The new generation Kia Sorento is so far removed from the second generation that it feels like a quantum leap into another dimensional space within a space, a new world where everything is better despite it being the same as we knew it was. So here is the ethereal Kia Sorento, in its third generation guise and gushing with a smart new look and premium feel throughout. So what’s new? It’s slightly bigger, wider and lower than the previous generation Sorento. Thats just under five meters in length and just under 2 meters in width if you really must know. Its better made too, Kia used the latest laser welding techniques just so the exterior panel gaps could be fitted as close as possible, to give the impression of a unibody construction. The biggest change over the 2^nd gen Sorento is the interior, the refinement is substantially improved. Whereas the previous generation felt like a cheap plastic afterthought Sorento MkIII feels plusher, the type of environment where you don’t mind spending time sitting in traffic jam. Therefore it’s a much more inviting place due to the use of more soft-touch surfaces. The dashboard is moulded into a leather effect look complete with faux stitching which actually doesn’t look and feel as bad as it sounds. The interior design is simple, it may lack a few design genius touches of say Audi, but it feels equally as refined if not better. People of most sizes will find the bigger interior more roomier and immeasurably more accommodating with seven seats to boot, which are really best used for children. The new Sorento isn’t just about the interior and seven seats. Kia have also worked on the mechanical aspects. The front suspension geometry has been revised and now incorporates high performance dampers. Rear subframe bushes are designed to improve the ride comfort for the passengers who venture to sit in the third row of seats. So what does that mean if you don’t understand what I am saying? Let’s put it this way road comfort is decent, the new Sorento rides slow and high speed bumps without much concern. The handling errs on the side of understeer which is prevalent at low speed. However the electronic steering does have a three mode setting which is designed to ‘wake’ up the steering response. If you should so desire to then you get to choose from Eco, Normal, Comfort or Sport settings. However it must be said the difference between these settings feels marginal at best. In the UK buyers will have access to the 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel powerplant, the only engine Kia will be offering. And yes the engine has also been heavily revised, most of the changes are very technical but it’s safe to say the new unit is now more efficient and powerful and reasonably quiet… for a diesel. With 190bhp and 441Nm of torque there will never be a shortage of power whether the rear cargo is fully laden or you decide to burden yourself with a trailer or, I hate to say this, a caravan. The diesel engine pulls the Sorento’s weight strongly and smoothly throughout the range of the six speed manual gearbox (a six speed auto is also available). The small minus point is the manual gearbox, it’s got a toy like action when engaging gears which rubs a little shine off the plushness of the Sorento. That said the Sorento still managed 41mpg on a combined cycle, impressive, most impressive for what is a fairly big SUV. On the practical side the Sorento’s boot-space is 90-litres bigger than before 605-litres with the seats up and 1,662 with the rear seats folded flat. In the UK the Sorento is available in six trim levels. Standard equipment is good with plenty of tech on offer, 17-inch alloys and you know the game the higher up the model range you go the more toys you get i.e. the more you spend the more you get. The KX-3 on test is one model shy from the top of the range Sorento, it rides on 18-inch alloys, comes with front LED daytime running lights and rear LED tail-lights and also includes tinted glass, air-con, cruise control, DAB radio including USB, MP3 and Bluetooth. You also get the steering mode setting as standard too, KX-3 adds a panoramic sunroof, Xenon adaptive front lights, a leather interior with ambient interior light, an 8-inch infotainment/Sat Nav system with a rocking stereo speaker system. Our personal favorite was the Smart Tailgate which incorporates advanced technology meaning it won’t hit you on the chin when you least expect it. Optional equipment includes lane departure warning, blind spot indicators and adaptive cruise control which is in reality a semi-automated driving function. Indeed the Sorento is very generously kitted out and we very nearly forget to mention that AWD comes as standard, models higher up the ownership scale even come with self levelling suspension. The KX-3 on test was also fitted with diff-lock which means muddy music festivals can be traversed with ease and the Chelsea school run can be made with an indifferent shrug of the shoulders. So overall the Kia Sorento in 2016 is a vastly improved machine, more refined, better to drive, a better place in which to spend quality time when the journey’s end always seems to be just another hour away. At £35k the Sorento KX-3 is entering the hearts and minds of Land Rover Discovery Sport territory. It’s tough being a new car buyer these days, Kia isn’t the go-too cheap priced brand it used to be because these days it want’s to win over the hearts and minds of potential new car buyers and too some the Sorento could be quite tempting.