New Delhi: Kia on Friday announced its entry into hybrid sports utility vehicle (SUV) segment with the launch of its Sorento model at a starting price of Rs 30 lakh.This is the company’s first hybrid offering in India….

New Delhi: Kia on Friday announced its entry into hybrid sports utility vehicle (SUV) segment with the launch of its Sorento model at a starting price of Rs 30 lakh.This is the company’s first hybrid offering in India. Sorento diesel version is priced at Rs 27.99 lakh while hybrid model’s ex-showroom price starts at Rs 29.99 lakh.The vehicle will be assembled at Kia’s manufacturing facility located at Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh. Sorento will be the first in the segment to be equipped with real-time Generative AI capabilities.“Built in India, for India, its arrival offers customers a compelling new choice in the segment, while also bringing two important firsts for Kia India — our first Hybrid offering and the global debut of Kia AI Assistant with Real-Time Generative AI capabilities with the India-spec Sorento,” Gwanggu Lee, Managing Director and CEO, Kia India.Bengaluru Airport’s new ‘Care by BLR’ plan: Bags picked up at home, chauffeur to KIA’“More than expanding our portfolio, Sorento reflects our commitment to bringing globally proven products and future-ready technologies to meet the evolving aspirations of Indian customers. We are confident that it will set a new benchmark for the segment and further strengthen Kia’s premium journey in India,” Lee added.Measuring 4,815 mm in length and 1,900 mm in width, with a 2,815 mm wheelbase and a height of 1,785 mm with roof rails, Kia Sorento is the longest and widest in its segment.Sorento is offered with 18-inch sporty crystal cut alloy wheels and 19-inch premium crystal cut alloy wheels, complemented by side door garnish with satin chrome accents.The vehicle is available in both six and seven seater configurations. The 6-seater features Wing Type Headrests, while the third row offers 50:50 split-folding seats with adjustable headrests. Kia has introduced Real-Time Generative AI capabilities in its latest offering. This is the first in its segment to offer this capability. It is also being introduced for the first time across Kia’s global product line-up.“Kia AI Assistant is Kia’s next-generation in-car conversational AI which provides data based on real-time search, designed to make every journey smarter, easier, and more engaging. It enables natural, human-like conversations, understands follow-up questions, and provides real-time information, helping users stay informed and connected on the move,” Kia India said in a statement.Beyond conversational capabilities, Kia AI Assistant offers vehicle-specific intelligence through integration with the owner’s manual, while “Hey Kia” wake-word support enables hands-free access. It can also control select vehicle functions, including air-conditioning and windows, bringing AI-powered assistance more directly into the driving experience, it said.

Source: Deccan Herald