CHEAP CHEROKEE (some text hidden) --NONE--

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

Introductionword count: 92

Kia took a big step upmarket with the launch of the Sorento. Previously known for their small, cheap cars, the South East Asian manufacturer first branched into 4x4s and MPVs before taking the plunge in 2003 with a proper family sized 4x4. The Sorento was good, worryingly so for quite a few other manufacturers who traded on badge equity more than actual talent. With an excellent reliability record, sound build quality and stylish good looks, the Sorento is an interesting buy if you want a family 4x4 without typical family 4x4 pricing.

Modelsword count: 13

Models Covered: (5 dr 4x4 2.5 diesel, 3.3, 3.5 petrol [XE, XS, XT])

Historyword count: 144

The Kia Sorento was launched at what proved to be a rather fortuitous moment. Just when it looked as if Kia had been beaten to the punch by SsangYong with their Rexton 4x4, wranglings as to who was going to import the car left the way open for Kia to clear up in the budget family 4x4 sector. In truth, the Sorento probably outstripped even Kia's most optimistic sales projections, the 2.5-litre diesel variants proving a good deal more popular than the rather thirsty 3.5-litre petrol model. The Sorento was heavily revised in the autumn of 2006. New bumpers and light clusters refreshed the exterior and equipment levels were increased. The 2.5-litre diesel engine was boosted to 168bhp thanks to the addition of a variable geometry turbocharger and the 3.5-litre V6 petrol was replaced by a more powerful 3.3-litre unit a few months later.

What You Getword count: 306

Those familiar with the Amalfi coast may feel the Sorento to be starting at something of a disadvantage in being bereft of an R but after the slightly odd name, things get a lot better. For a start, the Sorento looks the part, which is the next big battle won. In certain respects, it shamelessly apes the Mercedes M-Class but when you're set to be paying around £18,500, this is no bad thing. Walk around the car and there's not one duff angle, no botched panel fits, no awkward juxtaposition of detailing, although one can't help but feel this is a car that would look far happier on Santa Monica Boulevard than Streatham High Street. Equipment levels are good, with all models being fitted with anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, twin front and side airbags, air conditioning, electric windows and self-levelling rear suspension. As well as a limited slip differential, there are neatly integrated front fog lamps, some respectable alloy wheel designs and blade-profile roof rails. Top end models feature some quality electronic options such as in-car DVD and satellite navigation. Two different 4x4 systems are offered, depending on which of the three trim levels are chosen. Upspec models get a full-time all-wheel drive system whilst budget models feature a system whereby drive to the front wheels can be selected manually. Either way both have a proper low ratio gearset for serious off-roading. It's the interior quality of the Sorento that sets it apart from so many wannabes in this tough corner of the market. We expected brittle elephant-hued plastics and chintzy trim but instead got soft touch materials and a quality feel. Only the slightly cheesy veneer trim fitted to some luxury models can be called into question and even then, the clean overall feel of the rest of the cabin design redeems it.

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