Post by Doghandler on Feb 6, 2006 14:04:26 GMT
KIA'S AWARD WINNING SORENTO
(2002 - 2006)[/b][/color]
The Kia Sorento combines the style of a premium SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle), the strength of a rugged off-roader and the pricing and running costs of a compact 4x4.
No wonder, then, that it has picked up a stack of awards in Europe and America, including the recent Caravan Club magazine's 'Tow Car of the Year Award 2006', 4x4 magazine's 'Car of the Year 2004' title, and Diesel Car magazine's Best 4x4 in the same year, plus voted best 4x4 in this years JD Power Survey.
Sorento is Kia's first foray into the prestige 4x4 market. Styled with the sophisticated European consumer in mind, it is characterised by distinctive, sleek, muscular lines that make it an eye-catching addition to the Kia line-up.
It represents a new level of international integration for Kia, with components and expertise sourced from top names around the world. The suspension tuning was done by Porsche, four-wheel-drive system components come from Borg Warner's South Wales plant, Sachs supplies shock absorbers and self-levelling suspension parts, the anti-lock brakes and fuel injection systems are sourced from Bosch, and air-bag technology is by Autoliv.
Power comes from a 138bhp 2.5-litre four-cylinder common-rail turbodiesel engine or a 192bhp 3.5-litre petrol V6 mated to an automatic transmission with manual mode (optional with the diesel). Both are available in three trim levels - XE, XS and XT.
The Sorento is a premium crossover vehicle. It has a steel monocoque body mounted on a strengthened main ladder chassis frame to provide excellent on-road manners with the toughness required for severe off-roading or towing. With a maximum towing weight of an impressive 2800kg it's easy to see why it's Caravan Club's 'Tow Car of the Year 2006'.
There is also a choice of four-wheel-drive systems. The diesel XE has a part-time EST (Electric Shift Transfer) four-wheel-drive system: the driver can manually select three alternative modes (two-wheel-drive high ratio, four-wheel-drive high ratio and four-wheel-drive low ratio) to suit the type of roads and conditions the car is being driven on.
Diesel and petrol XS and XT models have a full-time ATT (Active Torque Transfer) four wheel drive system that automatically transfers torque between the front and rear wheels according to road conditions. The split varies from 100% to the rear wheels to a 50:50 front-rear distribution.
Its stylish interior seats five adults comfortably and offers the versatility of a large, upmarket estate car. There is a minimum of 900 litres of cargo space over and above the storage facilities in the passenger compartment and the optional roof box. With the split flat folding rear seats down, a vast 1960-litre load area is revealed. All cars are fitted with roof rails, and the rear window of the tailgate opens separately at the touch of a button on the key fob to ease loading in confined spaces.
All Sorento's are fitted with an Eaton carbon limited-slip differential (LSD), which restricts wheel spin by transferring up to 50% of torque to the wheel with the most traction.
Paul Williams, Managing Director of Kia Motors (UK) Ltd, said: "The Sorento illustrates what Kia is now capable of."
Self-levelling suspension heads up a high level of standard equipment that includes twin and full length curtain airbags, air conditioning or climate control, alloy wheels, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, a leather steering wheel and gear lever, remote central locking with key operation for the tailgate window, electric front and rear windows, an eight speaker CD audio system with MP3 player, and the multimeter in the roof console.
KIA SORENTO: STYLING AND DESIGN
The Sorento gets its name from the stylishly elegant resort of Sorrento on Italy's Amalfi coastline. The name also echoes the Sorrento Valley in San Diego, California, famous for technological innovation. Combined, they bring to mind sophistication made possible by the latest technologies - exactly what you get with the Kia Sorento.
The Sorento, Kia's first foray into the prestige 4x4 market in Europe, was styled with the sophisticated European consumer in mind. Its distinctive, sleek, muscular lines have already encouraged customers to trade in European prestige-badge 4x4 cars in favour of Sorento.
