I HAVE just been trying the redesigned and refreshed seven-seat Kia Sorento SUV.

The family friendly SUV is now better than ever and also enjoys the bonus of a price cut with the new range starting from £41,995 - £3,030 less than the model it replaces.

The updated model offers three grades to choose from ‘2', ‘3' and ‘4' and all offer stacks of equipment and technology.

Each variant is available with the choice of three power plants - a 2.2-litre diesel, 1.6-litre turbocharged-petrol hybrid, or a 1.6-litre turbocharged-petrol plug-in hybrid at the top of the range.

The HEV and PHEV Sorento variants are equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission, while diesel models receive an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

I sampled them all on the launch but now I have had the opportunity to spend more time with the PHEV model in the top 4 specification and it is now a luxury product capable of competing with the best in the business.

The updated Sorento takes design inspiration from the brand's all-new electric flagship SUV, the Kia EV9 and so there are new vertical headlights and ‘star map' daytime running lights, with redesigned alloy wheels and a fresh bonnet design.

The car also features a smart gloss black radiator grille, as well as black side sill and wheel arch mouldings, which combine to give it a tougher look.

Inside, the Sorento has been modernised with fingerprint recognition, dual curved 12.3-inch displays, ambient lighting, and a customisable head-up display.

The new Kia Sorento also features artificial leather and recycled PET cloth throughout the cabin and upholstery.PHEV models start from £47,295 and the high specification 4 model comes in at £55,995.

That is a lot of cash but to get a similar spec in a fancier badge you would be paying at least £20,000 more.

This model provides all the luxury and safety features you could want along with a huge amount of space and a mature comfortable ride. It can also travel up to 35 electric-only miles making it ideal for short daily commutes without any need for burning petrol. That also provides tax breaks for business users.

It may be much more expensive these days but the Sorento has evolved from being a budget option seven-seater into a car that easily stands comparison with anything else in its class in terms of style, equipment, technology and build quality.

It is great for long or short journeys and despite its size it is surprisingly agile and good fun on motorways or country roads. It alsooffers more than decent performance and Ienjoyed spending more time with the Sorento, so if you are in the market for a large family SUV it is well worth a look.