Material partner - ice circuit "CUBA"
This is despite the fact that crossovers as a species, I generally hate, and competitors have Sorento prime over the past 3 years, a lot has been born - take at least the Czech Kodiaq or the recent one (about which). But I recommend Prime, and like the classic I have a number of reasons for this.
The first reason: it fell in price
I compare-compare prices, and I cannot understand where the catch is. Well, with advertising " from 1 749 900 *****" all clear. First, from 1 849 900 in fact - if you don’t give anything to trade-in. Secondly, this is the price of the mono-drive version, which has not been brought to us before. But then it really gets cheaper - look at the base prices of the 2015 and 2018 models:
The further from the basic versions, the more the price still grows. But it is justified: for example, before, a Sorento Prime with a base engine could not be taken in a 7-seater version, but now it is possible. The price will immediately come close to three million. The top versions have risen in price, because there is now a different bundle of motor-transmission. There was a petrol V6 in 3.3 l, became a gasoline V6 in 3.5 l... The automatic machine was six, it became eight-speed. But in our case, this is all irrelevant, because we have a diesel engine on the test, but also with a new eight-band AT. And I would advise you to stop at this link, but for now I will not, I will do it a little lower.
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The second reason: it is very cool made
Not so easy " cool", But much more expensive than asking for it. And if you take into account that the asking has become less, then you get a double benefit, even if it sounds like in a stupid advertisement with Pushny in the lead role. Before the release of the Sorento Prime, we have already seen with the example of Quoris what KIA can do in luxury. But that was flagship sedan, which is the essence of the showcase of all Korean achievements. This SUV is also a kind of flagship, but still standing a couple of steps below - in terms of hierarchy. But from the point of view of the quality of workmanship and finishing - no.
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Personally, then, in 2015, Sorento Prime conquered me with the level of performance a la (the taillights, by the way, also seem to be copied from the Q7). Well, everything inside is wrapped in soft textured polymers, flavored with good taste in terms of combining shades - in short, it looks really premium. And here you want to kick the updated version, because everything inside is just as expensive and stylish, but in fact nothing has changed - except that there were 3 spokes on the steering wheel, it was 4. Well, and the screen rang out a couple of inches. Not enough to be called "restyling".
Reason three: it's huge
Since we have been deprived of minivans, we have to be content with large SUVs. And then Kodiaq, CX-9 and Prime come to mind - each with its own wealth and disadvantages.
Sorento Prime doesn't look like a record holder in passport numbers, does it? It is shorter than the CX-9, and the trunk (according to the VDA method, in bricks) is smaller than the "Skoda" one.
But I will tell you both subjectively and in numbers that the Kodiaq has a smaller actual usable loading area - it is shorter by ~ 5 cm and about the same amount (if measured behind the third row of seats).
Mazda's plus or minus is the same - there all the difference in the overall length of the body, along the way, went into the rear overhang, and nothing went to the cabin, so the trunk of the CX-9 is not as large as that of the Prime.
In KIA, as in Mazda, cup holders for third row passengers eat up a lot of space. Although they have some sense here: it is quite possible to put mature people in the gallery in "Prime", and not just high school students - they will fit quite well. It is not as comfortable and free as in the previous generation. Honda pilot(still an exemplary third row!), but much more spacious than in the "Kodiak" ().
In general, the third row is quite working, although with an increase of 180 cm, the gap to the front seats is hardly a finger wide, and disembarkation and landing is possible only from one side. By the way, the sofa, by the way, has not been electrified in any way, therefore, in order to open the hole, it is necessary to exert muscular efforts - and considerable.
The trunk in numbers is not a record, but if we discard the passport data and measure it in real life categories, then it is no worse than that of the more massive and dimensional CX-9, and at all no less than that of the over-praised Kodiak. Specifically, for these opportunities, for many years I have so persistently recommend "Prime" to everyone who is interested, and I will recommend it after restyling - it has not lost its relevance in this regard. And that's not all, because there is
Fourth reason: diesel
By the way, it is not outstanding against the background of VAG "ovsky TDI" s - firstly, it is not so quiet (rumbling at idle is noticeable), well, and not so elastic: 2.2 CRDi in Sorento Prime is most effective in a narrow range - in total a thousand revolutions, from 1750 to 2750. But you will not notice this, because that very new eight-step comes to his rescue: the gears are cut finely and finely so that they can get almost any at the peak moment. In general, the reception from a place with a slight hitch, but on the move is accelerated obediently and when you wish.
