Test Drive Kia Sorento since 2009 SUV

Kia Sorento has new engines - gasoline and diesel

A rapidly developing Russian automotive market forces a potential buyer to suffer from not only the brand, but also versions. Kia Sorento has undergone its last restyling in 2006.
External changes were small, and about structural somehow they were not too loudly reported, so many, including us, modernization did not give due value: they say, restyling and restyling. In fact, it was done enough to say that in Izhevsk, where from March 2007 began to collect an SUV according to the SKD scheme (the selection of finished machines), the new Sorento produces. 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 supervision and a single fuel ramp give 170 liters. with. and 400 nm of torque. Well, and so that it was compared with something, they took him a couple of competitor from the Sorento stable with a gasoline engine of 3.3 l and a capacity of 241 liters. with., issuing 307 nm of torque.
HOMEWORK
Modernization 2006 cannot be called work on errors, although some annoying moments have been eliminated. In theory, this is the case: instantly wear on bad roads Silent-blocks suspension replaced the larger, made of the newest materials, increased the angle of the longitudinal tilt of the kkvornny, improving the course stability, changed the geometry of the rear suspension, which increased its stroke and crossing angle. Plus recalculation of crumions, the introduction of active head restraints and a new airbag permitional algorithm, as well as the ESP trajectory stability control system.
On asphalt
Despite the improved chassis settings, both cars float at high speeds even on the smooth asphalt highway. At the Sorento gasoline after 120 km / h, the effort on the steering wheel disappears. Scary ... There is no such effect on the diesel engine. Most likely, a positive role is played by the fact that the motor is on good half-determiners heavier than gasoline fellow. In small irregularities, the car go frightened ... Of course, it is addressed to the end of the day and to this, and to the hardened Baranka. However, the overall feeling is approximately this in the sense of Kia Sorento settings lacks the breed. In general, everything is not so bad. Comfortable chairs and soft suspensions will delight the level of noise at high speeds at the long journey, but the aerodynamic whistles could be smaller. Maneuverability and dynamics in both cases are excellent, though characters are different. Diesel River from under himself Earth and pulls, gradually fading up to 4000 revolutions, swears at all. Gasoline easier comes into a turn, but he holds a little worse than the trajectory, knocking out to the outside, and when accepted it as if it seems to evaluate his chances, but, appreciating, rushing so that it seems that the motor will throw out from under the hood and run into the distance. The engine is well configured, overclocking up to 100 km / h per 9.5 seconds, it takes pleasure, demonstrating excellent elasticity from 60 to 100 km / h in less than five seconds. Manual mode on asphalt thing is meaningless, if only you are not in the mountains, where you need to slow down the engine all the time and go to the turns close to the maximum torque. On off-road other business. However, there is a nuance: on the diesel version the ability to slow down the engine, but in a gasoline box, even in manual mode, it starts to switch upwards on the descent.
On intersected
The off-road potential of Kia Sorento, completely unmarried in characteristics, is divided into the concept of a universal family SUV, as he was understood in the nineties of the last century. Good geometric patency, downward transmission, the anti-test system is all in the pros and inspire confidence. What is wrong? And take a look at the bottom, on the frame structure, the placement of transmission aggregates, on protection, bumpers, beautiful threshings. All this is done with the aim of improving comfort and aerodynamic qualities. The units hang out almost lower than the frame, massive plastic bumpers are directly at the point of touch, the threshings will not stand the blow at the bottom, protection is most easily facilitated. Car compromise. SUV from the category that in extreme cases is able to overcome limited off-road, but it is better not to move from the road. That is, go, of course, you can look at us! But do not be mistaken if you break anything useful or so much you need.

Matchast: Kia Sorento
 

 
Do not touch details
I did not describe the appearance, interior and complete set of SUVs, because, firstly, there are no obvious miscalculations, and secondly, there are 13 options for equipping and the details better learn from the dealer. As for the competitors and the feasibility of acquisition, then everything is simple here. 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, close Mitsubishi is already quite for retrograds, and SsangYong looks, you must admit, well, in kind. In short, Sorento seems to be quite reasonable acquisition. Oh yeah, we were going to decide with you: gasoline or diesel? Well, of course, the second with him Sorento feels better on the road, and on the ground.
 
Author: Igor Gubar, photos of Alexander Insurance Baranova
   

 
 
 
 

A source: 4x4 magazine [June / 2008]