I drove the new Kia Sorento – it’s a whopping 7-seater which has everything you need and comes with a bargain price tag
WE’RE supposed to be best buddies with America, aren’t we?
We send them Bentleys, Adele and English tea.
They send us Teslas, Taylor Swift and KFC.
Yet one thing we can never seem to agree on is sizes.
Why are American shoes one size bigger than ours? US10 is a UK9. And their clothes two sizes smaller? So a US women’s size 6 is a UK size 10.
Confusing.
A bit like this Kia Sorento.
In America, Sorento is a popular “mid-sized SUV”. But for us, it’s a whopping seven-seater.
Kia has another seven-seater, EV9. But that’s electric only.
Sorento is for families not ready to switch to battery power just yet and comes in three power types – diesel, petrol hybrid or plug-in hybrid.
It’s £20k cheaper than EV9. Which means it’s a bit of a bargain. Actually, this updated version is £3k LESS than the current entry-level Sorento, starting at £41,995 for the 2.2-litre diesel. Not very often that happens.
The diesel is best for towing and does 43mpg.
Big tax benefits
The self-charging petrol hybrid is just as efficient, with the interplay between electric and engine power smooth and tight. They’re like best buddies.
The plug-in hybrid will do short trips as an EV but the real advantage is the tax benefit for company car users.
Whichever you choose, all versions have the added assurance of four-wheel drive to take you from farmhouse to townhouse in any weather, and while looking good.
The refreshed cabin is spacious and easy to use with sliding and fold-down second-row seats and six USB-C charge ports dotted about the place. Everyone has somewhere to put their slurpies and smartphones. Everyone will be happy.
The standard “2” trim has curved display screens up top with satnav, wireless Apple CarPlay, reversing camera, heated seats and heated steering wheel. All you need. But also what you’d expect in a £40k car.
We like the slim touch panel which alternates between stereo and air con at the push of a button. It’s a nice piece of design, first seen in EV6 and Sportage.
Many of the interior fabrics are made from recycled plastic water bottles.
So, there you have it. The smarter, more sophisticated Sorento.
As satisfying as a cold beer on a sunny afternoon.
That reminds me. The Americans can’t do pint sizes either.
KEY FACTS: KIA SORENTO
- Price: £42,995
- Engine: 1.6-litre petrol hybrid
- Power: 209hp
- 0-62mph: 9.7 secs
- Top speed: 113mph
- Economy: 42mpg
- CO2: 153g/km
- Out: Now