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Regarding the gait, there is only one observation common to all large SUVs: the impression of the energy intensity of the suspension is greatly spoiled by large and heavy wheels - they no-no, yes, they knock out when chewing on protruding irregularities. The shock absorbers seem to cope with all the potholes, the shock absorbers are regularly compressed and unclenched, the elastic elements dampen the incipient chatter from the hummocky asphalt, but here the heavy wheels are awake! - and hit the ground a little louder than you expect. Therefore, the basic "seventeenth", well, the edge - "eighteenth" wheels here are the most reasonable choice.
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And he's all like that, by the way: reasonable... The seven-seater diesel version in the Prestige / Premium trim levels will cost 2.5 - 2.7 million rubles and I don't know why look at anything else. All this "something" in a comparable performance will be released in thousands of 200–300 more expensive, while it will not be any better. Therefore, as I did three years ago, I will recommend Sorento Prime as the best way for a large family. But I can stop doing this if it does not change over time. Today's package of updates can hardly be called a restyling, Prime, in fact, continues to ride on the margin of safety that was originally laid down. But this stock is not eternal, and competitors will not always doze off.
KIA Sorento Prime 2018: conclusions and performance characteristics
A new generation of the South Korean crossover Kia Sorento Prime has entered the Russian car market. The Koreans tried to take the car to new heights and explain to the Russian consumer the real cross-country niche. This is noticeable literally from the first minute of acquaintance. On our test drive, a new Sorento with a Prime prefix.
Believe me, these are not tears - they are just water.
It doesn't hurt anymore, it doesn't hurt anymore.
I'm getting used to…
We listened to the song with these words on the way to the dealership for the new "Prime". How did the singer know about all the twists and turns of cross-country Russian market, marketing confusion and misunderstandings that the "senior" Sorento in Russia faced is incomprehensible. But she got almost to the point. The Koreans were very surprised that Sorento Prime is perceived by customers a little easier than competitors outlined by the manufacturer, for example, Nissan Murano or Toyota's Highlander. Yes, it is with them, according to South Korean marketers, that Prime should share the common fund in the segment. Therefore, it was decided to add solidity to the crossover to change the perception of it by the Russian automotive community.
In general, if we talk about perception, it is worth noting a very, very good level of sales of Sorento Prime in Russia. This, by the way, is over 500 copies per month (by the way, more than the standard Sorento). Is it worth changing something in such a situation?
So that the changes did not lead to the worst, Koreans behaved very competently, with all the depth of wisdom and caution. It is not without reason that this brand is now the leader among its foreign competitors in Russia.
What has changed in appearance? Much. According to the standard, this is a radiator grill, optics, which have become not just modern, but the latest in the segment. In the top-end variants, the predatory squint of LEDs can be observed both in the front and in the stern. New bumpers complement the aggressive effect. Two new body colors, brown (Rich Espresso) and blue (Gravity Blue), also help the new Prime.
In the design, changes concern the "skeleton" of the crossover. In the new generation Sorento Prime, over 50% of the total steel used in the body structure is high strength alloys. This is a big plus for safety and reduces weight, which, again, has a positive effect on dynamics and driving characteristics car.
There are also a lot of changes in the cabin. The first thing that catches your eye is the dashboard, or rather its digital component. Now here is really a breath of premium and technology. And of course new wheel with control keys. New multimedia system received two versions: for initial configurations, without navigation and with a 7-inch monitor, and for older versions - with an 8-inch touchscreen and navigation system.
Three motors are available under the hood. This is a 2.4-liter GDI, a 200-horsepower diesel 2.2 CRDI and a top-end V6 3.5 MPI with a capacity of 249 Horse power, which we are just testing in a test car. The motor, by the way, was modified, adding 18 Nm of torque and 130 cubes to the volume. And the power remained the same ...
It is worth noting the appearance of a new 8-speed automatic transmission. All this allows you to achieve maximum engine spin-up earlier than on the previous version of the power unit. The box, according to the manufacturer, is now more powerful, which we were able to fully experience: the sprint on the mountain serpentine was a success. Gear shifting and the very feeling of the unit's operation have changed somewhat, moreover for the better.
