Kia Sorento 2013: The European Variant

Summary

The 2013 Kia Sorento European variant, unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, features a comprehensive facelift with aggressive front fenders, redesigned rear, and advanced equipment. Enhanced with high-strength alloys for better rigidity, it offers improved ride comfort with three driving modes. Standard safety features include lane change alerts and blind-spot detection. Engine options range from 2.0 CRDi to a 3.5-liter V6, with both manual and automatic transmissions available.

Aesthetic and Structural Enhancements

Exterior Design

The 2013 Kia Sorento's exterior has undergone a significant transformation:

• Front Fenders: More aggressive and sporty.
• Rear Design: Redesigned tailgate and new headlight designs.
• Materials: High-strength alloys have been used to increase overall rigidity without adding extra weight.

Interior Upgrades

Inside, the Sorento features:

• Improved Materials: Higher quality materials for a more premium feel.
• Multifunction Seven-Inch Screen: Access to navigation, audio system, and rear camera.
• Comfort Features: Ventilated front and rear seats, Xenon headlamps, and a new climate control system with separate exits for the third row.

Enhanced Driving Experience

Steering and Driving Modes

The steering system has been refined to offer better responsiveness with three selectable driving modes:

1. Normal
2. Sport
3. Comfort

Safety Features

The 2013 Sorento includes several safety features that were previously optional:

• Lane Change Alert System
• Blind Spot Detection
• Parking Assist System: Automatically moves the wheel for easier parking.

Engine and Performance

Engine Options

The 2013 Kia Sorento offers a variety of engine options:

• Diesel Engines:
  • 2.0 CRDi with 150 HP
  • 2.2 CRDi with 197 HP
• Petrol Engines:
  • 2.4 liters with 176 HP or 192 HP
  • 3.5-liter V6 with 280 HP

Transmission and Drivetrain

The Sorento is available in both 4×2 and 4×4 variants, with two gearbox options:

• Manual Transmission: Six-speed
• Automatic Transmission: Six-speed

Market Availability

From January, the new Sorento will be available at Kia dealerships across Spain. The SUV has garnered significant attention over the past few months, and promotional videos for the European market highlight its new features and enhancements.

Interesting Stats

• Global Sales: The Kia Sorento has been a significant player in the SUV market, with global sales reaching over 1.5 million units by 2013. Source: Kia Motors
• Safety Ratings: The 2013 Sorento received a 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, making it one of the safest SUVs in its class. Source: Euro NCAP
• Fuel Efficiency: The 2.2 CRDi engine variant offers an impressive fuel efficiency of up to 6.6 liters per 100 km, making it a cost-effective choice for long drives. Source: Car and Driver

Conclusion

The 2013 Kia Sorento European variant is a well-rounded SUV that combines aesthetic appeal, structural integrity, and advanced features. With its range of engine options, enhanced safety features, and improved driving experience, it stands out as a compelling choice in the competitive SUV market.

For more detailed insights and promotional videos, visit the official Kia Motors website.