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There had been a lot of discussion about the generation of Sorrento we will be getting here in Pakistan because last year KIA globally introduced an all new 4th generation Sorento AND everyone really wanted that to happen. Unfortunately it seems like we all know and its now an established fact that we are not getting the 4th generation and will rely on the 3rd generation.
We also know that the green field incentive on tax breaks as per current auto policy is to lapse by June 2021, KIA would like to avail the opportunity and bring a model NOW so they can price it competitively against the competition. After June 2021, most duties % on import will come into force so, waiting for a newer generation and developing a 4th generation might not be an option because of time constraints. Launching a newer CKD/ local assembled vehicle of generation in line with International model which is currently being assembled at limited locations is not an easy equation. For development of any new model, it takes a lot of time which includes plant upgradation, supply chain and other factors and if a model is just released overseas , offering the same in a local market like Pakistan within a few months of overseas arrival, is not possible.
Anyways; so if we agree and believe that we are getting the 3rd generation because that is what being seen on roads during marketing campaign and that was what was imported as test models. Letβs go over a refresher, what we know so far and there will be some prediction, which may or may not be true.
We reported multiple times in recent past about this subject and I am sure many people already know a lot of things.
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The Sorento is a 3 row mid-size vehicle and sits above Sportage and below Telluride in the KIA portfolio. The 3rd generation of Sorento was revealed in 2015 as model year 2016 and later it got a face-lift in 2018.
As for dimensions, It is 189β long, 74.4β wide and height of around 66β. For reference, the Sportage is 176.5β long ,73β wide and 64β high. As of ground clearance the Sorento sits at around 7.3β while Sportage is 6.7β. To understand the footprint for a comparison, Fortuner is 188.7" long, 73" wide , 72.2" tall. So, Sorento is slightly bigger BUT not much as far as exterior footprint.
It is believed that KIA Pakistan will introduce three variants. There is also a possibility that KIA launch two variants in start and then introduce the third one later, like we saw in case of Sportage.
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The 3rd generation was designed and developed in Korea but had a major input from European & US KIA design team . The Tiger-Nose grill which is the brand's identity on front with sweeping projector headlamps gives the vehicle brand new sporty and premium touch comparing the previous/ 2nd generation. The roof lines slopes C-pillar onward. Multi beam LED headlights are part of higher trim / variants while on other variants/ models regular halogen projector along with LED DRL combination lamps are used. Overall , it's a handsome looking SUV and feel and look premium inside and out.
In overseas market, Soretno came up in various trims and obviously there were some exterior differences depending upon the model version as well the market it was introduced. We will be receiving the facelift model. Some of main differences on the exterior are type of headlights and taillights. I have used some reference pictures and marked it with βA β and β B β to differentiate the options.
The higher trim levels in overseas market had multi beam LED headlights and Quad LED FOG lamps [ A ]. In contrast the standard headlights on Soretno are projector [ B ] while a single beam fog lamp in the lower bumper similar to Sportage. On the rear of the facelift Sorento do have standard LED taillights BUT there is slightly difference in the glow pattern . β Aβ vs βB β. The Sorento which was seen on the roads in Pakistan had headlights and taillights as of βBβ.
So, this will be something to look for when the local model is introduced. I hope KIA PK introduced the options as seen on the βAβ model at least on the top of the line model. Rest, there are not much differences on exterior. We will see the chrome door handles, 18 and 19β wheels will also will make up as well as roof rails and front and rear bumper aluminum valance/ diffuser . Expect similar color options as of Sportage . Maybe some more shades.
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The Sorento is Unibody vehicle. The 3rd/UM generation Sorento is built on Hyundai-KIAβs shared platform known as " Y6 " which is also basis of previous generation Hyundai Sonata, KIA Optima, Grandeur , the 3rd generation Carnival as well the Hyundai Santa FE [ as sold by Nishat as CBU ]. Depending on markets, the 3rd generation Sorento is available in different engine options like 3.3LV6, 3.5LV6, 2.4L MPI, 2L Turbo GDI, 2L Diesel and 2.2L Diesel .
KIA Lucky motors imported a 2.4L as well as a 3.5LV6 versions for testing and CEO of KIA PK also confirmed in an interview that these will be offered. Again nothing is confirmed as far as engine line up. We might get both engine options or maybe either one of it.
The 2.4L/ G4KE Theta II MPI, is an inline 4 engine. This engine is similar and related to the 2L engine currently offered in Sportage but with higher displacement and some slight differences. This engine is rated somewhere around 169HP@5800 and has torque figures of 220NM @4000.
As of the 3.5L / G6DC Lambda II MPi , is a V6 engine. This engine makes around 276HP and 336NM of torque. This is the similar engine as now also offered in the recently released KIA Grand Carnival.
As of transmission, it will be a 6 speed automatic for the 2.4L version while the 3.5L V6 is paired with an 8 speed automatic. The 3rd gen Sorento is front engine front wheel drive as standard while AWD is also available. It uses the Dynamax AWD system, same as in the Sportage with locking central differential.
Depending on markets, there was variation as far as availability of AWD with a certain engine. Like in Australia, the 3.5L V6 was offered only with FWD , AWD was available on the 2.2L diesel . In Malaysia, the AWD is available on the 2.4L engine although in some markets like Egypt which is the left hand drive, AWD is only available on the 3.5L V6 while the 2.4L was only with FWD.
