Inside: testing the new Kia Sorento
Koreans take the bar very seriously, both in terms of comfort and technology.
We will never start this test upside down. Not outside, but inside.
The new Kia Sorento gives this a lot of reasons. In all respects, this car is a big step forward compared to the previous one. But in the interior and comfort, this is a revolution.
Even the design itself sets it apart from the previous Sorento, which we liked but was decidedly boring on the inside. Here you get a stylish and very ergonomic dashboard. The materials are expensive to the touch and well put together. We love the elegant backlit décor that you can change the color of yourself – something that until recently was just as optional as the S-Class. We like TomTom's 10-inch navigation multimedia system, which supports online traffic updates. The control of the functions is very simple and intuitive.
The audio system is Bose, and there is a small bonus to it: six combinations with the sounds of nature - from the spring forest and the surf to the crackling fireplace. We have tested them and they are really relaxing. The graphics are high quality and beautifully rendered, like the vintage radio tubes you use to find stations.
The nappa leather seats are impeccably comfortable. The facial ones have heating and ventilation, and they can even be turned on in automatic mode - then the temperature sensors in them determine the temperature of the skin and decide for themselves whether to turn on heating or cooling.
And, of course, the most important thing is that there are only seven seats .. The third row folds into a trunk and you should not expect miracles from it, because it still stands on the floor and your knees will be at eye level. But otherwise, the two rear seats are comfortable, and even a 191-centimeter tall person can fit comfortably. It will also have its own air conditioner control and its own USB port.
In that regard, the Sorento is the most peaceful family car we've ever encountered. In addition to a wireless charger for a smartphone, there are as many as 10 charging points - far more than possible passengers. USB ports for the rear row are conveniently integrated into the front seatbacks.
All this, plus excellent soundproofing, makes this coupe one of the most comfortable and relaxing on the market. There is only one significant drawback - and when I say "essential", you will probably laugh. We are talking about the sounds that this car tells you that you have not fastened your seat belt, or that you have stepped into a lane, or something like that. To be honest, we haven't heard anything more annoying in years. Of course, collision warnings or tape shouldn't be too relaxing. But here they went a little too far with hysteria.
However, we warmly welcome another original idea from Kia: how to deal with the blind spot problem. on the side mirrors. Here's the solution: When you turn on the turn signal, the 360-degree camera in the mirror projects what is visible behind you onto the digital dashboard. It is a little disorienting at first, but quickly gets used to it. And it's absolutely invaluable when parking.
How does this car feel on the road? We are testing a hybrid version with a 1,6-liter petrol engine and a 44-kilowatt electric motor, and we are pleased with the dynamics. Unlike the plug-in version, this one can run on electricity for only about one and a half kilometers. But the battery and electric motor help a lot with every acceleration. And it will significantly reduce the cost in urban environments. Kia promises just over 6 liters per 100 km on the combined cycle. We reported nearly 8%, but we didn't try to drive economically.
The diesel version comes with a robotic dual-clutch transmission, but here you get the classic six-speed automatic, and we have no complaints about how it works. Weighing in at 1850 pounds, this isn't one of the fattest boys in the segment. On the road, however, the Sorento feels a bit dignified ... and slow. Probably because of the sound insulation and soft suspension. You need to understand and take this proposal more seriously to make sure the engineers did a really good job.
The steering wheel is precise, and the huge torso turns confidently without leaning noticeably. The suspension has MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link at the rear - Kia hasn't spared the important. Unless from headlights, which can be LED, but not adaptive - a rarity in this price segment.
There is another drawback for the price. The old Sorento started at 67 leva and for that money you got a lot of equipment, which is typical of Kia.
The Sorento is available as standard with an all-wheel-drive system that transfers torque to the rear axle if needed, and with a center-locking differential. The most an affordable version of the novelty costs from 90 levs - for a diesel engine - 000 levs. horsepower and 202x4. That's not much compared to the comparable Mercedes GLE, which starts at 4 and is a lot more bare. But for traditional Kia buyers, this is enough.
The cost of a traditional hybrid that we drive starts from BGN 95, and a plug-in hybrid with 000 horsepower starts from BGN 265.
Of course, the base trim is not the base trim at all: alloy wheels, bi-LED lights, roof rails, 12-inch digital cockpit, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, intelligent cruise control, heated front seats and steering wheel, 10-inch navigation TomTom, front and rear parking sensors plus a rear-view camera ...
The second level adds leather upholstery, 19-inch wheels, heated rear seats, a wireless charger, louvers, and a 14-speaker Bose audio system.
At the highest level, Limited, you will also get a glass roof with an electric sunroof,
metal steps, 360-degree video cameras, sports pedals, front seat ventilation, a head-up display and icing on the cake - an automatic parking system where you can get out of the car and leave it alone to settle into a narrow parking space. But it is only available for the diesel version.
In short, the Sorento is now more expensive, but also a much more interesting and comfortable family car. If you're looking for convenience and practicality, it doesn't have many competitors in the segment. If you're looking for emblem prestige, you'll have to travel elsewhere. And with a tighter wallet.
