2003 Kia Sorento XS review from UK and Ireland

No problems so far.

I bought my KIA SORENTO in March 2003 as a replacement for the Renault Scenic, and it has proved so far to be a very competent car that seems to be very well thought out and well put together, with nothing left out. It has all the right goodies eg climate control, heated leather.

The 2.5L 4 cylinder 16v diesel engine pulls very well and does not feel "soggy". Even with the automatic transmission, the car is as at home on the motorway at 80 - 90 mph, as it is crawling on the school run (which is what most 4x4 are used for). Economy is pretty good too (average 25 MPG), considering the car weighs nearly two tons.

Since owning the car I have changed the standard fit audio system, as it was too fiddly to use safely on the move. Also I have fitted satellite navigation (vdo ms 5000) and side steps (to prevent car park dings from people who don't care when they open their doors).

My only complaint is not about the car, but about the dealers. The dealer we bought the car from was great, a good sales team that went the extra mile for us. But we moved house to a different area and went to another dealer, and they did not seem to know anything about the fitting or availability of accessories, and were no help whatsoever, but speaking to other KIA owners, they seem to have had similar trouble with their dealers.

KIA are a growing name in the UK, but I feel they are being held back by poor dealer after sales service.

My car is great and I am very pleased with it. I have now owned it for six months, and I hope will own and enjoy it for many years and miles to come.