New Kia Carnival and Sorento Break Cover

Kia has thrown the proverbial kitchen sink at its new flagship SUV, the Sorento, and the equally new Carnival that replaces the Grand Sedona – with both powered by a new version of the 2,2-litre CRDi turbo-diesel engine.

“The Sorento’s evolution over the last two decades echoes that of the Kia brand as a whole. While the car was initially launched in 2002 as a utilitarian all-terrain vehicle, the fourth generation Sorento has been transformed into something altogether more desirable and representing the perfect balance between premium quality features and value for money,” says Gary Scott, CEO of Kia South Africa.

New Sorento

The Sorento’s exterior design has sharper lines and elongated proportions – the new model is 1 900 mm wide, 10 mm wider than the third generation Sorento and is 10 mm longer than its predecessor (now 4 810 mm), yet it features shorter front and rear overhangs. The additional length is found in the wheelbase (a result of the Sorento’s new platform), which has grown by 35 mm to 2 815 mm.

The new Sorento is the first vehicle to be based on Kia’s new-generation large SUV platform. Paired with a bigger body to maximise cargo and luggage space, the platform ensures the Sorento is one of the most versatile and spacious three-row SUVs on the road.

The front of the Sorento has h a new interpretation of Kia’s ‘tiger nose’ grille, while the headlamps feature a new ‘tiger eyeline’ LED daytime running light 

It also adopts new vertical tail lamps which wrap around the side of the body. 

The cabin introduces a design, based around twin digital displays in the dashboard. The 12,3-inch digital driver instrument cluster is twinned with a 10,25-inch touchscreen infotainment and navigation system at the centre of the dashboard. 

The cabin of the Sorento integrates a range of other technologies, including an available Mood Lamp system. This emits soft ambient downlighting from beneath the dashboard and door trim, creating a lounge-like feeling and greater sense of space. A wireless smartphone charger also sits at the base of the centre console, while a powerful BOSE surround-sound system is also available to provide a more immersive in-car audio experience.

The Sorento offers space for up to seven passengers as well as up to 821 litres of luggage space with the third row stowed. With all seven seats in place, boot space is also increased by 32% compared to its predecessor, to 187 litres. 

Aided by the platform’s longer wheelbase, the second-row seats now slide up to 45 mm further, creating a wider point of entry to the third row with more space for feet and legs. There is also a new grab handle built into the interior trim inside the C-pillar, giving third-row passengers something to hold on to as they climb aboard. Once seated, the third-row armrest has also been extended by 100 mm for greater elbow support, while incorporating a cupholder and smartphone tray. 

The new four-cylinder, 2.2-litre ‘Smartstream’ diesel engine fitted to Sorento and Carnival produces 148 kW at 3 800 r/min and 440 Nm of torque between 1 750 r/min and 2 750 r/min. 

With a new aluminium block – 19,5 kg lighter than the cast iron block of its predecessor – the new engine is 38,2 kg lighter compared to that found in the third generation Sorento. 

It is paired with Kia’s new eight-speed wet double-clutch transmission (8DCT). 

The first-generation Sorento (2002-2009) was based on a ladder-frame chassis, with the second-generation model (2009-2015) – the first monocoque-based Sorento – marking a step change in the car’s on-road behaviour.

Kia says the car now delivers an even more assured, comfortable ride and more satisfying, enjoyable driving character than its predecessor, aided by heavily revised fully independent suspension.

Carshop.co.za was not on the launch event and we will have to wait for road test examples of both vehicles to put this to the test.

Depending on specification, the driver assistance range in the new Sorento includes Kia’s latest Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) technology with pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicle detection. This also detects oncoming traffic when making a turn at a junction. 

The Sorento is also available with Blindspot View Monitor (BVM), Around View Monitor (AVM) and Blindspot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA), Smart Cruise Control (SCC), Lane Following Assist (LFA) and Driver Attention Warning (DAW).

It is fitted with six crash bags (dual front, dual front seat-mounted side bags, and side curtain bags with rollover sensor). 

All Sorento models are equipped as standard with Kia’s Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) and Electronic Stability Control systems to help drivers maintain control under braking and cornering.

Kia Sorento Pricing:

New Carnival

“The Kia Carnival is here to disrupt a staid segment and proves once again what is possible when conventions are shattered,” says Scott. “With its SUV-like character, Carnival delivers a combination of premium design and features, intelligent packaging, and an abundance of innovation in safety and technology at a price that packs a value punch.”

The exterior design of the Carnival follows Kia’s recent signature SUV style, with the modernised ‘tiger nose’ grille affords dominating the front.

A bold cutline runs the length of the vehicle, joining the front and rear lamps, and large two-tone mirrors and black/chrome rocker panel mouldings contribute to the all-new Carnival. 

It offers space for 7 or 8 passenger flexibility (depending on the trim level) and, with all seats erected the offers 1 139 litres of luggage space. Remove the second row and stow the third flush with the floor and that figure increases to 4 110 litres.

Seven-seat versions of the all-new Carnival offer two individual second-row chairs matching the front seats for comfort and configurability. On the mid-range EX+ derivative, ‘Slide-Flex’ seating for eight passengers allows multiple configurations including a sliding second row centre seat which, when in the forward-most position, allows the front passenger easy access the baby or child riding in it. This seat also converts into a functional table. 

The Carnival also offers a roster of special and innovative features to make travel easier, safer, and more enjoyable. Just one example is standard hands-free electric sliding side doors with Smart Key, as well as a Smart Power Liftgate with auto-close (EX+ and above) to make loading and unloading the Carnival a doddle. 

Overall, the new Carnival is longer (by 40 mm), wider (10 mm) and higher (35 mm) than the outgoing Grand Sedona but overall mass has increased by just 14 kg.

The Carnival has a comprehensive list of standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features than any of its rivals, including:

• Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA)
• Blindspot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA)
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) with Lane Following Assist (LFA)
• Blindspot View Monitor (BVM)
• Smart Cruise Control (SCC)
• Around View Monitor (AVM)

The all-new Carnival boasts four distinct trim levels – EX, EX+, SX Limited and SXL. 

New Kia Carnival Pricing: