KIA’S TOP OF THE LINE SUV - The Sorento CRDi DieselThe new KIA Sorento CRDi Diesel, the only 4x4 awarded the maximum ‘5 Star’ rating in the UK’s annual JD Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction Index Survey, is out to assert its presence in the Philippines’ mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) market.
Produced by the Korean carmaker made famous by its compact cars Picanto and Rio that were runaway bestsellers in Europe and the Americas in 2004, the Sorento offers a wise option for buyers who prefer a relatively bigger vehicle that doesn’t have the menacing presence of massive SUV’s.
Felix J. Mabilog, Jr., chief operating officer of Columbian Autocar Corporation, manufacturer and distributor of KIA in the Philippines describes the Sorento as “pound for pound, the best looking SUV in the market today.” He said the Sorento approaches its performance tasks with power that overwhelms the roughest terrain, but glides over paved roads in serene smoothness. It reflects the relentless drive of KIA to achieve its goal of global prominence through advanced engineering and design.
At the heart of the 4,567 millimeter (mm.) long, 1,863 mm. wide and 1,740 mm. height sleek exterior is a Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) engine with turbo charger intercooler. It has an accelerating power off the starting block and solid overtaking power provided by an engine that pumps out a maximum power of 140ps at 3,800 rpm and a hefty 32.0 kg-m torque at 2,000 rpm. A double wishbone, coil spring with strut damper in front, along with a five-ring, coil spring damper on the rear, keep the bounce smooth and easy.
“With this engine configuration, any road condition for the Sorento is a stroll in the park,” Mabilog says proudly. “Besides, in KIA, vehicles customers get excellent value for their money, metal for metal. They get to enjoy all these qualities and conveniences without feeling a dent in their pockets, “he adds.