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By
ALISTAIR KENNEDY
13 August 2007
Kia has added a turbo-diesel option to its Sorento 4WD and predicts that
diesels will account for around 80 per cent of its estimated annual
sales of around 2400 Sorentos. While diesel engines have long been
popular in large 4WD vehicles, they are only now beginning to make
serious inroads into the medium-sized SUV field, not only because of
their greater fuel economy but also through their gutsier performance.
The Kia turbo-diesel engine is a 2.5-litre common-rail
direct-injection unit that generates 125 kilowatts of power, more
importantly it produces 392 Newton metres of torque at 2000 rpm.
That latter number’s well up on the 353 Nm at 4500 revs from the
previous 3.8-litre petrol engine.
That short-lived 3.8-litre petrol engine, which replaced the
original 3.5-litre unit earlier this year, has now itself been
superseded by a smaller, 3.3-litre petrol engine, that Kia shares
with its corporate parent Hyundai. While both power (180 kW) and
torque (309 Nm) from the 3.3-litre engine are down from the larger
engine, it’s still no slouch and is smooth and refined.
Maximum trailer towing capacity behind both engines is a
class-leading, 2800kg.
There has been no change to the exterior design of the latest
Sorento was changed at the same time as the engine earlier this
year, apart from the additional of a small rear spoiler on the
roof of the topline Sorento EX-L. The styling is neat, compact and
understated with none of the fussiness which characterised some
early model Korean 4WDs.
A five-speed manual gearbox is offered only in the entry level
Sorento LX with the diesel engine. Five-speed automatic
transmission is optional in this model and standard in all others.
A two-range transfer case is operated by a dash-mounted knob.
The route of our recent road test of the Kia Sorento included
extended sections of moderate to rugged gravel and dirt roads.
While the Kia isn’t a full-on off-roader, it coped with relative
ease with the type of conditions that the semi-adventurous weekend
family is likely to encounter. Indeed it goes closer than many of
its competitors to being a semi-serious off-roader, especially
with the extra torque from the diesel engine.
One area where Sorento doesn’t match its competitors is
seating space – it is strictly a five-seater whereas many other
offer two extra seats. If you don’t need that other couple of
seats, interior space is good for four full-sized adults or three
children up to their mid-teens with enough rear leg and headroom
for most rear seat passengers.
The rear storage area is large and practical with a number of
good-sized stowage areas, including one hidden under the boot
floor. While this allows for items to be stored more securely the
downside (literally) is that the full-size spare wheel is mounted
underneath the vehicle, making tyre changing an awkward and messy
procedure.
While Kia does also build Sorento with 2WD only (rear-wheel
drive) there are no plans to bring these vehicles to Australia.
The company will however be taking up this option with the
upcoming new Sportage, no doubt encouraged by the success of the
similarly-sized Hyundai Tucson City.
New Sorento comes in three equipment levels, LX, EX and
EX-Limited. Standard features in all models include air
conditioning, ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution,
dual front airbags, MP3-compatible CD player, tilt-adjustable
steering column, roof rails, 16-inch alloy wheels and front and
rear foglights. In addition to these features EX gets the added
safety of stability and traction control, 17-inch alloys, cruise
control and leather-trimmed steering wheel. EX-Limited also has
side curtain airbags, power sunroof, leather seats,
climate-control air conditioning.
As we’ve come to expect from recent vehicles from South
Korea, Kia Sorento offers an attractive, competent vehicle at a
very good price. The addition of the diesel engine option is sure
to further expand its appeal.
AT A GLANCE
MODEL RANGE
LX 3.3-litre petrol five-door wagon - $33,990
CRDi LX 2.5-litre diesel five-door wagon - $34,990
EX 3.3-litre petrol five-door wagon - $36,490
CRDi EX 2.5-litre diesel five-door wagon - $39,490
EX-L 3.3-litre petrol five-door wagon - $41,490
CRDi EX-L 2.5-litre diesel five-door wagon - $44,490
FEATURES
ABS Brakes: Standard in all models
Air Conditioning: Standard in all models
Automatic Transmission: $2000 option in CDRi LX, standard option
in all other models
CD Player: Standard in all models
Central Locking: Standard in all models
Cruise Control: Not offered in LX, standard in all other models
Driver Airbag: Standard in all models
Passenger Airbag: Standard in all models
Side Airbags: Not offered in LX or EX, standard in EX-L
SPECIFICATIONS (Kia Sorento CRDi LX 2.5-litre diesel five-door
wagon)
ENGINE:
Capacity: 2.497 litres
Configuration: Four cylinders in line
Head Design: DOHC, four valves per cylinder
Compression Ratio: 17.7:1
Bore/Stroke: 91.0 x 96.0 mm
Maximum Power: 125 kW @ 3800 rpm
Maximum Torque: 392 Nm @ 2000 rpm
DRIVELINE:
4WD Type: Part-time
Manual Transmission: Five-speed
Automatic Transmission: Five-speed
Final Drive Ratio: 3.727:1
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4590 mm
Wheelbase: 2710 mm
Width: 1863 mm
Height: 1810 mm
Turning Circle: 11.0 metres
Kerb Mass: 2121 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 80 litres
Towing Ability: 750 kg (2800 kg with braked trailer)
SUSPENSION AND BRAKES:
Front Suspension: Double wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Suspension: Rigid axle, five-link, coil springs, anti-roll
bar
Front brakes: Ventilated disc
Rear Brakes: Ventilated disc
FUEL CONSUMPTION:
Type: Diesel
Combined Cycle (ADR 81/01): 8.5 L/100 km
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Three years/100,000 km
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Marque Publishing Company
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