Test Drive Kia Sorento since 2009 SUV

Kia Sorento.

Late evening in Sorrento Weather do not pamper. So the summer ended to Svidanya, Italy, this Alexei Glousin's hat could be good to beat when promoting Kia Sorento in Russia. About the weather hint is clear: they say, even in a storm, shower, degrees and a dissolve, a solid frame SUV will not let down. Now they are collected in Izhevsk, and in the restyling version.
With regard to the car, the phrase Russian production causes a twofold feeling. On the one hand, pride for the power, and on the other concern, as if our craftsmen do not want to reassure you to calm you: Unlike many other production in Izhevsk, only the large-sized assembly of Sorento is set. So it can be perceived as a normal Korean car, due to the value of the local assembly delivered to us with some savings. Sorento In the top configuration with the new gasoline engine, we chose such a version for the test worth 1150 thousand rubles, but until December 31, 2007 there is a special price of 80 thousand rubles less. SUV in the basic configuration (with a diesel 2,5-liter engine, mechanical gearbox and tissue upholstery), which costs 840 thousand rubles, is now cheaper by 50 thousand.
What rushes into the eyes when you look at this car? At first glance, nothing concrete, since Kia Sorento in four years of existence has already become accustomed. But after the unobtrusive restyling procedure, he became prettier, his appearance was established. It is hardly the main merit in this belongs to the color of plastic stuff. Yes, yes, such a trifle significantly improved the visual perception of the car! Previously, the entire plastic that protects the bottom of the body from contact with all sorts of obstacles was a gloomy gray shade, which attached a massive SUV rather utilitarian appearance. Now everything is in one color and metal, and plastic, as a result, the silhouette visually became much easier. The new optics as anterior and rear has contributed to the update of appearance.
But still the main changes under the hood. The volume of the new lambda engine has become less than 200 cubes! Now Sorento has only 3300 cubic meters. See. But the power of the motor increased by the whole 40 hp. progress! And how he sings confident strong baritone hear! And what is nice, without attempts to go to the cry. But the engine is good not only by vocal data. The thrust begins from the lowests as soon as you heat the gas pedal. This is a clear sign of the moment configuration of the power unit. What is confirmed by the promotion of the motor up to 5000 rpm, it is no longer inclined to the feats. But it is not scary on the bottoms more pleasant than the need to draw the car to achieve acceptable dynamics. It is said that the new engine is more economical. Although with which compare our approximate calculations showed that you can meet 20 l / 100 km in urban mode, only if it is very careful to work the right pedal. Well, after all, Sorento with the old motor went to 25 l!
From technical updates it is worth staying on changing kinematics and rear suspension settings. It seems to be a trifle, but in fact it is not. Those who had a chance to ride in the previous Sorento, in addition to the lack of dynamics complained about a slightly blank behavior of the car on the road. In gentle turns, especially on irregularities, Sorento uncontrolled displaced the viragee, and it had to catch it with the steering wheel. The updated version is much more obedient tracks the specified trajectory. But the steering mechanism did not please: almost four turns of the steering wheel from the stop until the stop and excessive ease do not allow to understand exactly where the front wheels are under way.
It is not necessary to talk about some accurate manageability of a high heavy SUV, but also sharp maneuvers Sorento performs quite satisfactory. But how do irregularities go here! There is simply no. High rubber profile, long moves of multi-dimensional suspension and relatively small unsappressible masses make KIA to the rarity insensitive to the wells of all calibers. It can actually drive through the sprinkle at a hundred noise without discomfort and risk damage the car.
Sorento is a remarkable diagram of a full drive. In the usual mode, 90% of the effort is on the rear axle. But when slipping up to 50% of the torque is transferred to the front wheels. But there is no blocking of the mid-sieve differential. But there is an opportunity to turn off the ESP, which allows you to catch up with a slippery road as you want, and not as a car wishes. And at the same time, the behavior is rather rear-wheel drive, with a stern and screwing inside the turn.
Well, of course, as it should be relying a real SUV, SORENTO has a lower transmission in a dispensing box. It seems like a solid car with a scheme 4x4 and should be. But with new-fashioned parquets about the possibilities of driving with lower transmission somehow began to forget. But in our country off-road qualities a serious argument in a competitive struggle. At all in the debresses, we did not work, but according to the blurred clay rut, the car is not just confident, but with a large margin of passability.
The studio of the interior of Sorento does not cause enthusiasm, no complaints: clean, but modestly. Perhaps there is a claim only to the front seats pillows are short. But the rear part is now modified. I explain: in the previous generation, the model passengers of the second row with a large foot size was uncomfortable under the front chairs there was no sufficient clearance for the feet. The design has changed, and the legs are not close now.
Sorento fans have already a lot. And most of these people did not choose because they wanted to save on themselves, but because they know how to count money. Perhaps Sorento and will not become a hit of the season, but a popular hike certainly.

Specifications Kia Sorento
Dimensions, mm 4590x1884x1730
Base, mm 2710
Curb weight, kg 1950
Pitch in front / rear, mm 1580/1580
Clearance, mm 203
Engine type gasoline V6
Working volume, cube. CM 3342.
Max. Power, hp / rpm 241/6000
Max. Moment, nm / rpm 309/4500
Transmission Automatic 5-Range
Corner full
Max. Speed, km / h 190
Acceleration time 0-100 km, from 9.2
Fuel consumption (medium), l / 100 km 10.1
Tires 245/65 R17
Tank volume, l 100

Vladimir Smirnov
Photo by Alexander Kiselev
 

 

A source: Magazine "Autopanoram"