Sorento V6 Smoothes The Way

Upmarket features include the multimeter in the roof console, which allows selection of altitude, barometer and compass readings; while the provision of an opening rear window, which can be opened from the key fob, is very useful in tight car parks. Fold flat mirrors, electrically operated, also attest to the practicality and thought that has gone into this off-roader.

The V6 Sorento joins the 2.5-litre Common Rail diesel powered Sorento launched in February. The V6 is available only in XS specification and with an automatic gearbox.

The XS specification uses a full-time four-wheel drive system with a high level of equipment including driver, passenger and curtain side airbags (covering the front and rear), ABS with EBD, climate control (with ambient temperature reading), leather upholstery, eight way adjustable electrically-operated driver's seat, heated driver and passenger seat, cruise control, electric folding mirrors, wood grain effect centre console and gear knob, rear spoiler, chrome handles (inside and out), wiper de-icer, power sunroof, limited slip differential, self levelling suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, roof rails and body side cladding, leather steering wheel and gear knob, remote control locking with key mounted operation for rear tailgate window, in-dashboard CD player with eight speaker audio system and electric aerial, multimeter in roof console providing altimeter, compass and barometer, electric windows and heated mirrors, rear cargo cover and cargo net.

The new 3.5-litre 24-valve V6 petrol engine incorporates dual overhead camshafts and has been designed for exceptionally smooth power delivery. The engine delivers a maximum horsepower of 195 PS @ 5,500 rpm and 294 Nm of torque @ 3000 rpm. The engine is mated to a four-speed fuzzy logic controlled automatic transmission.

The four-wheel drive system incorporates technology from Borg-Warner with components manufactured in South Wales. All UK specification Sorentos are fitted with an Eaton carbon limited-slip differential (LSD), which restricts wheel spin by transferring power (up to 50% of torque) to the wheel with the most traction.

The full-time ATT (Active Torque Transfer) torque on demand system automatically transfers the optimum power between the front and rear wheels according to road conditions, from a maximum 100% rear wheel drive up to 50% front and 50% rear wheel drive. The free running differential system in four-wheel drive mode automatically disconnects the front propeller shaft and front drive shaft, eliminating the driving force from the front wheels and decreasing friction loss. The result is a highly fuel efficient system that has the added advantage of being comparatively easy to maintain.

The Low Range facility, believed by many to be an essential endowment for true off-road capability and more demanding towing conditions, is operated by a dashboard-mounted transfer switch. The Low Range gives a gear ratio of 1:1 to 2.48:1 making the car capable of negotiating very steep descents and ascents, maximising engine performance/engine braking.

The standard self-levelling suspension system incorporates Sachs technology. The system automatically adjusts the rear suspension when the vehicle is pulling a trailer or carrying a heavy cargo load, maintaining the ground clearance at the rear and keeping the front headlights level.

The Sorento’s suspension system was fine tuned by Porsche following road testing in Spain and Germany. The set-up has paid particular emphasis to directional stability and ride quality at motorway driving speeds.

Side impact bars and a heavy-duty roll-bar help keep the passenger compartment secure in the event of an accident, while the Sorento’s highly rigid construction helps maintain the integrity of the body shell even in the most extreme conditions.

The airbag safety system in the Sorento incorporates side-impact sensors developed by Siemens and airbags from Autoliv, providing protection for front and rear seat occupants. Seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters hold passengers secure in the event of a sudden deceleration or collision. The Sorento is fitted with deadlocks and an immobiliser as well as driver operated switch to lock windows and doors.