Sorento R’s weight loss is the stuff reality TV is made of. A change from a full chassis to a monocoque body shell, and the use of lighter driveline components, has resulted in a whopping 200-plus kilogram reduction. That’s despite higher specification and safety levels.
Sorento R is only available with a 2.2-litre ‘R’ diesel engine that’s shared with Hyundai. Two and four-wheel drive versions are on offer. Power is up 16 per cent compared to the old Sorento’s 2.5-litre diesel (145kW at 3800rpm), and that all-important torque is up 13.5 percent, to 445Nm at 1800rpm.
It’s a delightful engine (yes, a diesel can be delightful), with excellent throttle response and impressive acceleration from low engine revs.
There is some engine noise at idle and at low road speeds. But at 100km/h, with the six-speed auto in top gear and the engine spinning at only 1700rpm, it’s all very quiet and refined.
Kia claims a 7.4-litre per 100km combined cycle fuel consumption figure for the 4x4 auto tested here, which is 16.5 per cent better than the old, bigger engine. A more aerodynamic (and better looking) body and a more efficient automatic helps here.
On the open road between Whitford and Maraetai, using sensible amounts of throttle, Times Motoring achieved a creditable 5.8-litres/100km
Suspension is a shade on the soft side. However, as Sorento R is lower and lighter than its predecessor, body roll (and queasy passengers) isn’t an issue.
In normal situations, only the front wheels are driven. When one or both front wheels lose grip, a percentage of the engine’s torque is delivered to the rear wheels.
Torque split can be locked 50/50 front to rear in difficult conditions, such as towing a boat up a slippery ramp. Hill descent control and hill start assist are also standard fare.
That may be true (and it’s an obvious PC attempt to suck-up to the tree huggers), but Sorento still has the look and feel of a decent sized four-wheel drive – which is exactly what buyer of this type of vehicle wants.
New Sorento is longer, to the extent that three of the four models come with a third (albeit small) row of seats. These, and the middle row, can be folded flat to increase load space.
Apart from distracting bright chrome rims around the instruments (which my wife reckoned looked “awesome”), the spacious interior has a lot to like.
Build quality is good. Generally, Sorento’s interior materials and soft surfaces look and feel refined. The Limited variant tested here has a plush full leather interior that’s both classy and comfortable.
All models have electronic stability control, ABS and six air bags, helping Sorento achieve a sought-after five-star Euro NCAP rating.
Being the range-topping offering, the $63,990 Limited comes loaded for bear. Dual zone climate air, a sub woofer (no, not a dog in a submarine) for the sound system, reversing camera, a massive panoramic sunroof and a couple of cows’ worth of leather are standard.
