KIA'S flagship Sorento model has just upped the ante in the sports utility vehicle market with a dynamic make-over, sleek styling and all the premium quality you could wish for.

It's the third generation of a car which first appeared in 2002 and the latest incarnation is a beautifully crafted piece of kit which is packed to bursting with techno treats and true to Kia's ethos there are no hidden extras along the way.

Buyers can choose from four richly-equipped trims - KX-1, KX-2, KX-3 and KX-4 - but to simplify matters there is just one engine on offer, which is the highly efficient 2.2-litre 197bhp turbodiesel powertrain, mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or automatic variant.

All models offer all-wheel-drive capabilities and are fitted with seven seats - the duo of rear seats fold neatly into the boot floor and can be raised or lowered in a matter of seconds by pulling on a chord.

And unlike some other seven-seat models, the two back row seats on the Sorento are actually quite practical and comfortable with a fair amount of legroom, individual storage space and climate control.

Priced from £28,795 to £40,995, the new Sorento looks attractive from any angle with a number of eye-catching design traits, the most noticeable being the 3D honeycomb effect front grille which certainly stands out.

In addition, the latest model boasts a sleeker, swept back profile that accentuates it athletic stance - it is also longer, lower and wider which in turn creates more space for occupants and extra storage room.

The interior has a really premium feel to it and there are plenty of techno treats and creature comforts to be explored.

For example, the entry-level KX-1 is kitted out with the likes of alloy wheels, roof rails, a rear spoiler, LED daytime running lights, tinted windows, a six-speaker sound system with DAB radio, CD player and USB and MP3 compatibility, Bluetooth, cruise control, reversing sensors and plenty more besides.

Move up to KX-2 and you will see the introduction of additional chrome trim, dual automatic air conditioning, automatic wipers and lights, heated front and outer rear seats, a seven-inch touchscreen with sat nav, a reversing camera and optional self-levelling suspension.

KX-3 models add a panoramic sunroof, xenon headlights, adaptive front lighting, a larger 8-inch touchscreen, eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, alloy pedals and lots more.

Finally, the range-topping KX-4 gets a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat (eight-way adjustable for the passenger), ventilated front seats, adaptive smart cruise control and a number of advanced safety features.

Economy and efficiency has also been a key factor when creating the Sorento and all models feature the company's Stop & Go technology. Manual models can now deliver 49.5mpg on a combined run with carbon emissions of 149g/km while auto models offer 43.4mpg and CO2 of 172g/km.

Performance stats have also improved with the 0-62mph sprint taking 9.0 seconds (9.6 on autos) with all models having a top speed of 124mph.

We tried out the Sorento on winding mountain roads and fast-moving highways around Marbella and the car certainly lived up to its big build-up.

First up was the KX-3 model with six-speed manual gearbox priced at £35,845. The first factor that really impresses is just how quiet it is within the vehicle - even when it is driven hard there is very little engine, road surface or wind noise of note and that's most unusual on a vehicle of the Sorento's size with large door mirrors.

There are three driving modes to select from - Eco, Sport and Normal - which alter the vehicle's throttle response and in Sport offers a slightly edgier performance with sharper acceleration capabilities.

And when it comes to ride and handling the Sorento is a certain winner. The acceleration is smooth and there is ample power on tap thanks to the highly-efficient engine. This makes negotiating long, winding inclines an absolute breeze and then out on faster open roads and motorways the Sorento can easily keep pace with fast-moving traffic without any strain or stress whatsoever.

The second car was the KX-4 model with a six-speed automatic transmission. For me, this is the pick of the bunch with the additional luxurious refinement and the ease of the ultra-smooth and nicely spaced gear shifts.

Once again the Sorento tackled steep climbs with ease and it also proved a delight on winding routes where the high-driving position with its excellent visibility is an added bonus.

The road-holding was flawless and despite its size, the Sorento handled exceptionally well and was agile and very simple to manoeuvre. That said; you will have to find a relatively large parking space for the 4,780mm-long vehicle.

The all-new Sorento has been awarded the maximum five stars in the Euro NACP safety ratings and depending on the model there are a number of features on offer for the first time to Kia customers. These include adaptive smart cruise control, around view monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning with blind spot alert, high beam assist and plenty more besides.

Prices for the new Sorento have been raised by about five per cent across the range, but the increase in standard equipment has also been substantial which translates into better value for money.

All in all, the latest generation Sorento is a go-anywhere model that offers the flexibility and practicality of a quality SUV but adds in all the technology, efficiency and refinement of a premium brand that would certainly have a hiked up asking price.

It handles beautifully, is excellent value and takes the ever-growing reputation of the Kia brand to an even higher level.