On the eve of the Paris Auto Show, Kia kicked things off by introducing its third-generation Sorento crossover.
Click here for full coverage of the 2014 Paris Motor Show
It earns a sharper, albeit evolutionary, look and an all-new platform that stretches the wheelbase to 2,780 millimetres, which is up 80 mm. It also brings improved torsional rigidity — it’s up 14% compared to the outgoing model.
The 2015 Kia Sorento.
Graeme Fletcher, Driving
The credit goes to the use of ultra-high strength steel. Its usage jumps to 52.7% of the body from just 24.4%. Kia says this equates to a more compliant ride and a quieter cabin. The latter is supported by increased insulation and isolation between the interior and outside world.
The materials also take a marked step forward. Along with the soft-touch crash pad and rubberized feel to the plastics, the display model featured acres of leather and all the latest safety features including adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, an around-view monitor with four cameras, and on it goes.
The 2015 Kia Sorento.
Handout, Kia
Likewise, the instrumentation and infotainment system have been upgraded to match the cabin’s richer look. The look and feel of everything is streets ahead of the out-going crossover. It also boasts more cargo capacity — up from 515 to 605 litres.
Power comes from a range of engine, including Kia’s sweet 200 horsepower turbodiesel. The latter would make a very welcome addition to the Canadian model. We will see the same powertrain combinations carry over — the base 191-horsepower 2.4-litre four-cylinder and up-level 290-horsepower 3.3L V6 married to a six-speed manumatic.
The Sorento arrives in Canada in January 2015.
