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Kia’s refreshed Sorento hybrid has arrived in showrooms.
The seven-seat family SUV’s petrol and diesel variants were updated in January this year and now the petrol-electric version receives the same treatment.
It is only available in fully-loaded GT-Line trim with prices starting at $70,330 (before on-road costs) for the front-wheel drive variant. All-wheel drive grip adds another $3000.
That’s a price jump of $3580 compared to the pre-facelift version.
It is still considerably cheaper than the similarly equipped, and all-wheel drive only, Toyota Kluger Grande Hybrid that starts at $82,860.
It also just undercuts the recently released Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, which is priced from $75,000 for the top-end Calligraphy variant.
The Sorento falls down with its lack of more affordable variants, though.
Both the Kluger and Santa Fe Hybrids are available in cheaper lower grades, which the Sorento can’t match.
The cheapest Santa Fe Hybrid starts at $55,500 and the Kluger Hybrid range starts at $60,920.
The updated Sorento Hybrid maintains its 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine and electric motor combo, which produces 169kW and 350Nm. This is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The Sorento misses out on the uprated hybrid set-up found in the recently launched Santa Fe. That 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor combo makes 172kW and 367Nm.
The Hybrid Sorento brings the same design changes as its petrol and diesel siblings. It has a redesigned front end with a new grille and snazzy LED headlights.
Quilted Nappa leather-appointed seats are power adjustable, heated and ventilated.
There are two large 12.3-inch screens, one for the multimedia and the other for the driver’s instruments.
Buyers can expect built-in satnav, smartphone mirroring, a mass of USB ports and a wireless device charger. The Sorento is also capable of over the air updates.
Safety is comprehensive with a wide array of active driver aids.
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