Kia Sorento, fourth generation looks to the future

 The Sorento, the SUV signed by Kia that looks to the future, reaches its fourth generation. The model, which since its launch in 2002 has helped reposition the brand on the world automotive market, is back on stage with a whole series of innovations that point to the rapid changes in the sector expected for the next few years. The recipe chosen by Kia is that of a mix of power, technology and elegance, proposing itself to future Italian customers exclusively with hybrid engines immediately and plug-in hybrid whose arrival is expected shortly. "The evolution of the Sorento in the last 18 years echoes that of the Kia brand as a whole - commented Giuseppe Bitti, CEO of Kia Motors Company Italy - and what was initially launched in 2002 as a functional off-road vehicle, today is been transformed into something completely different, becoming a real capable high-end SUV. Sorento is one of the products that have made the history of Kia in our country and now we are ready to relaunch it in a completely innovative and in step with the times thanks to the maximum offer in terms of hybrid technology ". The novelties, at the first approach, are those related to the external design, redefined with sharper lines, high-tech details and elongated proportions. Leading the pencil of Kia's designers was the principle of 'refined audacity', a concept that fused the rugged aesthetics of previous Sorento generations with a greater degree of sophistication and elegance. The body has sharp lines and folds, noticeably more sculpted than its predecessor with more rounded edges. New interpretation of Kia's 'tiger nose' grille, wider and wrapping the integrated headlights on each side. The headlights themselves are equipped with a new LED daytime running light called 'tiger eye', inspired by the lines that outline the profiles around the eyes of tigers. The new model is 1,900 mm wide, which is 10 mm more than the third generation Sorento. High-quality materials and cutting-edge technology have been used for the interior, with the aim of offering more comfort, starting with the two digital dashboard displays and the 12.3-inch digital instrument panel twinned with an infotainment system. and 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation that extends to the center of the console. The new Sorento is also the first vehicle based on Kia's new global SUV platform for medium / large cars, while the new Smartstream family of hybrid engines marks the entry of electrified units into the Sorento range for the first time. The structure of the new platform foresees a compaction of the engine compartment and the reduction of the front and rear overhangs, favoring however the increase of the wheelbase of 35 mm in order to favor the passenger compartment space. In addition to the space on board and the sleek design of the new model, the structure of the new platform allows Sorento to house electrified engines for the first time without sacrificing on-board space. The Sorento Hybrid battery pack is placed under the floor, to be exact in correspondence with the front passenger rather than the trunk. This choice translates into generous space for up to seven passengers and one of the largest load capacities in its class - up to 813 liters (for hybrid models) or 809 liters (for Plug in Hybrid models). This means that the car can accommodate five people in comfort and a considerable amount of luggage. In the seven-seater models, however, with all seven seats in place, the trunk space is also increased by 32% compared to its predecessor. Kia's new SUV will be available immediately in hybrid variant and later also plug in hybrid. The choice was made to create a uniquely electrified and uniquely 7-seater range. Thus, at launch, the new Sorento will be the only D-SUV Hybrid and plug-in hybrid with 7 seats on the market. The offer consists of three versions, Business, Style and Evolution, within a wide range of prices.