Its exterior was designed by Kia designer Byung-jun Min and has been applauded since it was first unveiled at the Chicago Motor Show in 2002. The design principles dictated a car with eye-catching, powerful, aerodynamic lines. The refined, sculpted front view features a sweeping V-shaped bonnet line that leads the eye naturally to the wide radiator grille with the oval Kia logo prominently displayed in the centre. The inside lines of the headlamps follow the hood sculpting down to the chiselled front bumper featuring built-in fog lamps. The various elements of the front end create a look of sporty elegance with the promise of strength and power.
The side view carries on the sporty theme, with sweeping side window graphics and a solid, sturdy D-pillar. A simple edged character line adds to the refined appearance of the Sorento, while its high ground clearance and moulded arches housing solid 16- or 18-inch wheels make its off-road capabilities abundantly clear. The large windows provide excellent all-round visibility and fill the passenger compartment with plenty of natural light. The side cladding is toned to match the body colour.
The side surfaces flow naturally into the curved combination rear lamp cluster. The V-shaped lines of the rear view recall the plunging bonnet line at the front, while the slightly upswept rear bumper relieves the solidity of the Sorento's tail without compromising on strength.
The Sorento is a premium crossover vehicle, emphasised by its stylish, refined yet sporty interior designed by Nak-Chul Ki. Upholstered in grey with metal grain mouldings, it is comfortable, elegant and ergonomically efficient, making use of high-quality materials. It seats five with ease and features prestige saloon creature comforts.
The rear seat comes with a 60:40 split to easily accommodate large cargo items and the entire seat can be folded flat to provide up to 1990 litres of cargo storage.
Sorento meets or exceeds all European and North American safety standards and has achieved a four-star Euro-NCAP rating. The highly rigid construction helps maintain the integrity of the body shell even in the most extreme conditions, and also helps crash protection. Collision forces are dispersed through crumple zones and cabin deformation is kept to a minimum, providing a highly secure passenger environment. Side impact bars and a heavy-duty roll-over bar also help keep the passenger compartment secure in the event of an accident.
POWERTRAINS AND RUNNING GEAR
The Kia Sorento is a car for all roads. It offers muscular turbodiesel or V6 petrol engines, smooth-shifting manual or automatic gearboxes, and a choice of four-wheel-drive systems. With independent front and rear suspension featuring self-levelling on every model, powerful brakes and big alloy wheels.
The 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine
Sorento was the first car to make use of Kia's modern 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine incorporating Bosch technology. This new common-rail unit has been designed for effortless driveability, exceptional smoothness, minimal vibration and low noise characteristics. It develops 138bhp at 3800 rpm and a muscular 343lb ft of torque from 1850 to 2500rpm, making it ideal for off-road work with either the five-speed manual gearbox or the sports H-matic five-speed automatic.
The manual has a combined economy figure of 36.7mpg and carbon dioxide emissions of 204g/km, while the automatic returns a highly respectable 33.6mpg and produces 223g/km of CO2. The auto has fractionally the quicker 0-62mph acceleration (14.5 seconds against 14.6 for the manual). Their respective top speeds are 104 and 106mph.
The 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine
Hot on the heels of the diesel Sorento, Kia launched the high performance 24-valve 3.5-litre V6 petrol version. It is available in XS and XT specification and comes with a five-speed automatic gearbox with manual mode as standard. Paul Williams, Managing Director of Kia Motors (UK) Ltd, said: "While the fuel-efficient diesel is the biggest seller in the UK, it is very much in keeping with the style of the vehicle to offer a powerful and refined petrol derivative. The 3.5-litre V6 is ideally suited to the car."The V6 has twin overhead camshafts and has been designed for exceptionally smooth power delivery. The engine delivers a maximum 192bhp at 5500rpm, and 294Nm of torque at 3000rpm.
