M MOTORING Jim Barnett
Safety Seven airbags including front centre airbag, around-view monitor, blind-spot camera view when indicating left or right, a full suite of crash-avoidance and driver-assistance technologies. Tech Twelve-speaker Bose audio, seven USB ports, mood lighting, wireless smartphone charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Economy Combined test 9.7 litres/100km (V6), 6.1 litres/100km (diesel). Warranty servicing Seven-year unlimited-kilometre warranty, seven-year capped servicing and seven-year roadside assistance.
Kia Sorento SUV DESIGN AND FUNCTION The fourth-generation seven-seat Kia Sorento SUV scores a bigger body sitting on a new platform with a longer wheelbase. The result is sharper looks, increased passenger comfort, easier access to third-row seats and more cargo space. Four spec levels (S, Sport, Sport+ and GT-Line) come with a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, FWD and eight-speed automatic, priced between $48,290 and $63,290 (drive away). Choosing the new 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel, with eightspeed dual-clutch auto and AWD, adds just $3,000. A bold new grille with larger lower air intake, new “tiger-eye” LED daytime running lights, roof rails and shark-fin antenna add to Sorento’s external appeal. Seating for seven in three rows is 30
Police Journal
comfortable. Second-row 60/40 seats slide, recline and drop flat individually. Third-row seats are best suited to kids but provide sufficient room for adults with the second row slid forward. Cargo space varies between 187 litres (all seven seats in use) and 2,011 litres (rows two and three folded). A tray features under the rear floor where the cargo blind is stored, and all models have a full-size spare wheel.
DRIVING Top-spec GT-Line diesel is an absolute pleasure to drive. Its level of standard equipment and fit-out is so comprehensive that it’s hard to imagine anything better for the price. Drivers get a power-operated seat trimmed in quilted Nappa leather (as is the rest of the cabin). It’s heated and cooled and offers adjustable lumbar and thigh support. The steering wheel is heated, has a range of function buttons, and
gently vibrates for several driverassistance warnings. GT-Line’s 12.3-inch digital display replaces the standard gauge layout and offers a myriad of information, including left and right blind-spot camera views when indicating. A central 10.25-inch touchscreen features sat nav, a good reversing camera and a surround-view monitor. A handy head-up display provides drivers essential information. The four-cylinder diesel is one of the quietest the Police Journal has ever tested. It‘s 148kW of power and impressive 440Nm of torque provide smooth, effortless power in any situation. The engine works seamlessly with the smooth, fast-changing dual-clutch auto. The longer wheelbase and fully independent suspension provide good ride comfort levels. One of GT-Line’s coolest features is the ability, using the key fob, to drive the car autonomously (forward or backward) out of a tight park – without anyone on board.
Nothing better for the price?
