Kia facelifts Sorento

No fewer than 200,000 second-generation Kia Sorentos are expected to be sold around the world (of which 100,000 in the United States), according to Matthew Fenech, director of Easysell Kia (Malta) Ltd, local agents of Kia Motors.

Speaking at the launch of the facelifted Sorento 2007 model, Mr Fenech stressed the high quality, which he said the entire local population had come to associate with Kia, whose range includes sporty, family, luxury and commercial vehicles.

"We feel proud that for the past 20 years we have successfully represented this firm and there is no doubt about the success of the Kia brand when you look on Malta's roads," Mr Fenech said.

Since it was launched in 2002, the Sorento has been greeted with enthusiasm and the model has sold consistently well. "This gave us a lot of satisfaction," he said. Client surveys had also shown a high level of satisfaction from all aspects.

The latest Sorento has new engines, higher levels of comfort and security, but above all else a fresh, modern look both outside and in, living up to the Kia slogan "The power to surprise".

Positioned as a premium SUV (sports utility vehicle), the Sorento is powered by a 2.5-litre CRDi diesel. There is a choice of LX and EX trim and five-speed manual and automatic gearboxes.

The 2,497 cc double overhead camshaft four-cylinder in-line common-rail, high pressure, direct injection diesel produces a maximum power of 170 ps at 3,800 rpm and 392 Nm of torque (pulling power) at 2,000 rpm.

Starting price is Lm17,800. For more details on the specification, visit the Kia showroom in Mdina Road, Qormi.