Kia continues to set new standards for the SUV market and the all-new Kia Sorento has just raised the bar. With the 2021 Sorento Hybrid, Kia delivers plenty of good reasons for us to choose its modest mid-size family crossover. The all-new Kia Sorento seven-seater SUV range with electrified powertrain delivers a fast and smooth transition from electric to hybrid operation.
This new Kia Sorento PHEV model has the lowest emissions and highest power output in the Sorento range thanks to its Parallel Hybrid Drive system.
Engine And Battery Specification of Kia Sorento PHEV
The All-New Sorento PHEV has the ability to drive using electric power only. In fact it can go as far as 57 kilometres without having to use the petrol engine and 70 kilometres in city driving. The third-gen Smartstream engine technology delivers enhanced efficiency and performance. It’s a powerful 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a high capacity battery pack and high output electric motor, which together provide power potential of 195 kW and 350 Nm of torque. The time for 0-100 km / hr is estimated around 8.6 seconds. The engine takes advantage of Hyundai’s new CVVD (Continuously Variable Valve Duration) technology to increase efficiency and power. The hybrid has the same AWD (All-Wheel Drive) system as the diesel but instead of an eight-speed auto there are only six ratios. A clutch system capable of disconnecting the motor for electric-only operation in gentle low-speed acceleration or for short distances when cruising improves the vehicle refinement. Eco, Smart, Sport and various electronically tailored driving traction modes can be selected to cope with varying surface conditions.
Kia has equipped the plug-in Sorento with a 13.8-kWh lithium-ion battery. The intelligent plug-in hybrid technology allows you to drive longer distances whilst still reducing your overall running costs and CO2 emissions. The Sorento PHEV also utilises regenerative braking technology which means the battery is recharged under braking which further improves driving range and maximises efficiency. Kia is also introducing new battery technology with this model. The Sorento PHEV will be the first Kia vehicle to use an independent battery water cooling system. The company says the system ensures optimal heat management and battery pack efficiency.
Interior Exaltation of Kia Sorento PHEV
The interior displays a leap in quality and design for Kia cabins. The innovative cabin is not only spacious and versatile, it’s also fitted with premium materials and a cutting-edge infotainment system. The dashboard with a 12.3-inch digital display is modified somewhat to allow for displaying powertrain information. The multimedia system, which comes to life on a 10.25-inch touch screen, will feature a recharging station search function. Undoubtedly, the Sorento’s greatest attribute is its ability to carry seven people in comfort and it also makes a decent fist of getting them in and out with a minimal amount of fuss. Pressing a button, the second-row outer seat backrest releases and slides the seats forward in one synchronised movement, so there’s no puffing and panting involved. The front leather seats are heated and cooled, and the middle row seats are heated. The rear row of seats feature their own climate heater and cooling controls. With all the seat rows up, there’s a useful 175 litres of space. It also offers one of the largest luggage capacities in its class when the second and third rows are folded down.
Exterior And Safety Aids Clarification in Kia Sorento PHEV
Exquisite styling includes bold sculpted lines with classy geometric details and more swept-back, lengthened proportions with a 35mm longer wheelbase, creating greater cabin space between the axles. At the front of the Sorento, features a tiger nose grille which displays a wide shape and seemingly wraps around the integrated dual LED headlights. It also features exclusive ‘ECO Plug-in’ badges and a charging port, which is neatly integrated into the panel.
Safety assets include Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA), Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop and Go, Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCAA), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Lane Follow Assist (LFA) and Parking Collision Avoidance Assist (PCA).
Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), being a spick-and-span feature will ensure great safety. Side cameras allow the driver to see concealed vehicles usually hidden in your blind spot when changing lanes. Indicate left or right and a view of the road in your blind spot will appear on the instrument cluster.
Sales And Warranty Reportage in Kia Sorento PHEV
The Kia Sorento PHEV costs somewhere around 40 lakhs, which is more than the HEV version with the addition of that charging lead, larger battery pack and stronger electric motor. According to Kia, sales of the Sorento PHEV will begin in early 2021 in selected markets. Like all Kia’s, the plug-in Sorento has a seven-year / 100,000-mile warranty.
