Kia distributor, Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd, has officially launched the 2023 Kia Sorento in Malaysia. Since its global debut in 2002, the Sorento has been one of Kia’s best-selling vehicles globally. The Sorento has transformed from a model built as a body-on-frame SUV, to one which represents the pinnacle of the brand’s design and engineering, winning multiple awards such as the Car and Driver 2022 Editors’ Choice award and 2021 Red Dot awards.
The 4th generation Kia Sorento is available here with 2 powertrain and 2 seat layout choices. The Sorento range starts off with the 7-seater (2-3-2) variant powered by the 2.5L Smartstream MPi petrol engine (front wheel drive), to the 6-seater (2-2-2) variant with the same 2.5L Smartstream engine but with all-wheel drive, to the range-topper 6-seater (2-2-2) powered by a 2.2L Smartstream CRDi turbo diesel engine with all-wheel-drive.
The Smartstream petrol engine variants are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and produce up to 177 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 232 Nm of torque @ 4,000 rpm. On the other hand, the diesel engine (Euro 5) is paired with an 8-speed DCT (wet dual clutch transmission) and produces 199 hp @ 3,800 rpm and 440 Nm of torque @ 1,750 – 2,750 rpm. Incidentally, the diesel engine uses an aluminium block and is 38.2 kg lighter than its predecessor to enhance fuel efficiency.
Further, the all-new Sorento diesel variant features a ‘Terrain Mode’ which improves traction, stability and control on mud, snow and sand. The system automatically optimises the drivetrain to suit each scenario, adjusting for engine torque output and distribution and as well as stability control. Wheel sizes also differ slightly, with the base 7-seater petrol variant using 18″ wheels and both the 6-seaters using 19″.
The proportions of the Sorento are adapted to make it appear longer but with shorter front and rear overhangs. The longer wheelbase (+35 mm) also extends the length of the bonnet, drawing the A-pillar further back from the front axle by 30 mm to give it a more ‘cab-rearward’ design. Kia designers have retained the characteristic wide D-pillar with substantial bodywork and clad wheel arches and adopted certain design features from recent Kia models, including a new dynamic shape on its C-pillar.
Inside, the Sorento features mood lighting, dual zone climate control for the front with the 3rd row seats getting manual control, electronic parking brake, 8-way power adjustment with 2-way lumbar adjustment for the driver’s seat, 8-way power adjustment for front passenger, 2 12V outlets and 6 USB ports. The 7-seater uses fabric seat upholstery while the 6-seaters get leatherette.
The 6-seaters also get a 12.3″ digital instrument cluster to complement the head-up display, while the 7-seater has a 4.2″ version. However, all variants come with a 10.25″ touchscreen infotainment unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a wireless charger. The 7-seater though, gets only half of the 6-seaters 12 speakers (BOSE for the 6-seaters), and just a reverse camera view instead of the surround view option.
In terms of safety, the all-new Kia Sorento is equipped with standard safety features and advanced safety features. The standard safety features includes 6 SRS airbags (Front Driver & Passenger, Side and Curtain), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Multi-Collision Brake Control (MCB), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), ISOFIX Child Restraint Anchor Points and Top Tethers.
Then there are the High Beam Assist (HBA), Blindspot Collision Warning (BCW), Blindspot Collision Avoidance (BCA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Junction Turning (with pedestrian, cyclist and vehicle detection, that also helps detects oncoming traffic when making a turn at a junction), and Smart Cruise Control (with Stop & Go). The Blindspot View Monitor (BVM) is available only for the 6-seater variants.
Moreover, the Kia Sorento was awarded 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating in 2020. The Sorento achieved 82% for adult occupant protection, 85% for child occupant protection, 63% for pedestrian protection and 87% in the ‘Safety Assist’ category. The car’s safety rating was reinforced by the Advanced High Strength Steel bodyshell with torsional rigidity of 12.5%. All the variants are also equipped with Kia’s Vehicle Stability Management and Electronic Stability Control system as standard.
The all-new Kia Sorento is assembled as CKD units at the Inokom assembly plant in Kulim, Kedah. The exterior colour options are Astra Blue, Meteor Grey, Snowflake White Pearl, Sonic Silver and Jet Black. Retail prices are RM209,888 for the 2.5L 7-seater; RM233,888 for the 2.5L 6-seater; and RM253,888 for the 2.2L 6-seater. Prices quoted are before registration, road tax and insurance.
All Sorentos come with a 5-Year Manufacturer Warranty with a coverage period of up to 5 years or mileage of 100,000 km (whichever comes first). They also come with 5 years of Free Scheduled Maintenance, for up to 5 years or 100,000 km (whichever comes first).
Keyword: 2023 Kia Sorento Launched In Malaysia; Locally Assembled With Prices Starting From RM209,888