K-pop star

C Hung

The latest kia Sorento made its debut in Hong Kong early this month. The fourth generation of the SUV features a range of different seat configurations and drivetrain choices to meet the needs of various customers.

The vehicle rides on a platform characterized by a longer wheelbase (an additional 35 millimeters), while the front and rear overhangs are both shorter, giving more interior space for passengers and their luggage. The increases in the vehicle's height and length, meanwhile, are largely negligible, about the thickness of a modern smartphone.

Sporting a more recognizable 'tiger nose' grille, completed with 'tiger eyeline' LED daytime running lights, the new Sorento is a sports utility vehicle that is determined to offer a level of versatility rivaling the best of multi-purpose vehicles.

Consider these: the Sorento is available in platinum six-seat configuration, offering that little bit of luxury with the excellent walk-through second-row convenience.

Or, for those who cherish people-carrying capability more than anything else, there is the seven-seat configuration, with three rows of seats arranged in a 2+3+2 format.

As can be expected, reaching the third-row seats in the six-seat version is not particularly challenging. In comparison, doing that in the seven-seat version requires that the third-row occupants have a certain level of body flexibility. They'd better be flexible enough to stretch their limbs.

Kia knows that not everyone is a yoga fanatic, that's why the second-row seat can be moved slightly fore-and-aft, plus there is a handle grip for rear, third-row occupants to hold on to.

Customers choosing between the six- and seven-seater versions are looking at the all-wheel-drive version powered by a 2.5-liter normally aspirated gasoline engine rated at 180PS. The two are priced the same at HK$398,000 - the highest in the range.

Customers who don't need an AWD and its exceptional enhanced all-terrain capability can choose the front-wheel-drive, seven-seater version at HK$328,000.

This will likely prove more economical to use, but it also comes with fewer goodies in that it rides on 18-inch (instead of 19-inch) wheels, has a smaller (eight-inch, instead of 10.25-inch) touch-screen system and an absence of sunshade blinds for second-row occupants, heads-up displays and Bose 12-speaker premium sound systems.

The new Kia Sorento is also available in a five-seat version, but that will be reserved for business operators.

Powered by a torquey and efficient 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine capable of producing 202PS, it will be registered and regulated as a light commercial vehicle.

Like the gasoline engine powered vehicles, the diesel powered Sorento offers the choices of AWD and FWD. The former is priced at HK$328,000, same as the FWD gasoline version, whereas the latter is very attractively priced at HK$288,000.

Equipment-wise, the AWD diesel is no different from the AWD gasoline. The equipment of the FWD diesel, meanwhile, is comparable to that of FWD gasoline.

The diesel engine that's expected to be as tough as a workhorse also returns better economy, thanks not only to the inherent efficiency associated with diesel engines, but also the automatic double-clutch eight-speed transmission. The gasoline engine versions come standard with a six-speed automatic gearbox.

A range of safety features in the name of Kia's advanced driver assistance system is there for all versions. The system helps reduce many of the inherent hazards and stresses of driving, protecting occupants and other road users on every journey, says the brand.

Likewise, all the versions benefit from a more digitalized instrument panel, multiple USB charging ports and five years' distributor warranties.