Kia Sorento KX-3 2.2 CRDi Auto 5dr Pre-Model Car Review - April 2012

REVIEW
List Price: £32,510
Tax Band: J
Insurance Group: 30
MPG: 38.2
CO2: 194
0-62 Mph: N/A secs
BHP: 194 BHP
Range: 588 miles
CarSite Verdict:  3.25/5
The Kia Sorento is generally considered to be a well priced crossover that is practical to use, and this version is laden with plenty of nice equipment and an engine that has plenty of power available. However, the purchase price of the car does seem to be a lot to pay, and the running costs with a larger diesel engine and an automatic gearbox can get expensive for many drivers.

PROS:  The Sorento comes with the practicality of seven seats in a spacious cabin, and the automatic gearbox is smooth and effortless to use, while the car is supplied with a high level of equipment.

CONS:  The purchase price does seem like a lot to pay for a Sorento, while the ride isn’t particularly comfortable, with the habit of the gearbox to down shift whilst overtaking can be frustrating.

Behind the Wheel

The driving experience with the Sorento isn’t terrible, but it does suffer from a firm ride that never really settles down, and also has a body that does tend to wallow about whilst cornering. When you are driving the Sorento you do feel like you are in a big car, but the steering responds reasonably to a move of the wheel, and the grip while cornering is plentiful. The driving seat and the steering wheel can both be adjusted to suit the driver, and the higher driving position provides an excellent view of the road with good visibility in every direction.

The engine doesn’t suffer too much in terms of performance with the automatic gearbox, with acceleration from 0-62mph being achieved in 9.6 seconds. The top speed of 118mph is plenty for the majority of drivers who will rarely reach such speeds, and the car is quite refined at motorway speed, although there is some noise from wind and the road to be heard.

Looks & Equipment

The Sorento is a fairly attractive crossover with a front end that has been designed fairly aggressively, with a large grille and the fog lights being located in front of an air intake. The car is fairly square especially towards the back end, but the hardened black plastic trim around the bottom of the vehicle does suggest that it might be able to handle off road use. Inside the cabin this model is quite luxurious, although some of the plastics don’t quite come up to scratch, and the centre console is logically designed and easy to use.

The level of equipment included with this version of the Sorento is very good, with large alloy wheels helping to improve the look of the car, and all seven seats are leather. The power heated seats are very comfortable, while the climate control helps to keep the car at a comfortable temperature. The CD stereo also comes with a multi CD changer.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

The Sorento is certainly a practical car, with the option of seven seats available, but the back two seats are probably more comfortable for children rather than adults. The boot space is limited with all seven seats in place, but when the rear five seats are folded forward the load space is excellent. Kia doesn’t have an exceptional record for reliability, but the excellent warranty is very reassuring.

The Sorento is also a very safe car having achieved five stars in the Euro NCAP safety test, and comes with a good range of airbags to look after all passengers in case of a collision. There is also stability control and traction control to help the driver stay in charge at all times.

Value for Money

One of the main issues that many people will have with this version of the Sorento is that the purchase price of £32,495 does seem like an awful lot of money to pay, even for a car that is as luxurious as this one.

The running costs are also fairly hefty with the fuel efficiency affected by the automatic gearbox, with this model able to get an average 38.2mpg. The insurance group is quite high meaning that premiums won’t be cheap, and this model does tend to suffer more with depreciation than those with a more basic level of trim. The Sorento comes with a one year roadside breakdown assistance policy, but the seven year or hundred thousand mile warranty is a real highlight.

Kia Sorento KX-3 2.2 CRDi Auto 5dr Pre-Model Car Review - by 
All Kia Sorento Reviews
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Kia Sorento KX-3 2.2 CRDi Auto 5dr Pre-Model - February 2012
The Kia Sorento is great value for money. It’s large, spacious, well equipped and comes with a seven-year warranty. The cheaper models in the Sorento range make more financial sense, however.
Kia Sorento KX-3 2.2 CRDi Auto 5dr Pre-Model - April 2012
The Kia Sorento is generally considered to be a well priced crossover that is practical to use, and this version is laden with plenty of nice equipment and an engine that has plenty of power availa...
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Large 4x4 Alternatives

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