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Weekend roadtest : Kia Sorento KX3 Auto
publication date: Jun 19, 2010
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author/source: Robin Roberts
One of the most successful of the new generation
4x4
models has been the Kia Sorento,
which has achieved a lot despite being
available only with a manual gearbox.
Now it could build on its enviable growth with the option of a
sophisticated six-speed automatic transmission in the powertrain in the
latest version.
The new transmission is available with the 194bhp 2.2 litre diesel
engine and it is a really impressive combination.Selection is easy, the ratios very well chosen and the
changes whether
accelerating or decelerating are velvet smooth. |  | Typically, if you press on with most automatics the up-changes become
appreciably jerky, but not in the Sorento with its silken progress.
Brake sharply and the system gently skips down the box and puts it in
the right gear for accelerating again.
The Sorento’s engine is a very refined diesel which delivers immediate
response, strong mid-range pulling power and refined cruising on main
roads.
It is not a sporting SUV but it is capable of keeping up with traffic,
responding immediately to overtaking opportunities and offering very
satisfactory fuel economy.
There is no doubt the powertrain ranks as one of the most refined and
sophisticated from any manufacturer and it must become a benchmark in
the 4x4 class, particularly at the price of the Sorento KX3 4x4 we
tested.
The eight-model range begins about £21,000 and there is a
choice of two or four wheel drive with five or seven seats.
|  | Sorento KX-3 has 18-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing front
wipers,
aluminium illuminated door scuff plates, an electric panoramic sunroof,
an electrically-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support, a smart
key with stop/start button ignition, xenon headlamps with auto
levelling, rear spoiler and LED rear lights.In our test model, the secondary controls were
conveniently laid out,
the heating and ventilation was effective, the instruments big and
clearly marked.
| If you are looking for oddments space, the Sorento
provides plenty and
its bootspace rises from 111 litres with seven seats in use up to 1525
litres when just two-up.
It is not easy to get into the back pair of seats and best
left to agile
children, who would probably have enough leg and headroom, but the
middle row of seats are roomy, can be easily accessed and the front pair
are particularly comfortable and supporting.
|  | The Sorento rolled around sharp corners but it held on
well and its
handling was easily anticipated and with familiarity it was assuring. It
soaks up the worst bumps of post-winter roads as well as big gullies
off-road and its 4x4 ability should not be under-estimated.
It feels a big car behind the wheel but it can be
accurately placed on
the road thanks to good visibility through big windows, effective wipers
and bright lights. | Engine noise levels are low even when it is pressed hard
and the wind
and mechanical intrusions are modest.
Forget the price of the Kia Sorento for a moment and carefully analyse
the car as it stands on or off-road and you may think it actually costs a
lot more than it does.
| The fact it costs what it does and works as well as it
does make it as
desirable as it is, and now it’s automatically better as well.
You could
save yourself nearly £1,400 by choosing the standard manual
transmission but then you would be cheating yourself out of a very good
car with a seven year or 100,000 miles warranty. |  |
FAST FACTS Kia Sorento KX3 Auto
| Price: £30,440 | | Mechanical: 194bhp 2.2 4cyl, 6sp automatic | Max speed: 118mph | | 0-62mph: 9.6sec | Combined mpg: 38mpg | | Insurance group: 13/ 30 | CO2 emissions: 194gkm | | BIK rating: 30pc | Warranty: 7yrs/ 100,000
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