Kia Sorento Gets An Update With A GT-Variant, Taking The Sports SUV Up A Notch In Design, Practicality And Technology

A smoother, swept-back profile and deeply sculpted surfaces deepens the level of sophistication for the third-generation of this popular Kia SUV. The premium look and feel is echoed in the cabin, which offers more space for up to seven occupants and numerous innovative features.

The front of the Sorento GT Line incorporates long, wrap-around headlamps and more prominent four-point LED fog-lamps, as well as Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille, with a distinctive three-dimensional diamond pattern.

In profile, the new variant retains the Sorento’s hallmark long bonnet and characteristic wide D-pillar, but a lower roofline, higher beltline and swept-back shape give the car a more dramatic, muscular stance. On top of the HID lighting system, side steps and 19-inch alloy rims, the new model now features exclusive red brake calipers, a striking characteristic of powerful braking performance.

Some of the most significant improvements are to be found inside the Sorento GT Line. Interior styling was led by the brand’s European design team, based in Frankfurt, and Kia’s designers have created a more sophisticated, more luxurious cabin, featuring significantly higher quality materials.

The styling of the cabin follows a ‘modern and wide’ theme. This is evident through the horizontal layout of the instrument cluster, interior trim and the wrap-around dashboard, which extends into the door trims. A higher proportion of soft-touch materials, topped with the introduction of the exclusive red leather upholstery further amplifies the modern luxury feel to the cabin and evokes an ambience of a premium interior space for the Sorento GT Line driver. The gear shift knob is finished in a lush chrome design, adding final touches to the models theme.

The seven-seater Sorento GT Line features 40/20/40 second row split folding seats for improved versatility, with a higher folding center armrest. The second-row seats can be ‘remotely’ folded by conveniently-located levers in the side of the cargo bay.

The 10-way power-assisted driver’s seat is engineered with a number of features to improve comfort. This includes four-way lumbar support and an extending knee support available at the touch of a button. Four-way headrest movement is available to both front occupants, and the front passenger seat benefits from eight-way power adjustment. Two preferred settings for the driver’s seat and rear view door mirrors can be stored thanks to the Integrated Memory System (IMS) functionality.

The Sorento GT Line features a number of advanced on-board technologies to improve convenience and further enhance the ownership experience.

It also comes with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay connectivity and reverse camera, making navigation through Google/Apple Maps a lot easier.

Another highlight will be the Smart Power Tailgate which automatically opens when the key is detected in close proximity to the trunk, so owners can load their shopping bags or heavy objects straight into the vehicle.

The Sorento GT Line’s DYNAMAX™ all-wheel drive system delivers a high level of stability and confidence in poor driving conditions and on low-grip surfaces, balancing torque distribution to the front and rear wheels depending on the specific requirement. The system is further enhanced with a ‘4WD Lock’ mode, which splits torque distribution evenly between front and rear wheels and gives greater traction and even more predictable handling in wet grounds or other low-traction surfaces, and around bends.

Its Advanced Traction Cornering Control (ATCC) further aids handling by transferring torque to the wheels with the most grip. If the system detects understeer, ATCC is activated before the Electronic Stability Control system, providing more torque to the outer rear wheel and braking the inner rear wheel under cornering.

The Sorento GT Line ensures protection with the high application of Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) of 52.7 percent, aiding the integrity of the car’s core structure in the event of an impact and also improving torsional rigidity for improved handling. The stronger steel has been used to reinforce the wheel arches, tailgate surround and rear-wheel surround.

With safety as a core priority, Sorento GT Line also boasts the advanced six-airbag system, Smart Parking Assist System (SPAS), Electronic Parking Brake, as well as an electrochromic rear-view mirror for extra protection to passengers.

The Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system helps ensure the car remains stable when simultaneously braking and cornering, particularly on low-grip surfaces, by carefully controlling both the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and C-MDPS. Both systems are activated as soon as the car’s sensors detect a loss in traction, helping the driver to remain safely in control of the vehicle.

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