Kia's smart city slicker Sorento

And the Korean interior decorators have also been sharpening their pens because the cabin of the new Sorento is now a real classy affair with lots of comfortable leather, farmyard space and an attractive and yet very user friendly lay-out.

The Sorento also ticks all the safety boxes.

The under-stated elegance of the living quarters is a welcome change from the cabins of some other SUV's where manufacturers have gone over the top to impress. It really is smart and there is a comforting logic about the place without the frustration of having to search for a gauge or a switch or a button.

Smooth and quiet

What also really impressed the group of motoring journalists who drove the new Sorento at the launch in KZN recently was the near perfect insulation of the cabin and the quiet and smoothness of the ride. This was particularly the case with the diesel models where one would expect to hear at least some distant grumble and grunt from up front.

The Sorento is more city slicker than rural dirt-tracker, but it can handle the rough stuff.

The six-speed manual transmission was cast in the same silent and smooth mode and is certainly one of the most pleasant I have worked with for along time.

There are three models to choose from - two 2.2-litre diesel which is available as a manual or automatic, and a 4,5-litre petrol version which is only available with an auto box.

Let the power be with you

The diesel produces 146.9 kW and 421 Nm (manual) and 436 Nm (automatic). It's a wonderfully responsive engine with low-down kick-in from as little as 1 800rpm.

The big petrol powerplant kicks out 206 kW and 335.4 Nm

All models have 17-inch alloys but with the seven-seater option wheels increases to 18-inchers.

All the models come with all the toys... auto light controls, climate control, cruise control, electric mirror and windows, radio/CD front loader with MP3, iPod and USB connectivity...click to enlarge

In addition to all the fancy kit standard across the range, the seven-seater option also includes a rear view camera, self-levelling suspension, start/stop button with Smart key, Xenon headlamps and a washer fluid sensor.

All models come with auto light controls, climate control, cruise control, electric mirror and windows, radio/CD front loader with MP3, iPod and USB connectivity, and a roof rack.

Safe, my mate

The Sorento also ticks all the safety boxes, armed as it is with an ABS and EBD brake system, electronic stability control, traction control, front-, side- and full-length curtain airbags, downhill brake control, hill-start control and roll-over protection.

The broad-shouldered SUV sits particularly well on the tar road, even at a fair lick, with very little body roll. It's impressively steady on its feet, helped along by the fact that power to the wheels is distributed to the front or rear wheels, depending on road and driving conditions, by the electronic 4WD system.

Well worth thinking about

Like 90% of all SUV's the Sorento is more city slicker than rural dirt-tracker although I also drove it along a nice sweeping stretch of gravel-turning-to-mud road and not once did the vehicle show even the slightest skittishness.

Room for the family, and the family pooch as well.click to enlarge

Koreans vehicles are getting better and better and its products are now manufactured in 13 plants in eight countries, producing more than 1,5-million vehicles a year sold and sold in 172 countries.

In South Africa the Korean brand has built a good name for itself with quality products and competitive pricing and the Sorento has been leading Kia's onslaught on the local market against opponents such as Land Rover, Jeep, Toyota Fortuner, Honda CRV and Chevrolet Captiva. It also competes with the recently-launched Ford Everest.

The 2.2 litre diesel produces 146.9 kW and 421 Nm (manual) and 436 Nm (automatic), and quite happy with a low-down kick-in from as little as 1800rpm.

If you are in the market for a new SUV you should not make a decision before driving the new Sorento, particularly the diesel manual which I now rate as one of the best in this class.

Kia vehicles have established a reputation for service, reliability and cost-effective running and the Sorento is backed by a five-year/100 000 km warranty, a five-year/100 000 km maintenance plan and three-year unlimited roadside assistance.

Priced between R340 000 and R370 000 the Sorento is going to rattle a few opposition brand cages, that's for sure.

Specifications