2016 Kia Sorento Launched in Malaysia; Three Variants from RM156k

The third generation of Kia’s large SUV, the Sorento, has made landfall in Malaysia as part of Kia's renewed assault at the growing SUV market. The seven-seater SUV was launched today together with the smaller five-seater Sportage, which we are covering in a separate story.

Noteworthy is the decision to finally make diesel power available for selection alongside the 2.4-litre petrol model. Both engines are familiar units to our market; the 2.4-litre Theta II petrol is a carry over powerplant from its predecessor, whilst the 2.2-litre R turbodiesel has been in use for two model generations of the Hyundai Santa Fe.

Both engines are mated with Hyundai and Kia’s in-house 6-speed automatic transmission as standard, with drive going to all four wheels. Outputs are rated at 171PS / 224.6Nm for the petrol model and 200PS / 441.3Nm for the diesel. Auto start/stop is fitted in the diesel engine only.

Contrasting the line-up fielded by its sister car from Hyundai, the Santa Fe, Kia offers the Sorento with a selection of three variants with the more powerful diesel engine positioned as entry variant of the range. Pricing starts at RM155,888 on-the-road (with insurance and GST) for the 2.2 LS diesel varant with the following equipment:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Halogen projector headlights, manual leveling adjustment
• LED daytime running lights
• Rear fog lights
• 3.5" TFT mono-colour LCD trip computer display
• Audio - 3.8" mono display, USB, AUX, 6 speakers
• Dual zone climate control, 2nd row air-con vents
• Fabric upholstery
• Tilt & telescopic steering with audio controls
• Cruise control
• Keyless entry, engine start/stop button
• Electronic parking brake with auto hold
• 6 airbags
• Electronic stability control
• Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
• Hill-start assist
• ISOFIX mounts

Further up comes the 2.4-litre petrol model in two guises, starting at RM168,000 for the MS trim variant, which carries the following additional equipment in addition to what’s offered in the diesel LS model:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• LED tail lamps
• Multimedia infotainment - Radio, MP3, MP4, Bluetooth, Voice Command
• Reverse Camera
• Leather Upholstery
• Electric seat adjustment - Driver only
• Driver seat 2-way lumbar support
• 3rd row air-con vent
• Powered tailgate
• Rear door sun blinds
• Tonneau cover

Topping the range off is a higher grade HS version of the 2.4 petrol model at RM178,000 with the following additional equipment:

• Adaptive HID headlights, auto dynamic leveling 
• 7" TFT Colour LCD trip computer display
• Alloy driving pedals
• Electric seat adjustment - Driver and Passenger
• Smart Parking Assist

Being underpinned by a monocoque frame, the Sorento competes directly against its sister car, the Hyundai Santa Fe, which comes with the same pair of engines. The 2.4-litre petrol variants also go against Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan X-Trail 2.5.

As with all Kia models on sale in Malaysia, the Sorento is covered by a five-year unlimited mileage warranty.