New Kia Sorento is named 'All-Wheel Drive Car of the Year 2020'

Kia has only recently revealed the new fourth-generation Kia Sorento, and the car is already an award winner. The new model, which celebrated its world premiere via Facebook livestream in March and is due on-sale in Europe in the third quarter of 2020, has been named 'All-Wheel Drive Car of the Year 2020'.

The renowned contest, held by Auto Bild Allrad, Europe's best-selling four-wheel drive magazine, saw Kia's flagship receive the award in the 'Design' category. This is the third consecutive award for Kia from Auto Bild Allrad â€" readers of trade magazine voted for the Kia Stinger sports sedan as the import winner in the 'All-wheel drive cars over 40,000 euros' category in 2018 and 2019. The results of the competition were published in the 7/2020 issue of Auto Bild Allrad, with the annual award ceremony not taking place due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

"With the fourth generation of the Sorento we are entering a new chapter in the history of our successful SUV flagship, which is why this award fills us with particular pride", says Steffen Cost, Managing Director (COO) of Kia Motors Deutschland. "Its dynamic and elegant design offers the attractive 'packaging' of a thoroughly modern SUV with a pioneering engine range, a powerful all-wheel drive system, the latest driver assistance and information technologies, luxurious comfort and ample space. The Sorento has won many fans in Germany since its launch in 2002, and we are convinced its fan base will grow significantly with the new generation."

The design of the new model is based on the powerful, robust aesthetics of previous generations of Sorento generations, but sharper lines and edges and more dynamic proportions give it a distinctly sporty touch. The fourth-generation Sorento is also the first Kia constructed on the manufacturer's new mid-range SUV platform, enabling its new proportions and space-efficient integration of electrified powertrains. In Europe, the new Sorento will be available with a choice of hybrid or diesel powertrains, with a plug-in hybrid system to follow.

It offers comfortable seating for up to seven people and one of the largest luggage compartments in its segment (up to 910 litres, depending on the model and engine). Comfort features include Nappa leather upholstery and a BOSE® surround sound system. The cockpit features a fully digital instrument cluster, a head-up display and a 10.25-inch navigation system including UVO Connect online services.

The Sorento's wide range of innovative driver assistance systems includes Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control and Highway Driving Assist. A new Remote Smart Parking Assist feature allows the SUV to be remotely controlled with a key fob and driven out of a parking space automatically. An important feature for off-road trips is the SUV's new 'Terrain Mode' system, which helps it achieve better traction on mud, sand and snow.