Sorento’s seat in seventh heaven

• ROAD TEST – KIA SORENTO 2.2 CRDi KX-2 SAT NAV 

FIVE seats versus seven, it’s an interesting question.

For instance most drivers don’t need seven seats in a vehicle and, understandably, wouldn’t consider buying an extended people carrier or SUV.

It’s not a view Korean manufacturer Kia subscribes to though. In fact the progressive brand has actually discontinued five-seater versions of its popular Sorento MPV.

Kia takes the view that while most buyers might not need seven seats very often, they like the flexibility that having them there offers.

And they can quickly – and in the Sorento’s case, effortlessly – fold them out of the way at other times.

Positioning the car in this way, says Kia, makes it simpler and easier for customers and dealers to understand.

Also ditched are the 2.0-litre diesel engine in favour of a more efficient 2.2 CRDi unit and the two-wheel drive version of the car, due to diminishing demand.

The result of these decisions, along with styling changes like a new headlight set-up and redesigned tailgate, result in a car that’s safer, more adaptable and more upmarket.

Factor in a lowered ride height, revised suspension, permanent all-wheel-drive plus a stiffer body shell and you have a very refined and agile vehicle.

The 194bhp of power from the new engine gives the Sorento plenty of punch, though I struggled to match the official fuel return of 47.9 miles per gallon, my own figure closer to 39mpg.

Inside the redesigned cabin there’s more room for passengers up front and in the middle row, but the rear pair are really for kids.

Have just the five seats in place though and the luggage area – 1,530 litres – is huge.

You get plenty of kit in every car, even the most basic model coming equipped with stuff like reversing sensors, body-coloured bumpers, chrome exterior door handles, aeroblade-type front wipers, projection headlamps with cornering lights and electrically folding heated door mirrors.

And all versions apart from ‘KX-1’ have ambient lighting in the front centre console and door trims and every model has door sill scuff plates.

Kia have definitely done a smart job with this car – it’s practical, spacious, well made and looks attractive too. It also has Kia’s seven-year or 100,000-mile transferable warranty.