What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Should I buy the current KIA Sorento or wait for the new model?

I have a 2008 KIA Sorento XS with 47,000 on the clock. I am looking to change, but have found that KIA cannot provide me with a new KX2 demonstrator to test drive. I am also somewhat wary of buying a Sorento as I believe a new model is coming out in 2014. I have therefore looked at other marques, including a Land Rover Freelander and the new Subaru Forester. I have still to try a Mazda CX-5 Skyactiv, Toyota RAV4 and possibly a Volkswagen Tiguan. Whatever vehicle I decide to buy new, it will be manual and I think diesel. I also need the 4wd element as I live in a rural area and I would struggle without it. As I have recently reached 65 I do quite like some of the luxuries such as heated front seats, air conditioning etc. I do not need a built in satellite navigation system, but do require some decent boot space. Can you advise me?

Asked on 14 December 2013 by JG, via email

Answered by Honest John
The current Sorento KX2 Nav manual is now at a £2000 discount, making it £28,000 and that is value for money. Test and video here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/kia/kia-sorento-20.../. We also drove one to Geneva and back in March (via Calais Vins). It proved to be an excellent long distance cruiser, averaging 40mpg in the UK at 70mph and 36mpg in France at 81mph. I don't think the new one will be any more of a jump than the current Santa Fe has been from the previous version, and some of us reckon the current Sorento is better looking.
Similar questions
I've had a 2.2 litre diesel X-Trail since new in late 2002 when I retired early. It’s a fantastic car and has given me no trouble whatsoever in all that time, although it has to be said that I have only...
We are undecided between a Ford Kuga 2.0d, a Nissan Qashqai 1.6-2.0d and a Kia Sportage 2.0d. We would consider petrol if it was economical enough, or other diesel engines, though. We do a small amount...
I'm trying to decide on a one or two-year-old coupe that I can use to drive long distance, especially to ski resorts in Europe, so 4wd would be an advantage. The Audi A5 3.0 Quattro coupe seems ideal,...
Related models
Strong diesels including impressive 2.2-litre. Comes with seven seats. New six-speed automatic. More premium feel than previous Sorento. Great value for money.
Decent SUV with diesel automatic option. Comfortable seats. Escape version capable off-road. Optional Park Assist works well. Much better from September 2011 facelift.
Economical and efficient. Comfortable ride and nimble handling. Well equipped as standard.
Practical with a good boot and plenty of rear leg room. 2.5 hybrid with 2WD or 4WD available. Five year warranty. Proving very reliable.
Well-equipped as standard. Spacious interior. Impressive roadholding even in poor weather.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer