The first generation of the Sorento made it possible Kia-Customers in Germany at the beginning of the millennium completely new experiences with the still relatively young brand. Anyone who opted for the Korean off-road vehicle had to expect delivery times. Thanks to the sleek body - for the Kia design language at the time - as well as off-road capability and attractive pricing, the Sorento had developed into an orderer for Kia. Since then, the flagship has also been the image bearer of the Koreans. And so the current third generation offers the opportunity to experience something new. The test vehicle we drove as a special Masterpiece model broke the 60.000 euro mark for the first time at Kia.
Strictly speaking, Kia is calling 60.990 Euro for its “Meisterstück” model, which is limited to 200 models and, like all other Sorento versions, comes with the only available engine, an 147 kW / 200 PS strong 2,2 liter diesel. In our test vehicle, 700 euros were added for seats six and seven, so that 61.690 euros are due here.
Wow: Almost 62.000 euros for a Kia? The entry-level price of 34.990 Euro for the large SUV is clearly outbid. Unlike the basic version, the Masterpiece includes all-wheel drive instead of front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic instead of a six-speed manual transmission. However, the high price should not really shock most Sorento customers, as almost 80 percent of them opt for the highest equipment level "Platinum Edition". This is in the price list from 51.690 Euro and serves as the basis for the special model. This means that, in addition to the usual assistants such as lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control system including front collision warning, reversing camera, 360 degree camera, adaptive cornering lights and automatic parking system, the Sorento has practically everything on board that Kia offers in its pampering program. These also include electrically adjustable, heated and coolable seats (driver and front passenger), panoramic glass roof, leather and navigation and infotainment system with 8 inch display. In addition, there are black 20 inch rims and carbon-coated exhaust tailpipes in the black painted special model. Running boards with aluminum inserts underline the cool exterior appearance. Only in the dark can you see the entrance lighting of the four doors, which projects the Masterpiece lettering onto the floor. The interior was lined by hand with black Alcantara, which is supposed to look noble, but should be like the external modifications (an expensive) a matter of taste.
As noble as it is in the external perception of the Sorento, it is as normal as ever under the bonnet. The four-cylinder diesel mobilizes 441 Nm, the torque is available in the range from 1.750 to 2.750 rpm. The standard sprint is completed in just under 10 seconds, the top speed at 200 km / h. The motto is to travel instead of turf, if you press the accelerator pedal too hard, on the one hand disturb engine noise despite all the insulation in the driving concentration and on the other hand the consumption increases in the double digits. If you move on the motorway at the recommended speed or just above it, the engine noises are left out. The consumption leveled off at 8,5 liters - almost two liters more than the standard consumption. That is still fine for a 2,1-ton vehicle, but it is not particularly economical. You could try to curb your thirst in eco driving mode. However, the engine then seems to be cut off and the gear changes of the already not agile six-speed automatic seem to take forever. So we preferred to stay in standard mode. The sport setting was also not to my liking. The Sorento is not (yet) an SUV racer à la Porsche Cayenne. Pseudo-sporty suspension settings stand in the way of the more comfort-oriented character of the Korean four-wheel drive. As a travel companion, the Sorento shows its best side. Plenty of space - even the rear two seats are comparatively comfortable - and a lavish trunk (142 to 1.662 liters for the seven-seater) speak for the SUV. And also the heated steering wheel. A practical extra, especially in winter.
Even if the established premium providers offer even more amenities and more modern infotainment and assistance systems - albeit at higher prices - the masterpiece shows where the journey at Kia is going. A little more luxury attracts customers who are still reluctant to buy a Korean. And if the range of engines in the next generation and the automatic transmission become more modern, the SUV could move into the premium league. And the first generation has already proven that a Sorento can be good for a surprise. (Elfriede Munsch / SP-X)