KOREAN BRANDS LIKE Kia and Hyundai are setting the pace when it comes to alternately-powered vehicles. The latest addition to the Kia range is the large Sorento SUV, now with PHEV technology.
The Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) GT-Line is an ultra-low emissions version of the brand’s flagship global SUV.
The award-winning Sorento is the only vehicle in the mainstream Large SUV segment to offer petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid drivetrain options. The Sorento PHEV GT-Line is the first electrified model in the Sorento line-up with its powertrain combining a turbocharged engine with a high-capacity battery pack and high output electric motor. With a fully charged battery pack, the powertrain enables drivers to complete shorter drives on all-electric, zero-emissions power.
This innovative platform that underpins the fourth generation Sorento has been designed from the outset to accommodate electrified powertrains. The platform and large body ensure it retains the generous cabin and luggage space and five-and-seven-seat layouts that define other models in the line-up.
“The Sorento PHEV promises to push boundaries as one of the most versatile, practical and spacious plug-in hybrid SUVs on the market, and with the Sorento being an award-winning package, I couldn’t think of a better time to introduce the PHEV into the line-up,” said Kia’s Chief Operating Officer, Damien Meredith.
“Along with Niro range, the Sorento PHEV is another stride in the right direction towards a greener future. With the introduction of Sorento PHEV and the highly anticipated EV6 next year, Kia will be lifting the electric vehicle benchmark to an all-time high.”
The platform of the Sorento is based around a compact engine bay structure creating greater cabin space between the axles. Not only does this enable the PHEV’s swept-back design, but the structure and layout mean the Sorento is able to accommodate a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the first time.
Sorento PHEV’s ‘Smartstream’ 1.6-litre turbocharged engine and transmission mounted electric motor offers optimal fuel efficiency with impressive power (195kW) and torque (350Nm) outputs. The electric motor producing 304Nm of torque is mounted between the petrol engine and transmission allowing the full output of both the petrol engine and/or electric motor to be transferred in parallel through the transmission with minimal energy loss.
With the integrated Type 2 charging socket, you can use the standard three-pin cable supplied with the PHEV Type 2 to Type 2 cable or the charging point’s own cable. Whichever you choose, simply plug-in and the LED light located near the charging point will report the charging status and battery level making it ideal for knowing the status of the battery immediately. A bespoke charging cable for charging at home from a normal household socket will be provided as well as an in-cable control box to help moderate the amperage to ensure complete safety.
New for the fourth generation, and standard on the PHEV GT-Line variant, the latest Sorento models offer enhanced all-terrain capability thanks to a new Terrain Mode. Controlled using the Mode Select dial on the centre console, drivers can choose from ‘Mud’, ‘Snow’ and ‘Sand’ modes. The system automatically optimises the drivetrain to best suit each scenario, adjusting engine torque output and distribution as well as stability control characteristics. Terrain Mode also adjusts shift timings for the six-speed automatic to suit different surfaces.
Energy storage is managed by a 14kWh Lithium-ion polymer battery pack located under the vehicle floor. The large battery capacity allows the PHEV to travel up to 68kms on electric power. Monitoring the various functions of the Sorento’s electric drive systems is made easy by the clear displays of the battery and charging status on the class-leading 10.25-inch navigation display and 12.3-inch driver digital cluster.
The 10.25-inch navigation unit displays nearby charging station locations and information. The screen can be split in two for easy access to applications, vehicle information and multimedia content and allows you to control the 12-speaker BOSE premium surround system which, like all Sorento variants, is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The 12.3-inch driver digital cluster is an intelligently designed, customisable supervision cluster providing the status of the hybrid charging system, including fuel and battery levels and use. Its high-resolution screen makes it easy to read.
Being the first electrified Sorento means that EV and HEV mode is interchangeable. In EV mode, ideal for urban driving – it uses only electric energy for zero-fuel, emissions-free driving. In HEV mode, it operates both energy sources, the engine and the electric motor simultaneously.
For Kia’s General Manager of Product Planning, Roland Rivero, the fourth generation Sorento is a game-changer in the Australian market.
“The Sorento has been a great success in Australia providing five-star safety and exceptional convenience levels in its segment, and the PHEV will continue to take the story forward,” said Rivero.
“While the Sorento was initially launched in 2002 as a utilitarian body on frame all-terrain vehicle, it quickly evolved into a more luxurious monocoque package and now, in its fourth generation, Sorento has been transformed into something even more desirable.
“Supply limitations impacting the automotive industry as a whole, combined with Sorento’s global popularity, has steered us to offering the Sorento PHEV in only the top of the range GT-Line for now.”
The all-new Sorento PHEV GT-Line will be fitted with 19-inch alloy wheels and will be available in seven exterior colours. As a GT-Line AWD offering, Sorento PHEV will include a black interior trim coupled with Quilted Nappa leather-appointed seats.
Pricing
The Kia Sorento PHEV, as mentioned earlier, is only available in GT-Line specification. Price is $79,330 plus on road costs, or $81,990 driveaway.