS (182hp to 197hp), including a 2.4-liter gasoline direct injection petrol unit, and two diesels in 2.0-liter and 2.2-liter displacements.
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