MORE than TWENTY grand for a Korean-built car?
Sorry, are my ears deceiving me? Twenty thousand pounds plus? Korean car? Have you gone mad?
That's how my conversation went the other day as the driver dropping off a Kia Sorento placed the keys into my hand.
But a quick glance at the official on-the-road list price confirmed the delivery guy hadn't lost his marbles.
Unfashionable Far East car builder Kia is asking £21,995 for its top-of-the-range SUV, the Sorento 3.5 V6 XS auto.
Take a look at the date. Yes, that's right, it's the turn of the year, not April Fools Day - I'm not having you on.
Anyone lucky enough to have someone splash out such an amount on this 4x4 is in for a big treat as it's a very good attempt by Kia to muscle its way into a market dominated by the likes of Land Rover.
Looks, build quality, equipment levels, ride - all are pretty much spot on.
Aside from its thirsty nature and high emissions, the only points which may persuade buyers to a more fashionable badge is a question mark over the handling and tame performance statistics.
With regards to handling, one roadtester described the diesel version's handling as weak.
The petrol version's handling, however, didn't leave me with any concerns as it responded adequately in various road-going conditions.
As for performance, it takes the V6 more than 10 seconds to reach 62mph - quite a bit off the pace of BMW's 3.0 X5 for instance which sprints to 60mph in 8.8 seconds.
But then again, the BMW costs £10,000 more and the Sorento doesn't actually feel sluggish at all.
Press your foot down firmly on the accelerator - you don't have to floor it - and the Sorento shifts at an acceptable pace.
There's also enough power from the 3.5-litre, 135bhp, engine to keep you up to speed with fast flowing traffic - and overtake when circumstances dictate.
On the road, the automatic gearbox helps towards making the Sorento a smooth performer.
Economy isn't great - more than 22mpg combined - and C02 levels are high at almost 300g/km, but I don't think these stats will come as a shock to anyone familiar with 4x4s.
And there are lots of positives with the Sorento V6. It looks the business, with a powerful stance and slightly bulbous nose.
The interior has a basic, yet modern and well-built feel to it. It's also very comfortable to be in.
It's not just built to be a passenger vehicle - it's also a workhorse which can tow up to 2,800kg.
The XS uses a full-time four-wheel-drive system with low-range facility for very steep descents and ascents and there's self-levelling suspension to maintain ground clearance at the rear. There's also plenty of luggage space.
Equipment includes a gauge which provides altitude, barometer and compass readings, climate control, leather upholstery and electrically-operated and heated driver's seat. And there's much more.
Give it a chance. The Sorento V6 could get you hooked body and Seoul.
FAST FACTS
Kia Sorento 3.5 V6 XS auto
Price: £21,995
Mechanical: 195bhp, 3,497cc, V6 petrol engine driving all four wheels via 4-spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 119mph
0-62mph: 10.2 secs
Combined mpg: 22.4
Insurance group: 14
CO2 emissions: 299g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited miles; 6yrs anti-rust