1 Nov 2006
IN late 2006, Kia Motors introduced a "Global Circuit" limited-edition Sorento, to mark a solo crossing of Europe (namely, Russia and Siberia) in the South Korean SUV – and also to herald a facelift for the vehicle.
The most significant change is an improvement to its 3.8-litre V6 engine, which now produces 196kW (up 35 per cent) and 353Nm (up about 20 per cent).
Sorento cabin revisions include a redesigned dashboard and centre console and reshaped front seats, the latter offering a bit more legroom for rear-seat occupants.
Rear seatbacks are also claimed to be easier to manoeuvre.
The Global Circuit LE gets a nudge bar, DVD player and unique badging over the standard specification.
For 2007 KIA Australia has introduced a new turbo-diesel engine into a revised Sorento SUV range, while at the same time reducing the size of its petrol V6 engine to 3.3 litres.
The new 2.5-litre CRDi turbo-diesel engine was developed by Kia at its German development centre. Producing 125kW of power at 3800rpm and 393Nm of torque at 2000rpm, with at least 290Nm available from only 1300rpm through to 4000rpm.
By comparison, the new alloy-block 3.3-litre petrol V6 with continuously variable valve timing produces 180kW at 6000rpm and 309Nm at 4500rpm. This is 16kW and 44Nm less than the previous 3.8-litre petrol V6 engine.
Adopting active front head restraints has improved Sorento’s crash rating (four stars in Euro NCAP).
All models in the range now have alloy wheels and a roof-mounted trip computer in a revised interior. ABS brakes, driver and front passenger airbags and front seatbelt pre-tensioners are also standard across the range. Top of the range EX-L models also get side curtain airbags.