Specifications of the new Kia Sorento Prime:
The engine is a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine.
Power - 249 HP
The maximum torque is 336 Nm.
The drive is a plug-in full drive.
Transmission - 8-speed "automatic".
Front suspension - independent MacPherson strut with stabilizer.
Rear suspension- independent on double levers with stabilizer.
Acceleration from standstill to 100 km / h - 7.8 seconds.
Average fuel consumption is 10.4 liters per 100 km.
The maximum speed is 210 km / h.
Ground clearance- 185 mm.
How does he drive? I must say that it is very good for this crossover size. The impressive size car accelerates from zero to hundreds in 7.8 seconds. This is according to the passport. We did it slower, but nevertheless our 8.2 seconds will allow us to live on the track in terms of overtaking extremely comfortably. Just imagine: a two-ton vehicle accelerates from zero to a hundred in a conventional 8 seconds. Not bad.
Smart travel mode was equally enjoyable. We drive slowly along the highway to the shooting location: our Prime switches to economy mode. We enter the mountain serpentine - the Sport mode is cut immediately. Convenient, to be sure. Yes, such chips are not something surprising in equipping players in the price segment over 4-5 million rubles, but here it is very nice to see it. As for the same serpentine, there are no problems with the hook. Plug-in system all-wheel drive is present here in all modifications. But it's worth noting that the word "pluggable" here looks a little ridiculous. The drive works constantly, but barely noticeable. And only if necessary, the torque loads more rear axle... Therefore, apparently, we were a little surprised by the fuel consumption.
Again, the 3.5-liter V6 is worth the discount though. We look at the passport data - nothing surprising: a little more than 14 liters per hundred kilometers in a fairly quiet mode, this is the norm. In Russia, by the way, according to statistics from Kia, about 70% of Sorento diesel variants are sold. The top motor is still for the "hotter" lovers.
The cross steering wheel obeys well, which is nice, given its considerable dimensions. The engineers managed to reach a compromise between toughness and stiffness.
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As for the GT-Line version, we will explain what is wrong (or so) here in comparison with standard option"Prime". Other brake system with oversized calipers, 4-section foglights, other wheels and steering system. For greater sharpness and sharpness, the electric amplifier is installed here on the rail, and not on the shaft, as in the standard version. But it is worth considering that there will not be seven seats here. Sport, he does not tolerate excess weight in all senses. But a huge trunk is found.
Russian price tag for new kia Sorento Prime starts at 1 million 749 thousand 900 rubles, which can be called a victory for marketers. More than 250 thousand were won from the moral mark of 2 million. This is a whole abyss that can be filled with equipment and options, which is extremely important in the current realities of the market. The consumer began to choose, think, compare more carefully. As for the comparison, we offer the same Highlander with one uncontested engine. Although, we admit, and very good.
Whether the Koreans managed to add premium to the crossover is up to consumers to decide. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that the work on the new generation has been carried out seriously and, most importantly, not in vain. As far as perception is concerned, everything is relative here. Sales show that the car is well received in Russia. Hopefully, Kia marketers don't get hurt anymore with the new Sorento Prime.
Special thanks to the KLYUCHAVTO company for their help in creating this material.
KIA brand received a pass to the segment premium crossovers in 2015, when the first Sorento Prime appeared, offering the consumer excellent design, driving properties and quality. And at an adequate price. After the update, the Sorento Prime crossover has become even better: prettier, more modern, more technological. When the KIA Sorento Prime appeared, its appearance was highly appreciated by the public. What's more, the model has won a couple of prestigious international design awards. With this in mind, when updating the Sorento Prime, it was decided to limit itself to minimal changes that emphasize the status of the car.
The new items have changed the front and rear bumpers (due to which the overall length increased by 20 mm, reaching exactly 4.8 m). New design received main and fog lights, taillights. And the radiator grill in the corporate style "Smile of the Tiger" was made using new technology, which made it more textured. Has Prime become more attractive? In my opinion, yes. After all, high style is determined by the details. For the updated KIA Sorento Prime, a new "ornament" of light-alloy wheels, 17th, 18th and 19th dimensions, has been reserved. The color scheme of the body has also changed: noble dark brown and dark blue colors have appeared in it.
