Kia’s UK director has stated that the brand will persist in selling combustion-engine vehicles “for as long as we are permitted”.

Paul Philpott — a prominent figure in the UK’s automotive sector — conveyed that Kia is “not relinquishing non-EVs anytime soon,” sharing the same message with dealers at a conference held in Berlin at the end of May.

This is reassuring news for those who might have played a role in the Kia Sportage potentially becoming the leading vehicle in the UK.

The brand’s petrol-powered Sportage has recently been announced as the top-selling car for October in the latest official registration statistics, and it is this model — alongside others like the Picanto and Sorento — which comprises the brand’s non-electric offerings.

Featured in testing at a recent Kia driving event in Northumbria, the Sorento stands out as a powerful vehicle. While not as charming as the Sportage, it possesses a sturdier build and is more well-equipped, yet it drives with comparable agility.

Mr. Potts noted earlier, “Next year, 28 percent of [our cars] must be EVs — which indicates that 72 percent will not be. Therefore, we must continue to sell models like Sportage, Picanto, Stonic, and Sorento. As long as we are allowed to sell non-EVs, we will continue to do so.”

He mentioned that the brand is pursuing clarity from the government regarding the rapidly approaching 2030 prohibition on new petrol and diesel car sales. “Even the situation for 2030 is still ambiguous — we are requesting the government to elucidate its 2030/2035 strategy. They need to determine it and inform us, allowing us to plan accordingly.”

“What we understand is that by 2030, 80 percent of our sales must comprise EVs — but what about the remaining 80 percent? What will those be?”

“We are engaged in billion-pound decisions concerning future product lines and investments without a clear understanding over the next decade of what we can market.”

While this period may be intriguing and uncertain for the automotive sector, it also heralds promising prospects for Kia. At the Northumbria event, we learned how the company has nearly doubled its sales over the past ten years and that around eight new models are set to launch next year, marking its busiest year yet.

Despite ongoing discussions concerning EVs versus petrol and diesel vehicles, we are currently evaluating what appears to be the pragmatic choice — a hybrid that merges the advantages of both worlds.

The Sorento has now reached its fourth generation, having been established since its launch in 2003. In an encouraging development, the new lineup initiates at approximately £3,030 less than the preceding series.

So, how does the Sorento measure up? It is an expansive vehicle at 4.8 meters in length and 1.9 meters in width, and it offers an uncommon feature of seven seats.

On the outside, the new Sorento draws design cues from the brand’s EV9 electric SUV, featuring vertical headlights and newly designed LED daytime running lights. There is also an updated bonnet design and fresh alloy wheels, in addition to a gloss-black radiator grille, black side sills, and redesigned wheel-arch mouldings.

Entering the interior reveals dual curved 12.3-inch displays, ambient illumination, and a customizable head-up display.

The standard model, designated as 2, comes equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, a six-speaker audio system, tinted windows, a four-inch driver display screen, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

The Sorento 3 is priced starting at £46,195 and adds 19-inch alloy wheels, leather seating, a 12.3-inch driver display screen, powered tailgate, and a Bose audio setup.

Meanwhile, the highest trim level, the 4, begins at £50,695 and features a tilt-and-slide panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, alloy pedals, an electrically adjustable steering column, and electric front seating with lumbar support.

All variants come with a selection of engines, comprising a 2.2-liter diesel producing 190 bhp, a 1.6-liter hybrid with 212 bhp, and a 1.6-liter plug-in hybrid generating 249 bhp.

All models of the new Kia Sorento are equipped with an automatic transmission as standard.

Pricing commences at £41,995 for the model 2 — £3,030 less than the previous entry-level Vision trim — and extends up to £55,995 for the 4 plug-in hybrid, with orders now being accepted.

The evaluated model here is the 2 variant. I appreciate the careful attention to detail, such as the air conditioning for back-seat passengers and the automatic de-fogging feature.

It includes front and rear parking sensors and forward collision avoidance systems, alongside stability control and smart cruise control that maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.

Moreover, it is exceptionally capable in all conditions, thanks to its various terrain modes.

The new Sorento continues the legacy of its predecessor as one of the safest vehicles in its category, featuring a comprehensive range of passive and active safety and security features as standard. Each Sorento model includes front center airbags, side and curtain front airbags, three-point seatbelts throughout, impact-sensing automatic door unlocking, a second-row grab handle, and ISOFIX fittings.

Kia Sorento HEV2 1.6 GDi

Price: £42,995

Engine: a 1,598cc 212bhp petrol engine paired with an electric motor

Performance: Top speed 113mph and 0 to 60mph in 9.7 seconds

Economy: 48.7mpg

Insurance: Group 25E

Warranty: Seven years, 100,000 miles

1. Impressive

The Sorento is an impressive model Photo: Adam Warner

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