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Kia Sorento XS

Up for rento?

Kia is hoping to move upmarket by going off road. According to bosses, the new Sorento is set to revolutionise the company's reputation. In the words of UK chief executive Paul Williams: "This car will do for us what the Fabia did for Skoda."

By Mat Watson

February 2003

Kia is hoping to move upmarket by going off road. According to bosses, the new Sorento is set to revolutionise the company's reputation. In the words of UK chief executive Paul Williams: "This car will do for us what the Fabia did for Skoda."

Confidence is certainly high, and at first glance the new SUV looks a cut above the company's previous products. There's a hint of the Lexus RX300 in the Hyundai Santa Fe rival's bodywork, and Kia itself is keen to have the car compared to BMW's mighty X5.

Admittedly, there's a big difference between BMW and Kia, but even so the Sorento seems well equipped. Off-road fans are sure to appreciate the capable four-wheel-drive transmission and low range transfer gearbox. The limited-slip differential and self-levelling suspension add extra appeal, while those interested in comfort will be pleased to see alloy wheels, an electric sunroof and a CD player. At only ΂£17,995, the entry-level XE certainly offers value for money.

We drove the top-of-the-range Sorento XS, which adds a leather interior, permanent 4x4 with electronic torque transfer, climate and cruise control for an extra ΂£2,500. Our car featured the four-speed automatic gearbox, and this ΂£900 option suits the Sorento best. The only downside is that economy falls from 33.2mpg for the manual car to 31.7. Up close, the bodywork looks sharp and sculpted. The contrasting sill protectors, which blend into the huge wheelarches and bumpers, hint that this 4x4 isn't just designed for the school run and, on our test drive, it quickly became apparent that it can handle much more than that.

The low-ratio gearbox gives the Kia real off-road capability, and we had no trouble driving it through a demanding Scottish quarry that would have left RX300 owners needing a tow. The all-wheel-drive system works smoothly, as does the limited-slip diff. Even in really boggy situations, the car heaves itself up hills with the minimum of fuss. On the road, however, the Sorento isn't quite so impressive. While its 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine produces a healthy 314Nm of torque and 138bhp, its two-ton bulk makes overtaking a chore.

The oil-burner isn't the most refined, either, and it clatters like an old truck when cold. Throttle response is a little slow, and the car quickly runs out of punch at high revs. Thankfully, a 3.5-litre petrol V6 will arrive in the spring.

Despite its size, the Sorento doesn't roll much though corners, but drivers stepping out of rivals such as the Honda CR-V will find the Kia's steering feels dead and has too much free play. Driving it through twisty roads can be similar to navigating a boat, and the ride is a bit sloppy at motorway speeds. On the plus side, the Sorento's cabin feels spacious and seats five in comfort. Fit and finish is good and the quality of the trim belies the price. The sense of 'luxury' is only let down by the tacky wood effect on the centre console and doors. A more appropriate black type is used on the cheaper XE model. The boot is very practical and easy to load, although the hatch is too large to open fully in enclosed spaces.

There's no denying the Sorento is fantastic value for money and ideal for people on a tight budget who want a real off-roader, particularly when compared to the Santa Fe. But saying it's in the same league as a BMW X5 is like comparing a Casio to a Rolex just because they both tell the time...

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FIRST OPINION

    An electronically selectable low-ratio box and limited slip differential give the Sorento real off-road capability, although it's not so good on tarmac. With all but metallic paint and the auto as standard, the XS is a great value rival to Hyundai's Santa Fe and Honda's CR-V.
 

AT A GLANCE

    On sale now, new Kia offers improved mud-plugging ability
    Lower-spec XE priced £17,997
     
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