Globally Hyundai/Kia is ranked behind giants like GM which is number one, closely followed by Toyota, Ford, Volkswagen and Daimler/Chrysler. Behind the Koreans in seventh place is Nissan, the PSA group follows (Peugeot/Citroen), Honda is in ninth and then Renault.
If percentage growth in sales were the measuring criteria Kia Ireland would be a big player here. In reality the company is small and very young but now with the new Sorento, Kia Ireland has its first chance to retain existing customers. Until now every Kia sold was new to these shores making every sale what the trade calls a 'conquest' sale (ie. a new to the brand customer).
Hyundai/Kia globally is a single company with a paper worth of over $20 billion but markets two component sharing brands. Korea has a protected car market, so you'd be hard pressed to find a Japanese yet alone a European car on the streets as they're simply taxed to high heaven. Kia in its domestic market is the minnow and positioned as a more youthful brand next to Hyundai, whereas in Ireland both brands are 'perceived' as value for money offerings. Here, Hyundai and Kia have separate distributors with no connection whatsoever and in many ways are after the same customer.
The first Sorento enjoyed worldwide sales of 120,000 since its launch in 2002 (2003 in Ireland). The latest Sorento already has 145,000 sales to date! The basic car has changed very little on the outside and remains a large, reliable, five-seat SUV. As for party tricks? The tailgate has a separate opening glass section that reveals a large boot. Inside leather and air conditioning make life quite pleasant for passengers who also enjoy a commanding view of the surroundings.
Manual and automatic versions are available. For me the automatic makes most sense as progress is best described as respectable. The 2.5 litre diesel engine has received a power increase and now pushes out 170bhp and 343nm of torque. On the road the Sorento is set up for a pliant, soft ride and this is best enjoyed with both hands on the wheel. If you want to make swift progress on a twisty road or plan to do motorway speeds you will also want to have both hands on the steering wheel as the Sorento’s steering is vague. It's as if the steering wheel is there to just offer suggestions on the course of travel.
I took the opportunity to drive the Sorento off road on a 20km test track and it coped very well with all the abuse I could throw at it having low and high gear ratios. For more serious off road use there is a limited slip differential option.
Sales are expected to reach 700 for the remainder of the year. Apart from a non-integrated CD stereo from the dark ages the Kia Sorento is a good value, big SUV. For about town use this SUV represents good value for money!
Michael Sheridan
