Test drive Kia Sorento 2006 - 2009 SUV

Rushed Korean cowboy

Kia brand continues to strengthen in Russia. This is largely due to the assembly of three Korean models in the capital of Udmurtia Izhevsk. Following Spectra and Rio, Izh-Avo mastered the Sorento SUV, which we decided to test at the Dmitrov Auto Poligon.
 

Kia Sorento is offered in seven trim levels. Oddly enough, five of them go with a 2.5 liter diesel engine and a capacity of 170 hp. The fact that such SUVs are cheaper than gasoline versions are also interesting. It usually happens the other way around. For all the efficiency of diesel engines, the people are still confident in the poor quality of diesel fuel at most gas stations and therefore continues to choose gasoline motors. Only one 241 -horsepower engine with a volume of 3.3 liters is installed on Izhevsk Sorento. We took a car with such a power unit for landfill tests. The appearance of Kia Sorento does not cause special emotions. The body was drawn by designers who thought about eternal classics. There is nothing to catch on the eye of any particularly distinguished features. But negative emotions do not arise an SUV as an SUV.


The salon in the top configuration attracts with leather upholstery of the seats and black inserts under the tree on the front console. The quality of the plastic used pleasantly pleases the eye, but to the touch it is too slippery. The ergonomics of the driver’s place was clearly borrowed from the Americans, who are at the forefront of the maximum of space. The first one is the first to catch the eye, the cross -section of which should be recognized as successful. A wide central console contained a radio and climate control. Management of these devices gives pleasure thanks to large buttons and an understandable location.
 

In Kia Sorento, it is convenient not only to the driver, but to all passengers. Three tall men are comfortably located behind. He deserves praise and trunk, where 897 liters of cargo are placed. And this, with the decomposed rear seats, KIA sound insulation was on top. Starting the engine must be tracked literally by devices. The test showed that the noise at a speed of 180 km/h is 77 dB. In practice, this allows you to talk with a neighbor in an undertone or listen to quiet music. An excellent result. Sorento inherited by the American SUVs not only a spacious interior, but also a suspension that seemed too soft.


When stopping in front of an obstacle, for example, in front of a traffic light, longitudinal swing is observed. It’s beautiful from the side, but you get tired in traffic jams. To avoid this, acceleration and braking should be carried out very smoothly. For all the validity characteristic of the majority of SUVs, Kia Sorento showed good results on decrease. The VDA Sorento moose overcomes at speeds a little less than 70 km/h. And the ISO test it took 120 km/h. It was possible to achieve such indicators with serious rolls and buildup due to the presence of the ESP stabilization system. It works correctly and at the right time, correcting the driver’s not quite confident actions. The eighteen -meter slalom Kia Sorento overcame at a speed of 58.8 km/h (in an unloaded state). This was given to our tester Eduard Shivorshinov. Due to the fast alternating loads, the steering wheel became very heavy. And with a sharp passage of the zero position, it simply bites it. Many hydraulic power possessors sin by this, and this must be prepared for this. It does not contribute to the rapid passage of the snake and a large number of steering steering 3.7 from the stop to the stop.


Excessive rotation was noticed when performing maneules. The blame of 56% against 44% (1131/906 kg) shifted in the direction of the front axle. A two -ton SUV gains the first 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds. A good result. For an emergency stop at this speed, he needs only 40 meters. Booking. But it is worth dispersing the Sorento to 140 km/h and brake sharply, as the braking distance doubles, to 80 meters. This must be remembered and reinsured, leaving the distance with the margin to the front of the goals. So, let's summarize. The disadvantages of Sorento include an excessively soft suspension, which, however, should not be considered a disadvantage in urban conditions. Many even like it. And obvious advantages are a large set of options, a good interior decoration, a classic appearance and a painful motor. Prices are consistent with the set of positive qualities that Kia Sorento has. Versions with a 3.3 -liter engine cost from 1,099,990 to 1,149,990 rubles.
 

Classic
To begin with, we set the dots over I. Kia Sorento is a classic frame SUV with the necessary set of options to overcome off -road. This refers to the reduction row in the gearbox and large road clearance (203 mm).
  

For the SUV, overhangs are of great importance. The smaller they are, the cooler the bumps can be. The sorento overhang is short, like a real rogue (an entrance angle of 27.9 degrees, the angle of the congress is 26.4 degrees). However, it is perplexed by the unusable plastic of the front and rear bumper. You have to be more careful with them so as not to get on painting, or even for repairs. If you plan to do fishing and just outside the city regularly, it is advisable to get a kangaroo and thresholds.


Expert

Kirill Kozyrev, 35 years old, test-pilot, driver's experience of 15 years, travels to Mercedes-Benz G300 TD

Kia Sorento, with its dimensions, will be stolen with good visibility. The road is comfortable, but too much, the suspension is too soft. In control, despite the rolls, holds the trajectory well. A powerful engine provided decent dynamics to Sorento.
 



Body
+ Spacious salon
+ Good sound insulation
- Classical appearance


Driving comfort
+ Spacious salon and trunk
- light steering wheel and a large number of revolutions from the stop to the stop

Power unit
+ VERY TIRED engine
- a more modern and fast machine gun would have come on

Cherry properties
+ Big road clearance
+ Small overhangs
+ Good sound insulation
- Soft American pendant


Security
- Each passenger is provided with airbags

Environmental friendliness
+ Fuel consumption at an acceptable level
 

Our assessment

Kia Sorento is perfect for those who are coming up to the choice of a car, and for whom appearance plays not the main role. The SUV has a good set of consumer qualities. Everything spoils the too soft American suspension.
 

Maxim Egorov
Photo: Sergey Krestov
 
   
 
 

 
 

A source: Magazine 5 wheel [November 2007]