The current third-generation 7-seat Kia Sorrento a big step up which is quite a statement as the superseded model was a nice package – if you want a good example of how far Korean product has come in recent years then the Kia Sorrento is a great example – Nicely styled in an all-new more-torsionally rigid body shell with improved safety and well-built with nice interior finishes but it’s in the way that it drives and feels where there’s been a huge improvement – both engines, a revised 2.2-litre turbo-diesel and a new 3.3-litre V6 petrol are surprisingly quiet even under load, both linked to six-speed automatics. The petrol Sorrento in two 2WD grades starts at $40,990, the diesel in three 4WD grades starts at $44,490 and runs to $55,990. The big plus is Kia’s seven-year /unlimited kilometre warranty and capped price servicing every year or 15,000k starts at $403. My choice would be the mid-range diesel 4WD SLi – the diesel 4WD’s are the best drivers in the range with a great on demand all-wheel- drive system with 4WD lock for heavy off-roading. An excellent vehicle for a large family the Kia Sorento’s high points is suspension tune – a heavy 4WD with a great ride quality and very well tuned for local conditions. On the other hand the steering is rather lifeless at low speeds and somewhat uncommunicative. . I’m David Berthon

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