Test drive Kia Sorento 2006 - 2009 SUV
Kia Sorento has new engines - gasoline and diesel
A violently developing Russian automobile market forces a potential buyer to suffer from a choice of not only a brand, but also a version. Kia Sorento underwent his last restyling in 2006. External changes were small, and they somehow did not report the constructive ones too loudly, so many, including us, did not attach the proper value: they say, restyling and restyling. In fact, it was done enough to say that in Izhevsk, where since March 2007 they began to assemble an SUV according to the SKD scheme (complemented ready -made machine tools), a new Sorento has been produced. Now our interest in the car is dictated by the appearance of a new diesel engine. The unit is tempting: 2.5 liters with a boost and a single fuel ramp give 170 liters. With. and 400 nm torque. Well, in order to compare with something, they took him a couple of a competitor from his own Sorento stable with a gasoline engine with a working volume of 3.3 liters and a capacity of 241 liters. p., outstanding 307 Nm torque.
HOMEWORK The modernization of 2006 cannot be called work on errors, although some annoying moments were eliminated. In the theory, the situation is like this: instantly wearing on the bad roads, the Silent blocks were replaced by larger, made of the latest materials, increased the angle of longitudinal tilt of the shkvorni, improving the terminal stability, changed the geometry of the rear suspension, which increased its course and angle of cross. Plus recalculation of the confusion zones, the introduction of active head restraints and a new air pillow operation algorithm, as well as the ESP trajectory stability system.
On the asphalt Despite the improved chassis settings, both cars swim at high speeds even at the smooth asphalt of the highway. On Sorento gasoline, after 120 km/h, force on the steering wheel completely disappears. Scary ... There is no such effect on the diesel engine. Most likely, a positive role is played by the fact that this motor is on the good half -center heavier than a gasoline counterpart. On minor irregularities, the car shudders frightenedly ... Of course, by the end of the day you get used to it and to this and the trunk easier on the go. However, the general feeling is about the same in the sense of the Kia Sorento settings, there is not enough breed. In general, everything is not so bad. Comfortable chairs and soft pendants will delight in a long journey the level of noise at high speeds acceptable, but aerodynamic whistles could be smaller. Maneuverability and dynamics in both cases are excellent, although
they differ in characters. The diesel tears the earth from under itself and pulls, gradually fading to 4000 revolutions, then hesitates altogether. Gasoline enters the turn more easily, but holds the trajectory a little worse, striving to slide out, and when accelerating first it seems to evaluate its chances, but, evaluating, rushing so that it seems that the motor will jump out from under the hood and run into the distance. The engine is perfect, acceleration to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds performs with pleasure, while demonstrating excellent elasticity from 60 to 100 km/h in less than five seconds. The manual mode on the asphalt is meaningless, unless you are in the mountains, where you need to slow down all the time with an engine and go at speeds close to the maximum torque. On off -road is another matter. However, there is a nuance: on the diesel version, there is the ability to slow down the engine, but the gasoline box even in manual mode starts to switch up. 
On crossed The off -road potential of the Kia Sorento, completely good in characteristics, is divided on the concept of universal family SUV, as it was understood in the nineties of the last century. Good geometric cross -country ability, reducing gear, the anti -boom system, all in the pluses and inspires confidence. What is wrong? And take a look at the bottom, the design of the frame, the placement of transmission units, protection, bumpers, beautiful sills. All this is done in order to improve comfort and aerodynamic qualities. The units hang almost lower than the frame, massive plastic bumers are located directly at the touch point, the rapids will not withstand the blow at all, the protection is facilitated as much as possible. Car-comment. The SUV from the category that in extreme cases is able to overcome limited impassability, but it is better not to move out of the road. That is, to move, of course, you can, look at us! Just do not be upset if you tear something useful or flatten the right one.
Matter: Kia Sorento
Without touching the details I did not describe the appearance, interior and the equipment of SUVs, because, firstly, there are no obvious miscalculations, and secondly, there are 13 equipment options and details to know the details from the dealer. As for competitors and the feasibility of acquisition, then everything is also simple. Competitor Two Ssangyong Rexton and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. In both cases, Sorento looks more expensive, it is a little better finished, more comfortable on the go, its engines are more powerful. In addition, the cramped Mitsubishi is already for retrograde, and Ssangyong looks, I must admit, well, in a peculiar way. In a word, Sorento seems to be a very reasonable acquisition. Oh yes, we were going to decide: gasoline or diesel? Well, of course, the second Sorento with him feels better on the road and on the ground.
Author: Igor Gubar, photo of Alexander Openov-Baranov
Source: Magazine 4x4 [June/2008]
