Verdict
The Kia Sorento is closer to
its premium rivals than it has ever been. The styling is smart, the interior
better than any Kia previously and
the gearbox/engine combination is strong. The improved practicality also makes
it more appealing than ever to growing families and, of course, there’s the
ever-present seven-year warranty for that added feeling of security.
In the
past, it often felt like the Kia
Sorento’s priorities were more about practicality and value than anything else.
But with this new model, Kia
has attempted to give style, quality and refinement an equal billing.
It
certainly seems to have worked on the exterior. The smart new design means that
the Sorento, despite its
large size, doesn’t look bulky or awkward at all – helped by the updated grille
and rear spoiler.
Inside
the car, things look smarter still. However, poke around a bit and the materials
don’t feel quite as robust and well-finished as they do on first appearance.
There is some scratchy-looking plastic around the gearstick of lower-spec cars
and the button deletion is far from smooth in the cabin.
Things
might change by the time the Sorento
goes on sale in the UK though. Our test car was only a rough approximation of
what UK buyers might get in a KX-2 mid-range model with some bits missing but
it was still a pleasant place to be and shows the brand’s continued move
forward.
What is
impressive, however, is the refinement of the new model. From inside the car,
the 2.2-litre diesel is barely audible and it was only at higher revs where the
engine noise became intrusive at all. That refinement doesn’t extend to the
wind noise, which isn’t helped by the rather large door mirrors.
The
Sorento’s updated 2.2-litre diesel engine with the six-speed manual gearbox
will go from 0-62mph in nine seconds, around half a second quicker than the
automatic model. The gearbox is satisfyingly smooth and the engine, with its
441Nm of torque, offers more than enough power. The body is well controlled
around corners for a car of the Sorento’s size and weight.
Opting
for the manual gearbox over the automatic option also helps bring down running
costs as emissions drop from 174g/km in the auto to 149g/km in the manual
entry-level cars on 17-inch wheels. Economy falls to 49.5mpg from the thirstier
auto figure of 42.8mpg. Our car, on bigger 18-inch wheels, is likely to be
slightly less economical that those entry figures.
One
thing that is clear from first sitting in the Sorento is just how big it
feels. You can get over this to an extent by opting for a higher spec model as
you’ll get the new 360 degree view camera, which should make maneuvering the
large SUV that little bit easier. The parking sensors on our car helped, too.
The
light steering also helps when moving the Sorento in tight
spots. Although the lack of weight in the helm isn’t quite as useful at higher
speeds where the wheel never feels as if it has quite weighted up enough. Flick
the car in to sport mode, which reduces the amount of steering assistance, and
things do improve.
It’s
not just the looks and refinement that have been improved on this latest Kia Sorento. The manufacturer has
also upped the practicality stakes, with bootspace growing from 515 litres on
the outgoing car to 605 litres with the third row of seats folded. The second
row of seating folds completely flat making it easier to slide longer objects
in. But that’s not all, Kia has added an
under floor storage compartment in the boot floor too.
Space
in the back for passengers is also impressive, with enough headroom and legroom
for the tallest of occupants. The third row also has plenty of space for kids,
though the elevated floor means adults will feel as if their knees are around
their ears. Generally though, the Sorento is a great fit for family life.
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