Frankfurt 2017: New Kia Sorento Gets Fresh Look, More Equipment, New GT Line Variant

Kia Motors Europe has announced that the new Sorento, which will be making its first public appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week, will receive a range of upgrades ranging from a tweaked exterior, refreshed cabin, as well as a few new safety and connectivity technology. A new GT Line variant will also available.

On the exterior, Kia’s designers have made a series of modifications which includes redesigned front and rear bumpers, new LED head and taillamps, new dark metallic ‘tiger-nose’ grille, as well as a newly designed wheels.

Inside, the cabin comes with newly-designed steering wheel, gear lever, driver instrument cluster, as well as a new climate control LCD display. The dashboard also features a new Audio Visual Navigation (AVN) system.

The SUV also features Kia’s latest 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Kia Connected Services powered by TomTom, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless smartphone charger. Buyers can also upgrade their Sorento with a new Harman/Kardon sound system.

The proportion of soft touch materials and leather upholstery has also been increased according to Kia, in an effort to offer a more premium cabin ambience. Customers can specify the interior in single-tone (black) or two-tone (black and stone beige), with cloth or leather upholstery. Optional brown or light grey leather upholstery is also available.

The list of safety features on the other hand includes Kia’s latest DRiVE WISE Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), Driver Attention Warning (DAW) system, Lane Keeping Assist System; High Beam Assist, and full LED headlamps with Dynamic Bending Light.    

Under the hood, the new Sorento gets Kia’s new eight-speed automatic transmission, paired to a 2.2-litre diesel engine that is being carried over, producing 200PS and 441Nm of maximum torque. Although performance figures remain unchanged, the gearbox has helped reduce CO2 emissions from 172g/km to 159g/km.   

Last but not least, Kia has introduced a new GT Line variant to the Sorento, featuring four-lamp LED fog lights, red brake callipers, a more prominent sill step, and subtle GT Line badging designed to distinguish it from other Sorento models.

The interior of the GT Line includes quilted seats finished in black leather with contrasting grey stitching, GT Line embroided emblems, unique gear shift paddles, and a series of satin chrome highlights throughout the interior.