From hatchbacks to SUV’s, Kia has always delivered top-class cars within an affordable bracket.
Kia has always impressed me. They have dominated in the SUV segment from an affordability perspective, and the Sportage has been a hero on our local roads since day one. At a starting price tag of just over R400k, Kia turned the SUV market on its head by proving you can get a great SUV at an affordable price. Those same key fundamentals were carried over to the Kia Sorento, a luxury 7-seater.
Spaced Out
From an exterior point of view, the Sorento had an overhaul a while back. The magic starts in the front. Kia’s trademark ‘tiger nose’ grille fills the face of the Sorento to give it a meaner, more formidable look than its predecessor. The grille is kept in good company by the new LED daytime running lights. The bumper has rounded the front end off by giving it more of an assertive stance by adding a bulkier shape to the nose.
Moving to the rear, the trimming on the lower rear bumper wraps around the tailpipe to provide a sporty look. The same creativity that made the exterior as bold and powerful as it is has been bought to the interior. The cabin is an accurate depiction of Kia’s desire to create a user experience that makes you want to stay put and take on the longer and less travelled roads. Finer details such as a revised steering wheel and a 4’3inch touch screen infotainment system have been added. Fine leather trimmings throughout the car contribute to the upmarket feel.
Performance
Running on the 2.2l turbodiesel engine with an eight-speed auto gearbox, the Sorento kicks out 147kW and 440Nm of torque. 0-100km/h is reached in 9.4sec with a top speed of 203km/h. With a claimed fuel economy of 6.3l, the Sorento hits all the right notes.
Quality and Quantity
t comes as no surprise that the Sorento has walked away with CAR Magazines coveted “Best Buy” award for the last 2 years. You get a lot for what you pay for. It’s as practical as it is affordable. Starting at R665 995, the Sorento comes with an unlimited km 5-year warranty.
