Updated 2018 Kia Sorento gains new 8-speed box and safety features

Kia’s Sorento large SUV has been updated for 2018. The changes include a new eight-speed automatic across the range, a higher and longer body for increased internal space, revised and improved ride and handling characteristics, a new infotainment incorporating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, AEB across the range, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Alert, a 360-degree camera on GT-Line and advanced cruise control for all grades.

The update sees a slight price hike across the range, with pricing for the petrol variants starts at $42,990 (+$2000) for the Si, $44,990 for the Sport (previously Si Limited +$1000) and $46,990 (+$1000) for the SLi .

Diesel powered line-up kicks off with the Si at $45,490 (+$1000), Sport at $48,490 (previously Si Limited +$1000), SLi at $50,490 (+$1000) and the range topping GT-Line at $58,990 (+$500). The slow-selling Platinum has been discontinued. All prices exclude on-roads.

Design

Highlights of the updated exterior include revised front and rear bumpers, new LED head-lamps (GT-Line) and tail-lamps (SLi and GT-Line), and a new dark metallic finish to the ‘tiger-nose’ grille.

A new Gravity Blue exterior paint finish is now available, as well as a new design for the Sorento’s 17-, 18- and 19-inch aluminium alloy wheels.

Inside, the cabin features a newly-designed steering wheel and driver instrument cluster, as well as a new climate control LCD display. The dashboard also features a new infotainment system with size increased from 7-inch to 8-inch.

The new Sorento features an increased proportion of soft touch materials and leather for a more premium cabin ambience. Optional black and stone leather upholstery is also available for Aurora Black and Gravity Blue SLi models.

The GT-Line driver’s seat is equipped with four-way lumbar support with two-way adjustable lumbar support on SLi to enhance seating comfort.

Powertrain

The new Sorento is the first SUV from Kia available with the company’s new eight-speed automatic transmission. The new transmission is available on Sorento models powered by the 2.2-litre diesel engine and the 3.5-litre petrol engine, replacing the six-speed automatic transmission.

Kia’s new eight speeder is claimed to require fewer control valves, enabling a more direct mechanical link to the engine. This allows the transmission to shift more quickly than the outgoing six-speed automatic transmission.

The new transmission offers four different drive modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport and Smart. Drivers can select their preferred mode with the Sorento’s electronic Drive Mode Select system.

GT-Line

Inspired by the appearance of Kia’s higher-performance GT models, the Sorento GT-Line features a range of upgrades for added style and on-road presence.

The exterior features four-lamp LED fog lights, red brake callipers, a more prominent sill step, and subtle GT Line badging designed to distinguish it from other Sorento models. GT-Line models are fitted with a distinctive new chrome twin exhaust tip.

The interior of the GT-Line includes the same improvements as the standard car. In addition, the new variant features unique gear shift paddles and a series of satin chrome highlights throughout the interior.

Technology

The new Sorento is available with Kia’s latest 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with navigation. The new system offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enabling full smartphone integration.

The existing Infinity premium sound system in Sorento has been replaced with a high-end Harman/Kardon sound system in SLi and GT-Line grades. The powerful 640-watt, 10-speaker surround-sound audio system features QuantumLogic Surround Sound technology extracting signals from the original recording, redistributing them into an authentic, multi-dimensional soundstage.

The new Sorento will be available in dealerships from today.

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