Photo: original photo by autoevolution
Since it was born back in 2002, the South Korean mid-size crossover SUV became one of the most highly appreciated Kia models in the brand's history. Now at its third-generation, the new Euro-spec 2015 Kia Sorento made its global debut at the Paris Motor Show two months after it was previewed in Seoul.
First you need to know that the crossover SUV looks even better in the flesh compared to the official pics released by the manufacturer. Although the design team named the new styling language "Streetwolf," the visuals are more evolutionary than revolutionary. In all frankness, the new lines subtly alter the look of the outgoing Sorento, giving it a sleeker profile, more on-the-road presence and deeply sculpted surfaces.
95 mm longer (4,780 mm), 15 mm lower (1,685 mm) and 5 mm wider (1,890 mm) compared to the current model, the third-generation Kia Sorento's strongest point can be found once you hop inside. Styling for the interior was done by Kia's European design team in Frankfurt, with the most distinctive feature coming in the form of the Swiss watch-inspired user interface. A flowing dashboard with silver accents surrounding the infotainment system dominates the simple yet somptuos cabin design.
Coming in either five or seven-seat versions, the new Sorento is boasting with 605 liters of boot storage with the third row of seats folded flat into the floor. Aside from the hugely improved fit & finish of the interior materials, customers will be happy to find out a Smart Power Tailgate feature is also available.
In terms of chassis tech and oily bits, there's a fully-independent suspension setup, electric power steering, fruity powertrain options and a torsional rigidity increased by 14 percent over the outgoing Sorento. In Europe, the Sorento will be offered with a three-engine range. Starting with a 2.4-liter four-pot gasoline mill producing 188 PS and 241 Nm (178 lb-ft), Kia also offers two turbo diesel powerplants.
These are a 2-liter four-cylinder rated at 185 PS and 402 Nm (297 lb-ft) of torque and mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic, while a 2.2-liter oil burner with 200 PS and 441 Nm (325 lb-ft) on tap is the range-topping powertrain option. Coupled to the six-speed automatic transmission, the latter offers a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint of 9.6 seconds and a top speed of 203 km/h (126 mph).
Last but not least, the all-new Kia Sorento is expected to hit U.S. shores as a 2016 model year. The U.S.-spec model is expected to get slightly different engine & transmission options and different trim levels.
The new Sorento proves that South Korean SUVs can be handsome as well
An upright "tiger-nose" grille is the dominating aspect of the front fascia design. Teamed up with the wrap-around headlights and Kia Cross GT Concept-like aesthetics, the 2015 model year Sorento is looking way better than its predecessor. Other notable visual changes include a higher beltline coupled to a lower roofline, giving it a swept-back profile, while the more prominent shoulders at the rear and LED taillights give the brand new Sorento the muscular appearance its forerunner lacked.95 mm longer (4,780 mm), 15 mm lower (1,685 mm) and 5 mm wider (1,890 mm) compared to the current model, the third-generation Kia Sorento's strongest point can be found once you hop inside. Styling for the interior was done by Kia's European design team in Frankfurt, with the most distinctive feature coming in the form of the Swiss watch-inspired user interface. A flowing dashboard with silver accents surrounding the infotainment system dominates the simple yet somptuos cabin design.
The second most upmarket Kia model after the K9/K900 full-size luxury sedan
Similar to more upmarket SUVs like the BMW X5, the newest addition to the Kia lineup boasts with a gizmo called Around-View Monitor, a feature that uses four cameras to help the driver while parking the car by displaying a birds-eye view of the vehicle.Coming in either five or seven-seat versions, the new Sorento is boasting with 605 liters of boot storage with the third row of seats folded flat into the floor. Aside from the hugely improved fit & finish of the interior materials, customers will be happy to find out a Smart Power Tailgate feature is also available.
In terms of chassis tech and oily bits, there's a fully-independent suspension setup, electric power steering, fruity powertrain options and a torsional rigidity increased by 14 percent over the outgoing Sorento. In Europe, the Sorento will be offered with a three-engine range. Starting with a 2.4-liter four-pot gasoline mill producing 188 PS and 241 Nm (178 lb-ft), Kia also offers two turbo diesel powerplants.
These are a 2-liter four-cylinder rated at 185 PS and 402 Nm (297 lb-ft) of torque and mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic, while a 2.2-liter oil burner with 200 PS and 441 Nm (325 lb-ft) on tap is the range-topping powertrain option. Coupled to the six-speed automatic transmission, the latter offers a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint of 9.6 seconds and a top speed of 203 km/h (126 mph).
Last but not least, the all-new Kia Sorento is expected to hit U.S. shores as a 2016 model year. The U.S.-spec model is expected to get slightly different engine & transmission options and different trim levels.
Google News