Sector: SUV Price: TBA Fuel: 5.7–9.4l/100km CO2: 149–219g/km

it may look similar to the outgoing Sorento, but the latest incarnation of Kia’s large SUV comes with a new body shell, designed to improve ride, handling and crash safety. Kia describes the car as smoother in appearance, but the description would fit the car altogether.

Mechanically, there are few surprises, with the same basic engine range as before, but all revised to meet the Euro 6 emissions requirements. There will be two diesels and 1 petrol engine for European customers. The 2.4-litre GDI 188hp petrol engine is the least likely to be seen – few markets in Europe are expected to take the engine. Of the two diesels, the smaller 2.0-litre CRDi 185hp diesel is not expected to make much of a showing either, except in markets such as Poland where taxation is based on engine displacement. That leaves the 2.2-litre CRDi 200hp diesel to mop up most of the sales.

The latest 2.2-litre diesel is rated at 200hp at 3,800rpm and offers 441Nm of torque between 1,750rpm and 2,750rpm. This engine is simultaneously the most powerful in the range and also the most efficient. Fuel consumption for manual 4×4 models has been reduced marginally to 6.7l/100km and CO2 emissions to 149g/km.

All engines are available with two or four-wheel drive except the 2.0-litre diesel, which is only available with four-wheel drive. Similarly all engines are offered with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox, except for the 2.0CRDi diesel, which is only available with automatic transmission.

Sorento follows the usual pattern of being longer, wider and lower than its predecessors. The underpinnings are all shared with the Hyundai Santa Fe. Overall it is 95mm longer at 4,780mm, 15mm lower at 1,685mm and 5mm wider at 1,890mm. Wheelbase has been increased by 80mm to 2,780mm, helping to give more interior space. Both five and seven seat versions are available and Kia says that boot space has been increased from 515 to 605 litres with the third row seats folded away. Although the roofline is lower, Kia claims additional headroom by repositioning the seat cushions, with greater legroom all round too.

The rippled grille was first seen on the 2013 Cross GT concept and there’s also a new face for the dashboard and interior, aimed at moving it more upmarket. There are a host of driver assistance systems available too.

On the road, the car feels more luxurious thanks to the improved interior and lower noise levels. Kia is really getting into its stride as a mainstream contender to European mass-market rivals. The 2.2-litre engine offers brisk performance, while the automatic transmission complements the engine very well and the manual box is user-friendly too. The claims about improved ride comfort seem to be borne out on the road. The Sorento is not the sharpest handling SUV available, but Kia has not set out to rival Audi, BMW or Land Rover. Anyone looking for a large, comfortable SUV for long distance travel, with good towing capacity and occasional off-road use is not likely to be disappointed.

Verdict:

Lower noise levels and improved ride make the Sorento a better long-distance tourer, while occupants will appreciate the refined interior.