first drive

SOMETHING is missing from the Kia Sorento.

Supposedly named after the Italian town of Sorrento, the missing R in its name makes it looks oddly dyslexic. But nothing much else has been left out of the Korean company's new flagship, a 4x4 that is more luxurious than its budget price suggests.

It is very well equipped, with standard air conditioning, electric glass sunroof and self-levelling suspension. It is also a much more capable vehicle than its curvaceous styling and plush interior implies.

Although inevitably destined to become the newest recruit to the ranks of motorised urban warriors among the school-run set, it is no "soft-roader".

The Sorento flouts the recent trend for imageconscious 4x4s to have a a strong emphasis on road manners, with only modest off-road capability.

Instead, it has the strong ladder-chassis, separate body and solid- beam rear axle of a traditional 4x4, designed for rugged all-terrain competence.

Buyers can choose either a part-time four-wheeldrive system permanently engaged 4x4 with active torque transfer. On coarse surfaced Sicilian roads, chosen as the launch venue, the Sorento rode the bumps well and impressed with its ride quality, perhaps thanks to Kia seeking assistance from Porsche to tune the suspension. Its manners were generally sound, apart from an occasional tendency to kick its tail on a damp corner when driven in twowheeldrive mode.

On sale from December, with a pleasingly quiet and refined diesel engine (a V6 petrol version follows early next year) it will be a timely addition to Kia's range. Sales of large 4x4s rose by 35 per cent in the UK last year and their popularity continues to grow, particularly among women motorists who relish the confidence- building of the high driving position.

The Sorento's tailgate has a flip-up window for quick access to the large boot. But therein lies the car's Achilles' heel. The boot floor is so high off the ground (hip-height) that it requires a strong back and a good heave to load anything.

Engine 2497cc, common-rail diesel Kia Sorento Price 138 Top speed 14.3 secs CO2 emissions 226 g/km BHP pounds 18,000-pounds 22,000 104 mph

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