The interior of the KIA Sorento Prime has retained all the nuances that guarantee the driver and passengers a high level of comfort. At the same time, the “habitat zone” has become even more modern and attractive. The salon of the refreshed Sorento Prime is now available in four color solutions: black, brown, combined black-gray or black-beige, and not in two, as before. The design of the steering wheel, behind which the dashboard with easy-to-read graphics is located, has been modernized and challenged. In a new, more ergonomic solution, the climate control unit is implemented.
In the interior, Prime is now available in four colors: black, brown, combined black-gray or black-beige.
Passengers in the second row in Prime "live" very freely.
This knob adjusts the tilt of the backrest of the second row seats.
Plus, the updated flagship crossover offers enhanced multimedia capabilities. The multimedia system enables the integration of iOS and Android smartphones through Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto platforms. This solution allows you to use the main services and applications installed on the smartphone: the device screen is displayed on the main 7-inch touchscreen display of the car. In this version, the driver can use the familiar navigation software installed on his own smartphone. The top-end versions of the crossover offer a multimedia system with built-in navigation that reflects information about traffic jams in real time, four all-round cameras and an 8-inch display. The center console now also has a cradle for wireless charging of mobile devices. The new Harman / Kardon premium sound system with proprietary surround technology is impressive. Perhaps even a music lover will be satisfied.
If we talk about the ergonomics of the front panel, the quality of its workmanship and the style, we will have to operate mainly with enthusiastic epithets. As well as the convenience of the cabin in general. The reason for this, for example, may be a flat floor in the zone of the inhabitants of the second row, personal air deflectors for them. As well as a center armrest, window shades and USB ports for mobile devices. For passengers in the third row, a separate climate control unit is a bonus.
The updated four-spoke steering wheel has become more aesthetically pleasing and more comfortable.
Volume luggage compartment in the 5-seater version of the crossover is 660 liters, which eliminates problems with the transportation of luggage. The updated KIA Sorento Prime is equipped with an automatic tailgate opening system with memory for the upper door position. Moreover, the car automatically opens the fifth door when the sensors detect the transponder key in the immediate vicinity of the trunk. No additional actions, special gestures or contact with the car is required for this.
The set temperature is displayed in the new climate unit.
The former flagship of the KIA crossover lineup has won many title safety awards in the world's toughest tests. The security of the updated Sorento Prime is also at the highest level. Thus, 52.7% of its body structure is made of modern ultra-high-strength steel grades. This provides the body's “force cage” effect in the event of an accident, and also improves the torsional rigidity of the body, which has a beneficial effect on handling and comfort. Of course, other elements safe car, such as, for example, an assistant when leaving the parking lot reverse, a circular view system with four video cameras, a blind spot monitoring system, etc., are also at their best.
The all-wheel drive system has an intelligent algorithm of action, which provides for triggering before the start of wheel slip, which ensures excellent driving stability. Additional stability in the gait of the updated flagship crossover is introduced by the traction control system in corners. It also comes into effect before the stabilization system is triggered. And it does not affect the fuel supply. The system controls the distribution of traction and braking forces applied to specific wheels, which provides anti-skidding.
As in the previous version, the GT Line package is available in the updated version, reflecting the individuality of the owner. TO technical details GT Line features an original Electric Power Assist design for more precise steering response and a more transparent feedback, as well as increased to 18 inches front brake discs, which provides a better braking process. GT Line's aesthetic highlights include logos, ice-cube-style LED fog lights, decorative sill covers, dual muffler (on diesel versions) and colored red brake calipers... Inside, this version features exclusive black trim with GT Line logos on the seatbacks, steering wheel trim perforated leather and a special design of the transmission selector knob.
For the updated KIA Sorento Prime, a line of three engines is provided. Two of them are already familiar powertrains. And the most powerful - new engine with an increased, in comparison with the previous version, working volume. The volume of the most powerful V6 with multipoint injection increased to 3.5 liters, which allowed to reduce the speed at maximum power. It is set at the optimum value for Russian customers of 249 liters. With. (taking into account the gradations of tax legislation), which are now achieved at 6300 rpm. The torque has increased by 5.6% (+18 Nm) and is 336 Nm, and the maximum is now available 300 rpm earlier - at 5000 min -1. Such moment characteristics allowed to achieve better dynamics of the flagship crossover. Now acceleration to 100 km / h takes only 7.8 seconds, 0.4 seconds less than before the update.
