MOTORING MOTORING
Toyota’s Prius+ is the world’s first seven-seat full hybrid MPV, offering near-70 mpg and emissions of just 96g/km, so it deserves a lot of attention. What’s more, it has just been
TOYOTA PRIUS +
revised for 2015 with new styling details, equipment features and colour choices. There are three versions available priced from £26,995 to £31,245 and all are very well equipped. Even the Icon entry model comes with alloy wheels, a panoramic glass roof, Bluetooth, a touch-screen multimedia system, a reversing camera and a head-up display. The revised front-end features a new upper grille and a
THe FueL eCONOMY OF 68.9 MPG COMBINeD Is IMPRessIVe BY 7-seATeR sTANDARDs
RoAD TESTS BY NICk FLETCHER
OuR MOTORING COLuMN, BY THe eXPeRIeNCeD AND AWARD WINNING MOTORING JOuRNALIsT NICK FLETCHER HeLPs OuR ReADeRs CHOOse THe BesT OF THe LATesT CARs.
economy. The 0-60 mph time is 11.3 seconds, top speed 103 mph and the fuel economy of 68.9 mpg combined is impressive by 7-seater standards. And with emissions of just 96g/km you pay no road tax! Toyota has also improved
Prius+ ride and handling, making adjustments to the suspension damping force. New sound absorption material has been introduced in the side of the rear
compartment to reduce noise intrusion in the cabin. Safety features have also been
improved with the introduction of an emergency brake signal, which triggers all side indicators in the event of sudden
braking. Hill-start Assist Control is automatically activated when the car detects an uphill gradient. The Prius+ drives smoothly with light steering and
more prominent Toyota badge that extends the forward line of the bonnet. There are also new LED headlights and a new 4.2-inch colour information screen, controlled using switchgear on the steering wheel. As well as basic information such as clock, trip indicator, cruising range fuel consumption, the screen also displays the Hybrid System Indicator and Energy monitor features common to all Toyota hybrids. It also provides a new Eco Judge function, designed to help the driver maximise the powertrain’s efficiency, giving a points score for their eco- driving style! The Prius + has a 134hp 1.8 petrol engine linked to an
electric motor and CVT transmission, delivering a smooth driving feel, good overall performance and exceptional
KIA SORENTO
surprisingly easy manoeuvrability. It is very composed with little body roll and safe, precise handling. The cabin is well designed though perhaps doesn’t look as classy as it might, but everything is in the right place, and there is a good driving position with great all-round visibility. All seven seats offer decent space and the middle row of three slide, recline and fold, adding to comfort and versatility. Even with seven occupants there is still 232 litres of luggage space, boosted to a massive 1,750 litres with all seats are folded flat. My test model, in Icon trim, cost £26,995 though options including metallic paint, sat-nav, advanced Bluetooth and connected services took the price to £28,240.
Kia launched its four wheel drive Sorento SUV back in 2002 and it proved a popular and reliable model. Now, the third- generation version is available, offering major strides in engineering, refinement and quality. The Sorento is Kia’s flagship, with top spec models costing £41,000 and offering executive class and style. The current high-quality Sorento TV advertisements underline Kia is serious about transforming its brand image. The new Sorento is longer, lower, wider and more spacious than its predecessor. It has a lot of extra safety and convenience features and there are six versions available in the UK, priced from £27,000. All models are powered by a revised 197 hp 2.2 litre diesel engine with either a six speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic. All have permanent 4WD and all are seven-seaters. And all have Kia’s industry-leading seven-year warranty.
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