Review
Went to see and test drive this Sorento...

First looks, the center dotted grills looks impressive and sizable too.
In it is a 2.4L GDI engine, seems to me is a shared engine from Mitsubishi with perhaps a little tuning. Nicely designed LED front and tailights too.

Inside, guess Korean makers tend to captivate buyers with plenty of gadgets, from both front seats with electric plus memory, 7-inches dashboard display, bluetooth, cruise control, electric park brake, 2nd and 3rd row individually controlled aircon, all 4 fully automated windows and a feature that no one gives which is TPMS.

On the drive, the 2.4L powers and throttles much better with the 6-speed gearbox. Drive was nothing to shout about but dashing forward to overtake is not easy, comparing to similar 2.0L or even same 2.4L Japanese makers. Tried cornering and the AWD don't seem to kick in compare to Forrester who can corner much better.

Salesperson says have park assist (which I saw button), adaptive headlamps and blindspot assist but did not get to try them.

Overall it can be a considerable 7 seaters SUV if you are more of a gadget person but if you are of both reliable engine and also gadgets, then you may want to look at Japanese makes like X-Trail or even continental ones but you will need deeper pockets.

What I like
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Fully flat out when 2nd and 3rd row folded down
7 inch dashboard LCD display
Rear and 3rd row aircon with individual controls
Auto open tailgate when you stand near car
Panaromic roof
Park Assist (saw button but did not try)
Adaptive headlamps (didn't see it as test was daytime)
Blindspot assist (did not notice too)

What I do not like
4:3 inch touchscreen too small
Price too steep for a Korean make (S$ 150k as of Feb 14)

Review
Test drive the new 2.2CRDi AWD Sorento, the handling had been improved compared to the previous model and the overall wheelbased had increase which mean a better 3rd roll leg room (the previous model also have decent leg room).
Road handling is good with the AWD even with the corners and wet road during the rain.

It would be best for road trip up North to Malaysia and even to Thailand. I prefer to drive up via old trunk road, even I always do that when I driving up to Malacca. Try both the West Coast trunk road and central thru Kulai - Ayitam - Batu Pahat - Muar.

Looking to change to one in the near future.

What I like
The built and design especially the 2.2CRDi engine with the amount of Torque to carry the kerb weight.

What I do not like
The price for 2.2CRDi and the road tax (extra 25% more than petrol engine).

Review
The driver side dashboard impress me most with the contours wraparound feeling. The controls are within reach without taking your eyes off the road. It also features a auto-hold button where once stopping at a traffic light junction, drivers need not have to step onto the brake all the time.

Their latest design of 'cooling' seats system for both the driver & front passenger a plus sign for KIA Motor. Those who likes long driving north to Malaysia will find it pleasant as after long hours of driving.

Some driver who have difficulty in 'parallel' parking will not have to fear for KIA Motor had added a feature called "Smart Parking Assist System (SPAS) in the SX petrol model.

Those who like driving to Malaysia and wants to enjoy the full panoramic view of the greeneries of the forested mountains like Frazier's Hills, Cameron Highland or Genting Highland. You will enjoy it when driving a Sorento. The vast dual-pane panoramic sunroof will like up your interior ambience for you and your passengers.

What I like
The distinguish look of the front grill which look like a 'Tiger Nose' from a distant.

The 19" rim and the sturdy look of the vehicle.

It's a SUV cum MPV.

What I do not like
The third row passengers (like my size) will have some difficulty alighting due to the space constraint between middle & back row seat.

What I do not like most is the current high COE.

Review
Test drove the car at the event organised by MyCarForum's at the Kia Showroom at Alexandra. Was only keen in 7 seaters as mine is gonna be scrapped in a year's time. The car has been designed or crafted by renowned designer Peter Shreyer. He as an illustrious career designing cars such as the Audi TT and others. The car is packed with many features that are not available in cars that are its peers. Parking brake is that of a button, not lever. 3 driving modes: Sports, Eco and Normal. Hill Assist, Hold (Need not depress brake with gear at D), Auto Open Tailgate (Useful when hands are full), Air Conditioned Seats, leatherised dashboard that gives an opulent feeling, TPMS, Keyless start and auto steering straightening when car is turned on.

On the road, the brakes had very good bite, depress too hard and u see the passengers moving forward. Tried the few modes. At normal and eco mode, car felt a tad sluggish especially from 2nd to 3rd gear. Road handling was good and steering was precise and sharp.

On the exterior, keyless entry. LED tail lights and nice snout to boot. All in, it is good value for the price you pay. Try shutting the door, the oomph sound gives u a feeling of how solid the car is built.

What I like
TPMS
Aircon Seats
Great Cabin Space
Auto Tailgate Open function
Hill Hold
Dateless Design
Aircon for all 3 rows, all individual controlled

What I do not like
The sluggish pick up in modes such as Eco and Normal.
Headroom for the last row for 2
Brake bias not balanced

Review
Decided to swop from Jap MPV to Kor SUV.
No regrets at all in making this decision.
Just collected SX model from C&C.
Driving is exceptionally stable for its HUGE proportions. Better than other SUVs.
Petrol consumption is acceptable considering its overall weight.
Pick up is very good.
Sound insulation is very good - Comparable to continental favorites.
Seating is very comfortable positioned.
Materials used definitely not of mediocre quality.
19" Wheels a real stunner!
External appearance very imposing.
Definitely a strong competitor for continental SUVs.
Simply love this Beauty / Beast combination!

What I like
Overall performance

Very Muscular and Imposing external appearance especially from the front

The actual look is very different from what you see in photographs

Good quality materials used

Stable driving even at corners

Luxury features a plenty inside.

What I do not like
KIA badge. Probably will take time to embrace it completely.

Very small center display.

I am still wondering why the Singapore sorento doesn't have the bigger center display?

Aircon is not strong.

Needs to be at 23Deg and lower to be cool.

2nd row aircon is even warmer.