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THE KIA SORENTO IS LARGE AND SPACIOUS AND IS ONE OF THE ROOMIEST SUVS AROUND. IT ALSO OFFERS GREAT VALUE, ESPECIALLY FOR GROWING FAMILIES. BERNIE HELLBERG REDISCOVERS THE JOYS OF THE SORENTO IN 2.2-LITRE TURBODIESEL LS GUISE, A NEW ENTRY-LEVEL MODEL THAT WAS RECENTLY ADDED TO THE SORENTO LINE-UP.

The Sorento has been a staple of the Kia brand in SA for many years. When the third generation arrived in July 2015, it impressed with its quality, multiple design accolades, high level of standard specification and downright good value. Back then, the entry point to the Sorento range was the somewhat dreary 2.4-litre petrol LS model, which looked good on paper, but lacked the grunt that we were hoping to see at the lower end of the Sorento range.

Yes, buyers sometimes have to accept that compromises have to be made between the desire for power and the demand for good value, but there was a noticeable gap in the line-up, with an auto diesel option just begging to be popped in there.

Kia have heard the masses and recently added the entry-level 2.2 CRDI LS auto (R489,995) to the range, filling the gap between the 2.4-litre petrol manual LS version (R457,995), and the higher specced, and substantially pricier LX diesel derivative (R582,995).

UP TO THE TASK

Kia does many things well, and maintaining a check on overall product quality is certainly one of their strengths.

I was again reminded of this during our test drive in the new diesel LS. Thanks to extra insulation in the engine bay and wheel arches – plus larger doors that stretch over the sills – engine and road noise is kept at bay, meaning that the interior is pretty quiet, which makes the Sorento a great highway cruiser. The suspension is compliant, and although it may sometimes struggle to control the Kia’s 1,672 kg kerb weight, the car’s damping allows for plenty wheel travel and takes the edge off most bumps.

Sorentos are made for South African conditions, but despite their rugged abilities, the interior is surprisingly classy for an entry-level vehicle. I did miss the larger and more comprehensive infotainment system that’s available on higher specced models, but the Sorento’s does-what-itpromises practicality, and plenty of head-, leg- and shoulder room, largely makes up for this low-key shortcoming.

LS versions get cloth trim and standard air conditioning and only has rear parking sensors, but they do have all of the same safety kit as more expensive models.

LAST WORD

It isn’t hard to find big SUVs with more powerful or smoother engines, but it’s near impossible at this size and this price point.

Don’t expect the big Kia to shoot the lights out in the performance stakes, though. The six-speed auto comes in handy in city traffic, but it’s not as slick as some of its rivals, particularly when you have the “Eco” option engaged on the drive mode selector switch. Use the “Sport” setting to stiffen the steering feel and delay gearshifts for better performance, but expect a jump in fuel use and perceived harshness.

I like the LS diesel Sorento for doing everything it should do, well. It may have a few minor shortcomings, but it is an overall impressive package with Kia’s good reputation for reliability adding to the car’s overall appeal.