KIA’s Sorento launch in Pakistan has car enthusiasts buzzing with excitement, who cannot wait for the upgrade in the Pakistani automotive industry to be available for purchase in the market soon. While car-centric groups online have discussed the variant that has launched and it’s features and specifications, the car was yet to be tested out on the road by anyone other than professional drivers who earlier this year took Sorento, as one of the four newly launched KIA cars, for a road trip throughout Pakistan up to Karakoram Highway.
On Sunday, 14th February, exclusive media was invited to try the seven-seater SUV first hand at its KIA Powerplay Testing Event. Two variants of the car were put to test: KIA Sorento 2.4L- AWD and KIA Sorento 3.5L V6 – FWD. A one of a kind on-ground test was held on a dedicated 2 KM track. The day allowed guests to drive the car as well as take a ride in it along with a professional car racer.
When the guests arrived, car racers; Shah Faisal and Osama took them on drives individually testing the vehicles to their extreme limits. The track was specifically designed to ensure it was a fun ride. Apart from a straight stretch, the track also had hairpin turns, a cliff and an off-road patch, which together tested Sorento’s traction, power, and stability.
The guests were seen embracing the adventure. With their seatbelts on and their adrenaline on another high, they soared along with the drivers, thrilled by the experience that let them admire the robust performance of the car to handle extreme off-road and on road limits at fast speed.
Once the drivers dropped them off, they were handed the car keys to take the beauty off for a ride themselves. Individually, each of them tested out the vehicle, checking out each and every feature, studying the extremely detailed interior and exterior of the car. Once they had spent an amount of time driving around, they dropped by the display area where they reviewed the car in their own styles.
The guests included Omer Arshad from Bam Wheels, Mooroo, Suneel Munj of Pakwheels, Shah Faisal and other publications such as Car Spirit and Brandsynario. The media invitees were impressed by the performance of the Sorento. They discussed among themselves how promising Sorento’s arrival had been after the success of Sportage, knowing far too well that Sorento has performed really well globally. Their anticipation had paid off and they were satisfied that the car had lived up to their expectations.
Invitees expressed the grandeur of the vehicle and how luxurious the exterior of the car looks with its tiger-nose grill front and projector headlamps. The majestic interior is also striking with its cruise control, rain sensors, and power & heated folding side-view mirrors.
At a competitive price, reviewers were of the opinion that Sorento will definitely be a tough competition to Toyota’s Fortuner. Although the variant launching its third generation, it is still as good as the Sportage, which fared well in the local market. KIA, as a South Korean manufacturer, has become the fourth largest car making company in Pakistan by sales.
Booking for Sorento is expected to begin by the end of this week.