The new 8-speed automatic transmission contributes to the improvement of dynamics. own development KIA. Fewer control valves in its design allows for a clearer mechanical connection with the engine and faster gear changes, reducing fuel consumption.
The updated KIA Sorento Prime will also be available with a 2.4 GDI petrol engine with direct injection fuel (188 HP, 241 Nm) and a 2.2 CRDI diesel (200 HP, 441 Nm). The 2.4 GDI engine is powered by a modernized 6-speed automatic transmission, while the high-torque diesel engine is also paired with a new 8-speed automatic transmission. With any of power units the novelty evokes positive emotions. But especially the updated Prime is good with top-end motors.
When the Drive Mode button is activated, the computer analyzes the personal driving style, adapting the settings of all vehicle systems that are electronically controlled for it.
At the heart of the Prime AWD system is the Magna Dynamax active multi-plate clutch with intelligent algorithm electronic control integrated into the overall control system car. It is highly resistant to overheating, which is beneficial for driving stability. A technical innovation was the appearance additional regime the operation of the Drive Mode Select system, which received the designation Smart. In this mode, the computer analyzes the personal driving style, adapting the settings of all vehicle systems that are electronically controlled for it. As a result, the system, which is on guard for fuel economy, is ready to be activated on demand (when you press the gas), turning the car into a rocket.
The folded third row of seats converts into a flat luggage compartment floor.
In summary, it's worth noting that the old Sorento Prime was good too. The current one is even better. As for the prices for the updated KIA Sorento Prime, while this is a secret behind seven seals. The government's games with the values of excise taxes and recycling fees do not allow one to operate with exact figures. But, according to KIA representatives, base price in 2.2 million (as well as the cost of other versions), if it changes, then insignificantly.
Specifications KIA Sorento Prime 3.5 V6 8 AT
Dimensions (edit) 4800x1890x1690 mm Base 2780 mm Curb weight 1828 kg Full mass 2560 kg Clearance 185 mm Trunk volume 660/1732 l Fuel tank volume 71 l Engine gasoline, V-shaped, atmospheric 6-cylinder, 3470 cm 3, 249/6300 hp / min -1, 336/5000 Nm / min -1 Transmission automatic, 8-speed with a torque converter, four-wheel drive Tire size 235 / 55R19 Dynamics 210 km / h; 7.8 s to 100 km / h Fuel consumption(city / highway / mixed) 14.5 / 8.1 / 10.4 liters per 100 km Competitors Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Grand Santa Fe, Ford Explorer
- Driving performance, spaciousness of the cabin, equipment, quality of performance, price.
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Verdict
The updated KIA Sorento Prime makes a good impression. As a result of evolution, the car has improved where it was appropriate. The driving properties, quality, saturation with all kinds of systems are especially impressive.
As outside
The model received redesigned bumpers, all optics, a different radiator grill, new designs wheel rims 17-19 inches and two new body colors - dark brown Rich Espresso and deep navy Gravity Blue.
It cannot be said that updated Sorento Prime has changed dramatically, new touches of designers will be noticed only by fans of the brand and those who closely follow car news.
But it is hardly worth denying objective things - the car has outwardly become more attractive. Especially in the front. In the rich versions, adaptive LED headlights have replaced xenon, and with the Prestige modification, the taillights have also been made of LED elements.
How inside
The changes also affected the interior: a new four-spoke steering wheel appeared, now a different handle at the gearbox selector, a different climate control unit. Dashboard retained the design, but the central "well" became digital. By the way, I liked the "tidy", all the important and necessary information is quickly found and easy to read.
In the basic version, the crossover has a 7-inch monitor, and starting with the Prestige configuration, it has an 8-inch monitor. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have been added to multimedia. In our version, the car had built-in navigation, reflecting information about traffic jams in real time, and four all-round cameras. An audio system with eight speakers, a subwoofer and Harman / ¬Kardon's Quantum Logic Surround 3D technology is certainly not fancy, but it sounds very decent.
