Kia: Soft, strong and very long

Kiwis will fall in love all over again with Kia's handsome Sorento and its charming list of features. Photo / Supplied

New Zealand continues its love affair with SUVs, though the gloss has worn off the heavy-duty off-roaders. Today's favourites are SUV-wagon matings designed as cars to suit active families.

Hence Kia's softer, and far more handsome Sorento.

What's new
The fresh focus means the old body-on-frame construction has gone, along with the low-range transmission and live rear axle.

But that's only bad news for a very few buyers. Most will like this handsome monocoque generation, its better on-road manners and torquey new engine.

The latest Sorento is longer, though height and wheelbase are down. Most variants deliver seven seats - the second row sliding forward for improved access, the third folding flat into the boot floor or unfolding with just one movement.

The only engine on offer is a 2.2-litre, 145kW/445Nm common rail diesel with a variable geometry turbo that uses exhaust gas recirculation to increase efficiency - Kia claims a 7.4l/100km thirst for the auto, which is less than before.

Power is up 16 per cent over the outgoing 2.5 and torque by 13.5, the result of 42 months of development for 150 engineers, building 500 prototypes in a programme that cost $307 million. Clearly, this engine is also intended for other cars.

As is the new six-speed auto transmission, which uses 62 fewer parts than the unit it replaces, and weighs 12kg less. And for the first time, there's a five-seat, six-speed manual, front-drive Sorento, too.

The company line
The outgoing car was one of Kia NZ's most successful models but the traditional SUV market is declining. Kia is after a wider age group and aims to move upmarket with a more sophisticated image.

What we say
This Sorento may disappoint hardcore users and big boat owners - tow rating has dropped to 2000kg for autos - but it will please everyone else. Particularly in entry-level, $46,990 seven-seat auto format with its standard stability control, hill hold and brake assist, rear park aid, six airbags and five-star crash test rating.

The LTD adds a panoramic sunroof, cruise control, a reversing camera, leather seats and more.

On the road
The punchy engine makes short work of punting this lighter Sorento along, driving the front wheels unless slip is detected. You can lock her into 50-50 four-wheel-drive in slippery conditions, but as standard she coped just fine with our Aussie drive route.

As she should - dirt roads was as hard as it got, and obviously Kia believes few buyers will head off seal.

Sorento was never an especially clever handler. This version is definitely better, though it hardly sets new standards.

But the engine's a beaut, mated to either transmission, and clearly benefits from a 200-odd-kilo weight reduction. However, the auto's habit of changing for you even in manual mode could annoy.

Why you'll buy one
The entry-level LX, especially, is a handsome SUV with a generous features list, reasonable handling and a likeable engine that delivers good value for money - and a five-year warranty.

Why you won't
It no longer goes far off-road: LTD may have a features list as long as your arm but its on-road feel still doesn't match its price point.