Driving the new Kia Sorrento all-wheel-drive 2.2-litre turbo-diesel GT- line – now with 8-speed automatic at $65,290 drive-away – this all-new fourth-generation design a huge improvement in so many areas but its price has risen, now pushing towards luxury car tax territory. But it’s a seven-seat SUV with a high degree of quality  in so many areas and an equipment list as long as you arm.  Strong January sales saw it climb up the large SUV ladder, now in second place to Toyota’s Land Cruiser Prado. The 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel carries over but gains an alloy cylinder head dropping engine weight by 20 kilos – enough to make Sorrento a lot more nimble up front.

Now driving through a new 8-speed wet dual-clutch automatic to a part-time all-wheel drive system. Kia do local suspension tune very well and this Sorrento is no different especially now with German Continental tyres and ZF dampers. I did some heavy work on and off road and its overall ride comfort and handling sharpness was first class on a number of different surfaces. Braking a high point from 325 mm ventilated discs all round and with seven up and a load of luggage the pedal response was most reassuring. The GT-line is the pick however overall the Sorrento range was one of the best new SUV’s to arrive last year.

I’m David Berthon

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