New Kia Sorento launched in South Africa - IAB Report

06/07/2015 - 19:57 | ,   | Aravind Jayachandran

Available in four variants and with two engine options.

The third generation Kia Sorento has been launched in South Africa, starting at a price of ZAR 379,995 (INR 19.53 Lakhs) for the entry model. The new Sorento made its global debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show in October.

2016 Kia Sorento front launched in South Africa
The SA-spec Kia Sorento doesn't get the ice-cube LED fog lamps from the North American spec model.

The new Sorento looks remarkably different from the outgoing model, following the latest design language. It features Kia's ‘tiger shark’ nose with three dimensional diamond grille flanked by swept-back headlamps with bi-xenon projector lens.

The side profile gets new alloy wheels, bigger greenhouse and a chrome strip that spans the wheelbase are the other design highlights. The rear sports a wraparound windshield and LED taillights, while the exhaust system is concealed.

The new Sorento is 4,780 mm in length (90 mm longer), 1,685 mm in height (15 mm shorter) and 2,780 mm in wheelbase (80 mm longer) while the width remains unchanged at 1,885 mm.

2016 Kia Sorento interior South Africa specification
The interior is also a step up from the outgoing Sorento, in terms of build quality and equipment.

The interior is also a step up from the outgoing Sorento, with respect to build quality and equipment. It gets a simple interior design with lower button count, new steering wheel and instrument cluster, and premium leather upholstery available in dual tone colors. The top spec variant gets Blind Spot Detection System and Smart Power Tailgate as standard.

The new Kia Sorento comes with a choice between a 2.4-litre petrol engine and a 2.2-litre ‘R’ turbo diesel engine. The former produces 127 hp and 225 Nm of torque, while the latter delivers 147 hp and 440 Nm of torque. The petrol model only gets a 6-speed manual, whereas the diesel models are equipped with a 6-speed automatic. Higher spec diesel models also features Kia’s DYNAMAX all-wheel drive system as standard.

2016 Kia Sorento rear quarter launched in South Africa
The Kia Sorento comes with a choice between a 2.4-litre petrol engine and a 2.2-litre ‘R’ turbo diesel engine.

Also Read: 2016 Kia Cadenza (Kia K7) spotted testing in Korea

Prices for the Kia Sorento start from ZAR 379,995 (INR 19.53 Lakhs) for the Kia Sorento 2.4 LS, ZAR 499,995 (INR 25.7 Lakhs) for the 2.2 CRDi LX variant, ZAR 599,995 (INR 30.84 Lakhs) for the 2.2 CRDi EX AWD, and the range-topping 2.2 CRDi SX AWD from ZAR 634,995 (INR 32.64 Lakhs).

You can find more details regarding the South African spec Sorento in the official press release shown below the gallery.

Kia Sorento launched in South Africa - Press Release

[Can’t see the press release? Head over to Slideshare]

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