Kia Sorento has only been on sale in its current stylish format for a year, but it has already been upgraded for 2011. This follows a review of initial sales of the car by the South Korean marque. A review backed up by the team at Kia Australia that has resulted in several technical and communication changes for the medium-large SUV.

In this wired world it makes sense that all models from the entry level Kia Sorento Si to the upmarket Sorento Platinum now have the latest Bluetooth technology. This gives the added safety of hands-free mobile phone use as well as media streaming. Steering wheel mounted controls are used on these systems.

What Kia calls a ‘headlamp escort function’ keeps the headlights on low beam for a short time after the ignition has been turned off, thus helping you get from the car to the house safely.

The ‘in-mirror’ display from the rear view camera, fitted in the Sorento SLi and Platinum models, now has a higher resolution image as well as parking guide lines. This safety feature will be particularly appreciated by those with young children. The instrument housing on these two models now has a leather finish and the front passenger window is now automatic both up and down with a built-in safety function.

Kia Sorento from the 2010 model year (introduced to Australia in October 2009) uses a monocoque body rather than the body-on-chassis design seen on all previous models. Kia’s research showed that only a tiny number of buyers were looking for a ‘real’ 4WD and the on-road comfort that’s achieved by using a monocoque will be appreciated.

New Sorento is longer than the old, but lower and sleeker. The dash has been moved forwards and the tailgate rearwards to create space for a third row of seats. The back seats are better suited to children than adults, but the latter can squeeze in without too much discomfort if they can arrange to share room with those in front of them.

Kia Sorento comes with either a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol that produces 128 kW and 225 Nm of torque from 3750 rpm, or a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel with 145 kW of power, and 436 Nm of torque from just 1800 rpm. For manual diesels the engine has been re-tuned to 422 Nm.

All Sorento models have six airbags, and crash-saving ESP (Electronic Stability Program).

The vehicle's handling is good but the ride is on the firm side to suit the handling tastes of Australian and European drivers. Try it for yourself as the ride quality on some rough roads as it may be too firm for some owners.

Recommended retail pricing for the 2011 model year Kia SUV is unchanged on some models: Kia Sorento Si with the 2WD and a 2.4-litre petrol remains at $36,490. The 2.2-litre diesel in manual and automatic stay at $39,990 and $41,990 respectively. The 2.2-litre diesel automatic Kia Sorento SLi and Platinum models have price rises of just $200, resulting in recommended retail prices $46,190 and $49,190 respectively.