Frankfurt, 19 August 2020 – Kia has announced today that the new Sorento will be equipped with the brand’s innovative new Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) feature when European sales commence in summer 2020. The system helps drivers move their car in or out of tight parking spaces remotely by using their key fob.
The fourth-generation Sorento will be the first Kia sold in Europe to offer RSPA, making it easier to park the SUV in tight spaces. The technology is designed to make egress and access easier when the driver has to park their car, or when they return to their car to find someone has parked too close. RSPA is available on diesel variants of the new Sorento in Europe, depending on individual market and specification.
It means all occupants, including the driver, to get out of the vehicle and instruct it to complete the final stage of the parking manoeuvre itself. Alternatively, it can be used to move the Sorento out of a space if it’s impossible to open the doors conveniently or safely.
RSPA is controlled remotely using the driver’s smart key fob, enabling the Sorento to drive straight into or out of a front-and-back parking space once the vehicle has been lined up by the driver. The technology controls the accelerator, brakes and steering to move the car into or out of a space, while monitoring its surroundings via ultrasonic sensors.
If the vehicle detects a potential collision or hazard, such as a moving vehicle, cyclist or pedestrian, it automatically applies the brakes until its path is clear.
Technologies to make parking safer
The Sorento’s new remote parking system is offered alongside a range of other driver assist technologies designed to help make parking and leaving parking spaces as safe as possible. These technologies include Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist Reverse (PCA) and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA).
Operating at speeds below 10 kph, PCA uses the rear-view camera and ultrasonic sensors to help prevent the Sorento from colliding with a pedestrian or obstacle around the rear when reversing. RCCA makes reversing out of parking spaces safer, using radar to monitor the driver’s blind spots to the side and rear, and identify vehicles that may cross behind the Sorento as it reverses. Both systems issue an audible alert to the driver, and can apply the brakes to help avoid a collision.
