There has been some hype online about the arrival of the all new Kia Sorento. Yes, it is more than two years late from its introduction and Red Dot award.
However, with a new brand guardian and the need to do local assembly for a favorable selling price, the delay was necessary.
Now, just weeks before its official launch in Malaysia, a KIA dealer in Seri Kembangan has shared the selling price and variants that Malaysia will be getting.
Meanwhile, here are some details from the global launch. The interior of the fourth generation Sorento represents a step-change in quality and design for Kia cabins.
From the first-generation Kia Sorento in 2003, which provided occupants with a practical, robust and utilitarian space, the Kia Sorento today provides owners with something altogether more striking, desirable and comfortable.
One of the highest quality interior spaces found in any Kia to-date, the intuitive, technology-oriented cabin of the Sorento is fitted with premium-quality materials and cutting-edge infotainment. At the same time, it retains the spaciousness and versatility that has characterised the Sorento over its 17-year existence.
The attractive, upscale cabin introduces a sophisticated next-generation design, based around twin digital displays in the dashboard. The 12.3-inch digital driver instrument cluster is twinned with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment and navigation system at the centre of the dashboard on grade ‘3’ and ‘4’ models.
These display information clearly within the driver’s line of sight and create an innovative wide-screen user experience. The car’s many functions can also be controlled with new haptic buttons on either side of the screen, which also feature further down the dashboard for the climate control system.
The focal point of the dashboard is the eye-catching vertical ventilation stack, with a chrome-effect surround that extends onto the centre console below. On Sorento ‘2’ models, an 8.0-inch touchscreen is provided as standard.
The cabin of the Kia Sorento subtly integrates a range of other technologies, including a Mood Lighting system. This 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 also sits at the base of the centre console.
Interestingly, the Kia Sorento’s four-cylinder 2.2-litre ‘Smartstream’ diesel engine is also available, producing 199bhp and 440Nm torque.
With a new aluminium block, 19.5kg lighter than the cast iron block of its predecessor, the new engine is 38.2kg lighter compared to that found in the third generation Sorento.
Furthermore, it is paired with Kia’s new eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (8DCT). Designed to offer the smooth shifting characteristics of a conventional automatic, the 8DCT enhances fuel efficiency over a conventional eight-speed automatic, depending on application.
