Kia Sorento gets a second pair of eyes with a new blind-spot view monitor system

KUALA LUMPUR: In the automotive world, the blind-spot monitoring system is not new; several automakers are using the technology for more than a decade. But now the South Korean automaker, Kia, is taking things to the next level with its intelligent Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM) system. 

The new system is described as a “second pair of eyes” for drivers, which eliminates the left- and right-side blind spots of the driver and enhances the safety of occupants as well as other road users. It features real-time video display instead of having buzzing alarm or warning lights when something appears on the blind-spots. The next-generation Kia Sorento is the first to get this advanced driving assistance feature.

The cutting-edge BVM system uses the all-new 12.3-inch fully-digital 'Supervision' instrument panel, which displays high-resolution video feed on the left or right side of the TFT-LCD instrument cluster, as per the direction of the turn signal. The video comes from the two high-resolution cameras concealed in the side mirror on each side. 

 The 'Supervision' cluster of the Sorento is also equipped with an HD 1920x720 pixel monitor, which replaces the conventional tachometer and speedometer dials with one flawless display. It also houses the digital dials for engine and vehicle speed.

Not only this, but BVM also features a blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, which helps in avoiding collision with other vehicles at the blind spot through intervening at the time of detecting the impending collision.

As of now, the BVM system is only available to Euro-spec Kia Sorento as part of a package that comprises a surround-view monitor, and parking collision-avoidance assist, and a Bose sound system. 

Along with this, Kia Sorento is the first to get the brand’s new 'multi-collision brake system', which determines the risk of a secondary collision after a crash. It immediately applies the brakes to prevent additional impact.

The price of new Kia Sorento is yet to be revealed, but its European arrival is slated for the second half of the year.

Also read: 2020 Kia Sorento revealed in full, looks like a sharp suited SUV