2010 KIA Sorento Diesel Hybrid review and pictures

KIA Sorento Diesel Hybrid review:

2-stage-turbo for Sorento diesel Hybrid

The all-new Sorento Hybrid is powered by an all-new powertrain. At its heart is Kia`s U2 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine known from Kia Soul and now available in the New cee`d and new Venga.

For Sorento, the VGT-turbo has been replaced by a 2-stage turbocharger to generate more than 163 ps (120 kW). The diesel engine is mated to a 30 kW (40 ps) electric motor and drives the front wheels via Kia`s new dual-clutch transmission (another show debutant), offering a perfect blend of comfort and high efficiency. The innovative ‘Integrated package module` located in the trunk under the floor, combines Lithium Ion Polymer Batteries with an Inverter and Converter.

Taking advantage of the New Sorento`s weight loss compared to its predecessor, the extreme engine downsizing concept of this diesel hybrid reduces the weight by more than 100kg. The Sorrento diesel hybrid weighs 1,663kg (8% less than a comparable Sorento).

Combined with its sleeker body shape, the Sorento diesel hybrid features airflow-smoothing under floor panels, a rear window spoiler, aerodynamic wheel rims, lower suspension (by 25 mm) and narrower tyres (225 compared to 235 section). The engine cooling has also been optimised using an active front grille that opens and closes, depending on cooling demand to achieve ‘best-in-class` Cw value. The result all these changes and adaptations is CO2emissions which are reduced to just 119 g/km (30% lower than best Sorento) - a truly remarkable figure for a large SUV.