That is sufficient to take it from 0-62 in 10.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 119mph, yet it returns a socially acceptable 23.7mpg in the combined consumption test. Its CO2 emissions of 286g/km are better than average for a large, V6-engined, petrol-fuelled premium SUV.
Two 4WD systems
The 2.5-litre CRDi XE has a part-time four-wheel drive system while all XS and XT models have full-time four-wheel drive. Both systems, incorporating technology from Borg-Warner and using components manufactured in South Wales, ensure the Sorento is a true all-road vehicle capable of tackling the roughest terrain if necessary.
The part-time EST (Electric Shift Transfer) four-wheel drive system allows the driver to select three alternative modes (two-wheel drive high ratio, four-wheel drive high ratio and four-wheel drive low ratio).
With EST, a free-running differential automatically disconnects the front propeller shaft and front drive shaft when maximum traction and grip are not needed, as when running on a dry main road. Drive to the front wheels is thus eliminated and friction losses reduced. The result is a highly fuel-efficient system that has the added advantage of being comparatively easy to maintain.
For on-road driving in good conditions, the ideal set-up is to take drive to the rear wheels for maximum performance. For slippery roads, the high-range four-wheel-drive set-up improves traction and grip. The driver can shift between two-wheel-drive high and four-wheel drive high at speeds of up to 50mph.
The low range facility, essential for true off-road capability and more demanding towing, is operated by a dashboard-mounted switch. The low range gives a gear ratio of 2.48:1 compared to 1:1 for high range, making it ideal for steep hill descents and ascents.
The full-time ATT (Active Torque Transfer) torque-on-demand system in XS and XT models automatically transfers the optimum drive between the front and rear wheels according to road conditions. It can vary the drive from a maximum 100% to the rear wheels to a 50:50 front-rear distribution.
The Chassis
The Sorento features double wishbone suspension on the front wheels for secure ride and handling, while the five-link set-up at the back provides stability on rough surfaces. Gas-filled shock absorbers developed by Sachs are fitted on all four wheels, absorbing vibration at speed and providing a smooth ride.
The standard self-levelling suspension system also incorporates Sachs technology. The system automatically adjusts the rear suspension when the vehicle is towing or carrying a heavy load, maintaining ground clearance at the rear and keeping the headlights level. The Sorento can tow an impressive 2800kg.
The suspension was fine-tuned by Porsche with emphasis on directional stability and ride quality at motorway speeds.
Ventilated disc brakes are fitted to all four wheels and there are anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, developed by Bosch, to ensure the driver can maintain complete control in challenging conditions. XE and XS models have 16-inch alloy wheels while XT versions have 18-inch alloys.
THE INSIDE STORY
As comfortable, well-equipped and spacious as a limousine; as versatile as a large estate car; and capable of going almost anywhere - the Kia Sorento is a car that virtually knows no bounds.
The interior seats five adults comfortably. In the front seats, passengers have 1496mm of shoulder space, 1082mm of effective leg room, 1404 mm of hip space and 1008 mm of head room. Rear seat passengers enjoy 1484 mm of shoulder space, 916 mm of effective leg room, 1472 mm of hip space and 1004 mm of head room.
Both front and rear seats feature adjustable headrests and the driver's seat has lumbar and height adjustment. The driver's seat of XS and XT models incorporates an eight-way power adjustment system to ensure the most comfortable, supportive position. The moulded seats of the XE are upholstered in durable cotton fabric while leather upholstery is standard on the XS and XT.
The rear seat is split 60:40 to make it possible to carry large cargo items and more than two people. Seating configurations are quick and easy to adjust thanks to simple seat lock and adjustment mechanisms. The entire seat can be folded flat to provide an impressive 1990 litres of cargo storage. Even with the seats up, the Sorento provides 900 litres of luggage space over and above the storage facilities in the passenger compartment and on the optional roof rack.
The rear window can be opened independently of the tailgate from the key fob, easing loading in confined spaces. Fold flat mirrors (electrically operated on XS and XT) also attest to the practicality and thought that has gone into this SUV.
