Driving Kia’s run-out Sorento seven-seat SUV today, a new model due shortly however as I said earlier the few run-out models offer exceptional value especially the front drive 3.5-litre V6 petrol front wheel drive Black edition, a seven-seater currently $49,190 drive-away. Great for a big family loaded with comfort, convenience and safety equipment and very nicely packaged across three rows of seats while Kia build quality just gets better and better. This Korean car company with the help of local suspension experts tune their cars superbly – ride and handling on the test car was polished and extremely competent.

The drive-line silky smooth with the eight speed automatic, the V6 eager enough to create some front drive torque steer at times through the steering wheel under heavy acceleration. With a diet of regular unleaded petrol good economy – I managed 11.9L/100k in mostly city driving with a good load of grandchildren. The overall performance best described as very refined, and it goes about its business in a fuss free way, quiet on road with smooth road manners that gives it a lot of class. A five-star ANCAP crash safety rating and a full size spare wheel are welcome. Not one for towing however rated at just 2,000 kilos braked and 750 kilos unbraked. If you can find a run-out Sorento however you wont be disappointed.

I’m David Berthon

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