Kia cranks up the value for Sorento
BY MARTON PETTENDY | 25th Jul 2008
Accessorised along similar lines to the Sorento employed by Swedish adventurer Christer Gerlach in his 2005 solo circumnavigation of the world and his retracing of the route for the cancelled 2008 Paris-Dakar rally earlier this year, the special Sorento is available in both 125kW 2.5-litre turbo-diesel and 180kW 3.3-litre petrol V6 guises.
On top the ladder-chassis Sorento’s standard features, which include a claimed best-in-class towing capacity of 2800kg and a dual-range transfer case, the Global Circuit version adds a towbar with wiring, nudge bar, roof bar set, genuine tailored carpet mats, rear parking sensors, alloy side steps, rubber cargo mat, ARB recovery kit and unique Global Circuit badging.
“I believe the Sorento Global Circuit is probably the best value, fully-featured medium SUV on the market at present,” said KMA director of sales and marketing, Bill Gillespie.
“It offers the luxury, standard features, comfort and style for which you'd expect to pay many thousands of dollars more, and adds $3400 worth of valuable equipment for no extra cost.
“The new Sorento Global Circuit limited-edition model is such a smart buy - the mid-sized SUV with all the features, but without the badge premium,” said Mr Gillespie.
““In Australia, Sorento appeals to buyers who want 4WD capability, strong towing capacity, comprehensive equipment, outstanding value and the confidence of a five-year unlimited-kilometre warranty.
“Christer Gerlach, considered by many to be the most experienced solo endurance driver in the world, has proven the strength and reliability of Sorento across thousands of kilometres of the roughest terrain.
“He drove it solo around the world via Mongolia and Siberia, he drove it through some of the toughest environments in Africa, and he's earned entries in the Guinness Book of Records for his feats.
“This limited-edition Global Circuit pack recognises the significance of his achievements by bringing together some of the equipment most sought by Sorento customers who want to undertake their own big adventure,” he said.