What do you do with a car that's just three years old, that's won a string of awards and that's consistently been a top-six seller in its sector? Well, if your name's Kia and the model in question is the Sorento, you give it a complete overhaul to keep it at the forefront of the SUV sector. The Sorento was Kia's first foray into the high-end SUV market. Designed with European input and with European buyers in mind, it has been a huge success. Kia's big 4x4 is big on looks, big on value and big on ability.The revised model uses the same body panels as the original car. But new front and rear bumpers, projection-style headlamps, tail lights and body mouldings give it a more elegant and modern appearance. The engine line-up kicks off with Kia's acclaimed 2.5-litre 168bhp, four-cylinder, 16-valve common-rail engine, there’s a new 3.3-litre V6 petrol engine which has replaced the former 3.5-litre unit and has an extra 48bhp, trimming its 0-62mph time to 8.9 seconds. The diesel is available with five-speed manual or automatic gearboxes, while the V6 will be sold only as an automatic. Higher top gear ratios in both gearboxes reduce cruising noise levels, and the automatic also features Kia's Sports Mode, allowing manual override of gear changes.
On the road the Sorento is just as good as any comparable vehicle and off-road it is surprisingly capable, making it perfectly possible to climb aboard and head for anywhere between the Cairngorms and the New Forest with complete confidence. It has a user-friendly 4x4 system, which means you don't have to be an off-road expert to get the best from it. In fact, keep the system in auto and it senses when the wheels are slipping and diverts power to those that aren't. Lock it into '4x4' and power is distributed to all four wheels.
It's easy and comfortable to drive, even over longer distances. The seat is multi-adjustable and steering wheel adjusts for height (but not reach). The interior is tastefully designed and looks modern and attractive. There's a generously sized boot that's accessed via a tailgate, the seats split 60:40 and fold totally flat for a very useful load area. The rear screen is hinged, too, so you can drop bags in without opening the main tailgate. It's pretty practical inside, too, with a large centre storage box, a decent-sized glovebox and various cubbies. Legislation may be starting to target 4x4s but the public shows little sign of ending its love affair with the SUV.
