Kia has added a more economical automatic gearbox and new sports-inspired trim levels to its Sorento SUV range.
The new eight-speed auto, which replaces the previous six-speed unit, comes as standard with the new GT-Line and GT-Line S, and is also available as an option at KX-2 and KX-3 trim levels
Kia says the increased number of ratios mean economy is improved to 43.5mpg, compared with 42.2mpg for the previous automatic, and CO2 emissions are cut from 174g/km to 170g/km.
The new gearbox offers up to five different shift and throttle programmes.
Drivers can leave the car to shift for itself, or, in GT-Line and GT-Line S trim, use steering wheel-mounted paddles to change gear.
The Sorento is also available with a six-speed manual gearbox in KX-1, KX-2 and KX-3 trim levels, with fuel economy of up to 49.6mpg and CO2 emissions starting at 149g/km, depending on wheel and tyre size.
Along with the new gearbox, the new GT-Line and GT-Line S trim levels feature 19-inch double five-spoke alloy wheels, stainless steel side steps, ice cube-style front foglights, red brake callipers and twin exhaust pipes.
GT-Line models have projection headlights, while GT-Line S features LED headlights with a dynamic bending function.
Inside, there are black leather seats with light grey stitching, a perforated leather-trimmed steering wheel and a bespoke ‘GT-Line’ design leather gearstick.
KX-1, KX-2 and KX-3 trim levels remain unchanged, save for the introduction of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration into the infotainment system.
All Sorentos have seven seats, and a 197bhp 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine with an intelligent four-wheel-drive system.
Depending on model, other available features include smart cruise control, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, around view monitoring, a driver alert warning system and a speed limit information function.
Prices for the Sorento range start from £28,995, with the GT-Line costing £36,495, and the GT-Line S available for £41,995.
