Kia launches the next generation Sorento

Kia Motors has unveiled an uplifted version of the Sorento barely three years after the vehicle went on sale and although the vehicle features almost same exterior features like the doors, roof line and front grille, Kia claims that the vehicle has more changes than meets the eye.

The basic steel monocoque platform on which the Sorento was designed has been completely remodeled and the vehicle features an all new front crash structure, under floor crash structure a complete sub frame and a renovated top structure that is designed to keep the driver and passengers safe.

Overall, the new Sorento is safer than its predecessor and the new power train is more refined and aggressive than before. The multi link suspension at the rear has been modified and this has increased the space at the rear end of the vehicle.

The ride height has been lowered by 10 mm and the electronic assistance on the steering makes handling the vehicle a breeze. The central insulation has received quite an upgrade and refining the vehicle was the primary concern of the engineers.

The second row of seats has an increased 30 mm leg room and an additional 9 mm has been increased for the seats on the third row. The Sorento features boot space of 660 liters ? with the third row of seats folded - and the British bound vehicle is the seven seated Sorento.

Kia is however offering a limited amount of drive train options and the Sorento will be available with a 2.2 liter turbo charged, four-cylindered engine producing 194 BHP. The engine is mated to a six speed torque converter automatic or manual transmission and the vehicle is quite energy efficient.

The Sorento weighs over 2150 kg and it provides a decent fuel economy of 49.9 mpg. The Sorento on offer in the UK will be offered with four wheel drive technology and the technology standard of the car is quite high.

Sat Nav, GPS, Bluetooth and WI-FI are some of the features implanted on the vehicle and the reverse sensors along with parking assistance are also of much value considering the size of the Sorento.

The Sorento features six advanced air bags for complete passenger and river safety and these air bags have been placed to minimize damage and provide maximum support to the people in case of an accident. Hill assist and active start are some of the other technically advanced features in the vehicle.

The interior of the vehicle is classy and is done up in leather finish along with a neat dash board that gives the vehicle a classy yet practical feel. The economic figures of the Sorento make it perfect for daily use and the vehicle is meant for cruising hence easy to drive.

The torque is channeled at the perfect time and the power to weight ratio allows the vehicle to handle well. The car has a top speed of 115 mph and accelerates to 60 mph in 9.2 seconds, quite fast considering its size.

Courtesy of auto-types.com