Kia first brought the Sorento to Europe in 2002 as a mid/large sized 4x4. Revised in 2007 it had a separate chassis, beam rear axle and high/low ratios via transfer box.
Sorento II in 2009 (now a joint project with Hyundai’s Santa Fe) traded separate chassis and transfer box for front wheel drive with rear axle ‘kick-in’ if slip detected. Variable up to 60-40 front-rear, drive can be locked 50-50 (to 25 mph) if needs be. This and Hill Descent control meant a decent degree of ability off-road was retained.
Unitary bodywork with independent rear suspension brought improved steering, cornering and ride quality – it was lighter too benefitting fuel consumption and emissions. Sorento II also came with Kia’s 7-year/100,000-mile warranty.
Sorento II in 2009 (now a joint project with Hyundai’s Santa Fe) traded separate chassis and transfer box for front wheel drive with rear axle ‘kick-in’ if slip detected. Variable up to 60-40 front-rear, drive can be locked 50-50 (to 25 mph) if needs be. This and Hill Descent control meant a decent degree of ability off-road was retained.
Unitary bodywork with independent rear suspension brought improved steering, cornering and ride quality – it was lighter too benefitting fuel consumption and emissions. Sorento II also came with Kia’s 7-year/100,000-mile warranty.
RSS Feed