Kia to move Sorento upmarket

Date: 29 August 2014   |   Author:

Kia is looking to move further upmarket with its third-generation Sorento pushing the entry-level price closer to £30,000.
 
The new model will go on sale in the UK in spring 2015 and is expected to launch initially as a seven-seat diesel model. The exact specifications for the UK market will be revealed closer to the time, however Kia has said that it will be selling a 2. 2 litre diesel engine and a 2.4 litre petrol unit in Europe.
 
The Sorento's design has been led by a Korean team, but there has also been input from European and US design studios. Particular attention has been given to improving interior quality and increasing the amount of safety technology available, which is why fleets can expect prices to increase. Features include adaptive smart cruise control, a lane departure warning system and a speed limit warning system.
 
The current entry-level Sorento is priced from £26,995. The top trim KX-4 Sorento currently takes the largest share of total sales in the UK, priced from £36,805.
 
Kia is also actively developing diesel hybrids and plug-in hybrid models, both of which could feature on the next Sorento.
 
The new Sorento is longer by 95mm to 4780mm, 15mm lower and 80mm wider and features an extended wheelbase by 80mm to 2780mm in comparison to the current model. The boot space with the rear three seats folded is up from 515 to 605 litres, thanks to a cargo bay floor that's up 87mm on the outgoing model.
 
The exterior design was led by Kia's Korean design studio but the brand said European and US design teams also had input.
 
There is not a huge amount of competition in the UK for seven-seat SUV models, beyond the Hyundai Sante Fe. Kia already has a new seven-seat model in its range with the new Carens.
 
The new Sorento is expected to go on sale in the UK in spring 2015. Prices and specifications will be revealed closer to launch.

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