Naza-Kia picks up 300 bookings for all-new Sorento
The Malaysian public’s response to the all-new Kia Sorento appears to be good. Since its unveiling at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2010 (KLIMS ’10), Naza Kia Malaysia has picked up 300 bookings for the new model, the company announced today.
Pricing will only be announced in January, but Naza Kia has affirmed that the Sorento will be offered in only one engine option, which is the 2.4-litre Theta-II which we have grown familiar with in several Hyundai applications. The 6-speed torque converter auto paired to the engine similarly needs no introduction.
The all-new Sorento is a markedly different vehicle from the old model, and we are not just talking about Peter Schreyer’s handiwork on the sheet metal here. Under the skin, Kia has switched the Sorento’s construction from using the old-school ladder frame to that of a monocoque chassis. It is independently sprung all-round, with MacPherson struts up front and multi-link suspension behind.
Like all of Kia’s recent offerings, the Sorento is promised with a generous list of equipment. Four-wheel drive remains standard, and safety gear includes active headrests six airbags, ABS, EBD, and stability control. Hill Start Assist Control and Downhill Brake Control helps out in tackling gradients up or down.
Other items on the specs sheet include HID headlamps, 18″ alloys, fog lamps, LED tail lamps, side-mirror mounted blinkers, engine start button, panoramic sunroof, supervision instrument panel (read Optitron), 6CD changer, AUX, USB and iPod connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, and dual-zone climate control. There are also sensors and a rearview camera to aid with parking.
“We were confident the new Sorento would be well received by the Malaysian public. There aren’t many SUVs in the market that offer the capabilities, comfort, style and performance of the new Sorento,” said SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, CEO of Naza Kia Malaysia.
At KLIMS ’10, Naza Kia also displayed the 2011 Kia Optima and Forte Koup. Both models are said to have received positive feedback from visitors and, according to SM Nasarudin, are set for introduction in Malaysia next year.