Salon Kia Sorento Prime became available in four design options, and not in two, as before: black, brown, black-gray and black-beige. But the main thing here is not even quantity, but quality: there is nothing to complain about. Soft plastic and soft-touch skin are everywhere.
It's even strange to talk about the amount of living space in Sorento Prime. As before, there is a lot of it both in front and behind. Nothing has changed since the update. In the second row, passengers have a standard set for today: a center armrest, curtains on the windows, USB connectors for mobile devices and personal air vents.
Our test car was a seven-seater, but why we need to buy such an option is not very clear. Only children can fit in the last two armchairs - and even then with difficulty. Too little legroom. Plus, you will have virtually no trunk. No, it may be enough for a trip to the grocery store, but for a family, of course, it will be too small.
So it is better to leave your choice on the five-seater version of the crossover, where the luggage compartment volume is 660 liters, and with the second row folded down, it can be brought up to 1732 liters. Then, even with the transportation of bulky items, you will not have any problems. For example, we managed to fit a plate in the trunk - it fits perfectly both in width and height.
One more point. Korean companies have always been famous for the wealth of equipment for their machines. So Sorento Prime got a bunch of all kinds of helpers and winter package, which is very useful in Russia. Another thing is strange. Why the car, which costs 2.6 million rubles, has no heating windshield, but only heating in the wiper parking area? Moreover, at Kia rio, a budget model of the brand, there is a heated windshield. Some kind of paradox, not otherwise. Like what big crossover not received remote start engine.
In Russia, the car is offered with the already well-known fans of the Korean brand, a gasoline 2.4 GDI (188 hp) and a diesel 2.2 CRDI (200 hp), as well as a more powerful 3.5 MPI, producing 249 hp. The latter is paired with a new 8-speed transmission - just like the diesel variant. But more modest Gas engine combined with a modernized 6-speed automatic transmission.
We tested a diesel Sorento Prime. But first I would like to dwell not on the engine, but on the box. This new unit... And he's very, very good. Yes, we can say that it is lighter than the six-speed automatic transmission of its predecessor and has a larger power range. This is all true. But its main advantage is different: while driving, you will not pay attention to it at all. There are no pauses or blunting, the "box" works clearly and smoothly, always choosing the right gear.
With a heavy fuel engine, the large SUV is not dynamic. Acceleration to "hundreds" is more than 9 seconds. But, on the other hand, there are doubts that most of the potential Sorento Prime customers will focus on overclocking.
Although they have a lot to offer Kia. Machine with gasoline engine The 3.5-liter accelerates to 100 km / h in 7.8 seconds. There is also a minus - you will have to pay for speed - the consumption of this engine up to the passport level (10.4 liters) is hardly achievable. Our diesel car, for example, it was 12.3 liters (considering the weight of the Korean SUV - the result, by the way, is very good).
2.4 GDI motor pulls perfectly on low revs, and on high he is no longer so reckless. For megalopolises (and this is where the target audience of Sorento Prime lives), diesel, in my opinion, is the best choice of everything that Koreans have to offer. You will not be an outsider in the dense city traffic, and on the highway overtaking vehicles with an exit to oncoming lane won't be a big problem.
I liked it very much new regime control electronics work - Smart. The bottom line is that now you do not need to turn on Eco when, for example, you are standing in the most severe traffic jam. Or transfer the "puck" to sport when maximum power is required from the engine. The car now adjusts itself to your driving style and road conditions... If you drive slowly - it saves fuel (while the car itself does not turn into a vegetable), you start to work actively with the accelerator - right there at your disposal all 188 hp that are under the hood of the car.
By the way, the Sorento Prime is handled quite well - the way a crossover weighing a little more than two tons should behave. Not everyone will like the suspension. At the joints, passengers both in the front and in the back will feel slight discomfort. On good roads, the car behaves perfectly.
What is the bottom line
Kia is positioning the Sorento Prime as a family car. And he fully copes with this role: this is a large, comfortable, well-made crossover that will not make you doubt that the choice was made correctly. It is pleasant to look at it, it is pleasant to be in it. He is thoughtful, spacious and quality salon, a plus wide choose engines for every taste. Korean is perfect for the role single car in family.
