Following teaser images released by the Korean carmaker earlier this month, Kia has officially launched the third-generation Sorento in South Korea.
Kia aims to sell 270,000 of its all-new Sorento SUVs worldwide in 2015, and the company is confident that the third-generation Sorento will outpace its rivals in all areas.
“The target set for domestic sales in 2014 stands at 5,000 units per month, with next year’s target being 50,000 for South Korea and 220,000 in all foreign markets,” the company said.
Since its launch in 2002, sales of the Sorento had reached 2.09 million units, with the 2015 target equal to 13% of all cars sold so far.
The latest Sorento, takes a more sporty and athletic stance, flanked by the company’s signature “Tiger Nose” grille, along with jewel-like recessed fog lamps. The new crossover has a lower roof line, but is longer, wider and has more space between the front and rear wheels than the model it replaces. It is 95mm longer with its wheelbase stretched by 80mm. The dimensions allow the car to have three rows of seats and 605-litres of cargo space in the back, up 90-litres from its predecessors.
The crossover also comes equipped with carbon fibre-reinforced panoramic sunroof rims that are lighter and stronger than conventional metal frames, high beam assist and a smart tailgate that can help out with parking.
In terms of safety, the Sorento is equipped with six airbags, lane departure warning and blind spot detection. Extensive use of high strength steel can better protect passengers in the event of a crash.
The suspension system has also been modified to make the car more planted on the road, with emphasis placed on steering feel. It said for the four-wheel drive model, advanced traction cornering control has been applied that should greatly improve the car’s driving dynamics.
Apart from that, Kia said that extensive use of structural adhesives and various techniques, such as more floor undercover, has greatly improved noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) quality in the crossover.
In South Korea, the Sorento will be offered with two 4-cylinder turbo diesel engines. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder produces 186PS and 402 Nm of torque, while the 2.2-litre unit churns out 202PS and 441Nm of torque.
The third-generation Kia Sorento that will reach South Korean consumers later this month and has already received 7,000 booking orders in just two weeks since it started taking pre-orders.
Source: Caradvice.au
