Electrified models join Kia Sorento range

Electrified versions, including a plug-in PHEV with 57km electric range, have joined Kia’s seven-seater Sorento SUV models in New Zealand.

The two-wheel drive hybrid HEV sells for $80,990 – $4000 more than the top-spec all-wheel drive Premium diesel model – and the PHEV AWD is priced from $89,990.

HEV buyers can choose an all-wheel drive version for an extra $2000.

On-road costs are extra, and the wagons come with four years’ free servicing and a five-year/100,000km factory warranty.

Both wagons run a 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine developing 132kW and 265Nm; both have a six-speed automatic gearbox.

The PHEV’s electric motor produces 67kW and 304Nm and the HEV’s 44kW and 264Nm.

The combined petrol and electric power in the PHEV is 195kW and 350Nm and the HEV has 169kW and 350Nm.

The PHEV has two charging cables – one for overnight charging at home, and a Type 2 cable and dedicated charge port to replenish the battery in about 3.5 hours.

The ability to drive short distances on battery power allows the PHEV to achieve combined fuel consumption of 1.6L/100km. By comparison the diesel Premium has rated fuel consumption if 6.1 L/100km.

Kia quotes combined fuel economy of 5.42L/100km for the HEV 2WD, and the AWD model can achieve 6.16L/100km.

PHEV drivers can prioritise electric or hybrid mode using a button on the centre console. In EV mode, the car runs on electricity for zero-fuel, emissions-free driving.

In HEV mode, it uses the petrol and electric motors simultaneously.

Kia has designed the electric drive components and battery pack to retain the Sorento’s generous passenger and luggage space.

The battery pack is located beneath the driver and front passenger seats in both models, sandwiched between the cabin floor and the Sorento’s underfloor.

In the all-wheel drives, the saddle-shaped battery pack straddles the propshaft.

On the PHEV, the 67-litre fuel tank is beneath the floor under the second row of seats, and the 3.3kW on-board charger is under the cargo floor.

The HEV’s fuel tank layout is similar to diesel-powered models’.

Both electrified Sorentos are Premium spec which includes leather upholstery, a Head-up Display (HUD), heated and ventilated seats, and a BOSE 12-speaker surround-sound system.

Safety gear includes a suite of driver-assist systems and seven airbags, including one in the left-side bolster of the driver’s seat, between the driver and front passenger, to prevent their heads banging together in a collision.