But in our market he has enough competitors. One of the main rivals - Skoda Kodiaq... Not so long ago, by the way, the Czechs announced prices for localized cars, which delighted many. Kodiaq can now be bought from 1,339,000 rubles - before it cost from 2,000,000 rubles. Kia sells Sorento Prime from 1,749,900 (for a 2017 car) and for 1,849,900 rubles (for a 2018 car model year). True, already in the database, Koreans offer much more options than Czechs. In any case, the battle between Sorento Prime and Kodiaq will be very interesting.
Sorento Prime, which we switched to after the turbodiesel.
After driving a Kia Sorento Prime with a turbodiesel for two weeks, we changed it to petrol car... Moreover, the choice fell not on the top version with a 249-horsepower V6, which accounts for less than 10% of sales, but on the base Sorento Prime with an atmospheric four-piece with a volume of 2.4 liters.
The Theta-II family's four-cylinder aluminum 2.4 GDI engine is an old friend of ours. By the way, now it can be found not only under the hood of the Kia Optima, but also in the arsenal of the newly updated Kia Sportage. Unlike diesel and gasoline V6, not a new eight-speed is installed in tandem with a gasoline four. automatic transmission gears, but only the old six-speed "automatic", modernized in order to reduce weight.
The Theta II 2.4L GDI engine has been installed on many Hyundai-Kia models from 2011 to the present day: Hyundai Sonata (2.4L GDI was first installed on it), Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, Hyundai Grandeur, Kia Optima, Kia Cadenza. Maximum power: 188 hp at 6000 rpm / min. Maximum torque: 241 Nm at 4000 rpm / min.
Honestly, not yet sitting behind the wheel of a large, almost five-meter crossover weighing under two tons, under the hood of which a four-cylinder aspirated engine with a capacity of 188 hp is installed, I did not harbor any illusions about the dynamic characteristics. But contrary to my extremely skeptical attitude, the Sorento Prime turned out to be lively and did not leave the impression of a whipping boy.
Of course, there is not a trace of that reserve of thrust, which is provided by a turbodiesel, but in general I expected the worst dynamics of acceleration. Sorento makes a good start from a place and does not get lost at city speeds. A noticeable lack of traction is felt only on the track. If on diesel Sorento Prime, you feel a good pickup at any speed and you can quite afford a risky overtaking from 120 and 140 km / h, then on a 2.4-liter gasoline car you want to keep cruising 100-120 km / h and not rush anywhere.
The operation of the six-speed automatic machine did not cause any particular complaints. Of course, in terms of speed and power range, it is inferior to new box eight-speed gearboxes, which are complemented by top-end motors, but generally performs its duties well without strong delays and pauses in shifting.
Outwardly, our version can be distinguished from more elegant trim levels (Prestige, Premium, PE Line) by 17-inch wheels (instead of 18-inch ones) and conventional halogen taillights.
At mixed cycle city-highway-traffic jams average fuel consumption is 11-12 liters per 100 km. Of course, this cannot be compared with diesel 7-8 liters, but quite good for gasoline car considering its size and form factor.
Kia Sorento Prime 2.4 GDI is offered in four trim levels - basic front-wheel drive Classic and three all-wheel drive - Comfort, Luxe and Prestige. If last time, in the case of a diesel crossover, we got a pre-top version of Premium with rich equipment, then petrol Sorento in the performance of Luxe it is equipped much more modestly, although everything you need is in the arsenal.
Why did I focus on trim levels, because the gasoline car is equipped with 17-inch wheel rims, unlike 18 discs in more expensive equipment levels. Remember, in the last installment, we praised the Sorento Prime for its good handling on smooth asphalt and scolded it for being too stiff and shaking in the pits. So, a car with wheels per inch less to deal with bumps is a little better. Outwardly, such a crossover does not look so solid, but, on the other hand, tires with a higher profile help the suspension better smooth out bumps. As a result, the level of comfort increases, although in corners Kia on 17 discs behaves a little less confidently.
As a result, I would like to note that the choice is always good. In the case of the Kia Sorento Prime, this opportunity is provided. If you want to save money, do not chase after dynamics - your choice is a 2.4-liter car, the difference of 200-300 thousand rubles is not fundamental, but you want a gasoline car with good dynamics - then there is a Sorento with a V6 3.5 MPI. My choice is a diesel crossover. This is real " golden mean»With an excellent combination of dynamics, efficiency and price.
