Kia Sorento PHEV here early 2021

Kia will add a sophisticated plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model to its Sorento seven-seat large SUV range in New Zealand next year.

That’s in line with the company’s rapid progress towards a more electrified future.

“Kia is strongly focused on expanding the number of electrified vehicles in the market, which started for us with the Niro hybrid and EV models,” Kia Motors New Zealand managing director Todd McDonald says.

“The introduction of the Sorento plug-in hybrid next year provides an exciting opportunity for buyers to experience Kia’s advanced technology in a larger family vehicle.”

As well as broadening the Sorento line up, the new PHEV model complements the growing Kia SUV range in New Zealand, which includes the Seltos, Sportage, Niro and soon-to-arrive Stonic.

The Sorento PHEV will feature the newly developed ‘Smartstream’ electrified powertrain that pairs a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 13.8kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack and 66.9kW electric motor.

It’s new platform was designed from the outset for electrification and accommodates the battery pack under the floor, with minimal impact on cabin or luggage space.

Described as the most advanced and efficient PHEV system developed by Kia, the new powertrain is the first of its kind to use an independent water-cooling system for the battery pack to ensure optimal efficiency.

The electric motor itself is also coated in a two-stage lamination process to further boost refinement.

Together, the petrol engine and electric motor produce 195kW of power and 350Nm torque, combining low CO2 emissions and reduced fuel consumption with high levels of performance.

That performance is sent to all four driving wheels electronically through a six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2021 Kia Sorento range also takes a major leap forward in terms of safety under Kia’s comprehensive Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) programme, introducing a number of new safety technologies to protect occupants, which will also be an important feature of the upcoming PHEV model.

A price for the PHEV isn’t yet provided.

The new Kia Sorento PHEV model is expected to arrive in New Zealand during the first quarter of 2021 and prospective buyers should register their interest here.