Sorento a star performer

Feb 1 2010 Maurice Glover

IT is recognised as a star performer in the rough and tumble world of go-anywhere transport.

But changing times have forced the Kia Sorento to adopt a more gentle approach to the challenges of life in the great outdoors.

With monocoque bodywork replacing its previous ladder-frame chassis, the chunky sport utility vehicle has lost some of the muscle that made it a 4x4 icon and helped drive Kia into global markets.

Refinement has replaced brute force in a fresh design that reflects a seismic shift in philosophy at the South Korean company - and an acknowledgement that sophistication and perceived quality now hold greater potential in the showrooms than out-and-out brawn.

In the past, the ability to lug a 3,500kg trailer load made the Sorento the high-value workhorse of choice, but other abilities take priority in a next-generation model that offers greater all round appeal.

Tamed by better styling, more car-like attributes in driving dynamics and packaging that provides added versatility, the off-road tough guy has become a streetcar of desire in the urban jungle of school runs and shopping trips.

Though it still has formidable capabilities and will pull up to 2,500kg, the new car better respects the environment with a cleaner, more efficient 2.2-litre diesel engine that develops more power than the outgoing 2.5-litre unit as well as boasting average economy of 42.8mpg, a seven per cent improvement.

Composed and relaxed at all speeds, the 'R' motor has the brawn to outperform most four-pot competitors as well as rivals like the Citroen C-Crosser and Mitsubishi Outlander.

Available with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, it is at its best in two-pedal form, which displays engineering pedigree with imperceptible shifts between ratios.

Lower and longer than its predecessor, the new car has softer, less aggressive styling in keeping with Kia's ambitions to move upmarket and the combination of better aerodynamics and reduced noise levels add to the air of refinement as an overdrive top gear keeps the motor lazing at little more than idle speed for most of the time on the open road.

A 2.4-litre petrol-powered front-wheel-drive version with five seats is the range leader at £20,495, but all-drive diesel models come with seating for seven in a choice of three trim levels. And pushing the tailgate further back allows 15 per cent more luggage space as well as boosting maximum load capacity to a voluminous 1,525 litres.

At its peak in 2005, the Sorento won more than 5,000 registrations per year in the UK, but increasing environmental pressures resulted in sales falling to 3,000 by 2008.

'We have made significant changes to this car with regard to environmental considerations and the way it behaves on the road. Even though the market has been depressed of late, we think sales should reach 2,500 this year,' said Kia's product manager Amy Wand.

'Giving the Sorento a softer image should make it appeal to a wider audience and prove particularly attractive to families who want cars for general use rather than just meeting the demands of the traditional country lifestyle.

'Our specification levels are generous throughout the range and have been designed to maintain our edge over rivals.'

Most UK customers are expected to opt for diesel-powered all-drive versions that deliver engine torque to front wheels for most of the time but transfer drive to the rear wheels to maintain forward motion when grip is lost. For improved traction when the going gets tough, drive can be locked between both axles up to 19mph.

In addition, gadgetry to take the drama out of pulling off on inclines is standard, along with downhill brake force equipment, which limits speed to walking pace during steep descents.

Reflecting its aim to join the elite club of European premium manufacturers, Kia offers generous equipment as standard on the cheapest version, including air conditioning and a six-speaker stereo system with RDS radio, CD player, MP3 compatibility, USB and auxiliary sockets and an iPod cable.

A metallic finish for the dashboard and doors accompanies black leather trim on KX-2 versions, which have steering wheel audio controls, chromed exterior door handles, cruise control, folding door mirrors with integrated LED indicator repeaters, heated front seats, privacy glass and reversing sensors.

KX-3 models add 18-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, aluminium illuminated door scuff plates, an electric panoramic sunroof, electrically-adjustable driver's seat, stop-start button ignition, xenon headlamps, rear spoiler and LED rear lights.