Following the official grand opening ceremony of Kia’s first U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia, Kia Motors America today debuted the new 2011 Sorento SX crossover during a press conference at the 2010 Atlanta Auto Show. The SX trim is typically designated as the sportier flagship trim of Kia vehicles (e.g. Rio, Forte, Optima) and the new Sorento SX carries on the tradition. The Sorento SX is scheduled to appear again at the upcoming New York International Auto Show, and arrive in showrooms this summer.
Offering a more muscular stance, the SX receives a variety of exterior additions including revised front and rear fascias, chromed dual exhausts, LED tail lamps (only available in Korean models to date) and redesigned 18-inch alloy wheels with a hyper silver paint finish. Chrome-finished roof rails, a metallic accent along the greenhouse and front and rear stainless skid plates on the outside complete the look.
The interior of the SX benefits from a unique metallic gauge cluster with a stitched meter housing, accent interior illumination and stainless steel pedals. In addition to those, the SX carries over all the standard features found in the well-equipped EX model including smart key with push button start, leather-trimmed seats and heated front seats. The SX also features electrochromatic mirror with Homelink, voice-activated navigation system with back-up camera, and an Infinity Audio surround sound system with 10 speakers.
Mechanically, the Sorento SX is no different from other trims, save for DFD (Dual Flow Damper) shock absorbers that Kia touts will "provide excellent handling characteristics without the harsh ride qualities typically associated with sport-tuned suspensions". The Sorento SX is only available with the 276 horsepower 3.5L Lambda II V6, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Look for official images and pricing details of the Sorento SX to surface later this month. Until then, feast on your eyes on the only image of the car we found on the web.
UPDATE: We finally have a clearer picture of what the Sorento SX looks like, thanks to
Inside Line.
[Source: Images courtesy of
hudgons via Flickr]
Continue reading to view the official press release.
PRESS RELEASE: KIA MOTORS UNVEILS SORENTO SX TRIM AT ATLANTA AUTO SHOW
- New Trim Level Conveys a More Athletic, Luxurious Side to All-New CUV
- The first vehicle built1 at KMMG adds new trim level to an already successful line
- New SX trim will offer a bolder, more sophisticated exterior design with additional standard convenience, comfort and technology features
ATLANTA, March 19, 2010 – Following the official grand opening ceremony of Kia’s first U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia, Kia Motors America (KMA) today debuted the new 2011 Sorento SX crossover during a press conference at the 2010 Atlanta Auto Show. The all-new Sorento has exceeded expectations since going on sale in early January, and now the new SX brings the CUV to new levels of comfort, convenience, technology and design and will arrive in dealerships later this summer. The first vehicle to roll off the line at Kia Motors’ recently opened state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia, the 2011 Sorento is a true symbol of Kia Motors’ $1 billion commitment to both the state of Georgia, the United States and North America.
“Receiving critical and consumer acclaim, Sorento has surpassed all expectations in only its first two months on the market, leading both January and February sales and helping achieve record-breaking sales for Kia Motors America,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing of KMA. “The addition of the 2011 Sorento to the Kia lineup has helped bring new and more affluent customers into our showrooms. And with the addition of the new SX trim we hope to expand Sorento’s appeal to even more consumers looking for a comfortable, sophisticated and well-equipped vehicle.”
With a streamlined and attractive look, the 2011 Sorento represents a modern CUV that is just the right size for today’s consumer. With swept-back lines and angled windows, large flared-back headlamps and prominent fog lamps, the view from the front conveys strength and power. From the rear, the rounded back and tail lamps set prominently within the lift gate express the same forceful attitude and strength. Offering a more muscular stance, the SX receives revised front and rear fascias to exude additional authority while added chrome to the exhaust outlet, LED tail lamps and redesigned 18-inch alloy wheels with a hyper silver paint finish increase its luxurious exterior appeal.
Originally available in two trim levels, LX and EX, SX adds an enhanced dimension to Sorento with styling that adds an edgier attitude and comes standard with a host of luxury, convenience and technology features throughout. In addition to the smart key with push button start, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, telescopic steering wheel, heated side mirrors, automatic up/down driver-side windows and privacy glass found standard on all EX models, upgrading to the new SX trim will further spoil its occupants. Driver and passengers will benefit from leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, electrochromatic mirror with Homelink® and a voice-activated navigation system with back-up camera.
In addition to the impressive array of standard technology features found on all Sorento models, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities, auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting personal MP3 players, and Bluetooth®2 connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls to enable hands-free operation for all compatible mobile phones, the SX also comes standard with an Infinity® Audio surround sound system with 10 speakers for a truly enhanced listening experience.
Raising the level of refinement and sophistication further, the SX interior benefits from a unique metallic gauge cluster with a stitched meter housing, accent interior illumination and stainless steel pedals. Chrome-finished roof rails, a metallic accent along the greenhouse and front and rear stainless skid plates on the outside complete the look. A panoramic sunroof also is available to enhance the feeling of spaciousness and adds to Sorento’s modern appearance.
