Test drive Kia Sorento 2006 - 2009 SUV

The expedition to Tsemutarakan

Sokia with a group of enthusiasts from sixteen journalists conducted research on the search for the Tmutarakan principality. To do this, I had to overcome a route of a thousand kilometers along the Black Sea coast from Adler to Anapa. Moved along a difficult route on the Kia Sorento SUVs
A column of seven Kia Sorento moved from Adler Airport towards Anapa, where the ancient village of Tmutarakan, whose age exceeds 2500 years, is supposedly and is located. But why exactly Tmutarakan? And why exactly Kia Sorento? When the narrator cannot determine the exact place, he usually sends to Tmutarakan. In fact, we are talking about a very specific geographical point. But whether it is possible to get there by regular transport, we did not know. As all -terrain vehicles, Kia Sorento was chosen.
The expedition was divided into four days. The first was the simplest. I had to drive only a hundred kilometers. The final point was the hotel in Lazarevsky, right on the seashore. On the way to the place of night, a local attraction of 33 waterfalls visited. To do this, they overcame a small off -road area with steep descents and climbs. The situation was aggravated by a downpour that, with the onset of dusk, made Sorento glass opaque. Glory to heaven, there were no incident.
Most of the second -day route 200 km was to drive along the treacherous Pshada River. This moment can be considered the first real test, from which Izhevsk Kia came out with dignity. The all -wheel drive of the SUV can operate in three modes: automatic (the rear bridge operates most of the time), all -wheel drive and in all -wheel drive mode with a reduced row of the box. In all versions, not excluding automatic, the car easily coped with obstacles. For example, even with a strong side course of Sorento, rather deep fords are easily given. The main thing is to adhere to one speed, letting the saving wave in front of you. Clay and sharp stones also did not become a problem. This could be seen on the special storm gate. At this point, located on a 1070-meter Mount Shakhan, the film of the same name was at one time. To conquer these gates, it was not only to overcome the broken mountain road, but also to take a couple of steep climbs. Note that the cars stood ordinary summer tires. But to reduce the risk of cutting and improving the adhesive properties, the pressure in the tires was reduced to 1.5 atm.
The third day was on the asphalt. Here it was possible to fully assess the dynamics of a diesel engine with a volume of 2.5 liters and a capacity of 170 hp. I must say, this is enough for a rather difficult Sorento. On the bottoms, we mark good traction, but the impression is somewhat spoil the too thoughtful automatic machine. The suspension of Kia Sorento should be recognized as supercomfort. The reverse side of the medal is the rolls and build -up of the body, which at high speeds requires increased attention. In general, the Russian-Korean SUV is a completely successful compromise between comfort and controllability. After the righteous work, our expedition reached the cherished goal of the village of Tmutarakan. As it turned out, she was, or rather, was near Anapa. Excavations are underway there. The fact that once in this place was a violent life, you can judge by the abundance of interesting archaeological finds. Even our group found several old coins.
The final day made it possible to try Kia Sorento once again on all possible coatings and even test the SUV in the role unusual for him as a drift car on the sandy lake of the saline. Sorento test has passed.
Driving
On off -road, Kia Sorento feels comfortable. On public roads, there is not enough information of the steering wheel and a more rigid suspension.
Salon
The salon is spacious. There are enough places in front and behind
in this case, there is a capacious trunk.
Comfort
On a long trip, you can conveniently accommodate, but the soft suspension can tire.
Security
The basic configuration of Kia Sorento is a large list of passive and active security systems,
but when driving, do not forget about the mass and soft suspension of the machine.
Advantages and disadvantages
+ Spacious salon, all -wheel drive, good off -road opportunities.
- Large mass, ineffective brakes, soft suspension.
Specifications
Mark and model - Kia Sorento
Dimensions - 4590/1884/1810 mm
Engine - diesel, 2497 cm3, 170 hp/3800 min -1
Transmission - 5 ACP
Dynamics - max 180 km/h; 12.4 s to 100 km/h
Competitors - Hyundai Santa Fe, Ssangyong Kyron, Chevrolet Captiva, Opel Antara

Author: Maxim Egorov
Photo: Maxim Egorov, Sergey Krestov
 
 

A source: Magazine 5 wheel [May 2008]