Kia Sorento 1 2.0 CRDi 5dr Car Review - April 2012

One of the main problems when driving the Sorento is that the ride is rather firm, but it also suffers from body roll when cornering which should be controlled with the firm steering. The Sorento does handle quite well and the steering responds quickly to the steering wheel, but there is plenty of grip and even with the body roll doesn’t feel unstable when cornering quickly. The higher driving position does mean that visibility is very good, and there is adjustment for the steering wheel and driving seat meaning that drivers should get comfortable easily.

The 2.0 litre diesel engine is the most basic in the Sorento range, but the acceleration from 0-62mph occurs in a reasonably good 10.5 seconds. The top speed of 113mph is plentiful for the majority of people who won’t need more speed, and although there is some wind and road noise when driving at motorway speeds, the engine is quiet and refined.

The Sorento is quite an attractive crossover car, with a front end that is quite bold with some hardened plastic trim that does hint that this car could handle off-road use. The front end is quite aerodynamically designed, but it does become much squarer towards the rear of the Sorento, which is designed for practicality with a square rear door for good access. Inside the car the centre console is logically designed and the dashboard is easy to read, and although some of the plastics are cheap, the trim on the whole isn’t too bad.

The level of equipment included with this version of the Sorento does indicate that this is an entry level model, with air conditioning included instead of climate control. The big alloy wheels are included as standard with the car, and the CD stereo does come with an MP3 input for those wanting to play their MP3 player.

The cabin space in the Sorento is very good, although the back two seats are a little cramped. Most people wouldn’t want to use the vehicle to transport seven adults over long distances, especially when you consider that the boot space is severely restricted when all seven seats are in place. Kia hasn’t always had he best reputation for making reliable cars, but the warranty package will be a big reassurance for anyone who has any doubts.

The Sorento is also a safe car to drive having achieved five stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests, and has a range of airbags to look after occupants in case of an accident. The car also benefits from traction control and stability control that helps to ensure the car remains stable and under control.

With a list price of £23,095, there is no doubt that this version of the Sorento is very well priced and offers competitive motoring with the practicality of seven seats. However, it is worth noting that the Hyundai Santa Fe is available for less money and can boast four wheel drive.

The running costs for the Sorento are fairly competitive without being class leading, with the 2.0 litre diesel engine able to deliver an average 44.1mpg. The insurance group for larger cars like this is fairly high meaning that insuring the car won’t be particularly cheap to insure, but the practicality does mean that it should hold its value quite well. The Sorento is supplied with an excellent seven year or a hundred thousand mile warranty, and also comes with roadside breakdown assistance for the first year.