Key highlights
- Kia Sorento 7-seater SUV spied in a parking lot
- Likely to be launched next year in India
- Gets strong hybrid petrol engine options
Kia India seems to be on an expansion spree. The brand has silently begun testing its first-ever 7-seater SUV in India, the Sorento. Read below what to expect from the upcoming Sorento.
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Kia Sorento, a perfect SUV for India?
The latest spy shots of the unknown Kia SUV have emerged online recently. A close look at the images reveals that this is the Sorento SUV, which is a popular 7-seater model in the international markets.
While Kia has been silent regarding its upcoming models in India, the heavily camouflaged test car hints that it could possibly be launched next year. Some interesting details include a big size that has an overall boxy shape, 19-inch dual-tone alloys, and radar sensors on the front bumper, indicating the presence of the level 2 ADAS.
Sorento is sold overseas, and it comes with a tiger-nose front grille and vertical LED lights. It is positioned against the premium mid-size SUVs like the Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tiguan globally. However, it will be positioned around Rs 35-40 lakh in India, and its primary rival will be the segment king, the Toyota Fortuner.
The unique selling point of the Sorento is its spacious 7-seater cabin, which is loaded with features like dual 12.3-inch screens, a Bose sound system, electric captain seats, ventilated and heated seats, wireless connectivity, ambient lights, dual-zone AC, panoramic sunroof, and more. The test mule also has a similar centre console with a rotary gearshift dial to the US-spec car.
Internationally, the Sorento is offered with various engine options, including the 2.5-litre NA and turbo petrol engines. However, Kia will likely bring its 1.6-litre petrol hybrid engine to India, which will help in saving costs and offer high fuel efficiency numbers.
The global spec model is also loaded with the AWD system, which is likely to be offered on the top-spec and off-road-spec variants.
