The third-generation 2015 Kia Sorento is not only the Korean manufacturer's flagship model, it also ushers in a new second phase planned to take Kia's future model line-up to the next level. First, Kia hired top designer Peter Schreyer (of original Audi TT fame) to revolutionise the ways it's cars looked. Now it wants to bring new levels of engineering and quality to its customers.
To this end the all-new Sorento has a smarter interior, more sound-deadening and a smoother engine and suspension to make it feel more like an upmarket executive car than a workhorse. Leather seats are standard from the second KX-2 trim level, while the dashboard gets the crackle-effect soft finish seen as essential in any premium car worth its salt.
First impressions of our KX-2 test car are good, the doors shut with a heavy thud and there's the familiar commanding driving position and large touch-screen infotainment system found in rivals, many of which cost more than this Sorento's £31,995 starting price. Our only gripe is the slightly bulbous centre console, but at least this makes it easier to reach the heater controls.
From outside, the Sorento's design is elegantly proportioned if slightly unadventurous. We assume this is because SUV buyers tend to be a rather conservative bunch, but the Discovery Sport and even the Hyundai Santa Fe have more wow factor. Perhaps it didn't help that our test cars were silver and dark grey, as a pearlescent white model on display at the launch venue looked more impressive.
Both longer and slightly wider, the Sorento sits on new underpinnings which have allowed for more cabin and boot space. Crucially, seven seats are standard and we found the third row just spacious enough for an average-sized adult to sit in, with reasonable foot room. Knee room can be adjusted by sliding the middle row back and forth. The boot (with electric opening from KX-3) measures 605 litres in five-seat mode, 1,662 with them folded flat or 140 litres with all seven seats in use.
On the road, it's the refinement which is most striking. While the 2.2-litre diesel engine can be heard, it's rarely more than a distant thrum, while the suspension does a great job of soaking up bumps with little fuss. Motorway driving is very relaxed indeed, with impressive isolation from wind and road noise.
On a mountain road the Sorento also acquitted itself well, disguising its weight thanks to minimal body roll and direct steering, which also felt rather more natural and precise than other recent Kia's.
Just one engine is available, with 197bhp and enough torque to get it to 62mph from rest in 9 seconds. A six-speed manual is standard, while a six-speed automatic is also available, although this reduces the amount you can tow from 2,500kgs to 2,000kgs and adds half-a-second to the 62mph dash. Fuel economy is pretty good, with 46.3mpg in the KX-2 manual dropping to 42.2mpg in the auto and emissions of 161 and 177g/km of CO2 respectively.
Offering plenty of kit is a Kia trait, and even the KX-1 gets cruise control, four-wheel drive, parking sensors and lots of safety kit. The KX-2 is our pick though, with its touch-screen, sat-nav, leather seats and reversing camera. Both the KX-3 and 4 turn up the luxury dial, with a glass roof, power seats and additional safety features, including helpful sensors to detect traffic when reversing out of a space.
