Test drive Kia Sorento 2006 - 2009 SUV

The last of the Mogican

It is not easy for a buyer of a good foreign -product for a total of a total of a million rubles for a million rubles today, because you have to choose among old models like Pajero Sport or a slightly younger rexston II or to bow to the manufacturers of the Parnish. There are practically no such models. Already the third Pajero has become independent, having lost his spar frame. However, not everything is lost, take a closer look at Kia Sorento.
Since its appearance in 2002, the Kia Sorento body has been subjected only to a slight restyling, but the filling of the car has constantly improved, leaving the traditional, time -tested design: a body on a strong frame, the front, independent two -winged suspension and the rear unreasonable bridge with five levers. So, in 2006, a diesel engine was modernized: due to the installation of a new turbocharger with variable geometry (VGT), its power increased to 170 hp, and torque to 400 nm. Morally and technically outdated engine 3.5 V6 is replaced by a modern, more powerful and economical 3.3 liter with a capacity of 241 hp. There was a 5-speed automatic gearbox Sportshift (with the possibility of manual switching). For the Russian consumer, a noticeable reduction in the cost of the car (by 300,000 rubles) was a real gift in connection with the launch of this model in production at the Izhevsk Automobile Plant last year. True, up to this point, the buyer could save by taking Kia Sorento with a 2.4 -liter engine (139 hp), such a version is now not proposed in principle.
However, it is well known that any frame SUV is not too adapted for speed movement along the highway. In the case of Sorento, the situation is slightly different. And all thanks to all the same modern design principles. This car is from those that equally confidently feel both on a broken primer, and on the plowed field, and on an autobahn. So, on the suburban highway, the turbodiesel version of Sorento was able to cut off almost to the passport values \u200b\u200bof the maximum speed of the speedometer showed about 170 km/h, although starting with 160 acceleration was already taking place with some strangle. At the same time, the smoothness of the machine was no worse than another fashionable crossover, and in terms of softness it was inferior only to the BMW X5. And if such an immodest comparison scares someone, let the Korean jeep will test it itself, since almost all the car dealerships of official dealers are given this opportunity now. You will not feel the fluctuations of unsped masses, no body buildup, the suspension settings are almost perfect. True, such a pleasant impression will be observed only in a short driver's race, on the long journey it will most likely seem harsh. Each transverse groove of the road will respond not very pleasant shaking of the rear passengers. But in corners, as far as circumstances allow, you can go at a fairly high speed without dropping the gas in front of steep turns. Although with the steering control, not everything is so cloudless.
In the parking lot, Sorento is pleasantly surprising with high maneuverability unexpectedly a small radius of a turn, a light steering wheel. But with an increase in speed, a low effort on the steering wheel provides a bear’s service on steep turns lost the feeling of a car. At the same time, the SUV practically does not late on the bends, instantly reacting to the turn of the steering wheel.
It is interesting that the negative effect of the hard suspension on the highway (a clear registration of all the irregularities of the road) turns out to be excellent energy intensity on the off -road. Sorento jumps on a lane at a speed of almost 80 km/h, when, let's say, the SUVs cannot accelerate above 60. Well, of course, the main advantage of the Izhevets is a lowering gear. This is where the almost unlimited possibilities of the all -terrain vehicle are revealed. Hunting?
Please, at least on the safari ... But it is clear that the car still has the limit.
By the way, the motor plays a significant role in the cross -country ability of the machine. And if it is not so easy to cope with a powerful gasoline version on a fragmented road, everything is just the opposite with a turbodiesel. The coordinated work of the motor with a Sorento automatic machine smoothly overcomes both fords and mud obstacles pleasantly surprising. However, no shocks or jerks were observed on the highway at a sharp set of speed, the predictable work of the box during overtaking was also pleased. By the way, turbodiesel versions are also offered with a mechanical gearbox (the cheapest). And despite the rather long gears, the driver will often have to work as a lever of the CP, which means to have some training.
The Kia Sorento salon makes a favorable impression as the body design and the running abilities of the model. Minimum gaps, lack of noise and a clear fit of details significantly affect the general positive perception. Not the highest class, but high. In addition, the basic equipment of the car is quite rich what is only separate climate control, a good audio system and so on.
Most Russian motorists will most likely appreciate Kia Sorento.
After all, this car stands on a truly off -road platform and easily opposes all the delights of off -road. Oddly enough, Sorento looks good on the highway, sometimes not inferior to high -speed crossovers. What else does the car need to become universal? ..
Andrey Konstantinov
Photo author: Andrey Konstantinov
 

A source: Mkobil magazine [April/2008]