Review : Kia Sorento

Car Review Kia Sorento -  With this latest models, the Kia's attempted to add desirability into the proposition too. Despite of European markets, offering the Kia Sorento with an engine range Including a 2.0-liter diesel and a 2.4-liter petrol, all UK versions will be equipped with a 197bhp 2.2-liter diesel.

It is yet to finalize the exact specification and pricing of the latest Sorento but expect it to start above the £ 27,000 mark and rise to a figure close to £ 40,000.


Larger, better-equipped and more expensive than before, Kia's Largest has got what it takes models to key players such as the related Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan X-Trail's smaller or even Land Rover's Discovery Premium Sport?

Bolder design

There is no escaping the bolder interpretation of Kia's design language employed on its latest Sorento. The front end is dominated by a more upright version of the firm's 'tiger nose' grille, with a new floating diamond texture.

Elsewhere, the Sorento's styling is evolutionary and enlarged, par- ticularly at the rear where the 95mm longer bodywork liberates even more interior space, making the standard third row of seats habitable by more than just children.

Also benefitting interior space and practicality are an Increased wheelbase (80mm greater than before) and a middle row of seats split 40/20/40 roomates, making it Significantly more flexible when varying passenger and luggage requirements.

That middle row of seats Also tip and slide forwards on the latest Sorento making access to the third row is much Easier; UK buyers will not be Offered the five-seater version.

While the extra roominess is welcome, the most obvious improvement inside the Sorento are the improved plastics used on the dashboard and door panels, many of the roomates are soft-touch items of lifting the quality feel in the big Kia.

Diesel-only engine range

Despite of European markets, offering the Kia Sorento with an engine range Including a 2.0-liter diesel and a 2.4-liter petrol, all UK versions will be equipped with a 197bhp 2.2-liter diesel.

This is a wise decision as it's more powerful, more fuel efficient and less polluting than the other choices, with versions equipped with the six-speed manual transmission emitting 149g / km. Choose the six-speed automatic and that rises to 174g / km.

It's no surprise that Kia's focused on refinement and economy over performance with this bike, but choose either of transmission and the Sorento will reach 62mph from standstill in under 10 seconds.

Four-wheel drive is standard on all UK-market Sorentos too.

Kia's worked hard to supressed Altogether ambient noise from entering the Sorento's cabin with extra sound-deadening materials throughout, meaning the engine note is only par- ticularly at higher revs penetrative, while both road and wind noise are impressively subdued.

Broad range and generously equipped

It is yet to finalize the exact specification and pricing of the latest Sorento but expect it to start above the £ 27,000 mark and rise to a figure close to £ 40,000.

Trim levels will be familiar to existing customers Sorento, with an entry-level KX1, rising through KX2 (Likely the private buyers' favorite) and KX3, with the company-car drivers KX4 appealing topping the range.