Stylish and practical - the all new Kia Sorento model

Kia has given it a new chassis and right at the heart of this big SUV is the new R diesel engine.

This newcomer now has a more premium feel, the previous model, for me always seemed outdated. This is just further proof of the progress in a very short period of time that this South Korean carmaker has achieved.

The good news story continues, like the rest of the Kia range it comes with the now famed seven year/100,000 mile warranty and that is sure to bring a lot of peace of mind.

In bringing the Sorento to market, Kia was all to aware that the new vehicle had to appeal not just to country folks, but also to urban dwellers and a growing number of female drivers who like such a vehicle with height, security and a high command driving position.

Perhaps the smooth lines of the new Sorento have replaced the rugged lines we associate with such a vehicle; instead this is a sophisticated, well designed and engineered vehicle and yet it has not lost the ability to go anywhere.

New Sorento is equally at ease on the motorway, popping around town or going through a field. Kia has become a global player and its design centre in California had the task of carrying out most of the work masterminded by Peter Schreyer of Audi fame. Seven seats were seen to be essential so the new Sorento can satisfy the demands of buyers who see it as an alternative to an MPV; though a five-seat option remains available, too.

Reductions in weight and aerodynamic drag were also high up the list of priorities to make the new vehicle quieter, more satisfying to drive and more fuel-efficient. And it had to be easily recognised as a modern Kia.

Lower, longer and closer to the ground than the previous Sorento, all of this has reduced drag. The proportions of the new vehicle have been completely changed to create space for seating in three rows. There has also been some detailed pruning of interior components to save every unnecessary millimetre.

The wheelbase has been reduced, the A-pillars and the dashboard have been moved forwards, the tailgate has been moved rearwards and the first and second row seats are slimmer.

Occupants in all three rows benefit from a more spacious feeling. It has wholesome accommodation in the third row. Access is also improved, as the H-point for the front and second row seats is lower.

In all versions, the second row has ample space for three passengers and features 60:40 split seats that double fold. The third row of seats (standard with diesel versions) is split 50:50 - both halves fold fully flat.

Luggage space in the new Sorento is up by 15 per cent as a result of shifting the tailgate back. When using the vehicle as a five-seater, with the third-row seats folded down, total capacity is 531 litres, 96 more than in the previous model. Cargo capacity with all seats upright in the seven-seater is 111 litres and a massive 1525 litres when the centre and rear rows of seats are folded.

Looking at safety and the new Sorento has a full five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. Every version has anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) to allow drivers to steer and brake simultaneously in emergencies and to ensure the stopping effort is directed to the wheels with most grip.

They also have Electronic Stability Control (ESC) featuring Downhill Brake Control (DBC). Six airbags (twin front, side and side curtains) are standard, as are active front headrests that prevent or minimise whiplash injuries should the Sorento be hit from behind. There are also front seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters. There is a version to suit every need with new diesel and petrol engines, new six-speed transmissions and the choice of front- or four-wheel drive.

My test vehicle was equipped with the new 2.2-litre R diesel engine, first seen in the 2010 face-lifted Sedona. This unit replaces the former 2.5 litre, yet despite the reduction in capacity it comfortably out-performs most four-cylinder and many V6 diesel units from rival brands, while complying with EU5 emissions standards.

This Kia is no slouch, with 194bhp on tap; rest to 62mph comes up in 9.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 118mph. Yet the reward on the combined fuel cycle is 42.8mpg and the CO2 figure is 171g/km. A very attractive big SUV from which ever angle you look from.