The new Kia Sorento

Far more than just the usual mid-term upgrade, this is a front-to-rear and top-to-bottom re-engineering of the car which improves safety, comfort, luxury and driving dynamics while lowering fuel consumption, emissions and running costs. In a simplified range, all models now have permanent all-wheel drive system and are powered by a revised version of Kia's 2.2-litre CRDi turbodiesel engine.

There is an all-new platform and a more rigid bodyshell with additional front, side and rear structures to disperse impact energy. Torsional stiffness has been increased by 18 percent compared with the previous model, thanks to the use of 25 percent ultra-high-strength steels in the body construction.

The length and width of the car are unchanged at 4,685mm and 1,885mm respectively, but the New Sorento is 10mm lower than the outgoing model at 1,700mm as a result of a corresponding reduction in ride height. This has the benefit of lowering the centre of gravity, an ideal starting point for the much-improved on-road agility and responsiveness of the SUV as well as improved access and easier loading ability as well.

The new front end has an even stronger but more modern appearance, with a simple moulding and greater body-coloured areas - including the new bumpers, which help to emphasise the high-tech detailing of the latest lamp units. Careful attention to surface detailing has reduced aerodynamic drag. All models now have projection headlights and LED daytime running lamps.

The tailgate has been completely redesigned to give the Sorento a more high-tech appearance and visually stretch the width, while the new body-coloured bumpers include a step which adds to the robust image. Redesigned rear lights add a touch of extra sportiness to Kia's large Sports Utility Vehicle.

The new platform which underpins the New Sorento has improved space for passengers in rows two and three without any increase in the car's overall footprint or wheelbase. In the middle row there is an extra 30mm of knee room and for occupants of the two rearmost seats an extra 9mm of knee space.

All occupants benefit from more luxurious surroundings, with notable improvements in the soft-touch materials used to trim the cabin and higher levels of equipment for all four trim grades, giving the new Kia a premium look and feel.