THE Sorento is named after the swish Italian resort of Sorrento and is just as stylish - if, strangely, not spelt in the same way.
Strip off the badges, take away the radio and swap the indicator and wiper stalks and you would be hard pressed to identify it as a Kia
Unveiled at the 2002 Chicago Motor Show, the Sorento is pound for pound perhaps the best value for money big mud plugger available.
For some it is the name when you buy a 4x4 and they usually have to pay thirty grand plus for the privilege.
Kia's big beast weighs in at under £20,000 for the 2.5 litre manual XE version rising to £24,995 for the three litre V6 petrol automatic version. The test model XS will set you back £22,995, plus £1,100 for the auto gearbox option
It is stylish, It has a dash of a Lexus RS300 and a smidgeon of the BMW X5 all set off by smart alloy wheels and has the same, if not better, off-road credentials.
It mostly operates in automatic mode, switching to four wheel drive when it detects adverse conditions.
For more arduous work a manual switch to ATT (Active Torque Transfer) - allows serious low ratio off-roading.
It is as big as a Land Rover Discovery and takes a bit of climbing into, so a grab handle for hauling oneself into the seat wouldn't go amiss.
Once inside, the space is enormous. A full five seater with leather, electrically controlled seats, smart, co-ordinated and sturdy instrumentation, it has the feeling of a well-built motor car.
Co-ordinated that is except in the case of the radio. It has decent enough sound quality, but given the overall style, the sound system looks like it has just been bought from Halfords, an afterthought that doesn't match the rest of the interior.
The buttons are also small and the unit is difficult to reach when driving.
Despite this, the Sorento is great value for money.
You come to expect a vast array of standard kit with Kia and this car is no exception.
Electric windows and electrically operated, heated and folding door mirrors, zonal climate control and heated seats are all standard.
Safety is paramount with airbags everywhere, traction control and ABS and security is also good with immobiliser, remote central locking and deadlocks.
Five adults can be seated in comfort and that still leaves a massive boot area which is further enhanced by the split flat folding rear seats which increase capacity from 900 litres to a massive 1,960 litres. There is also a plethora of storage areas. Extra carrying space is available via standard roof rails.
Access to the boot area is eased by a separate key operated rear window and storage is further enhanced by a handy cargo net.
A fully family shop, plus pushchairs is easily swallowed up.
The power from the 138bhp diesel is nothing to write home about and is a bit on the sluggish side compared to some competitors, but it still good enough for a smart getaway and able to cruise comfortably at motorway limits.
The ride is firm, but not uncomfortable which allows for decent handling. The steering is also nicely weighted and has a good feel.
Economy is also surprisingly good. The automatic test version delivers around 33mpg, although CO2 emissions of 223g/km make it an expensive company car option. The manual is slightly better on both figures.
The Sorento has also impressed in other areas, picking up a recent Caravan Club magazine's Tow Car of the Year Award 2006, 4x4 magazine's Car of the Year 2004 title, and Diesel Car magazine's Best 4x4 in the same year, plus voted best 4x4 in this year's JD Power Survey.
Having lived with the car this is no surprise. The Sorento offers style, value for money and practicality.
But that's not all, the Korean company are now offering a £2,000 cashback on the XS model until the end of March. Tempting or what?
FAST FACTS
Kia Sorento 2.5 CRDI XS Auto
Price: £24,195
Mechanical: 138bhp, 2,497cc, 4cyl diesl engine driving all four wheels via via 5spd auto gearbox
Max speed: 104mph
0-62mph: 14.6 secs
Combined mpg: 33.6
Insurance group: 12
CO2 emissions: 223g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/unlimited miles; 3yrs paint; 6yrs anti-rust