MOTORING STAFF Sorento set to ignite your soul

KIA SHARED the first images of its new Sorento SUV this week, before its first public appearance at the 2020 Geneva International Motor Show.

The concept of “refined boldness” inspired the designers who sought to maintain the robust, tough-looking aesthetic of earlier generations of Sorento, while applying a greater degree of refinement and elegance, it says.

Arguably more stylish than before, the redefined design incorporates sharper lines and uninterrupted surfaces, making it noticeably more sculpted than its more round-edged predecessor.

With more contemporary geometric details and more swept-back, elongated proportions, the result is a more confident, more mature and more desirable design than ever before.

MOVING UPMARKET

The Sorento’s face evolves, too, with a new interpretation of the brand’s hallmark tiger-nose grille. Wider and more expansive, it wraps around the integrated headlamps on each side. The headlamp feature a new tiger-eye LED daytime running light design.

From the side, the proportions of the Sorento are subtly adapted to make it appear longer, with shorter front and rear overhangs and a longer wheelbase. Its new proportions also extend the length of the bonnet, drawing the A-pillar 30mm further back from the front axle for a more cab-rearward design.

The trailing edge of the hood wraps around the front wings and turns into a single, strong character line which extends along the side and flows into the new vertical tail lights.

It’s so smart-looking, that one can easily mistake it for something more premium.

TECH LADEN

Inside, the attractive, upscale cabin introduces a sophisticated new design, incorporating infotainment, supreme practicality and premium-grade materials. Said to be one of the highest quality interior spaces found in any Kia todate, the intuitive, tech-oriented cabin retains the spaciousness and three-row versatility that has characterised the vehicle over its 18-year existence.

A Kia spokesperson says the cabin introduces a sophisticated next-generation design. Blending metallic trims, leather upholstery and embossed wood-effect surfaces, the interior also subtly integrates other technologies to enhance connectivity, driver assistance and infotainment.

The new Sorento will make its debut on March 3, so stay tuned to IOL MOTORING for information as it breaks from the Geneva Motor Show next month.

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