Keeping the passenger areas tidy is a whole range of storage areas. The armrests at the front contain storage spaces and both front and back armrests contain cup holders to prevent spills. A storage tray can be found under the passenger seat and there is further storage room in the large pockets on the back of the front seats. A lockable glove box with a map tray keeps valuable items secure. All cars are fitted with roof rails.
The interior has a refined yet sporty feel, combining ergonomic efficiency with premium comfort and convenience features. The front and rear use high quality materials and are comfortable and spacious for long journeys.
Upmarket features include the multimeter in the roof console, which allows selection of ambient temperature, altitude, barometer and compass readings.
Every Sorento is generously appointed. Even the XE has 16-inch alloy wheels, self-levelling suspension, a JVC CD audio with MP3 player, remote central locking, driver's seat height and lumbar adjustment, air conditioning, electric windows front and rear with a separately opening tailgate window that can be operated from the key fob, three 12-volt power outlets, the multimeter and a full range of in-car storage features.
The XS specification adds climate control with ambient temperature reading, leather upholstery, an eight-way adjustable electrically-operated driver's seat, heated driver and passenger seats, cruise control, electric folding mirrors, a rear spoiler, chrome handles inside and out, wiper de-icer and a tilt and slide electric sunroof.
The XT has in addition 18-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation, side chrome style bars, privacy glass, dark styled headlamps and extra chrome detailing.
The airbag safety system in the Sorento incorporates side-impact sensors developed by Siemens and airbags from Autoliv, the US-based industry leader in vehicle safety systems. Driver and passenger airbags are fitted on all cars along with full length curtain air bags that provide protection for front and rear seat occupants. Seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters hold passengers secure in the event of a sudden deceleration or collision.
Side impact bars and a heavy-duty roll-bar help keep the passenger compartment secure in the event of an accident, while the Sorento's highly rigid construction helps maintain the integrity of the body shell even in the most extreme conditions.
The Sorento is fitted with deadlocks and an immobiliser as well as driver operated switch to lock windows and doors.
(2002 - 2006)[/b][/color]
The Kia Sorento combines the style of a premium SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle), the strength of a rugged off-roader and the pricing and running costs of a compact 4x4.
No wonder, then, that it has picked up a stack of awards in Europe and America, including the recent Caravan Club magazine's 'Tow Car of the Year Award 2006', 4x4 magazine's 'Car of the Year 2004' title, and Diesel Car magazine's Best 4x4 in the same year, plus voted best 4x4 in this years JD Power Survey.
Sorento is Kia's first foray into the prestige 4x4 market. Styled with the sophisticated European consumer in mind, it is characterised by distinctive, sleek, muscular lines that make it an eye-catching addition to the Kia line-up.
It represents a new level of international integration for Kia, with components and expertise sourced from top names around the world. The suspension tuning was done by Porsche, four-wheel-drive system components come from Borg Warner's South Wales plant, Sachs supplies shock absorbers and self-levelling suspension parts, the anti-lock brakes and fuel injection systems are sourced from Bosch, and air-bag technology is by Autoliv.
Power comes from a 138bhp 2.5-litre four-cylinder common-rail turbodiesel engine or a 192bhp 3.5-litre petrol V6 mated to an automatic transmission with manual mode (optional with the diesel). Both are available in three trim levels - XE, XS and XT.
The Sorento is a premium crossover vehicle. It has a steel monocoque body mounted on a strengthened main ladder chassis frame to provide excellent on-road manners with the toughness required for severe off-roading or towing. With a maximum towing weight of an impressive 2800kg it's easy to see why it's Caravan Club's 'Tow Car of the Year 2006'.
There is also a choice of four-wheel-drive systems. The diesel XE has a part-time EST (Electric Shift Transfer) four-wheel-drive system: the driver can manually select three alternative modes (two-wheel-drive high ratio, four-wheel-drive high ratio and four-wheel-drive low ratio) to suit the type of roads and conditions the car is being driven on.
