THE Sorento opened up a new chapter for Kia when it was originally unveiled to the world in 2002 as a body-on-frame workhorse.

It was pretty crude but its good looks, low pricing and huge towing capacity made it an immediate hit. But not content just to sell robust cars, Kia soon developed a second generation model that was a far more modern-looking, chic monococque urban crossover.

The all-new third generation Sorento marks the next stage in the Korean car maker's transformation from a purely value-driven company into a world-class maker of premium quality cars.

The first step was the design-led revolution that followed the appointment of former Audi design guru Peter Schreyer, now president of design for the entire Hyundai Motor Group.

Step two is the new Sorento which its designers hope will see Kia surpass not only the expectations of customers but also the world's best car makers for engineering, technology, refinement and quality.

The seven seater Sorento is not only longer, wider and lower, but also a lot more stylish, than the previous model with the promise of better dynamics, better cabin quality and greater room in all three rows of seats.

Its 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine has been comprehensively reworked, resulting in a car that is not only more enjoyable to drive but is also a lot more refined to travel in.

Sophistication comes at a cost however, with prices hiked up by around five per cent. Entry level KX-1 models will start at £28,795 rising to £40,995 for the top-of-the-range KX-4.

The flagship car comes loaded with high tech gadgets including Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Around View Monitoring, Adaptive Front Lights and Speed Limit Information.

Six models are vailable in the UK, all powered by a Euro 6 version of Kia's tried and tested four-cylinder 2.2-litre CRDi unit that develops 197bhp at just 3,800rpm and a whopping 325lb/ft of torque between 1,750 and 2,750rpm, mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic gearbox, giving the Sorento outstanding performance on and off-road.

Performance is improved with 0-62mph acceleration in nine seconds (9.6 in the automatic). Top speed is 124mph.

Entry level KX-1 models only get the manual gearbox while the KX-4 has the automatic as standard. KX-2 and KX-3 models have the choice of both transmissions.

All models have permanent, intelligent all-wheel-drive using the same Dynamax system first seen in the smaller Sportage models, and all have a versatile seven-seat layout.

Faced with a blank sheet of paper, Schreyer and his team first had to decide whether to gentrify the Sorento and make it more saloon-like, or keep its valued towing and off-road capabilities. In fact, they have somehow managed to do both.

The new Sorento is the first model to be built under Kia's new Global Quality Strategy. In the choice of materials for the cabin, fit and finish, and technology, it is a significant step forward for the Korean company and puts it more on a par with prestige offerings from the likes of Volvo, Audi, Mercedes and BMW as well as more mainstream rivals like the Nissan X-Trail and Mitsubishi Outlander.

The standard instrument features clear, stylish white on black graphics which deliver all essential information at a glance. Higher specced KX-3 and KX-4 models get a seven-inch screen display which adds a more premium look to the dashboard and allows the driver greater personalisation of the information provided.

Kia has worked hard to make the car as refined as possible. Suspension parts are the same as before but the sub-frame mountings have been improved. The power steering servo motor has been moved from the steering column to the rack which has improved precision while sound-proofing occupies twice the area it did before.

The result is a quieter, smoother riding car as far as I could tell on the smooth roads of the Marbella area of southern Spain and the tortuously twisty mountain roads leading up to the tourist haven of Ronda.

How it copes with the UK's pothole-strewn roads still has to be proved but it should be supplt and quiet.

Handling is set up to edge towards mild understeer and was reaching its limits of the standard ESP system during some unusually torrential downpours on a 200-plus mile jaunt to Cadiz and back but there is excellent grip in the dry and the brakes are powerful. There is bags of control going round corners, given the bulk iof the car.

Opting for the manual over the automatic reduces CO2 emissions from 177g/km to 149g/km in the manual-only entry-level KX-1 on 17-inch wheels. Fuel consumption is also better - 49.5mpg in the manual compared to 43.4mpg in models with larger 18-inch wheels and 42.2mpg when riding on 19-inch alloys.

Climb aboard the Sorento and the first thing that strikes you is how big it is. You can reduce this effect by opting for a higher spec car fitted with a 360 degree view camera which makes parking the Sorento a bit easier. Parking sensors also come in handy as does the light steering when moving into tight spots.

On the move a bit more feedback from the wheel would be a help although changing into sport mode to reduce the amount the amount of steering assistance does improve things.

Boot space grows from a tiny 142 litres with the seven seats in place, to 605 litres with the third row of seats folded to a gargantuan 1,662 litres with both second and third rows folded flat.

There is also an underfloor storage compartment under the boot floor to hide valuables away from any prying eyes.

There is ample space in the second row with enough head and leg room for taller passengers.

The third row has plenty of space for kids but adults would feel a bit cramped on anything other than very short trips.