Kia Sorento AWD 2007 review

Kia is expecting big things from the new diesel version of its mid-sized Sorento SUV, and first impressions suggest the vehicle will deliver not only on performance but also quality and price.

The company’s Australian president and CEO, SK Lee, says Kia has more than 30 years experience in the diesel field, and has a continuing commitment to developing cleaner units.

The 2.5-litre CRDi direct-injection oiler, and a 3.3-litre V6 petrol sibling, have just been launched into one of the most crowded segments of the Aussie vehicle market, with more than 20 competitors vying for attention.

Explore the 2007 Kia Sorento range

• Kia Sorento 2007 review
• Kia Sorento AWD 2007 review

But of the two, it is the diesel Kia that is expected to account for about 80 per cent of the 200 monthly Sorento sales forecasted.

And if they can get people past any lingering doubts about Korean product, and into the vehicle, there should be no trouble exceeding those figures.

The Sorento arrives with selectable 4WD in three drivetrain choices, either engine mated to a five-speed automatic with simulated manual mode, or a five-speed manual available only on the diesel and three trim levels.

Prices start with base $33,990 auto petrol LX trim level, $36,490 EX and $41,490 Ex-Limited, with $3000 more for the diesel at each level, and the manual diesel coming in at $34,990.

The 180kW/309Nm petrol engine (which has lost 500cc on the previous for a fuel saving of nine per cent) posts a 0-100km/h figure of 9.2 seconds and average fuel consumption of 10.9L/100km. In normal driving the unit is smooth and capable, but unless you slotted the transmission into the manual mode there was a slight hint of reluctance if you tried to push it too hard.

No such trouble with the diesel, which pulled hard straight from the start and just kept going, with 125kW of power and 392Nm of torque, the large part of which is available at a low 1300rpm to get it to 100km/h in 12 seconds with the manual transmission and just 0.4 more with the auto.

The manual shift was easy to use, smooth and precise, but the sequential auto was the one to have, with only minimal lag on the changes in the manual mode, and a decent performance even in full auto.

The all-wheel drive system is switchable on the fly from 4x2 high to 4x4 high and 4x4 low, and proved it could handle a range of tough surfaces from loose gravel and wash-out riddled tracks to greasy mud and rocky creeks.

It has a decent approach angle of 27.9, breakover of 21.9 and departure of 26.4, but the low 208mm clearance will always hinder any attempts at really deep fording or mountain climbing.

With a strong ladder chassis and a 2800kg braked (750kg unbraked) towing capacity, it would have no trouble with a fair-sized boat or even a double horse-float, although curiously on the base model gets a limited slip differential, which offers more ability while the EX and EX-L win the electronic stability program instead.

The Sorento is mid-sized, but seems larger than that inside, with plenty of leg and headroom. Cargo capacity is 897 litres in normal set-up, but that blows out to a huge 1960 litres with the help of the 60:40 split-fold rear seat extending a flat load floor.

The body design is largely unchanged, with revised grille, bumpers, lights and mouldings giving the main exterior clues that this is the new version, while the cabin gets a brushover and better materials.

Even at the entry level, the quality is surprisingly good, with the impression of solid build and not a rattle or squeak to be heard. Surfaces and textures are excellent, with soft-feel plastics in well-designed shapes, just a sprinkling of chrome to spark things up, and smooth movement on anything that opens and shuts.

The interior is full of clever little features: removable rubber mats in the bottom of storage nooks, a tray under the front passenger seat, double sunglasses caddy, huge vanity mirrors and lights, large maplights, sliding sunvisors and a nifty vent to blow a clear space onto a misted side window so you can see the wing mirrors.

Neat saddle stitching sets off the fabric upholstery, but the seats would benefit from more bolstering on both sides and squab. And with no reach adjustment on the steering wheel, it can take a while to find a comfortable driving position.

But visibility is good all round, and effective noise damping means that little (normal) engine or road noise enters the cabin.

Entry level equipment includes goodies like roof rails, 16” alloys, skid plates and remote-operated tailgate window. But you don’t get cruise control or traction and stability control _ until you move up to EX, which also gives you another inch on the wheels, and leather and multi-function controls to the steering wheel.

The Limited adds dual-zones on the airconditioning, leather on the seats and shift knob, a rear spoiler.

There are just twin front airbags in the lower two levels, and you have to get into the EX-L to get the side curtain bags. But the Sorento has been given a four-star rating in the Euro-NCAP crash testing program, and that will be high enough for most people.

What will ultimately win them over is the SUV’s value and ability, and a level of quality that shows the Korean manufacturers are moving up in the field very quickly.