Diesel and petrol XS and XT models have a full-time ATT (Active Torque Transfer) four wheel drive system that automatically transfers torque between the front and rear wheels according to road conditions. The split varies from 100% to the rear wheels to a 50:50 front-rear distribution.
Its stylish interior seats five adults comfortably and offers the versatility of a large, upmarket estate car. There is a minimum of 900 litres of cargo space over and above the storage facilities in the passenger compartment and the optional roof box. With the split flat folding rear seats down, a vast 1960-litre load area is revealed. All cars are fitted with roof rails, and the rear window of the tailgate opens separately at the touch of a button on the key fob to ease loading in confined spaces.
All Sorento's are fitted with an Eaton carbon limited-slip differential (LSD), which restricts wheel spin by transferring up to 50% of torque to the wheel with the most traction.
Paul Williams, Managing Director of Kia Motors (UK) Ltd, said: "The Sorento illustrates what Kia is now capable of."
Self-levelling suspension heads up a high level of standard equipment that includes twin and full length curtain airbags, air conditioning or climate control, alloy wheels, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, a leather steering wheel and gear lever, remote central locking with key operation for the tailgate window, electric front and rear windows, an eight speaker CD audio system with MP3 player, and the multimeter in the roof console.
KIA SORENTO: STYLING AND DESIGN
The Sorento gets its name from the stylishly elegant resort of Sorrento on Italy's Amalfi coastline. The name also echoes the Sorrento Valley in San Diego, California, famous for technological innovation. Combined, they bring to mind sophistication made possible by the latest technologies - exactly what you get with the Kia Sorento.
The Sorento, Kia's first foray into the prestige 4x4 market in Europe, was styled with the sophisticated European consumer in mind. Its distinctive, sleek, muscular lines have already encouraged customers to trade in European prestige-badge 4x4 cars in favour of Sorento.
Its exterior was designed by Kia designer Byung-jun Min and has been applauded since it was first unveiled at the Chicago Motor Show in 2002. The design principles dictated a car with eye-catching, powerful, aerodynamic lines. The refined, sculpted front view features a sweeping V-shaped bonnet line that leads the eye naturally to the wide radiator grille with the oval Kia logo prominently displayed in the centre. The inside lines of the headlamps follow the hood sculpting down to the chiselled front bumper featuring built-in fog lamps. The various elements of the front end create a look of sporty elegance with the promise of strength and power.
The side view carries on the sporty theme, with sweeping side window graphics and a solid, sturdy D-pillar. A simple edged character line adds to the refined appearance of the Sorento, while its high ground clearance and moulded arches housing solid 16- or 18-inch wheels make its off-road capabilities abundantly clear. The large windows provide excellent all-round visibility and fill the passenger compartment with plenty of natural light. The side cladding is toned to match the body colour.
The side surfaces flow naturally into the curved combination rear lamp cluster. The V-shaped lines of the rear view recall the plunging bonnet line at the front, while the slightly upswept rear bumper relieves the solidity of the Sorento's tail without compromising on strength.
The Sorento is a premium crossover vehicle, emphasised by its stylish, refined yet sporty interior designed by Nak-Chul Ki. Upholstered in grey with metal grain mouldings, it is comfortable, elegant and ergonomically efficient, making use of high-quality materials. It seats five with ease and features prestige saloon creature comforts.
The rear seat comes with a 60:40 split to easily accommodate large cargo items and the entire seat can be folded flat to provide up to 1990 litres of cargo storage.
Sorento meets or exceeds all European and North American safety standards and has achieved a four-star Euro-NCAP rating. The highly rigid construction helps maintain the integrity of the body shell even in the most extreme conditions, and also helps crash protection. Collision forces are dispersed through crumple zones and cabin deformation is kept to a minimum, providing a highly secure passenger environment. Side impact bars and a heavy-duty roll-over bar also help keep the passenger compartment secure in the event of an accident.
