International automaker launches new SUV in Pakistan in price range of Toyata Fortuner
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The Kia Sorento is now officially available for booking in Pakistan and was officially unveiled at the Kia PowerPlay event where car journalists were invited to take a close look at the car. Needless to say, the entire community of auto enthusiasts is abuzz with the news of the new, big SUV due to its imposing presence and impressive performance.
The Kia Sorento is a mid-size, 7-seater SUV that has been introduced in Pakistan in its third-generation form, and will be sold as a locally assembled vehicle and a contender to the Toyota Fortuner.
Although the other markets have received the fourth generation Sorento, the third-generation model is still being sold in most of the markets where Kia operates.
Here’s what the Sorento has to offer: *Design*
Although the design is not particularly radical, it seems to work in the SUV’s favor as the smooth silhouette and clean design exude an understated yet elegant look. The front has an attractive pair of LED projector headlights with sleek DRLs, modern-looking and effective foglights at the bottom, a smooth bumper, and Kia’s trademark tiger-nose grille for a touch of aggressiveness.
The side profile resembles that of any other crossover SUV, but the 18-inch alloys and chrome trim around the car enhance its subdued albeit smart look. ------------------------------
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Kia has maintained its simplistic approach with a nice and clean look at the back that features an impressive pair of taillights, a stylish rear bumper with a pair of reflectors on either side, a neat diffuser at the bottom, and an exhaust that is not overly stylized. Overall, the Sorento makes for a very handsome-looking SUV. Interior
As is customary with Kia, the interior has a familiar layout and look. All the materials are of remarkable quality, and the design is intuitive and attractive. Some might find the dash design to be a bit too simple, but the layout is easy, and the fit and finish look impeccable.
With 3-row seating for seven passengers, the cabin is pleasant, roomy, and airy, which makes sitting at the back a comfortable experience. *Performance*
The PowerPlay event even offered the attendees a riding experience. The vehicle that did the track run with enthusiasts on board was a 3.5 liter V6 Sorento variant that was highly praised for its impressive and agile performance. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine also amazed the enthusiasts with its mild off-roading talents.
Following are the performance specs of the Sorento: *Specs* *2.4 FWD* *2.4 AWD* *3.5 V6 AWD* *Performance* *Engine* 2.4-liter 4-cylinder petrol engine 2.4-liter 4-cylinder petrol engine 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine *Drivetrain* Front-Wheel Drive All-Wheel Drive All-Wheel Drive *Horsepower* 170 170 276 *Torque* 225 225 336 *Gearbox* 6-speed automatic 6-speed automatic 8-speed automatic *Suspension* Mcpherson Struts Upfront | Multilink Coil Springs Outback Mcpherson Struts Upfront | Multilink Coil Springs Outback Mcpherson Struts Upfront | Multilink Coil Springs Outback *Brakes* 17″ Discs Upfront | 16″ Discs Outback w/ABS 17″ Discs Upfront | 16″ Discs Outback w/ABS 17″ Discs Upfront | 16″ Discs Outback w/ABS *Drive Modes* Comfort + Eco + Sport Comfort + Eco + Sport Comfort + Eco + Sport + Smart *Features*
All the variants of the Sorento have plenty of modern tech and safety features as follows: *Specs* *2.4 FWD* *2.4 AWD* *3.5 V6 AWD* *Exterior* *Wheels* Alloys Alloys Alloys *Panoramic Sunroof* Yes Yes Yes *DRLs* Yes Yes Yes *Puddle Lamps* Yes Yes Yes *Headlights* Bi-Function Projector Units with Automatic Adjustment Bi-Function Projector Units with Automatic Adjustment Bi-Function Projector Units with Automatic Adjustment *Taillights* LED Combination Lamp LED Combination Lamp LED Combination Lamp *Side Mirrors* Electrically Foldable + Adjustable + Heated Electrically Foldable + Adjustable + Heated Electrically Foldable + Adjustable + Heated *Foglights* LED LED LED *Door Handles* Chrome Chrome Chrome *Roof-Rack* Yes Yes Yes *Safety* *Airbags* Driver + Passenger Driver + Passenger + Side + Curtain Driver + Passenger + Side + Curtain *Stability Control* Yes Yes Yes *Brake Assist* Yes Yes Yes *Hill Start Assist* Yes Yes Yes *ISO Fix Child Seat Anchors* Yes Yes Yes *Parking Sensors* Front and Rear Front and Rear Front and Rear *Convenience* *Interior Trim* Leather Leather Leather *Infotainment System* 7″ Touch Sensitive Screen with Radio + Rearview Camera + Multimedia 7″ Touch Sensitive Screen with Radio + Rearview Camera + Multimedia 7″ Touch Sensitive Screen with Radio + Rearview Camera + Multimedia *Steering Switches* Multimedia+ Call + Cruise Control Multimedia+ Call + Cruise Control Multimedia+ Call + Cruise Control *Connectivity* Bluetooth (Front) + AUX (Front) + USB (Front and Rear) Bluetooth (Front) + AUX (Front) + USB (Front and Rear) Bluetooth (Front) + AUX (Front) + USB (Front and Rear) *Wireless Charging* No Yes Yes *Climate Control* Auto Dual-Z0ne+ 3-Row Vents + Air Purifier Auto Dual-Z0ne+ 3-Row Vents + Air Purifier Auto Dual-Z0ne+ 3-Row Vents + Air Purifier *Seat Adjustment* Electrically Powered (Driver) Electrically Powered (Driver+Passengers) Electrically Powered (Driver+Passengers) *Power Door locks* Yes Yes Yes *Cruise Control* Yes Yes Yes *Rain Sensing Wipers* Yes Yes Yes *Auto Defogger* Yes Yes Yes *Power Tailgate* No Yes Yes ------------------------------
*Price*
Kia has once again won the favor of auto enthusiasts by introducing the Sorento at a market competitive price. The prices of all variants of the Sorento are as follows: *Kia Sorento Variants* *Booking Price (PKR)* *Ex-Factory Price (PKR)* 2.4 Liter FWD 2,500,000 6,999,000 2.4 Liter AWD 2,500,000 7,999,000 3.5 Liter V6 AWD 2,500,000 8,399,000
With these features being offered at the said price point, the Kia Sorento is a strong contender in the Pakistani market. Although it is still too early to declare Sorento’s fate as it has just been launched, it can be said with certainty that with the aforementioned features and price, Kia is likely to give its competitors a run for their money.
