Review of the new Kia Sorento Range

How times change. When the original Kia Sorento was launched in 2003, it was just in the nick of time to book a box seat for the 4x4 boom. It rode the crest of the wave right through the market's expansion years as a value for money alternative to the other family-sized Sports Utility Vehicles and did very nicely out of it. Then things took a turn for the worse with environmental concerns turning legislation and public opinion against large 4x4 vehicles. By the time Kia announced this latest Sorento as a replacement, SUV had become something of a dirty word. That led to some quick thinking from the Kia marketing department and a new designation for the Sorento. We're told this model is a CUV or Crossover Utility Vehicle.

The concept of the 'crossover' vehicle isn't a new one. What it actually means rather depends on what the vehicle is crossing over from and to but in common automotive industry parlance, it's used to refer to 4x4 vehicles that are designed primarily for road-going duties. The idea of a 4x4 that can't do the business off-road might seem redundant but even the ones that are equipped to cross swamps and mountain ranges hardly ever do - in the UK at least. The key appeal of the SUV revolves around its chunky looks, high driving position, interior space and feeling of safety. The crossover vehicle sets out to deliver these qualities without the expensive and heavy-duty off-road mechanicals. That's the basic thinking behind the Kia Sorento 'CUV' as well as other notables like Nissan's Murano and Mazda's CX-7.

The crossover status assigned to the Sorento by Kia suggests a greater emphasis on road-going ability and that's how things pan out. The car uses the same MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension as the old model but it's 10mm lower and the one-piece bodyshell of the latest car produces a centre of gravity that's 54mm closer to terra firma. Engineers have worked to produce a more direct steering set-up with fewer turns lock to lock which should also help on the tarmac but Kia still claims that a decent level of off-road ability has been retained.

"The subtle retargeting of the Sorento 4x4 by Kia is a move that should serve the car well."

If you plan on putting the Sorento to the test in the rough, you'll be wanting a 4x4 version. There are both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions offered but for off-road driving, towing or coping with slippery on-road conditions, the 4x4 will be the way to go. The engine options for the European market are comprised of a 2.4-litre petrol unit with a four-cylinder layout and 174PS or a more desirable 2.2-litre diesel with four pots and 197PS. In terms of torque, there's even less of a contest between these two power options. The petrol unit generates 225Nm at 4,000rpm while the diesel has 421Nm available from 1,800 to 2,500 rpm.

Models that tow the crossover line tend to be lower and sleeker in appearance than their rough and ready SUV counterparts. The Sorento follows this convention with a more elongated shape than the previous model, a larger front overhang and a more steeply raked windscreen. The clamshell bonnet that curves around the nose above the integrated headlights and grille gives a dynamic look but there is the suspicion that Saab may have got there first with this treatment. A body that's 95mm longer than the old Sorento at 4,685mm suggests in increase in interior space and sure enough, rear legroom is increased along with headroom. This car is certainly now a genuine seven-seater with much more space for occupants seated in the (optional) third row, making it, say Kia, 'best-in-class' for accommodating the sixth and seventh occupants. Access to the cabin is also improved as the 'hip-point' for the front and second row seats is lowered by 37 mm, the cabin floor is lowered by 32 mm and the second row near-side seats 'double-fold' to allow easier entry and exit for third row passengers.

For maximum versatility when accommodating people and cargo, the Sorento's second row seat is split 60/40 and the optional third row seat is split 50/50. These seats' backrests fold almost flat to extend available boot space. Luggage space is impressive, with cargo capacity is increased by 15% over the original model, thanks to moving the tailgate back by 70mm. When using the vehicle as a five-seater, with the third row seats folded down (where fitted), total capacity is now 531 litres - 96 litres more than the previous model. Cargo capacity with all seats upright in the 7-seater is 111 litres, and a massive 1525 litres when both the third and second row seats are folded down.

The Sorento lacks the low range gearbox that would mark it out as a serious off road tool. In the 4x4 models, 100 per cent of torque is directed to the front wheels under normal driving conditions with drive directed rearwards as slippage is detected by the computer. There is, however, a Lock Mode which will split power equally between the front and rear axles to help in slippery conditions at speeds of up to 40km/h. The vehicle also comes with DBC, Kia's version of hill descent control, which controls speed on steep descents and HAC hill start assist which prevents the Sorento rolling back when pulling away up hill.

Kia is known for its generosity when it comes to specifications and the Sorento is unlikely to be a disappointment in this respect. Standard equipment on all models runs to alloy wheels, electric-adjustable door mirrors, air-conditioning, Keyless Entry with central locking, an RDS Radio & CD player with MP3, ESC (Electronic Stability Control) with DBC (Downhill Brake Control), HAC (Hill-start Assist Control), driver and front passenger airbags, front row, side airbags, full-length curtain airbags and 'active' head restraints. Customers will get a choice of five or six speed manual gearboxes plus five or six-speed automatics depending on the engine choice. As an option, a two-part glass Panorama Roof is available. The rear section is fixed, while the front section is powered and can be tilted for ventilation or slide fully back to enjoy uninterrupted views. Inside, a multi-position roller blind allows the level of shade within the cabin to be finely adjusted.

The 2.2-litre diesel engine will be the one that Sorento buyers looking to minimise running costs will gravitate towards. It's a third generation common-rail injection unit that promises impressive economy and emissions figures considering its hefty power output. Expect around 43mpg on the combined cycle and 171 and 174g/km of CO2 depending on your choice between two or four wheel drive. Kia's generous warranty package will also be a factor in minimising running costs.

The subtle retargeting of the Sorento 4x4 by Kia is a move that should serve the car well. The previous generation model was a simple, unapologetic SUV with lots of size and space for the price. The latest car offers many of the same qualities but takes a slightly more nuanced approach that's flagged up by Kia's insistence that it's a CUV or Crossover Utility Vehicle. Sleeker, prettier, more composed on the road, cleaner and with loads of room inside, it sounds like a 4x4 well suited to the modern world.

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