Kia Sorento 2023 launched in Malaysia – 2.5 petrol, 2.2 diesel AWD; 6 or 7 seats; CKD from RM211k to RM255k

Previewed in January, the Kia Sorento 2023 is now officially launched in Malaysia. The Fourth generation Sorento will launch as a locally assembled model CKD – instead of the original batch of CBU like Carnival – price from RM211,498 ARRIVE RM255,228, lower than estimated. We will explain three variants with a combination of two engines and two seat configurations.

The newest Sorento is larger than its original size predecessor, with an extension of 10 mm each way to measure 4,810 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1,695 mm high. The wheelbase has increased by 35 mm to 2,815 mm.

It’s a very nice SUV, with sharp lines that contrast with the soft curves of many rivals. Kia’s signature ‘tiger nose’ arch sits above the full-width grille, while the headlights – three prominent projector lamps – are uniquely integrated to create a seamless appearance. The sides are straight and simple, but there’s a chrome ‘shark fin’ for added interest at the C-pillars.

There will be many people who think that the chiseled rear of the Sorento is its best angle. Two vertical stripes on each side and the word Sorento below the number plate. Overall, it’s a very masculine looking SUV, perhaps the most powerful one on the market today. What do you think?

Under the hood, we have two engine choices – a petrol, a diesel. As expected, the base model is petrol with front-wheel drive and up to seven seats in three rows (2-3-2). The 7-seat 2.5 2WD version is equipped with a Smartstream 2.5 liter MPi naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine with a capacity of 177 hp and 232 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The transmission is a six-speed automatic. Priced entry variants RM211,498 on the road uninsured.

The next variant also uses the same 2.5L engine but with full-time 4-wheel drive and 6 seats arranged in a 2-2-2 formation, the middle row gives way to 2 captain seats. The 6-seat 2.5 AWD is priced at RM235,498.

The head of the range is RM255,228 2.2D AWD 6 seats. It also comes with six seats and AWD, but the engine here is the 2.2-liter turbo from Carnival, making 199 hp and 440 Nm of torque from 1,750 to 2,750 rpm. While the CRDi is paired to an eight-speed torque converter automatic in the MPV, the Sorento gets an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

By the way, our Sorento CKD will come with a traditional gear lever instead dial that some markets have. The Drive Mode knob behind the gear lever integrates the Terrain Mode presets (snow, mud, sand) on AWD models.

The base model comes with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, analog dials, cloth seats, power front seats, third-row one-touch entry, row vents second and third, electric tailgate, ability to fold second row seats. boot row, Qi wireless charger, keyless start/start, and support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The higher-spec six-seat variant adds 19-inch alloy wheels, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a Bose sound system, leather upholstery and rear window blinds. The front passenger seat also has side controls, increasing convenience for the driver or rear passenger.

In terms of safety, those are six airbags, DSC, hill-start assist, Multi-Collision Braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking across the board, from the base model onwards. Go. Dinamikjaya Motors MD Datuk Wong Kin Foo says there are currently no plans to introduce plug-in hybrid version or Hybrid variant 1.6L in Malaysia; the latter is only for Euro 6.

Once again, the new Kia Sorento 2023 is priced RM211,498 for 7 seater 2.5 2WD vehicle, RM235,498 for 6-seater 2.5 AWD and RM255,228 for 2.2D AWD 6 seats. There is a service package and a warranty of 5 years or 100,000 km; The second includes labor, parts and lubricants. Three-row SUV rivals in Malaysia include the stable Bermaz Mazda CX-8the Hyundai Santa Fe (we are still waiting TM facelift) and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace. What do you think of the new Kia Sorento?

LIBRARY: 2023 Kia Sorento 2.2D AWD 6 Seats

LIBRARY: 2023 Kia Sorento 2.5 2WD 7 Seats