NEW SORENTO

 The steel monocoque platform has been virtually completely re-engineered with a new floor and underfloor crash structure, a new front crash structure, a new upper structure and now also gets a full-size subframe at the front, which helps with both safety and refinement. Overall, the body is 18 per cent stiffer than before.

The rear, multi-link suspension has been upgraded (with longer trailing arms and a bigger sub-frame), partly to increase space in the rear. The steering has been switched to an electrically-assisted system, the track widened and the overall height has been dropped by 10mm. 

Much effort has gone into improving refinement, with upgraded insulation on the bulkhead and around the centre tunnel. In this new car, there’s 30mm more legroom for the second row of seats and and just 9mm extra for the third row: all UK-bound Sorentos will come as 7-seaters. Boot space is an impressive 660-litres with the third row of seats folded.

There will only be one engine on offer, Kia’s own 2.2-litre, four-cylinder, 194bhp turbo diesel unit, hooked up to either a six-speed manual or six-speed torque converter auto. With the manual box, the official combined economy figure is 49.9mpg, not bad for a 2510kg machine. Opt for the six-speed auto and the figure drops to 42.2mpg. All-wheel drive will also be standard on UK cars.

There will be three trim levels (KX-1, 2 and 3 and a KX-2 with Sat-Nav). Standard equipment includes dual zone climate control, bluetooth, cruise and reversing sensors.

The car also gets six airbags, an active bonnet, downhill brake control and hill start assist. KX-2 gets leather, self-levelling suspension, heated and electric seats, reversing camera. The top-line KX-3 gets a panoramic roof, Xenon lights, stop-start and keyless entry.