Kia Sorento Edition aims to solve new car shortages

• ‘Edition’ model replaces ‘2’ ‘3’ and ‘4’ trims
• Diesel and hybrid powertrains available
• On sale in July from £49,495

In an effort to combat current supply constraints and slowed production, Kia has condensed the range of its seven-seater family SUV, the Sorento, into a new singular specification. Dubbed the Kia Sorento Edition, this updated model comes fully-loaded with equipment, more-so than even the previous range-topping ’4’ trim.

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As standard, all Kia Sorentos now get adaptive LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, black Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated electric front seats, a head-up display, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 12-speaker BOSE sound system, a wireless mobile phone charger and an automated tailgate. Standard safety kit includes a 360-degree camera system, blind-spot monitoring and collision avoidance assist.

When configuring their Kia Sorento Edition, buyers are now only faced with two choices: which powertrain and paint colour to pick. As before, there are three engines on offer: a diesel, a self-charging hybrid and a range-topping plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The 2.2-litre diesel is the least powerful of the range, with 199bhp at its disposal. Despite this, 0-62mph takes a respectable 9.1 seconds and fuel economy figures of up-to 42mpg can be expected.

Moving up the range, the Sorento self-charging hybrid produces 223bhp from its 1.6-litre petrol engine and electric motor setup. This can propel the Sorento from 0-62mph in a brisk 8.7 seconds and return around 40mpg. The plug-in hybrid uses a similar setup, but with a more-powerful electric motor to output 261bhp. From a standstill, the PHEV takes an even livelier 8.4 seconds to reach 62mph, and thanks to a larger 12.4kWh battery pack, can travel up to 35 miles on electric power alone.

All Sorento models come as standard with an automatic gearbox; the diesel gets an eight-speed dual-clutch unit, while both hybrids use a six-speed single-clutch transmission.

The new Edition model will only be available in three greyscale shades: White Pearl, Graphite or Midnight Black. Diesel cars get 20-inch gloss black wheels, while both hybrid models sit on more-efficient 19-inch alloys.

Due to go on sale in July, the Kia Sorento Edition is set to start from £49,495 – although this figure is subject to change. Entry-level models of the Kia Sorento once represented good value for money amongst more premium rivals from the likes of Land Rover and Volvo XC90. However, with such a large price hike, only time will tell whether the Kia will be as popular, with cars such as the Hyundai Santa Fe coming in considerably cheaper.

Looking for a family car that’s frugal to run? Check out our list of the top 10 best hybrid SUVs