New derivative to bolster Sorento range’s accomplishment with unrivalled practicality, functionality and value for money
(JOHANNESBURG) March 1, 2017 – KIA Motors South Africa this week expands its Sorento line-up with the introduction of the new Sorento 2.2 CRDI LS. The new derivative complements the range’s previous entry point, the Sorento 2.4 LS, by offering the same award-winning design, superior ride comfort, and class-leading quality in a package that now also excels in power, frugality and exceptional value for money.
Originally launched at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, and introduced to South Africa in July 2015, the latest Sorento represents a new level for KIA vehicles. With its smooth, swept-back profile and multiple award-winning design, the Sorento spearheaded KIA’s unwavering drive for quality. In fact, the KIA Sorento was one of the first KIA models to consistently rank at the top of its segment for perceived quality in multiple global markets, won the people’s vote in the 2015 Middle East Car of the Year competition, and was also voted a finalist in the 2015 WesBank / SAGMJ Car of the Year competition.
“The Sorento remains a key model for KIA in South Africa due to our affinity for the SUV class of vehicles,” says David Sieff, Marketing Director, KIA Motors South Africa. “Representing KIA’s next step up the quality and refinement ladder, it remains one of our most awarded models globally thanks to its unique combination of space, practicality and refinement, all factors that make owning and driving the Sorento a pleasure.”
The new Sorento 2.2 CRDi LS model bolsters the Sorento 2.4 LS model’s strengths by combining vast practicality and functionality with the increased power, performance and fuel efficiency of KIA’s renowned 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine, and the convenience of a smooth shifting 6-speed automatic transmission. The model is ideal for growing families, as well as those with active lifestyles who value fuss-free motoring without compromising on space or comfort.
KIA’s much-loved 2,2-litre ‘R’ turbodiesel features the brand’s fourth-generation fuel-injection system for greater fuel economy, performance and engine response, while simultaneously reducing engine noise. An exhaust gas recirculation cooler promotes recirculation of clean, cold, low-pressure exhaust gas to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions and improve fuel efficiency, while an electronic swirl control valve in the intake manifold further reduces emissions by more carefully controlling the intake of oxygen to the combustion chamber.
As with all other Sorento models, the Sorento 2.2 CRDi LS features a fully independent suspension with MacPherson struts at the front and KIA’s multi-link system, with larger bushes and larger shock absorbers mounted vertically behind the axle line, at the rear. This suspension setup, together with the Sorento’s long wheelbase, ensures a compliant ride with a more progressive response to bumps in the road, as well as improved body control.
Additionally, the Sorento’s driving characteristics can also be matched to prevailing driving conditions, thanks to the Drive Mode Select system, activated via a switch on the centre console. ‘Normal’ mode is best suited for day-to-day driving, while ‘Eco’ mode reprograms the shift points of the automatic transmission to achieve optimum fuel economy. Finally, ‘Sport’ mode allows the gearbox to delay shifting and reduces the level of steering assistance for a sportier feel.
The Sorento 2.2 CRDi LS offers seating for five passengers, as well as a range of comfort and convenience features. An LCD screen, located between two analogue dials in the centre of the instrument binnacle, displays all major trip computer information such as vehicle range and average and instant fuel consumption in one place. It also features a Radio / CD / MP3 player, multimedia ports for USB and AUX-in connections, and six speakers around the cabin. Rear seats feature a 40:20:40 split folding function, as well as a vast 660-litre cargo space – big enough for the entire family’s luggage, weekend sporting paraphernalia, and even the family’s Great Danes.
Priced at R489 995, it also offers unbeatable value for money.
“This new model brings the comfort and refinement of a premium, purpose-built SUV to a market segment where competitors are largely based on what is essentially a light commercial vehicle platform. It will take but a short test drive to convince any prospective SUV buyer of the Sorento’s virtues,” says Gary Scott, Deputy MD and Director of Sales, KIA Motors South Africa. “The Sorento’s class-leading warranty further entrenches the proposition that style does not have to come at the expense of common sense.”
The revised KIA Sorento range comprise the following models:
KIA Sorento 2.4 LS Manual 5-Seater R457 995
KIA Sorento 2.2 CRDi LS Automatic 5-Seater R489 995
KIA Sorento 2.2 CRDi LX Automatic 5-Seater R582 995
KIA Sorento 2.2 CRDi EX Automatic 7-Seater R686 995
KIA Sorento 2.2 CRDi SX Automatic 7-Seater R713 995
KIA Sorento 2.2 CRDi SXL Automatic 7-Seater R733 995
The new Sorento 2.2 CRDi LS Automatic 5-seater ships as standard with KIA’s innovative 5-year / Unlimited km Warranty, with 5-years / Unlimited km roadside assistance as well as a 5-year / 100 000km Service Plan.