POWERTRAINS AND RUNNING GEAR
The Kia Sorento is a car for all roads. It offers muscular turbodiesel or V6 petrol engines, smooth-shifting manual or automatic gearboxes, and a choice of four-wheel-drive systems. With independent front and rear suspension featuring self-levelling on every model, powerful brakes and big alloy wheels.
The 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine
Sorento was the first car to make use of Kia's modern 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine incorporating Bosch technology. This new common-rail unit has been designed for effortless driveability, exceptional smoothness, minimal vibration and low noise characteristics. It develops 138bhp at 3800 rpm and a muscular 343lb ft of torque from 1850 to 2500rpm, making it ideal for off-road work with either the five-speed manual gearbox or the sports H-matic five-speed automatic.
The manual has a combined economy figure of 36.7mpg and carbon dioxide emissions of 204g/km, while the automatic returns a highly respectable 33.6mpg and produces 223g/km of CO2. The auto has fractionally the quicker 0-62mph acceleration (14.5 seconds against 14.6 for the manual). Their respective top speeds are 104 and 106mph.
The 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine
Hot on the heels of the diesel Sorento, Kia launched the high performance 24-valve 3.5-litre V6 petrol version. It is available in XS and XT specification and comes with a five-speed automatic gearbox with manual mode as standard. Paul Williams, Managing Director of Kia Motors (UK) Ltd, said: "While the fuel-efficient diesel is the biggest seller in the UK, it is very much in keeping with the style of the vehicle to offer a powerful and refined petrol derivative. The 3.5-litre V6 is ideally suited to the car."The V6 has twin overhead camshafts and has been designed for exceptionally smooth power delivery. The engine delivers a maximum 192bhp at 5500rpm, and 294Nm of torque at 3000rpm.
That is sufficient to take it from 0-62 in 10.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 119mph, yet it returns a socially acceptable 23.7mpg in the combined consumption test. Its CO2 emissions of 286g/km are better than average for a large, V6-engined, petrol-fuelled premium SUV.
Two 4WD systems
The 2.5-litre CRDi XE has a part-time four-wheel drive system while all XS and XT models have full-time four-wheel drive. Both systems, incorporating technology from Borg-Warner and using components manufactured in South Wales, ensure the Sorento is a true all-road vehicle capable of tackling the roughest terrain if necessary.
The part-time EST (Electric Shift Transfer) four-wheel drive system allows the driver to select three alternative modes (two-wheel drive high ratio, four-wheel drive high ratio and four-wheel drive low ratio).
With EST, a free-running differential automatically disconnects the front propeller shaft and front drive shaft when maximum traction and grip are not needed, as when running on a dry main road. Drive to the front wheels is thus eliminated and friction losses reduced. The result is a highly fuel-efficient system that has the added advantage of being comparatively easy to maintain.
For on-road driving in good conditions, the ideal set-up is to take drive to the rear wheels for maximum performance. For slippery roads, the high-range four-wheel-drive set-up improves traction and grip. The driver can shift between two-wheel-drive high and four-wheel drive high at speeds of up to 50mph.
The low range facility, essential for true off-road capability and more demanding towing, is operated by a dashboard-mounted switch. The low range gives a gear ratio of 2.48:1 compared to 1:1 for high range, making it ideal for steep hill descents and ascents.
The full-time ATT (Active Torque Transfer) torque-on-demand system in XS and XT models automatically transfers the optimum drive between the front and rear wheels according to road conditions. It can vary the drive from a maximum 100% to the rear wheels to a 50:50 front-rear distribution.
The Chassis
The Sorento features double wishbone suspension on the front wheels for secure ride and handling, while the five-link set-up at the back provides stability on rough surfaces. Gas-filled shock absorbers developed by Sachs are fitted on all four wheels, absorbing vibration at speed and providing a smooth ride.
