Kia Sorento CRDi 2.2, diesel celebration. Also easily in the off-road test in Carrara at the marble quarry

According to many drivers (a solid base that shows no sign of abating in Italy and many other European markets) models like the new Kia Sorento with a 194 HP CRDi 2.2 turbodiesel engine are very worthy of recall. The reason is simple: with a modern diesel propulsion system, therefore very respectful of the environment, models like this add three important values ​​to using the car even for long distances. First of all, the freedom to move at the times and schedules you want, with apps and browsers that ‘recommend’ only the best way to get from point A to point B. And they don’t force you to change routes to supply electricity. . Then there is the basic element of cost. As the new Sorento CRDi 2.2 shows compared to its other electrified variants, the turbodiesel is now the entry point of the range, compared to more expensive electric variants. And above all there are clear cost savings per kilometer with minimal impact on consumption even at the current diesel price level. Finally, driving pleasure, which you get (it should be remembered) from the fact that a car with an ICE engine like the Sorento CRDi 2.2 can use 194 HP and 450 Nm of torque without being burdened by extra weight. plug-in batteries and even more than 100% electric models.

pillar, this, which is necessary to explain the precise intention of Kia to maintain in the version of its ‘traditional’ SUV (including the award-winning electric EV9) the variant with the latest evolution of the turbodiesel 4-cylinder D4HB that belongs to the R. family of Hyundai-Kia and which is the generous ‘heart’ of many South Korean Group car families. Diesel supporters – according to the data shown by Giuseppe Bitti, managing director & Coo of Kia Italia during the press conference – today are the most in Italy (57%) in the D-suv segment, to which the new Sportage belongs. In comparison, again in this market area, models with Ice engines (also electric) are generally 28% and electric ones at only 16%. For the Sorento CRDi – like many other models on the market today – the operating system invented in 1892 by Rudolf Diesel and gradually evolved to today’s quality standards proves to be truly ‘eternal’. Almost like the marble that is extracted from the quarry of Carrara, where part of the experiment took place, and which served as a beautiful setting for this event. Offered with price lists ranging from 47,350 to 53,350 euros for the CRDi versions and from 49,350 to 62,350 euros for the Sorento hybrid and plug-in hybrid, Kia’s new D-suv insists on this latest evolution (whatever the power source will be used ) also significant improvements. in the quality of life on board, as well as advanced technology, easy and intuitive to use, which makes every kind of journey enjoyable.

From highways to challenging off-road terrain (in the quarry almost all the roads are slick with the white mud resulting from the work) Sorento CRDi proves to be safe, quiet and fun to drive, especially if the eight-speed clutch gearbox (standard) is engaged – as in the test car – and electronically controlled all-wheel drive. The performance is top-notch: the 0-100 sprint is achieved in 9 seconds and 450 Nm of torque released already at 1750 rpm is also felt in the recovery phases, well transferred by the automatic double clutch transmission. The maximum speed – assuming that you move without limit – is 201 km / h, but the most noticeable is the consumption of Wltc which is 5.5 liters per 100 km with four wheels and 4.9 with the 2Wd scheme (Maximum values ​​of the High Phase) .

CO2 emissions They are in the process of being approved. The updates to the driving assistance systems introduced in the new Sorento are also significant. It’s highway vehicle assist 2.0 with lane change assist and a surround view monitor with a 3D display feature and a forward collision avoidance assist system that now includes a turn and intersection function. But also evasive steering assistance: lane change coming on the side of the lane change. The New Sorento also continues to be available with a complete navigation system and intelligent cruise control; anti-collision assist-blind spot; safety exit assist, blind spot monitor (visible on the display in front of the driver), intelligent parking assist and rear collision-avoidance parking assist.