It appears as if Korean vehicle producer Kia may peg its vehicle life-cycle at four years and not seven years as has become customary in the automotive industry, says Kia Motors South Africa (KMSA) CEO Ray Levin.

Vehicles would then also receive an update every 12 months, and not the mid-cycle spruce-ups that have become the norm.

Levin adds that Kia Motor Corporation (KMC) was currently struggling to meet global demand owing to production pressures.

He says the situation is unlikely to improve soon, with the first new Kia only expected to come off a new production line in around three years.

The Korean manufacturer has also decided to focus any additional volumes it may have on the North American and European markets, rather than other markets, such as Africa.

Levin says KMSA, as a Kia importer, is looking to source additional stock from Kia’s Slovakia plant, but notes that the current Euro/Rand exchange rate “is not looking good”.

New Kia models that will make their debut in South Africa in 2013 include the K2500 bakkie or small truck, coming in the second quarter; the new Cerato sedan making its debut in May or June, followed by the hatchback in August; the Cerato Koup in October or November; as well as the brand-new Soul in the fourth quarter of this year.

First in the 2013 line-up, however, is the new Sorento cross-over utility (CUV) vehicle, which was unveiled locally earlier this month.

Kia developed a new front and rear bumper for the vehicle, with vertical-axis fog lights, a new front grille and headlamps with LED (light emitting diode) positioning lights and a new tailgate with reshaped LED combination lamps.

The newly enhanced Sorento features 18-inch alloy wheels on the two-wheel drive model, while the all-wheel drive (AWD) model comes standard with ten-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels.

A new two-part glass panoramic roof is available as an option on the AWD model. 

Inside the new Sorento’s cabin, the AWD model features a new centre-stack touchscreen display.

All models are fitted standard with a powered six-way driver’s seat, while heated and ventilated driver and front passenger seats are standard on the AWD model. This model also features a standard rear-view safety camera, as well as a start/stop button, with a smart key.

A Bluetooth hands-free system is standard on all derivatives.

All derivatives are also fitted with black leather-trim seat upholstery.

The new Sorento boasts a stiffer body-shell structure and new vibration-damping subframe mountings, which minimise noise and vibration. 

Vibrations through the cabin floor have been reduced by 5% and through the steering wheel by 4%. 

Idle noise level is down from 46 dB to 43 dB, while cabin noise during a 110 km/h cruise has been cut from 65 dB to 63 dB.

Extensive revisions to the body-shell have increased torsional rigidity by 18%.

The Sorento’s engine remains unchanged from the previous model, and features the R2.2 turbo-charged inter-cooler diesel engine.

Maximum torque of the 2.2 l, 146.9 kW engine is 436.4 Nm at 1 800 rpm to 2 500 rpm.

The Sorento model features a six-speed automatic transmission, and is equipped with six airbags.

The list of active and passive safety technologies in the Sorento include electronic stability control, hill-start assist control, cornering brake control, an anti-lock braking system, electronic brake-force distribution, a brake-assist system, traction control and roll-over protection.

Pricing starts at R399 995.