{"id":10748,"date":"2015-03-13T11:02:04","date_gmt":"2015-03-13T11:02:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.wheelsforwomen.ie\/?p=10748"},"modified":"2015-03-18T19:18:25","modified_gmt":"2015-03-18T19:18:25","slug":"first-drive-kia-sorento-2-2d-awd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wheelsforwomen.ie\/index.php\/first-drive-kia-sorento-2-2d-awd\/","title":{"rendered":"First drive: Kia Sorento 2.2D AWD"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"New<\/a>

New third-generation Kia Sorento SUV<\/p><\/div>\n

The new third generation Kia Sorento is a much more <\/em>polished and refined SUV writes Geraldine Herbert<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

What is it?<\/strong> Kia\u2019s third generation Sorento has just arrived sporting a sharper look outside and more premium feel inside. Rivals include the \u00a0Hyundai Santa Fe and the Mitsubishi Outlander but Kia reckon it might just lure buyers away from BMW\u2019s X5, Land Rover\u2019s Discovery and \u00a0the Volvo XC90.<\/p>\n

First impressions of the new Kia Sorento?<\/strong> The new SUV\u2019s\u00a0 face has supposedly been based on a wolf’s appearance\u00a0 but while the similarities are lost on us the long, wrap-around headlamps and more prominent fog-lamps along with the more upright \u2018tiger-nose\u2019 grille do certainly improve the overall look and it is a lot smarter looking.<\/p>\n

What about the interior?<\/strong>\u00a0 Inside are where the biggest changes are to be found and everything is well finished and the logical layout for all the controls plus plenty of seat and wheel adjustment makes it a very pleasant cabin. Space is good throughout and the Sorento comes with an optional seven-seat format.<\/p>\n

And on the road? <\/strong>\u00a0Much more refined than before the diesel engine can barely be heard while the changes to the suppression has improved the\u00a0 handling and ride. While it feels neat and fairly nimble around corners on the road it does feel like a big car. \u00a0All wheels drive is standard and\u00a0 it is an “on demand” system which means that up to 50 per cent of the power is transferred to the rear wheels\u00a0if you start to slide or loss grip.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>

The increased exterior dimensions and the extended wheelbase means a lot more space in the cabin<\/p><\/div>\n

How much?<\/strong> The Sorento’s EX entry level model costs from \u20ac38,995 \u00a0and the Platinum model from \u20ac43,995.\u00a0 The EX is a 5 seater and standard items includes 17\u201d alloys, rear privacy glass ,super vision instrument cluster and 7\u201d Sat Nav with reversing camera. Opt for the seven seater Platinum version and extras include a\u00a0panoramic sunroof, Xenon lights leather and heated (front and 2nd<\/sup> row\u00a0 rear ) seats, heated steering wheel\u00a0 and an 8 way power adjustable driver\u2019s seat.<\/p>\n

How safe?<\/strong> The five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating is reassuring and the Sorento scored highly in all four areas (90% Adult Occupant Protection, 83% Child Occupant Protection, 67% Pedestrian Protection and 71% Safety Assist).<\/p>\n

What about my options?<\/strong> Available with five seats and a vast boot or you can opt for the seven-seat model that offers two rear seats that are fine for children or adults on short trips \u2013 as long as nobody wants to bring any luggage.<\/p>\n

3 words to describe the Kia Sorento?<\/strong> \u00a0Stylish; Reliable; Rugged<\/p>\n

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Check out the Video below to see the Kia Sorento on the road<\/strong><\/p>\n

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