Hot on the heels of the success of the common-rail turbodiesel Sorento, Kia is launching a high performance 24-valve 3.5-litre V6 petrol version. Available only in the higher XS specification and with an automatic gearbox, the car is priced at £21,995.
The Kia Sorento straddles the divide between offering the style of a premium 'off-roader' with the strength of a rugged workhorse. With a traditional separate chassis, Sorento has a maximum towing weight of 2800kg allied to the looks of a prestige 4x4 .
Sorento has won awards in the UK, France, Spain, Austria and the USA. It was voted Best 4x4 by Diesel Car magazine in the UK and has won two awards in the US.
The 3.5-litre V6 is the standard specification for Sorento in the United States, which is Kia's largest export market. Nearly a quarter-of-a-million Kias were sold in the US in 2002.
Paul Williams, managing director of Kia Motors (UK) Ltd, said: "The Sorento has been exceptionally well received since its launch in February. While our expectation is that the fuel-efficient diesel will be the biggest seller in the UK it is very much in keeping with the style of the vehicle to offer a petrol derivative. The 3.5-litre V6 is ideally suited to the car."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article