I am a happy owner of a Kia Sorento, and I drive in warm region with the air conditioning always on. Fuel consumption suffers, but it' so much more pleasant. I got it 3 months ago, and it has 6,000 km o the clock and is very satisfying. I had it checked at 1,000 km and at 5,000, with an oil change. The bill was 159 Euros. The engine holds 8.2 litres of oil with a filter. This may seem a lot but it may be a guarantee of safety. Checks are carried out at 1,000, 5,000, 15,000 and then every 15,000 km. The  Sorento is even more enjoyable since I fitted a P-Tronic box unit (site PTRONIC.com) distributed in France by Eurofac. I no longer have to strain the engine to drive in difficult conditions. The vehicle moves along on its own and in total silence. Moving up the revs is crisper and still remains progressive. I hardly have to accelerate to go from 0 to 100, and the speed with which this happens is disconcerting. The gears engage energetically and I'm soon in fourth, whereas before I had to stay in second and third for many seconds. And I've read all your messages carefully. Diesel engines don't take to brutal treatment. You have to drive them with tranquil rhythm, and scrupulously follow the maintenance schedule. The box-unit is not a racing accessory. It brings pleasure to the vehicle which becomes so much more agreeable to drive, conferring an impression of tranquil power, while still giving you the opportunity to leave the boy racers behind. 


Martin, south of France.