LA Auto Show: Kia Sorento Surf Hangs Ten - Yes I Know Its A Cheezy Headline

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 3, 2003; Whether you're a veteran of the waves or just learnin' surfin', there's no better way to get to the beach than in the Sorento Surf, one of two concept vehicles designed by Kia Motors America and on display at the 2003 Los Angeles Auto Show. The Kia Sorento Surf is an updated version of the essential beach cruiser, with everything a weekend warrior might want or need to hit the beach with a vengeance in a stylish and muscular vehicle.

Based on the newly introduced Kia Sorento midsize sport utility vehicle, the five-passenger Sorento Surf is equipped with a powerful DOHC, 24-valve, 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 192 horsepower and is coupled to an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

Starting with its Sunset Silver metallic paint and tinted windows, the Sorento Surf is meant for serious beachgoers. Adding to its sporty look are blacked-out reflectors in the headlights, a high capacity roof rack with basket and polished, aluminum light tabs featuring low profile, oval-shaped Hella Lights. The vehicle features a stinger antenna that is center-mounted above the windshield header and color-keyed wheel flares and bumper fascias for a distinctive look and aggressive stance.

"The Sorento Surf is meant to demonstrate how easy it is to customize a vehicle to suit your particular lifestyle," said Peter M. Butterfield, Kia's executive vice president and chief operating officer. "The Sorento is a functional vehicle that can easily be modified at a relatively low cost with factory and aftermarket parts, adding to an already great value package."

As a rugged, authentic SUV, the Sorento Surf features body on frame construction with nine crossmembers and a double wishbone front suspension and a five-link solid rear axle. A long wheelbase (106.7 inches) and wide track (62.2 inches) provide a comfortable ride and excellent stability in all driving situations, while the short front and rear body overhangs allow the Sorento Surf to navigate steep, challenging terrain and shines as a serious performer, on- and off-road.

The front license plate block has been deleted from the front fascia, and the grille has been modified with a ripple mesh insert with a matching ripple mesh screen added to the lower grille opening. For cutting through the marine layer, the Surf's fog lights have been modified and larger, six-inch Hella High Intensity Discharge (H.I.D.) fog lights have been installed.

For added flash, the Sorento Surf features several metallic accents on the exterior, including a polished aluminum skid plate along with tubular chrome aluminum step bars and a polished stainless steel exhaust with dual square tip outlets. In addition, the engine features blue anodized components, steel braided hose covers, and the engine cover has been painted to match the exterior color.

Beach cruising should be effortless with the Surf's larger, 16-inch, off-road tires and matching 16-inch polished aluminum alloy wheels. The SUV's suspension has been lifted three inches in the front and two inches in the rear to accommodate the larger wheel and tire package, which gives the vehicle a more in-your-face look.

To be certain you don't get stuck in the sand, a beach cruising faux pas, the Sorento Surf comes equipped with a part-time four-wheel-drive system, which engages with the turn of a knob for convenient shift-on-the-fly driving as well as a transfer case equipped with low range for the most challenging off-road situations.

Inside the Sorento Surf is dressed to impress and includes luxurious touches making every trip to the beach a special event. Standard comfort and convenience features include air conditioning, power windows/door locks/heated mirrors, cruise control, eight-speaker CD sound system, map lights, four 12 volt power outlets, 8-way adjustable driver's seat and 60/40 split flip-and-fold rear seats.

Into leather? The Surf includes leather seats with color-coordinated perforated inserts, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, leather headrests and leather door panel inserts. Keeping with the metallic accents, a metalized aluminum finish has been added to the instrument panel vent trim, outboard vents and center console.

Upgraded floor mats have been installed and the cargo mat is comprised of black neoprene "wet suit" fabric, matching that of the Cinco Swim, for wet suits and other beach equipment.

In addition, the Sorento Surf comes equipped with an upgraded Delphi AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system featuring Satellite XM and SkyFi.

Designed with great attention to detail, the Sorento Surf incorporates the little extras that appeal to most SUV buyers that include plenty of storage space throughout the vehicle, an underbody-mounted full-size spare tire, a flat cargo floor, a handy split-opening rear hatch, underseat storage bin, six beverage holders, split-level lockable glove box, dual compartment center console and more.

Inside, the Sorento Surf seats five passengers comfortably with generous head and leg room. It boasts passenger room of 107 cubic feet, which is larger than Jeep Grand Cherokee (100 cubic feet), Nissan Pathfinder (92.9 cubic feet) and Toyota Highlander (105.7 cubic feet) and overall interior volume of 138.4 cubic feet. The 60/40-split rear seats easily flip and fold for a smooth, flat cargo area.

Standard safety features include three-stage dual front airbags and front and rear side-curtain airbags, front pretensioners, front force-limiters and five three-point seatbelts and headrests to accommodate all occupants.

In addition to hauling cargo, the Sorento Surf can tow up to 3,500 pounds, and comes pre-wired for trailer wiring harness. A rear load-leveling system is available to automatically keep the rear of the vehicle level while towing jet skis like the customized one hooked up to the Surf at Kia's Los Angeles Auto Show display, or while carrying heavy loads of firewood for those beach bonfires.

Kia Motors America is the U.S. sales, marketing and service arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea. High-resolution photos of the Sorento Surf are available at www.kiamedia.com .