Driving along the backroads of the Magaliesburg drivers often encounter roads of varying quality – roads which test the mettle of vehicles whose suspension is set up for enthusiastic driving and which, typically, sport tyres of such so low profile that buckled rims are not uncommon.
Travel these same roads – which I did – in the Sorento and the driving experience changes dramatically. The SUV characteristics are such that they offer sophisticated and comfortable transportation at speeds that don’t compromise on time.
It’s also nice to know that the experience need not be limited to the driver alone as new Sorento line-up has that all its model derivatives offering seating for up to seven passengers. If luxury is your thing, leather upholstery as standard across the board.
The seats are practical as they feature 40/20/40 second row split folding seats for improved versatility. These seatbacks can be ‘remotely’ folded by conveniently located levers in the side of the cargo bay. There is also a higher folding centre armrest. The third-row seats fold away flat in the luggage compartment, ensuring that luggage space is not compromised when the seats are not in use. I am in no doubt that, given my travel requirements, I would never have reason to fold the seats flat.
That said the Sorento offers – to those who need it – 605 liters of luggage space. It also features an under-floor tonneau cover storage compartment and integrated cargo net to secure loose items.
The Sorento range is comprised of a mid-spec LX and a mid-high-spec EX derivative. Both are available either with front-wheel drive or KIA’s renowned Dynamax all-wheel drive system.
The enhanced Sorento LX features a raft of standard specification that includes dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, automatic headlamp control (incorporating ‘Welcome Home’ and ‘Escort’ lighting), auto-folding and heated side mirrors with integrated side indicators, electric windows front and rear, and rear USB ports.
To aid drivers in facing the challenges of driving the ever-changing roads of suburbia and other excursions a new 8-inch colour touchscreen with embedded Satellite Navigation is standard. Occupants can also control audio, whether it is a favorite radio station, via the USB/Aux jacks or through their mobile device via Apple CarPlay.
The Sorento features the 2.2-litre ‘R’ turbodiesel engine and delivers its power with smoothness and efficiency, producing 147 kW of power at 3 800 r/min, with maximum torque of 440 Nm -available between 1 750 and 2 750 r/min. It reaches 100 km/h in 9.4 seconds, with a top speed of 203 km/h.
Interestingly, Kia have adopted an electronic swirl control valve in the intake manifold. It further reduces emissions by more carefully controlling the intake of oxygen to the combustion chamber. CO2 emissions are 164 g/km and 170 g/km for the front-wheel and all-wheel drive versions respectively.
The enhanced Sorento is the first SUV from KIA available with the company’s new eight-speed automatic transmission. The new transmission offers four different drive modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport and Smart.
The Sorento lacks nothing when it comes to safety as it features a range of safety and driver assistance systems, including:
- ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
- Six airbags
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
- The electric windows have a safety function that automatically halts the window closing if an obstruction is detected
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Hill-start Assist
- Park Distance Control at the rear
- Reverse camera displayed on the 8-inch colour touchscreen
An Electric Parking Brake with auto-hold function is also standard, as is cruise control.
The specs
Engine: 8-speed A/T
Power: 147 kW
Torque: 440 Nm
Fuel efficiency: 7.9L/100km
Price: from R490 000
Warranties: standard with unlimited kilometre, five-year warranty, as well as a standard 5-year/100,000km service plan and 3-years of roadside assistance.
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