Kia Sorento gets more safety tech

Kia’s Sorento seven-seater has a new eight-speed auto and more driver assistance technology to combat new arrivals from other brands.

 

Excitement is building for Kia, not that the subdued colour palette on the new Sorento would give any indication. Massaged for 2018, the seven-seat Sorento SUV gets new infotainment technology, improved safety and an automatic with two more ratios than the outgoing six-speed transmission.

Prices are up across the range. The entry level V6 increases by $2000 to $42,900 plus on-roads. The flagship diesel, the most popular derivative, adds $500 to start from $58,990.

“Customers have been willing to part with $60,000 since the car was launched,” says Kia Australia boss Damien Meredith.

More safety gear and an 8-speed transmission increase the appeal of the Sorento. Pic: Supplied.

In his three years at the helm of Kia — after time with Hyundai and a long stint at Honda — sales have doubled.

He cites a three-pronged approach: “Great product, good dealer network and good management staff.”

“We are number eight in the marketplace. Stinger (sporty sedan) has just been launched, our product offering is fantastic, so it’s an exciting time.”

Many will struggle to spot the differences between the outgoing Sorento and the replacement but Meredith reckons the upgrade will increase the model’s sales.

New alloy wheel designs and changes to the bumpers deliver a slightly sharper appearance — and buyers certainly won’t stand out from the crowd with any outlandish colours. The choices are white, silver, metal, graphite, black, a new blue hue and white pearl.

The colours palettes are conservative. Pic: Supplied.

Product planning manager Rowland Rivero says the bland choices stem from “traditionally conservative” demand — even red has been culled globally due to lack of interest.

Under the metal, Kia has gone back to the future. The 2.2-litre turbo diesel carries over while the 3.5-litre V6 is an updated version of that launched in 2012 (outgoing models use a 3.3-litre).

Kia Australia can’t explain why head office went that direction, bringing a marginal increase in fuel consumption but a significant dip in CO2 emissions.

Key tech gains include an upmarket eight-inch touchscreen with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. Standard are digital radio, autonomous emergency braking with forward collision warning, driver attention alert, lane keeping assist and radar cruise control.

The cabin now has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Pic: Supplied.

The base model is still called an Si but the next step up is the Sport, which gains leather trim and larger 18-inch alloys.

On the next rung is the SLi with 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio.

Only the range-topping GT-Line variant comes with all the safety kit, including blind spot assist, 360-degree camera, lights that turn with the steering and rear cross traffic alert.

Those additional features aren’t available as a pack. Metallic paint at $595 is the sole option across the range.

 

The Sorento is composed on the road. Pic: Supplied.

ON THE ROAD

Advances in road manners keep the Sorento quiet and composed. There is less body roll in the bends and the eight-speed transmission shifts seamlessly with either engine.

Most will opt for the diesel and it feels burly without being a rocket ship.

The petrol engine endows quicker pick up, with an easy ability to get the front wheels squealing, but the majority of buyers will find average fuel consumption of 10.0L/100km too great compared with the diesel’s circa 8.0L.

VERDICT 4 STARS

Always handy, the Sorento just got better. Improved technology and infotainment are bundled into a spacious and commonsense family package.

 

AT A GLANCE

KIA SORENTO

PRICE From $42,900-$58,990 (reasonable)

WARRANTY-SERVICING 7-year w’ty, capped price servicing (excellent)

ENGINE 3.5-litre V6, 206kW/336Nm; 2.2-litre 4-cyl turbo diesel. 147kW/441Nm (strong)

SAFETY 5 stars, autonomous emergency brake, front and rear sensors, lane keeping assist, driver attention alert (good)

THIRST 7.2L-10L/100km (heavy on petrol)

BOOT 142L/605L (on par)

SPARE Full-size alloy (none better)

WHAT’S NEW

PRICE Increases from $500 to $2000, base petrol model from $42,990 plus on-roads. Sport variant replaces Si Limited, third rung is SLi and range-topper is GT-Line (Platinum name banished).

TECHNOLOGY Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and digital radio are the key infotainment inclusions. Added lifesaving tech includes autonomous emergency braking and radar cruise control.

PERFORMANCE Eight-speed automatic is now standard. Diesel models are honest and reliable; the petrol V6 is thirsty but remains a rewarding performer.

DRIVING Remarkably quiet and composed on varying surfaces, with less body roll in the bends. The ride is excellent and there are four drive modes — Smart switches between Sport and Comfort depending on your driving style.

DESIGN Front and rear bumper updates and the company grille gets a dark metallic colour change. GT-Line models get LED headlights and, as with SLi, tail-lamps.