ON TEST: The (surprisingly) good Kia Sorento

IHAVE never been a fan of the Kia Sorento. It always struck me as a neither here nor there vehicle. In fact, I actually avoided extended test drives of previous generations on a number of occasions because I knew I’d come away disappointed.

Kia, however, recently facelifted the latest generation Sorento, slashing prices and rationalising the local line-up to the point where (on paper) it seems to be one of the best buys out there right now if you need a large family vehicle.

So, to determine whether the latest Sorento is any good, Kia agreed to loan me a vehicle for a 3000km road trip over the past month. I came away surprised, and delighted, so let’s find out why.

The original Sorento was, to put it mildly, a bit challenging to look at both inside and out. Dated lines, old-fashioned plastic interiors and dull specification variances let it down. This latest model, however, is rather pleasant looking.

Now, styling is always a subjective matter, but as far as large, boxy SUVs go, the Sorento was as boxy as they came. This one is sleeker, rounded in places that needed curves and with a bold front end that demands presence and attention. It looks like an expensive vehicle, more than it retails for, and that’s part of its allure.

The test car rode on 18-inch alloys, but a set of 20s would actually work well from a styling perspective here.

Prior to the facelift of the Sorento, which took place in the third quarter of last year, there were five models to choose from, including a petrol model. Now, there’s only two trim grades and one (turbodiesel) engine choice, but you can still buy an all-wheel-drive version.

The test car was a front-wheeler and it served its purpose on the highway. I really only yearned for allwheel-drive during the odd torrential downpours that sometimes lashed the KZN south coast. Particularly on dirt roads and poor tarmac surfaces, all-wheel drive would be essential in my opinion. The front wheels of the Sorento scrabble for grip on loose surfaces ‘thanks’ to a wonderful serving of torque from the diesel engine.

The highway down to the KZN south coast allowed me to stick the Sorento in SMART mode, where it automatically tunes the throttle and steering sensitivity based on driver input. I stuck to the national limits and by the time I had reached halfway (Bergview Engen) the fuel gauge had only moved a quarter tank. No need to queue at the pumps left me smiling and in fact I managed to make it all the way to Uvongo and then Port Edward on a single tank of fuel. Including all the stop-start running around, after a few days down there, the trip computer said we’d done a cool 982km on its 80L tank of 50ppm.

The Sorento’s combination of comfort on the drive, it’s responsiveness from a drivetrain point of view and its sheer easy-to-live-with nature made it a pleasure to potter around in down at the coast.

All Sorentos are seven seaters now, which also comes in handy on trips such as these when family members become too inebriated to drive. No problem if there’s a Sorento around; simply pop up the rear-most row of seats and you’re ready to safely transport friends and family back to holiday homes.

While the culling of the entry level models means the Sorento range becomes less accessible to South Africans, prices of the mid-range models have actually been reduced. The 2.2 LX for example previously cost R599 995, but it now retails for R569 995. The EX AWD meanwhile is down from R706 995 to R639 995.

As mentioned, all models are now powered by Kia’s 2.2-litre turbodiesel, rated at 147kW and 440Nm, while a new eight-speed automatic gearbox (with four driving modes) is standard across the range.

The facelift ensures you receive a redesigned grille with more chrome brightwork, while the fresh headlights have a new design, featuring LED daytime running lights.

There’s also a new bumper at the back while the tail lights and tailgate have been subtly tweaked too.

Design changes to the cabin are subtle, but include a redesigned steering

wheel, gear lever and instrument cluster. Overall, for long trips, the cabin is great and the fit and the finish of the materials used is of quality.

I enjoyed the standard 20cm touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility as well as integrated satnav and reverse camera. The sat nav worked well when trying to locate cool points of interest and the maps were up to date.

All derivatives also get dual-zone climate control, auto headlights, and a rear USB port.

The stuff that I missed on the test car come as standard on the higher spec version now: including rear sun blinds, electrically-operated front seats and wireless phone charging. VERDICT

For a shade under R580 000, you could jump into this Sorento and undertake many, many memorable road trips with your friends and family. Its frugal nature and easy-driving dynamics make it a relaxed commuter too, and you don’t feel like you’re driving a big bulky seven-seater at all.

Sure, front wheel drive is a bit of a compromise, and I’d certainly spend a little more for a higher spec all-wheel drive version, but if you’re on a ‘tight’ budget, why not buy a Sorento instead of a premium sedan? No seriously, Kia claims that its cars have the power to surprise and I was genuinely surprised at the refinement and quality on offer here. You get six airbags and electronic stability control and a five-year/100 000km service plan and five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty. PRICES 2.2 CRDI LX R569 995 2.2 CRDI LX AWD R609 995 2.2 CRDI EX R599 995 2.2 CRDI EX AWD R639 995