Kia Sorento Review

Kia Sorento Review

The new Kia Sorento went on sale in January 2010, but curiously, the all-new car was designed far from UK shores - but not where you might.

It started life at the Kia Design Studios in California far away from the gloomy winter we've just experienced. The Chief Designer Officer, Peter Schreyer was in charge of proceedings and his brief was to take into account the way that SUVs and their users have changed in recent years.

A little more urban and a lot less agricultural is what was required; not that the previous Kia Sorento resembled a tractor but did have more off-road capabilities the new version. So the new Kia Sorento has been re-designed from the ground up in order to appeal mainly to the 'Yummy Mummies'of this world while still retaining, to some degree, the towing and off-road capabilities, should they be needed.

The easiest way to please both groups was for Kia to offer the new Kia Sorento in both 2- and 4WD and with a choice of five or seven seats so it crosses over into MPV territory. And, in keeping it simple, Kia is offering an engine choice of just two; a 2.4 petrol unit and a 2.2 diesel, more of which later.

Frankfurt Motor Show: 2010 Kia Sorento

2010 Kia Sorento SUV is making its European debut in Frankfurt Motor Show. The 2010 model is more aerodynamic than the outgoing model, to in line with Kia’s new design language.

Measuring 4685mm at long, the 7-seater 2010 Sorento is lower and longer. The interior features a higher-class cabin elements and more luxurious. It’s also more spacious than the current generation model.

Under the hood, power comes from a 2.2-litre turbo diesel unit, producing 194bhp and 310lb ft of torque. Kia is very confident that the engine will become the most popular engine in Europe. In addition, the engine is paired up with either a six-speed manual or its new six-speed auto transmission.

Moreover, the 2010 Kia Sorento features a refined ride quality to improve the car's on-road comfort, without losing any or the original model’s off-road ability. Gadgets on its menu include an engine start button, keyless entry and an in-mirror reverse camera.

"With the new Kia Sorento," said Panu Vainamo, General Manager Marketing, Kia Motors Europe, "we have created an all-new, ‘Highline Cruiser' that we believe offers buyers the benefits of an exciting all-rounder with a much broader appeal. Kia engineers have ditched the original Sorento's body-on-frame structure and designed an all-new unibody structure - achieving a weight loss of up to 215 kg, greatly improving fuel economy and contributing to a more controlled ride than expected from a 4x4."