Offering a plug-in hybrid version of the current Kia Sorento SUV is the largest leap yet on the path to a fully electric version of one of the company’s best-selling models.
With more than three million sales against its name, the Sorento is a rockstar seller for the company. The latest model arrived here 18 months ago packed with safety, connectivity and infotainment enhancing technology.
Its appeal has become much wider with the addition of more fuel-efficient versions.
The Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid join diesel-powered offerings in a line-up of large seven seat SUVs.
The company is confident EVs, hybrids and plug›in hybrids will make up 40% of all their sales, with a target of 1.6 million vehicles worldwide by 2030.
The Sorento PHEV is sold here only in $89,990 AWD Premium specification.
It boasts an all-electric range of up to 57km, enough for a short daily commute on zero› emissions electric power alone.
The ability to drive these distances on battery power enables the Sorento PHEV to deliver a claimed 1.6L/100km.
I never saw anywhere near that figure in my few days of test driving, which included some lengthy open road runs.
To be fair, PHEVs are at their fuel›saving best in urban, not highway driving.
Under the bonnet is a 1.6 litre turbo-charged petrol motor producing up to 132kW and 265Nm torque.
This is supplemented by an electric motor producing 67kW of power and 304Nm torque.
The combined power of the turbo petrol engine and electric motor is 195kW and 350Nm torque. The torque provided by this petrol/electric engine combo delivers strong pulling power from 1500-4000rpm, ensuring exceptional tractability in most driving situations.
A high-capacity 13.8kWh lithium›ion battery takes charge of the all›electric range for short commutes, while electric and combustion engine power combine for longer journeys.
In electric mode the PHEV is super›smooth and refined in town driving.
Its strong throttle response and low speed pulling power make a winning combination.
A six-speed automatic is a smooth and fluent gear shifter with a twist dial used to select gears.
Passenger and load space is outstanding, as is a first›class tech-oriented cabin brimming with premium›quality materials and infotainment.
This next generation design is based around twin digital dashboard displays providing the driver with clear and easy to view information.
The Premium grade specification chosen for this new electrified Sorento is lavish and includes leather upholstery, a Head›up Display that projects important information on the lower windscreen, a wireless phone charger, heated and ventilated seats and a powerful BOSE® 12-speaker surround›sound system.
An advanced driver assistance systems programme includes blind spot view monitoring and the latest forward collision avoidance technology, with pedestrian, cyclist and vehicle detection.
Given its size and weight, the suspension is surprisingly nimble during brisk cornering, and quickly adjusts to sudden and unexpected changes in direction, triggered by poorly cambered or aligned road surfaces.
The test vehicle with its better weight distribution than the diesel felt more at ease when pushed with a bit of verve through tight bends or around sweeping corners.
Ride comfort is hard to fault with the suspension consistently soaking up bumps and other road surface vagaries to make long journeys a pleasure, not a chore.
Passenger and load space is outstanding, as is a first›class tech›oriented cabin brimming with premium›quality materials and infotainment.
- Bob Nettleton