Without sacrificing the space, comfort and ride that the current Sorento already offers, Sorento SX will employ the same unibody design with the ability to comfortably fit up to seven passengers. An overall length of 183.9 inches and overall width of 74.2 inches with substantial headroom, legroom and cargo capacity effortlessly accommodates both passenger and cargo needs for all drivers. Sorento SX will, however, be nearly half of an inch lower to the ground for a subtly sportier appearance while the lower center of gravity allows improved handling and aerodynamics.
The Sorento SX also features DFD (Dual Flow Damper) shock absorbers typically found on more expensive vehicles. The DFD shocks, which have been specially matched to Sorento’s MacPherson strut front suspension and the fully independent mulit-link rear suspension, provide excellent handling characteristics without the harsh ride qualities typically associated with sport-tuned suspensions.
The SX comes mated to Sorento’s more powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine, providing best-in-class 276 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque, more powerful than the Ford Edge and Chevrolet Equinox V63. Coupled to a new six-speed automatic transmission, the V6 offers ample power and improved fuel efficiency. This all-new six-speed automatic transmission is a proprietary design for Kia Motors that was designed, engineered and built specifically for Kia vehicles, making the brand one of only three manufacturers to employ such a transmission.
To further meet consumer needs, the engine can be mated to either front- or all-wheel-drive configurations, the latter coming with a locking center differential to evenly distribute power to all wheels while operating the vehicle at low speeds during more severe weather conditions. Drivers also will benefit from a standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Start Assist (HAS) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC), offered on all Sorento trims.
Industry-Leading Warranty
The 2011 Sorento SX is covered by Kia’s comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the comprehensive vehicle coverage.
Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand’s continued gains in U.S. market share. With two new vehicle introductions and several other key initiatives planned for 2010, Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and with new technology such as UVO powered by Microsoft®4 infotainment system (to be available in select Kia models in the U.S. beginning in summer 2010). The launch of the all-new 2011 Sorento CUV, the official vehicle of the NBA, further enhances the lineup and is now in dealerships.
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 670 dealers throughout the United States. For 2009, KMA recorded its 15th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share and recently achieved its best quarter of sales ever. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline “The Power to Surprise.”
Kia Motors America is the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA." Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.
Today, we bring you the latest images of the Kia K5, this time giving us a preview of the mid-size sedan's flagship trim. The person who snapped these images stated that he was one of the select few journalists invited by Kia to the automaker's Hwasung plant in Korea to see the K5 and the new Sportage R in person. 
Following the official grand opening ceremony of Kia’s first U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia, Kia Motors America today debuted the new 2011 Sorento SX crossover during a press conference at the 2010 Atlanta Auto Show. The SX trim is typically designated as the sportier flagship trim of Kia vehicles (e.g. Rio, Forte, Optima) and the new Sorento SX carries on the tradition. The Sorento SX is scheduled to appear again at the upcoming New York International Auto Show, and arrive in showrooms this summer.
Offering a more muscular stance, the SX receives a variety of exterior additions including revised front and rear fascias, chromed dual exhausts, LED tail lamps (only available in Korean models to date) and redesigned 18-inch alloy wheels with a hyper silver paint finish. Chrome-finished roof rails, a metallic accent along the greenhouse and front and rear stainless skid plates on the outside complete the look.
The Kia Soul Safety Car will make its public debut on March 21 at Infineon Speedway in Sonoma, California. The safety car was first shown at the 2009 SEMA Show, but the public is not invited to that annual aftermarket event.
The Kia is the official safety car of the U.S. Touring Car Championship series, which is modeled after European touring car races and features modified production-based sedans.
Just how many customers have taken Hyundai up on its Assurance Program and returned their vehicles after a purchase? According to the automaker, the figure is below 75.
Hyundai Automotive Group, the world's sixth-largest vehicle maker, continues to prove its high quality as its two flagship subsidiaries Hyundai Motor and Kia Motor climb fast up the ladder in global surveys. J.D. Power and Associates, a U.S.-based research outfit, announced its annual report on vehicle dependability Thursday, giving favorable ratings to both Hyundai and Kia.
Once car shoppers narrow down their choices to a few brands, they almost always visit those manufacturer's Web sites to do more research on price, options and incentives before they go to the dealerships. J.D. Power and Associates ranked Kia's Web site the highest auto manufacturer Web site in its recent 2010 Manufacturer Web Site Evaluation Study.
According to the latest Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence data, Hyundai in the US recently surpassed Honda and Toyota when it comes to making customers happy and retaining them. In addition, Hyundai resale values have been outperforming the car segment average, which is something reserved only for Toyota and Honda in our market. The all-new 2011 Sonata was also the fifth most researched car in kbb.com’s Top 10 Most-Researched New Vehicles list.
