Kia Sorento Review

Kia Sorento Review

We last drove the Kia Sorento back in October 2003 on a holiday around Ireland and we quite enjoyed it.

Three years on and Kia have given the Sorento a complete make over with a totally new petrol and a revised diesel engine. They have also been busy making a number of tweaks and modifications to the suspension, both the interior and exterior have been given a face lift and the safety equipment has been improved.

Last time we drove the 3.5 litre V6 petrol which has now been replaced with a 3.3 litre V6 engine, with 48 bhp more than the outgoing engine and has an improved 0-62 mph time of 8.9 seconds.

This time we have chosen to drive the 2.5 CRD XS Automatic which is fitted with a 2.5 litre, four cylinder, 16-valve common-rail diesel engine. Although this is the same engine as the old model, it has had some major revisions. It is now fitted with an electrically-actuated variable geometry turbocharger for more flexible performance. The engine has gained 21% more power (now 168 bhp) and 25% more torque (392Nm @ 2000 rpm). This equates to an improved 0-62 mph time, shaving 2.6 seconds off the previous engine, now 0-62 mph is seen in a respectable 11.9 seconds.

The diesel is available with either 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission (the V6 petrol is only available as an auto). The automatic features a sports mode, which allows manual gear changes, by knocking the lever up or down, when shifted over to the left.

Kia Sorento