Test Drive - KIA Sorento, More Than A Facelift ~ THE AUTOMOTIVE WORLD BLOG

Is retreaded after three years at the start

It is normal for a car for half of its life cycle, a more or less comprehensive care model receives. When Kia Sorento is on this after just three years. At first glance, does the usual in such cases: The SUV gets new aprons, modified headlights with daytime running lights now fitted as standard and modified rear lights. The tailgate is exchanged. The optional panoramic glass sunroof lets the future by eliminating the center bar even more light into the cabin, open the sun blind and now closes electrically. A first for the Sorento 19-inch wheels can be had. So far, so good.

New platform
The most important change, however, is not visible, it is below the body. Because of the 4.69 meter long Sorento is now available on a new platform. The handsome occurring Koreans takes the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe Group brother. A wider track now gives more stability, the body moves ten millimeters closer to the tarmac, and the drag coefficient was improved from 0.38 to 0.34. Even in the cabin of the Sorento has done something. Passengers sitting in the second row benefit from three inches more legroom. Front space is also generous. Surcharge instead of a seven-seater five-seat configuration is available. The third row seat is only suitable for children.

Modernized Cockpit
The previous bit dull-looking Sorento-cockpit design is more modern and higher quality. Responsible for this are the increased use of soft-touch surfaces and chrome trim and redesigned center console with a seven-inch screen. The front seats could still offer more lateral support, which is noticeable especially in combination with the leather interior. Curves in the driver and passenger seats then slide on their slick ever go back and forth vigorously.

Under Controls in curves
Speaking of curves: the know are not the cause of the 1.9-ton Sorento. He staggers into bends noticeably, also the car pushes powerfully over the front wheels. The steering is more direct than in the predecessor, but it could act with greater precision. First offered the variable power steering "Flex Steer" is. By pressing a button, the driver can vary the degree of this steering assistance in the three stages of Normal, Comfort and Sport. On the road, the revised Sorento is very comfortable, only rougher bumps are transmitted rather abruptly on the occupants.

Optimized diesel consumption
As standard, the Sorento is supplied as a front-wheel drive. On request, a four-wheel drive is available for rugged off-roader of the Sorento is not however. The famous 2.2-liter Turbo Diesel provides unchanged with 197 hp and 437 Nm of maximum torque is always adequate for passage. However, the four-cylinder diesel engine sound is too present. The six-speed automatic, which for some 1,200 euro replaces the standard manual gearbox is a bit portly, but satisfactory overall. A new system for exhaust gas recirculation reduces fuel consumption significantly - in the four-wheel version with automatic from 7.4 to 6.7 liters. Alternatively, a new 2.4-liter direct injection petrol engine available. With 192 hp, it makes 18 hp more than the previous engine, the maximum torque is increased by 17 to 242 Newton-meters now.

Extras in the only package
As with Kia usual, almost everything linked to higher trim levels or the five option packages. Available features include a radar-based Totwinkelwarner, a lane departure warning as well as a parking assistant. The top line Spirit offers a fair price almost a complete equipment. A detailed price list, Kia has not yet published the new Sorento. What is certain is that the front-wheel drive gasoline engine starts at just under 30,000 euros. The lowest diesel can be bought for 32,990 euros.

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