According to many motorists (a hard core that shows no sign of decreasing in Italy and many other European markets) models like the new Kia Sorento with the 194 HP CRDi 2.2 turbodiesel engine really deserve a monument.
The reasons are simple: with a latest generation diesel propulsion system, therefore extremely respectful of the environment, models like this enhance three essential values for using the car even over long distances.
First of all, the freedom to move at the times and on the itineraries desired, with apps and navigators that 'suggest' only the best route to go from point A to point B. And they do not force you to change route to supply electricity.
Then there is the fundamental aspect of costs. As the new Sorento CRDi 2.2 demonstrates compared to its other electrified variants, the turbodiesel is now the entry model to the range, compared to the more expensive electrified variants. And above all there are clear savings on expenses per km with a truly limited impact on consumption even with the current level of diesel prices.
Finally, the driving pleasure, which derives (it should be remembered) from the fact that a vehicle with an ICE engine like the Sorento CRDi 2.2 can exploit 194 HP of power and 450 Nm of torque without having to be burdened by the additional weight of the plug-in batteries and even more so than the 100% electric models.
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This is a premise that is necessary to explain Kia's precise desire to maintain in the offer of its 'traditional' flagship SUV (alongside the award-winning electric EV9) a variant equipped with the latest evolution of the 4-cylinder turbodiesel D4HB which belongs to the R family of Hyundai-Kia and which is the generous 'heart' of many vehicle families of the South Korean Group.
Diesel supporters - according to data shown by Giuseppe Bitti, managing director & Coo of Kia Italia during a press conference - are today the great majority in Italy (57%) in the D-suv segment, the one to which the new Sportage belongs.
By way of comparison, again in this market area, models with Ice engines (also electrified) are overall at 28% and electric ones at only 16%.
With the Sorento CRDi - like many other models on the market today - the operating system invented in 1892 by Rudolf Diesel and gradually evolved to the current levels of excellence proves truly 'eternal'. Almost like the marble that is extracted from the Carrara quarries, where part of the test drive took place, and which served as the perfect setting for this event.
Offered with price lists ranging from 47,350 to 53,350 euros for the CRDi versions and from 49,350 to 62,350 euros for the Sorento hybrid and plug-in hybrid, Kia's new D-suv emphasizes in this latest evolution (whatever the energy source used ) also important improvements in the quality of life on board, with advanced technologies, simple and intuitive to use, which make every type of journey relaxing.
From the motorway to the most demanding off-road sections (in the quarries almost all the roads are made slippery by the white mud generated by the works) the Sorento CRDi proves to be safe, calming and fun to drive, especially with the eight-speed dual clutch gearbox. (standard) is coupled - as in the test car - with electronically controlled all-wheel drive.
Performance is of a high level: the 0-100 sprint is achieved in 9 seconds and the 450 Nm of torque delivered already at 1750 rpm are also felt in the recovery phases, well transferred by the dual clutch automatic transmission.
The top speed - assuming you move without limits - is 201 km/h, but what stands out most is the Wltc consumption which is 5.5 liters per 100 km with four-wheel drive and 4.9 with the 2Wd scheme (High Phase minimum values). CO2 emissions are in the process of being approved.
The updates to the driving assistance systems introduced on the new Sorento are also important. They are highway drive assist 2.0 with lane change assist and surround view monitor with 3D display function and the forward collision-avoidance assist system which now includes the junction turning and crossing function. But also the evasive steering assist: the lane change oncoming and the lane change side.
The New Sorento also continues to be available with the navigation system complete with smart cruise control; blind-spot collision-avoidance assist; safe exit assist, blind-spot view monitor (which appears on the display in front of the driver), remote smart parking assist and rear parking collision-avoidance assist.
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