The monocoque frame comes with one downside: the braked towing rating has slipped from 2800 kg to 2500kg in manual form and 2000kg with the auto. The new Sorento also comes with two new power-plants that reflect the latest engine trends: smaller capacity, more economy and less emissions. The V6 petrol in the current model has been replaced with a 2.4 litre four cylinder plant as the entry-level variant. A 2.2 litre turbo diesel is the headline act. This oil-burner boasts more torque that the 4.7 litre petrol V8 found in Toyota's 200 Series Land Cruiser. The all-aluminium Kia engine belts out 436 Nm of torque compared to 410 Nm from the massive Toyota V8.

At first sight it is obvious the new Sorento has the styling hand of Kia's global design chief Peter Schreyer all over it. It is refined and contemporary from all angles and could easily have a parentage of a German father and Japanese mother, yet was designed in California at Kia's design centre. It has none of the over-cute styling that has flawed some Korean product in mainstream segments in the past. In overall terms it is longer at 4.7 metres , lower and sleeker. The Schreyer grille and mask-style headlights are a frontal feature. Aerodynamics are down to Cd 0.38 compared to 0.425 for the previous model.

While there were no 2.4 litre petrol variants at launch, Kia provided all diesel models in both automatic and manual guise. The diesel is one of Kia new `R' series engines and is a taste of things to come from this Hyundai subsidiary. The engine puts out 145 kW of power and the massive 436 Nm of torque is on tap from just 1800 rpm. For manual diesels the engine has been re-tuned to 422 Nm. Kia cite 0-100 km/h figures of 9.6 seconds from the manual and 10 seconds from the auto – both out performing the new 2.4 litre Theta 11-engined Sorento. This new petrol DOHC engine is also all-alloy and produces 128 kW and 225 Nm of torque from 3750 rpm.

Sorento buyers are not locked into all wheel drive technology with a 2WD available with the 2.4 petrol engine option in the entry level Si. This variant weighs 50 kg less than the AWD versions. The AWD variants – which Kia oddly calls 4WD – uses a single high range ratio which is normally in 2WD. If the front wheels detect slippage torque is related to the rear wheels in a 50/50 split. The vehicle can also be locked in AWD when off-road or in slippery conditions.

PRICING

Si 2.4 litre petrol 6 speed automatic 2WD $36,490

Si 2.2 litre diesel 6 speed manual/auto 4WD $39,990/$41,990

Sli 2.2 litres diesel 6 speed automatic 4WD $45,990

Platinum 2.2 litres diesel 6 speed automatic $48,990

WARRANTY

Private buyers: 5 year/unlimited kilometres. Business/Government: 5 year/130,000 kilometres.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

We were able to drive the Si diesel automatic, Platinum diesel auto and Si diesel manual variants for around 250 km of the Sunshine Coast hinterland on a variety of highway running, country roads, forest trails and gravel roads. The interior uses quite a bit of hard plastic and looks a little on the cheaper side, but the design, fit, finish and overall quality is on par with Japanese rivals. The Si has cloth seats while the Sli and Platinum models get leather. The seats are comfortable and the ergonomics for the driver are excellent. The steering has reach and hight adjustment and the drivers seat also has height adjust. The controls are large and easy to use, the instrument cluster is a three barrel affair and the steering wheel has remote controls for audio and cruise control.

The auto shifter is well-mated to the engine and it's not hard to see why the vehicle is so economical. At 100 km/h we were sitting on around just 1800 rpm. The auto shifter can be bumped across to use manually with a tip forward and back to change gears. The engine has a slight diesel rattle at idle and under hard acceleration through the gears but is all but silent when cruising, even at high speed. Kia engineers have also done a great job with the noise intrusion into the cabin. Even at speed it is whisper quiet inside with little intrusion of road or wind noise.

The vehicle's handling is a gem with it pointing well into corners and even at speed little sign of understeer, but some tyre squeal. This came only during enthusiastic driving on winding roads near Kenilworth with owners unlikely to push the car this hard. The ride is firm, but comfortable and more to Australian or European liking than the softer style preferred by the US.

What we really like about Sorento CRDi is the engine's effortless torque. It never seems to work hard although no doubt towing would be be the ultimate test. In the six speed manual Si we tackled some steep bush tracks up a mountain and left the vehicle in third gear for the entire ride. With the torque cutting in from such a low base, slowing down to negotiate corners and then accelerating along straight stretches was simply a breeze. It might as well have been an auto.

FEATURES

Si has six airbags, ABS brakes, ESP, Traction control, down hill brake control, hill start assist, 17 inch alloys with full size spare, electric folding outside mirrors, leather wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and door trim, cruise control, power windows, key less entry, cloth trim seats, rear cargo cover, trip computer, MP3 compatible CD, Aux/USB input with iPod compatibility, dual zone air conditioning.

SLi adds 18 inch alloys, with full size spare, rear view camera, rear parking sensors, full leather seats, 8-way power drivers seat, auto headlamp control, roofrails, rear spoiler, drivers window auto up, alloy door scuff panels, mood lighting on door trim and third row vents and fan controls.

Platinum adds HlD type front headlamps with washers, powered sunroof, privacy glass, 6CD changer, upgraded audio system, push button start smart key entry system.