Get social with me on Twitter and Instagram @DanielCalbacho

The prices of cars have gone bonkers! What you could have bought for R600 000 a few years ago is vastly different now. Dial back the clock to three years ago - half a bar and upwards would get you a top-of-the-range 3-Series with all the bells and whistles. Now, it'll get you a standard 318i BMW.  

As you can imagine, larger and desirable SUV's sit higher on the price chart. When budgets become tighter, people start buying what they need and less of what they want. And let’s face it, who hasn’t tightened their belt in 2019? 

If you like SUV's, and you require one that can carry more than just two kids, you’re best-suited with a medium to large-sized SUV. You may even want one with 7 seats. What options do you have? There are a few if you're willing to spend over a million Rand. But even if you had that to spend on a car, who would want to? Let's go back to my original number – R600 000. Is there anything worth looking at for my growing family?

KIA has a great in-budget option with their Sorento range. In fact, KIA has simplified its range offering while keeping its pricing in check. The Sorento is big, friendly and comfortable. Offered with either 5 or 7-seat configurations, the latter costing more. The range is driven by a punchy 2.2-liter turbo diesel that is mated to a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic gearbox. The combination, which is recent, is a match made in heavy.

The Sorento rivals with some stiff competition like the status-driven, 7-seater Land Rover Discovery Sport as well as robust options like the Ford Everest, Toyota Fortuner and Nissan X-Trail; the latter being the best-selling SUV worldwide. Its closest rival is the Hyundai Santa Fe, which also happens to be its cousin – being from KIA’s sister company. Let’s not forget VW’s extended wheelbase, the Tiguan AllSpace.

Added to the Sorento’s strong points are its supple ride quality and high-level structural refinement. Sprung like an orthopaedic bed and as quiet as an early Sunday morning, the Sorento is a relaxed place to be. Not the sportiest of SUV’s, the Sorento isn’t suited for high-speed cornering. It’ll do it, but you’ll feel like you are in Willow Smith’s pop hit of 2010, ‘Whip My Hair’ - you’ll be doing just that – back and forth! The Sorento is better suited for its role - transporting families in gentle aplomb.

Being a large luxury SUV, the Sorento comes standard with electric windows, central locking, climate-controlled air-conditioning and an automated handbrake. There’s also a touchscreen infotainment screen that integrates actual buttons on the perimeter. It is easy-to-use which is a bonus. It also features a Radio / CD / MP3 player, multimedia ports for USB and AUX-in connections and six speakers around the cabin. Rear seats feature a 40:20:40 split folding function, as well as a vast 660-litre cargo space – big enough for the entire family’s luggage, weekend sporting paraphernalia and even the family’s Great Danes.

PLUS +

• Attractive design.
• Refined engine and cabin.
• Comfortable ride.
• Value for money package.

MINUS –

• The engine can be a tad noisy when revved.

The Competition

Nissan X-Trail, Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, VW Tiguan AllSpace and the Land Rover Discovery Sport.

Pricing

KIA Sorento 2.2 CRDi LX Automatic - R569 995

KIA Sorento 2.2 CRDi AWD LX Automatic – R609 995

KIA Sorento 2.2 CRDi EX Automatic – R599 995

KIA Sorento 2.2 CRDi AWD EX Automatic – R639 995

Service and Warranty

The new Sorento 2.2 CRDi LS Automatic 5-seater ships as standard with KIA’s innovative 5-year/Unlimited km Warranty, with 5-years/Unlimited km roadside assistance as well as a 5-year/ 100 000km Service Plan.

My Choice

KIA Sorento 2.2 CRDi EX Automatic – R599 995

www.kia.co.za/vehicles/sorento