WHEN Kia launched the second-generation Sorento in the late summer of 2010, it instantly became the must-have vehicle of choice for the ever-growing SUV brigade.
For those used to pulling horse boxes, boats or even cars, this big chunky workhorse was the answer to their dreams.
With more and more buyers of large 4x4s leading a more outdoor lifestyle, the Sorento also proved the ideal choice for lugging the likes of mountain bikes, canoes and camping gear out into the wild and rugged countryside.
With its monocoque chassis replacing the ladder frame design of the previous model, the Sorento was much more refined, more efficient and much more planted on the road, giving a more enjoyable drive, while still being more than capable when taken to the beaten track.
And not only did it look far sleeker on the outside with its new "tiger nose" front end , but the cabin was also more upmarket with the abundant use of soft-touch plastics. Standard on-board goodies included all-electric windows, cruise control, climate control, CD/radio sound system and alloy wheels.
As a full-sized SUV, head, shoulder and legroom - including that of the two seats in the third row - proved to be more than sufficient for most families.
From the very beginning, most of the models in the Sorento line-up featured the 2.2-litre CRDi R oil-burning engine first introduced in the 2010 Kia Sedona, though there was a petrol alternative in the shape of the 2.4-litre which kicked started the range.
The diesel was composed and relaxed at all speeds, being strong and quiet on the hoof, yet quite remarkably for back then, returned an official combined fuel consumption figure of 42.8mpg.
While most Sorentos spent their lives ploughing along on the open road, most were kitted out with four-wheel-drive, capable of towing up to 2,500kg.
All models in the range hit the button on the safety stakes, giving it a five star Euro NCAP rating on top of Kia's unrivalled seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty which could be transferrable to new owners.
So if you are seeking out a competent, well-equipped used all-wheel-drive SUV that can do the business both on or off road, you'll find it a hard job to find a better value-for-money machine than the versatile Sorento.
Price-wise, you should be looking at paying from around the £8,570 mark up to £11,125 for a 2010 10-plate, four-wheel-drive, 2.2-litre diesel version in KX-1 trim with 60,000 miles on the clock, while a top spec KX-3 model should come in at between £10,455 and £13,575.
Move up a year to 2011 on an 11-plate and forecourt prices rise to between £10,145 and £12,640 for the KX-1 and from £12,345 and £15,395 for the KX-3.
All the above prices are for those fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox, but there should be a decent choice of vehicles on the market with automatic gearboxes.
However, you will have to pay from around £800 to £12,000 extra for the privilege.