2015 Kia all-new Sorento first drive
2015 Kia all-new Sorento first drive
KOLAO (the official distributor of Kia) unveiled Kia's premium SUV model, the all-new Sorento last week.
The first-generation Sorento was launched in 2002. Its second-generation model hit the market in 2009. In total, more than 2.07 million units have been sold around the world as of June.
The 3rd generation Sorento is longer, wider, and lower than the previous generation. Its new look is not only sleeker but also provides more room for passengers, while making it easier to get into and out of the vehicle.
The interior features were designed by Kia's European designers and the company claims the result is a “more sophisticated, more luxurious cabin, featuring significantly higher quality materials”, including a higher proportion of soft-touch plastics and leath er.
The new Sorento is longer than the car it replaces at 4,780 millimetres (+95mm), and is wider by 5mm (now 1,890mm), but with a roof height 15mm lower than the current car (1,685mm). The wheelbase has been stretched to better accommodate passengers (now 2,780mm – was 2,700mm).
All-new Sorento has been awarded the highest five-star crash safety rating by Euro NCAP thanks to its stronger structure and variety of passive and active safety features. Its body is composed of 53 percent ultra-high strength steel, making it more resistant to external impacts.
The Sorento sits in between the larger Mohave and smaller Sportage crossovers in Kia's corporate line-up, with its CRDI 2.2-litre diesel engines (4X4). These engines are mounted with a six-speed automatic transmission.
“All-new Sorento has been tested travelling 1.1 million kilometres around the world to ensure safe driving in diverse road and weather conditions. In this way, NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) is clearly improved considering off-road driving conditions in Laos,” explained Mr Kim Boosik who is an Executive Director of KOLAO.
The full range of advanced safety features, such as ESC (Electronic Stability Control), HAC (Hill-start Assist Control) and Auto Cruise Control incorporating Kia's state-of-the-art technology, take all-new Sorento's safety to a level that owners deserve.
In addition, the convenient features which are core requirements in the all-new Sorento's development include ventilated seats, Memory seat, USB charger and rear door side curtain.
