Kia Sorento Review
Published: 13th October 2003
Sorento
Ease of Use
The Sorento is very easy to drive, visibility is excellent all round and the large wing mirrors provide clear side visibility. The cabin ergonomics are driver focused and everything is instantly recognisable and uncluttered. Both the stereo controls and cruise control are steering wheel mounted keeping your hands on the wheel for maximum safety. The only thing that would have improved the ease of use of the Sorento would be parking sensors - which are a must for vehicles of this size.
The rear seat comes with a 60:40 split and can be folded flat to accommodate large items even with the seats up the boot area is impressive and has a cargo net. All Sorentos are fitted with integral roof rails and a roof rack is optional.
Safety and Security
The Sorento 3.5 V6 XS is equipped with following safety equipment as standard: ABS with EBD, Limited slip differential, Driver and front passenger airbags, Deadlocks, Side curtain airbags front & rear, Front seatbelt pre-tensioners with load limiters, 3 x 3 point rear belts, 3 height adjustable rear head restraints, Child proof rear door locks, Rear cargo area cover, Front and rear side impact beams, Engine immobiliser, Locking wheel nuts, Panic alarm, Security window etching and full size spare alloy wheel
Comfort and Refinement
The Sorento's cabin has large volumes of space the head, leg room and shoulder width is excellent. The leather seats are of a good quality and offer plenty of support, the front seats are also heated and the drivers seat is 8-way electrically adjustable.
The level of refinement is high with plenty of standard equipment including climate control standard on the XS model and a one touch back power tilt and sliding sunroof. Electrically operated one touch fold flat mirrors are useful for tight spaces as is the flip-up tailgate window which can be opened from the key fob very useful for loading shopping.
Further standard features include a multimeter in the roof console, which allows selection of altitude, barometer and compass readings. There are two 12v power sockets one in the front and one in the rear, two illuminated vanity mirrors, remote central locking and electric windows all round.
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