It is pertinent to note that the 3 units KIA PK imported [ 1X2.4L and 2x3.5L ] , were FWD version only and these were LEFT HAND DRIVE and imported from Egypt. In Pakistan, we should expect a AWD version BUT with which engine combination it will be offered is still early to say and a mystery . There are rumors that the 3.5L V6 might be FWD only while 2.4L with AWD. This can be other way around as well , like 3.5L with AWD and 2.4L with FWD.
Well God knows, maybe we get AWD on both engine options although it has slim chances. Keep in mind the 3.5LV6 with AWD would be a gas guzzler. In Australia where it was offered as FWD only, the combined city + highway was reported as 10 liters per 100 kilometers so, with AWD expect it to be lower.
As of suspension it is similar to what we have in Sportage ; MacPherson strut-front while independent multilink rear. EPS and ABS disc brakes obviously will be available as standard and option of 17 or 18β alloy wheels while 19β are also predicted.
Keep is mind that AWD feature in most of Crossovers and also available in number of sedans and even hatchbacks does not necessarily mean they are off road performers. The AWD feature is there to provide traction in case of mud, snow on paved / unpaved roads BUT these vehicles are NOT appropriate to use on unpaved surfaces with undulations.
As per official KIA specifications, Sorento is not designed for an OFF ROAD activity. Doing so, can damage undercarriage components.
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As for the interior , it was the responsibility of the KIA European design team from Frankfurt. Obviously being an older generation which was introduced almost 6 years ago, interior seems dated and old fashioned comparing the newer generation of KIA models. Anyways, Soft touch material with simple driver-centric controls can be seen although for 2015 it was a simple nice appreciated design , but nothing looks fancy in the 3rd generation comparing the newer 4th generation of Sorento. Internationally both single tone or two tone interior dashboard was available. We should expect the two tone [ black+ beige] version.
Now there are some differences as far as the driver information display/ the instrumental cluster. In international market, the higher trim levels got a different instrumental cluster as βAβ , which has the analogue gauges with bigger central while some integrated digital display in between. This display was also available on models which has active safety features offered.
The standard cluster can be seen as βBβ , which has simple two gauges with smaller digital display in the middle, similar to the Sportage. I hope KIA PK introduce the βAβ version at least on the top of the line variant of Sortento. This will be something to look for when the local model is launched. The Sorento vehicle seen on the roads of Pakistan during marketing campaign had the " B " cluster.
Overall , you can have a feeling of Sportage interior as far as the overall dashboard theme is concerned. Obviously like Sportage, smart entry , leather wrapped telescopic steering wheel with steering wheel controls, cell phone connectivity, dual zone climate control, 7" or 8" infotainment with android auto/apple Carplay integration, cruise control, rain sensor , power & heated folding side view mirrors, EPB/ electronic parking brake will be offered. KIA don't offer a navigation system on locally assembled Sportage and it seems that we might not see it on Sorento as well.
Heated front seats might be available while there will be Power driver and passenger front seat, while 40/20/40 second row seats and 50/50 split third row seats will be available. We can expect both leather and fabric seats and option of Panoramic roof as well as power tailgate . The third row folds flat and provides ample cargo space.
As of safety ; automatic headlights , parking sensors, backup camera , ABS with Brake Assist system, downhill assist, hill start assist control , VSC will be available along with the two frontal airbags. I hope side curtain airbags are also part of the package and KIA kill the tradition of just two air bags currently offered in local assembled vehicles. Sorento is offered with 6 airbags in total as standard equipment in overseas markets.
Being an older generation offered, I believe KIA should include more features and standard equipment including saefty as it will also help mask the 3rd generation label.
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Lastly, as of price nothing is sure but I think it will undercut the Toyota Fortuner OR will overlap it . We can expect two or possible three variants of Sorento and price bracket of 7 Million to 8 Million range . There is also a rumor that the top variant of Sorento might be around 8.5 Million. Again, all these are predictions at this time.
We should keep in mind that the Sorento is NOT designed for off road adventures and not your typical off road vehicle. As far as road comfort and dynamics, Sorento will behave much better compared to the Fortuner and reason being itβs based on car platform while Fortuner is based on a Pickup truck , body on frame design . It can give tough time to Fortuner keeping in mind the price and features it will carry, less the off road capabilities. Other downside for Sorento could be the βDISCONTINUEDβ model with respect to the rest of the world BUT at least it will bring some competition in the market.
Additionally, the success of Sorento will also depend on after sales service, parts availability and cost of maintenance. The main point of discussion among Sportage owners is the expensive spare parts and high maintenance cost. Expensive service / parts cost especially after lapse of warranty can cause an impact on the resale value as well. Keep in mind, KIA and Hyundai parts availability from third party vendors like even in the used parts market might not be easy or cheap in other words parts availability might mostly remain exclusive to dealerships.
Pakwheels Thread Sorento > https://www.pakwheels.com/forums/t/kia-sorento-dedicated-discussion-thread/1647607
[f-w @PakWheels.com]
( pictures in the post are for reference only )
