DUBAI — Kia’s new Sorento has been named the ‘All-Wheel Drive Car of the Year 2020’ in the Auto Bild Allrad contest. The fourth generation Sorento - which just recently celebrated its world premiere via Facebook livestream in March — is due on-sale in select MEA markets in the third quarter of 2020.

The renowned contest, held by Auto Bild Allrad, Europe's best-selling four-wheel drive magazine, saw Kia’s flagship receive the award in the ‘Design’ category. This is the third consecutive award for Kia from Auto Bild Allrad — readers of trade magazine voted for the Kia Stinger sports sedan as the import winner in the ‘All-wheel drive cars over 40,000 euros’ category in 2018 and 2019. The results of the competition were published in the 7/2020 issue of Auto Bild Allrad.

“As a thoroughly modern SUV, the impressive features and dynamic and elegant design of the Sorento has won over car enthusiasts across the world. We are grateful and proud of this particular award as it marks a new chapter in the history of Kia’s successful SUV flagship,” said Yaser Shabsogh, chief operating officer, regional HQs, Middle East & Africa.

The design of the new model is based on the powerful, robust aesthetics of previous Sorento generations, but sharper lines and edges and more dynamic proportions give it a distinctly sporty touch. The fourth-generation Sorento is also the first Kia constructed in the manufacturer’s new mid-range SUV platform, enabling its new proportions and space-efficient integration of electrified powertrains.

It offers comfortable seating for up to seven people and one of the largest luggage compartments in its segment (up to 910 litres, depending on the model and engine). Comfort features include Nappa leather upholstery and a BOSE® surround sound system. The cockpit features a fully digital instrument cluster, a heads-up display and a 10.25-inch navigation system.

The Sorento’s wide range of innovative driver assistance systems includes Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control and Highway Driving Assist. A new Remote Smart Parking Assist feature allows the SUV to be remotely controlled with a key fob and driven out of a parking space automatically. An important feature for off-road trips is the SUV’s new ‘Terrain Mode’ system, which helps it achieve better traction on mud, sand, and even snow. — SG