26 October 2012
New car report; A familiar face
Kia New Zealand’s sales figure for 2012 has risen by 25 percent compared to last year’s result, largely due to an 82 percent jump in registrations of the Rio. And at the other end of the Kia range from the popular little hatchback, the Sorento has also contributed well to the sales mix, with the large SUV having just had a fairly major revamp for the 2013 model year.
The latest Sorento R SUV has smoother lines on the front bumper, perpendicular fog lamps, a slimmer grille and revised headlamps. Changes to the rear are more noticeable with lean tail lamps, a revamped tail gate as well as vertical reflectors integrated into the rear bumper.
The SUV is perched ten millimeters closer to the ground, which reduces both the approach and departure angles by five degrees, but the lower floor has resulted in an increase in legroom for the second and third row passengers. Inside the cabin, soft touch materials are used as well as leather to wrap the instrument cluster and gear lever boot. A large storage compartment located under the centre armrest conveniently provides storage for big items. Seven seats are standard across the range as is a full size alloy spare wheel.
Body stiffness has increased, with the use of ultra-high strength steels, and the front suspension has been upgraded with the use of a new H-shape cross member and larger bushes fitted to the key components. The front track gains ten millimeters due to wider wheel rims and repositioned suspension arm mounting points. At the rear the multi-link suspension setup receives trailing arms to enhance road handling capabilities. The suspension improvements are instantly noticeable on the road where the car corners confidently through the bends with a high level of grip. Off the beaten track and on the gravel, the suspension soaks up the undulations well enough, providing a comfortable ride for all aboard.
Squeezing the most out of an impressive diesel powerplant
The refined diesel engine is identical to that which Hyundai uses in the Sante fe, but Kia claim they manage to squeeze more out of the engine by reducing the vehicle’s drag and weight, resulting in improved CO2 emissions and better fuel consumption. The previous model’s hydraulic steering is replaced by an electric set-up, which also allows for additional features to be introduced. The brakes have also been upgraded with larger rotors at the front, helping to improve braking efficiency.
The All Wheel Drive system distributes the torque between the front and rear axles on demand when slippage is detected, but it is possible to select four-wheel drive lock for an even distribution of toque between the two axles when tackling the rough stuff.
Two engines are on offer; a 2.4L petrol delivering 130kW/227Nm and the 2.2L diesel with a healthy 145kW/436Nm on tap. Both motors are mated to six-speed automatic transmissions with sequential gear change. A manual gearbox option is available but due to its historical lack of uptake by New Zealand buyers, it will only be available by special order. Kia claims the frugal diesel powerplant will use 7.3L/100km of fuel while the petrol version will consume 8.8L/100km.
Active safety features include Hill Start Assist, Electronic Stability Programme and a self parking Smart Park Assist system, which is available on the Limited and Premium models. Smart Park Assist automatically parallel parks the vehicle with the driver controlling the gear selector, accelerator and brake pedal and makes light work of difficult parallel parking spaces.
Passive safety features include six airbags and an Active Hood System which help to prevent pedestrian impact with the engine components by lifting the bonnet in the event of a collision.
Pricing starts with the petrol LX 2WD stickered at $46,490, with the AWD LX adding a further $3,000 to the price tag. The diesel range has six alternatives to choose from starting with the 2WD LX at $50,690 up to the Premium AWD for $66,190.
Sorento R comes with a long list of new features, although Navigation is noticeably left off the list. Kia New Zealand estimates 90 percent of vehicles leaving showroom floors will be the AWD diesel version. It is a great vehicle on the road and a capable performer in the backblocks, although it can’t (and in fairness to Kia, probably doesn't) claim to be a brute of a bush-bashing off roader.
Kia will be renewing some of their vehicle line-up further during 2013 and an all new Sorento is expected to be available in two years time in 2014.