Wheels February 18

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Thursday, February 18, 2016

Sorento gets new look, new engine for 2016

ROAD TEST

Neil Moore

Metroland Media Kia’s mid-size CUV has come light years since arriving here in 2003. Gone is Sorento’s dreadful cladding from the first-generation, and the timid grille of the second. The all-new 2016 model raises the styling bar with a look that some describe as German, although I’m more inclined to say Swedish. It’s a nod to Volvo’s XC 90, which for me is high praise. The new sheet metal is cleaner than its predecessor, with stronger shoulders, a high beltline and narrow side glass that may not help visibility, but looks handsome nonetheless. The new grille gulps rather than sips at the oncoming air, flanked by narrow-cut projector headlamps for a bold first impression. The wheelbase is now longer to allow for more interior room – a key consideration in this segment. Mid-size crossovers need to be efficient at carving out space when they offer a third row. Seven-passenger Sorentos now offer 320 litres behind the 50/50 third row, 1,077 behind the second row, and a max of 2,066. Five-passenger models are up a bit at 1,099 and 2,082 litres. Sorento comes not only in two- and three-row models, but offers both AWD and FWD in several trim levels. And there’s a choice of three engines. Carrying over is a naturally aspirated 2.4-litre DOHC four cylinder (185 hp and 178 lb/ft of torque) as well as a 3.3-litre V6 (290 hp, 252 lb/ft), capable of towing 5,000 lbs.

CAR OF THE YEAR

Civic, CX-3 get top honours in COTY awards Honda Civic

The all-new 2016 Sorento showcases cleaner styling with fewer creases and character lines. Its larger grille with narrow-cut projector headlamps projects a more aggressive look than its predecessor.

New for 2016 is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers 240 hp and a stout 260 lb/ft of torque. All engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. My tester – the SX Turbo AWD – had the latter powertrain, which easily handled its two-ton curb weight. Peak torque begins at an early 1,450 rpm for good takeoff, and with the drive mode set to ‘sport’ (which sharpens throttle response, delays shifting and increases steering effort), the Sorento is surprisingly nimble.

Priced at $42,095, this trim level isn’t far off the range-topping SX+ V6 AWD seven-seater ($46,695), but you needn’t drop that kind of dough for a well-equipped ride. The LX with 2.4-litre engine and FWD starts at $27,495 and comes with a pile of standard content, which to the credit of Kia and their corporate cousin Hyundai, has been common practice in their base vehicles. This model rolls on 17-inch alloys and gets roof rails, rear spoiler, automatic headlights and rear parking sonar. And on the

inside are tilt/telescopic steering with audio and cruise controls, heated front seats, 40/20/40 folding second row, air conditioning, power windows, keyless entry, sixspeaker audio, power outlets in the front and cargo area, and more. Of course, Kia’s PR team wanted to showcase Sorento at its best, so my ride lacked little in terms of amenities, tech and premium content. The SX Turbo AWD rides high on 19-inch alloys and even comes with stainless steel skid plates for those who

In an early morning press conference at the opening of the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, the Honda Civic claimed top honours when the car was declared the 2016 Canadian Car of the Year (CCOTY) by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). The Civic also won in its category as the “Best New Small Car”. “On behalf of the thousands of Honda associates across the country including the more than 4,000 at our HCM facility who lead global production of The 10th generation Civic, I’d like to thank AJAC for this award,” said Jerry Chenkin, President, Honda Canada Inc. “The all-new Civic is the most innovative, ambitious and advanced iteration Honda has ever produced, setting a new benchmark in the compact car segment and we’re both elated and humbled that AJAC has recognized this achievement.”

Mazda CX-3

The Mazda CX-3 also won in its category for “Best New SUV / CUV (under $35,000)”. “We are absolutely delighted that AJAC members have voted for the Mazda CX-3 as the Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year,” said Vincent Reboul, Director of Marketing, Mazda Canada. “Being chosen over the very worthy Turn to page W3 competition we faced is a strong endorsement of everything the CX-3 brings to the table: showstopping KODO design, excellent real-world fuel efficiency thanks to SKYACTIV Technology, and allweather capability with Mazda’s predictive i-ACTIV AWD system.” Nine “Best New” category Turn to page W4

LEFT: Sorento’s new interior offers no shortage of premium fittings, with an orderly dash layout that includes eight-inch infotainment along with knobs for volume and tuning, and intuitive climate controls. RIGHT: This five-passenger Sorento (SX Turbo AWD shown) comes with a 40/20/40 split bench in rear with heating in the outboard positions. There’s ample head and legroom for three full-sized adults.

The COTY award for Honda Civic was accepted by Jerry Chenkin, President, Honda Canada Inc. Photo: Michelle Siu for AJAC.

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Wheels February 18 by York Region Wheels - Issuu