NEW KIA SORENTO WINS GOLDEN STEERING WHEEL AWARD

The new Kia Sorento has received ‘Das Goldene Lenkrad 2020’ award (Golden Steering Wheel). The illustrious German automobile prize is awarded each year by AUTO BILD and BILD am SONNTAG.

After readers of the two publications voted the fourth-generation Kia flagship SUV into the final round of the ‘Large SUVs’ category, the new electrified Sorento continued to win over 18 expert jury members. In the final round of the competition, vehicles were put through their paces at DEKRA Lausitzring, one of Germany’s most famous race tracks. The new Kia Sorento gained the highest number of points in its category and secured victory over the other two finalists, the Aston Martin DBX and BMW X6.

“This is yet another victory for the new Sorento. We are glad to see that our prized SUV is not only being recognised by an expert jury containing ex-Formula 1 drivers, but also readers who have been delighted with the new model. Ultimately winning against competing premium brands, the award is a testament to Kia’s success in designing cutting-edge, quality vehicles.” said Yaser Shabsogh, Chief Operating Officer, Regional HQs, Middle East & Africa.

Tom Drechsler, Head of AUTO BILD and Editor-in-Chief Auto of the BILD group, commented on the new Kia SUV: “The predecessor was already good, but the new Sorento is an evolution. It now drives just as smoothly as it looks. There’s plenty of space, smart interior details, voice control, safety features – things that can be enjoyed everywhere. And that’s not just my opinion, but also that of the jury. Congratulations on a very well-deserved Goldenes Lenkrad 2020!”

This is the second consecutive triumph for Kia, having received ‘Das Goldene Lenkrad 2019’ for its XCeed compact crossover.

Modern design, hybrid power, innovative technologies and lots of space

At 4.81 metres in length, the new Sorento is only one centimetre longer than its predecessor. However, thanks to its new platform and increased wheelbase, it offers much more space for up to seven occupants, depending on market. It also has one of the largest luggage compartments in its segment (up to 910 litres, depending on vehicle specification). This spaciousness is enclosed in a dynamically elegant body, which has already gained the new model the ‘All-Wheel Drive Car of the Year 2020’ (Design category) award in the renowned competition organised by all-wheel drive specialists AUTO BILD Allrad.

With the new generation, the brand’s SUV flagship also takes a leading position in the Kia vehicle line-up for its technology. The wide range of driver assistance systems includes innovative technologies such as Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist with Blind-Spot View Monitor (depending on specification). This not only performs steering and braking interventions if needed, but also gives the driver a direct view of their blind spots via side cameras and a fully digital instrument display.

Additionally, depending on specification, the new model is also available with Highway Driving Assist and Lane Follow Assist, Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning Function, Surround View Monitor and Safe Exit Assist. The large-format navigation system (up to 10.25 inches, depending on trim line) provides a wide range of useful information.

The new Kia Sorento is available in all-wheel or front-wheel drive variants. The all-wheel drive versions offer impressive traction even on mud, sand or snow thanks to its new ‘All-Terrain Mode’ function. The all-wheel drive hybrid model tested by the jury combines a 1.6-litre turbo gasoline engine with a 44.2 kW electric motor and a six-speed automatic transmission. With 169 kW (230 ps) total power, the Sorento 1.6 T-GDI Hybrid AWD accelerates from 0-to-100 km/h in 9.0 seconds (FWD: 8.6 seconds) and features low CO₂ emissions (AWD: 141-129 g/km; 2WD: 124-118 g/km).

The Sorento will be available in select MEA markets from December 2020 (exact date of arrival for countries vary).