New generation test with Diesel

In recent years I have started many of my articles by thinking about the electrified path that the automotive world is taking, focusing my discussion on new “green” mobility solutions ranging from hybrid to electric. Today however, for once, I have to say the opposite. Because precisely in this period of intense energy transition there are those who have chosen to go a little against the current. This is Kia, which in the new generation of Sorrento returns to offer a diesel engine, which combines two electric trains: a full hybrid and a plug-in.

Kia Sorento: how it’s done

Let’s go in order and start discovering how the new Kia Sorento has changed compared to the outgoing generation. The shape and proportions have remained almost unchanged. The height, in fact, remains approx 4.8 meters but the style has been modified, especially in the front. Here the design takes full inspiration from the new stylistic direction that made its debut on the electric EV9. Here the area is now dominated by the brand’s new large Tiger Nose grille, surrounded by new headlights with Full-Led technology with vertical orientation, new alloy wheels with a special design ranging from 17 to 20 inches. Rear changes they are more limited and concentrated in the light clusters that maintain the vertical growth and above all in the lower part of the bumper that now has a new design.

There are also many new features inside the passenger compartment. The dashboard has been extensively revised and is now dominated by two side-by-side screens, both with one. 12.3 inch horizontal. The infotainment system is the most modern available from Kia today, while the instrument panel features new and highly customizable graphics. The perceived level of quality is always very high thanks to the careful choice of materials for various interior decorations, which brings the new Sorento closer to the most popular premium models. Finally, lots of space on board. the presence of seven seats is confirmed: in this configuration the capacity of the load compartment is less than 200 liters, while in the configuration of five seats the capacity is even close to 800 liters.

Kia Sorento: mechanics

From a technical point of view, the new Kia Sorento remains developed on the same platform as the previous generation: compartment suspension and brakes therefore remain the same. What changes instead is the Hdmotori variant which now returns to host a 2.2-litre diesel engine capable of making more power. 194 CV for 450 Nm of torque managed by a two-speed eight-speed gearbox. The attraction can be front or integral In the latter case it is a “real” 4X4 with a traditional drive shaft. The range is then completed by the presence of the full hybrid variant 215 CV e 350 Nm with a six-speed automatic transmission, which thanks to a small battery of 1.49 kWh is able to travel a few kilometers in fully electric mode. The most powerful engine in the range is represented by the plug-in da 252 CV for 350 Nm. Here the battery instead has a capacity of 13.8 kWh, which translates into a range in full electric mode of around 60 km.

Kia Sorento: how is it going?

I couldn’t help but choose the diesel variant for this first contact with the new generation Sorento. The 2.2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder It has full development and excellent thrust, especially at the bottom of the rev counter, where it expresses itself best. There is no point in going over 4,000 rpm, as the engine gives its best within around 3,500 rpm. The function of the automatic two-clutch transmission is good: the gear changes are constant and quick, even if the gearbox seems to enter a little “crisis” when high power is requested by pressing the accelerator pedal quickly. The all-wheel drive system is interesting, as it manages the distribution between the inner and rear wheels by means of power through an electrically controlled system. In any case, it is possible to intervene manually, at least partially, on the operation of the attraction of all wheels via the drive mode selector located in the central tunnel. This allows you to choose, in addition to the comfort environment and sports designed for the road, also those designed specifically for off-road routes. in this way it is possible to move even away from the asphalt quite easily, within the limits, obviously, represented by the angle of attack on the advance and the exit which is not strictly off-road. Kia technicians also worked hardsound blocking of the new Sorento. Up to highway speeds, aerodynamic rust and tire noise is largely muted, allowing you to travel in total comfort. For this reason, I would have expected a smoother setup, to suit the character of the model’s main athlete. But it must be said that 20-inch wheels were installed on the sample that underwent this test. I’m sure that even if it was just one size down, the comfort would be greatly increased.

Kia Sorento: price

The new generation of Kia’s largest SUV is offered in three trim levels: Business, Style and Evolution. Prices for the two-wheeler variant of the Diesel engine start from 47.350 euros. For a full hybrid, always in the front-wheel drive variant, it starts from 49,350, while the plug-in (only available with all-wheel drive) is offered from 56,350 euros.