a little more in the shadows, but still interesting
The manufacturer Kia has literally wind in the sails for some time. He managed to quietly forget the image of good vehicle manufacturer markets that clung to the skin in recent years. How is it? Mainly due to the improvement of the quality of its new vehicles, but also due to the excellent work of the designer of Kia, Peter Schreyer, who has brought a remarkable style products. The new Kia vehicles are beautiful, well-equipped and affordable qualities that are sufficient to attract more than one. As proof, a knowledge that was sold years Honda has swapped simultaneously his Honda Civic and Accord Coupe against a Kia Optima SX and Kup. Who would have thought that possible 10 years ago?
In the case of the Sorento, he plying his trade since his arrival in 2002, who at the time attracted by its style, value-priced but its good towing capacity. At its redesign in 2010, it was one of the first models to benefit from the new Kia design philosophy. If success was the appointment initially, the Sorento is much more discreet for some time. It continues to attract those looking for an SUV that can accommodate up to seven passengers, but many prefer the virtues of his little brother Sportage more economical to purchase and fuel consumption.
For 2013, the Sorento returns with small changes, we reserve the most important next year. In addition to the different levels of equipment, you'll choose in terms of engines. It can be fitted to the base four-cylinder engine of 2.4 liters, developing 191 horsepower last for a couple of 181 lb-ft. This engine can only offer the possibility to obtain a Sorento traction, but who wants to train for such an SUV? Here we lose one of the main advantages of this type of vehicle, AWD.
In terms of style, the Sorento is of lines which are always to the taste of the day, although some people mention that we do not have the "wow factor" of the newer models of the manufacturer. We recognize its more square lines from the Sportage, however, an element that promotes space aboard. We tested the most opulent and most versions sporting the SX, it brings some distinctive features, including exclusive 18-inch wheels, a front grille and rear bumper sport (which slightly reduces the length of the vehicle ) as well as the tail lights LED. The SX is more beautiful, but also much more expensive.
A good level of equipment
Inside, the Sorento offers space and clearance, probably its strongest point against the Sportage compact SUV and the lot. There aboard attention to detail further, though still hard plastics here and there. Just like other Kia Sorento is distinguished by a good list of standard equipment, including heated seats, a Bluetooth connectivity, an auxiliary input and USB, a keyless ignition and steering column telescopic. This is a very attractive level equipment to compete.
On board, passengers enjoy all good clearances and this element is directly related to the size of the vehicle. The Sorento can even be equipped with an optional third-row seat, but as is always the case, the legroom is far from generous. In the absence of this bench, or once folded, cargo space is much larger and convenient for transporting large objects. In short, the interior space and visibility are the highlights for the Sorento.
Driving
On the road, we like good vision all around the SUV and the high driving position typical for this kind of vehicle. However, the seats lack lateral support cruelly, we slide from left to right, especially in ship equipped with leather seat ...
While the first generation model behaves more like a traditional SUV because of its scale chassis, the current Sorento is much more civilized, who proposes a conduct similar to that of a car. The steering is a bit heavy at low speed, but accurate in everyday driving, surprisingly for an SUV. Some will find it a bit under-aided, but I must admit that it gives a good impression of control over many transmit sensations of the road. The most notable edge is unquestionably sound. Kia has paid attention to this element: external noises are filtered, making quiet ride.
Of course, the 3.5-liter V6 is best suited to the task. The dimensions of the Sorento require a good amount of power, that the four cylinder difficult to make well, especially in the presence of AWD.
Moreover, the Sorento is still a very interesting vehicle, even if it continues to look a little more in the range of SUV manufacturer.
Photo : Kia