The standard self-levelling suspension system also incorporates Sachs technology. The system automatically adjusts the rear suspension when the vehicle is towing or carrying a heavy load, maintaining ground clearance at the rear and keeping the headlights level. The Sorento can tow an impressive 2800kg.
The suspension was fine-tuned by Porsche with emphasis on directional stability and ride quality at motorway speeds.
Ventilated disc brakes are fitted to all four wheels and there are anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, developed by Bosch, to ensure the driver can maintain complete control in challenging conditions. XE and XS models have 16-inch alloy wheels while XT versions have 18-inch alloys.
THE INSIDE STORY
As comfortable, well-equipped and spacious as a limousine; as versatile as a large estate car; and capable of going almost anywhere - the Kia Sorento is a car that virtually knows no bounds.
The interior seats five adults comfortably. In the front seats, passengers have 1496mm of shoulder space, 1082mm of effective leg room, 1404 mm of hip space and 1008 mm of head room. Rear seat passengers enjoy 1484 mm of shoulder space, 916 mm of effective leg room, 1472 mm of hip space and 1004 mm of head room.
Both front and rear seats feature adjustable headrests and the driver's seat has lumbar and height adjustment. The driver's seat of XS and XT models incorporates an eight-way power adjustment system to ensure the most comfortable, supportive position. The moulded seats of the XE are upholstered in durable cotton fabric while leather upholstery is standard on the XS and XT.
The rear seat is split 60:40 to make it possible to carry large cargo items and more than two people. Seating configurations are quick and easy to adjust thanks to simple seat lock and adjustment mechanisms. The entire seat can be folded flat to provide an impressive 1990 litres of cargo storage. Even with the seats up, the Sorento provides 900 litres of luggage space over and above the storage facilities in the passenger compartment and on the optional roof rack.
The rear window can be opened independently of the tailgate from the key fob, easing loading in confined spaces. Fold flat mirrors (electrically operated on XS and XT) also attest to the practicality and thought that has gone into this SUV.
Keeping the passenger areas tidy is a whole range of storage areas. The armrests at the front contain storage spaces and both front and back armrests contain cup holders to prevent spills. A storage tray can be found under the passenger seat and there is further storage room in the large pockets on the back of the front seats. A lockable glove box with a map tray keeps valuable items secure. All cars are fitted with roof rails.
The interior has a refined yet sporty feel, combining ergonomic efficiency with premium comfort and convenience features. The front and rear use high quality materials and are comfortable and spacious for long journeys.
Upmarket features include the multimeter in the roof console, which allows selection of ambient temperature, altitude, barometer and compass readings.
Every Sorento is generously appointed. Even the XE has 16-inch alloy wheels, self-levelling suspension, a JVC CD audio with MP3 player, remote central locking, driver's seat height and lumbar adjustment, air conditioning, electric windows front and rear with a separately opening tailgate window that can be operated from the key fob, three 12-volt power outlets, the multimeter and a full range of in-car storage features.
The XS specification adds climate control with ambient temperature reading, leather upholstery, an eight-way adjustable electrically-operated driver's seat, heated driver and passenger seats, cruise control, electric folding mirrors, a rear spoiler, chrome handles inside and out, wiper de-icer and a tilt and slide electric sunroof.
The XT has in addition 18-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation, side chrome style bars, privacy glass, dark styled headlamps and extra chrome detailing.
The airbag safety system in the Sorento incorporates side-impact sensors developed by Siemens and airbags from Autoliv, the US-based industry leader in vehicle safety systems. Driver and passenger airbags are fitted on all cars along with full length curtain air bags that provide protection for front and rear seat occupants. Seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters hold passengers secure in the event of a sudden deceleration or collision.
Side impact bars and a heavy-duty roll-bar help keep the passenger compartment secure in the event of an accident, while the Sorento's highly rigid construction helps maintain the integrity of the body shell even in the most extreme conditions.
The Sorento is fitted with deadlocks and an immobiliser as well as driver operated switch to lock windows and doors.
