Test drive Kia Sorento 2006 - 2009 SUV

Kia Sorento

Late evening in Sorrento does not indulge us with the weather. So the summer of goodbye ended, Italy this hat Alexei Glyzin could be well beaten with the promotion of Kia Sorento in Russia. As for the weather, the hint is clear: they say, even in a storm, a downpour, a hail and a thaw, a solid frame frame SUV will not let you down. Now it is collected in Izhevsk, and in the restyled version.
In relation to the car, the phrase Russian production causes a double feeling. On the one hand, pride in the state, and on the other, and on the other, as if our craftsmen have hastened to reassure you: unlike many other industries in Izhevsk, only the Sorento large -sized assembly has been established. So it can be perceived as a normal Korean car, due to the cost of the local assembly, delivered to us with some savings. Sorento in the top -end configuration with a new gasoline engine, we chose for the test it costs 1150 thousand rubles, but until December 31, 2007, a special price for 80 thousand rubles is valid. The SUV in the basic configuration (with a diesel 2.5-liter engine, a mechanical gearbox and a fabric upholstery of the cabin), which costs 840 thousand rubles, is now cheaper than 50 thousand.
What is striking when you look at this car? At first glance, nothing concrete, because Kia Sorento has already been accustomed for four years of existence. But after the procedure of unobtrusive restyling, he became more sympathetic, his appearance was amazed. Perhaps the main merit in this belongs to the color of a plastic body kit. Yes, such a trifle has significantly improved the visual perception of the machine! Previously, all plastic, protecting the bottom of the body from contact with all kinds of obstacles, was a gloomy-gray shade, which gave a rather utilitarian appearance to a massive SUV. Now, all in one color, both metal and plastic, as a result, the silhouette visually became much easier. The new optics of both the anterior and the back and the rear made its contribution to the update of appearance.
But still the main changes under the hood. The volume of the new lambda engine has become less for 200 cubes! Now Sorento has only 3300 cubic meters. see. But the power of the motor increased by as much as 40 hp. progress! And how he sings confidently strong baritone! And, nice, without attempts to switch to a scream. But the engine is good not only vocal data. The thrust begins already from the bottom as soon as you stomp on the gas pedal. This is a clear sign of the moment setting up the power unit. Which is confirmed by the promotion of the motor up to 5000 rpm here, here he is no longer inclined to exploits. But it is not scary to craving on the bottoms more pleasant than the need to split the car in order to achieve acceptable dynamics. They say that the new engine is more economical. Although what to compare our approximate calculations showed that it is possible to meet 20 l/100 km in urban mode only if you work very carefully with the right pedal. Well, after all, Sorento at the same engine ate up to 25 liters!
Of the technical updates, it is worthwhile to dwell on a change in kinematics and rear suspension settings. It seems to be a trifle, but in fact it is not so. Those who happened to ride on the previous Sorento, in addition to lack of dynamics, complained about the slightly smeared behavior of the car on the road. In gentle turns, especially on irregularities, Sorento uncontrolled the turn of the turn, and it had to be caught by the steering wheel. The updated version is much more obediently tracking the given trajectory. But the steering mechanism was not pleased: almost four turns of the steering wheel from the stop to the stop and the excessive lightness does not allow exactly what angle the front wheels are.
There is no need to talk about some exact controllability of a high heavy SUV, but Sorento performs sharp maneuvers quite satisfactory. But how irregularities are extinguished here! They simply are not. A high profile of rubber, long moves of multi -link suspension and relatively small unsprown masses make Kia extremely insensitive to the pits of all calibers. On it, you can really drive the countryside at speed at a hundred without discomfort and risk to damage the car.
Sorento has a remarkable scheme of all -wheel drive. In normal mode, 90% of the effort falls on the rear axle. But when slipping up to 50% torque is transferred to the front wheels. But there is no locking of the center differential. But it is possible to turn off ESP, which allows you to grab on a slippery road as you want, and not as the car wants. And at the same time, his behavior is rather rear -wheel drive, with the skidding of the stern and screwing into the turn.
Well, of course, as befits a real SUV, Sorento has a lowering gear in the handout. It seems that a solid car with a 4x4 circuit should be so. But with the newfangled SUVs about the possibilities of driving with a lowering gear, they somehow began to forget. But in our country, off -road qualities are a serious argument in the competition. We didn’t get into the wilds at all, but according to an blurry clay rut, the car is not just confident, but with a large supply of cross -country ability.
Sorento interior decoration does not cause enthusiasm or complaints: cleanly, but modestly. Perhaps there are only claims to the front seats pillows. But the back part is now modified. I explain: in the previous generation of the model, passengers of the second row with a large size of the legs were uncomfortable under the front seats did not have enough gap for the feet. The design has been changed, and the legs are now not crowded.
Sorento has a lot of fans. And most of these people made their choice not because they wanted to save on themselves, but because they can count money. Perhaps Sorento will not become a hit of the season, but for sure.

Technical characteristics Kia Sorento
Dimensions, mm 4590x1884x1730
Base, mm 2710
Equipped mass, kg 1950
Front/back track, mm 1580/1580
Clearance, mm 203
Benzine engine type V6
Working volume, cubic meter. cm 3342
Max. Power, L.S./rpm 241/6000
Max. moment, nm/rpm 309/4500
The transmission is automatic 5-band
The drive is complete
Max. Speed, km/h 190
Acceleration time 0-100 km, with 9.2
Fuel consumption (average), l/100 km 10.1
Tires 245/65 R17
Tank volume, l 100

Vladimir Smirnov
Photo by Alexander Kiselev
 

 

A source: Avtopanorama magazine