ONE of the most successful of the new generation 4x4 models has been the Kia Sorento, which has achieved a lot despite being available only with a manual gearbox. Now it could build on its enviable growth with the option of a sophisticated six-speed automatic transmission in the powertrain in the latest version. The new transmission is available with the 194bhp 2.2-litre diesel engine and it is a really impressive combination. Selection is easy, the ratios very well chosen and the changes whether accelerating or decelerating are velvet smooth. Typically, if you press on with most automatics the up-changes become appreciably jerky, but not in the Sorento with its silken progress. Brake sharply and the system gently skips down the box and puts it in the right gear for accelerating again. The Sorento’s engine is a very refined diesel which delivers immediate response, strong mid-range pulling power and refined cruising on main roads. It is not a sporting SUV but it is capable of keeping up with traffic, responding immediately to overtaking opportunities and offering very satisfactory fuel economy. There is no doubt the powertrain ranks as one of the most refined and sophisticated from any manufacturer and it must become a benchmark in the 4x4 class, particularly at the price of the Sorento KX3 4x4 we tested. The Sorento KX-3 has 18-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing front wipers, aluminium illuminated door scuff plates, an electric panoramic sunroof, an electrically-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support, a smart key with stop/start button ignition, xenon headlamps with auto levelling, rear spoiler and LED rear lights. The eight-model range begins about £21,000 and there is a choice of two or four wheel drive with five or seven seats. In our test model, the secondary controls were conveniently laid out, the heating and ventilation was effective, the instruments big and clearly marked. If you are looking for oddments space, the Sorento provides plenty and its bootspace rises from 111 litres with seven seats in use up to 1525 litres when just two-up. It is not easy to get into the back pair of seats and best left to agile children, who would probably have enough leg and headroom, but the middle row of seats are roomy, can be easily accessed and the front pair are particularly comfortable and supporting. The Sorento rolled around sharp corners but it held on well and its handling was easily anticipated and with familiarity it was assuring. It soaks up the worst bumps of post-winter roads as well as big gullies off-road and its 4x4 ability should not be under-estimated. It feels a big car behind the wheel but it can be accurately placed on the road thanks to good visibility through big windows, effective wipers and bright lights. Engine noise levels are low even when it is pressed hard and the wind and mechanical intrusions are modest. Forget the price of the Kia Sorento for a moment and carefully analyse the car as it stands on or off-road and you may think it actually costs a lot more than it does. The fact it costs what it does and works as well as it does make it as desirable as it is, and now it’s automatically better as well. You could save yourself nearly £1,400 by choosing the standard manual transmission but then you would be cheating yourself out of a very good car with a seven year or 100,000 miles warranty. FAST FACTS Kia Sorento KX-3 auto Price: £30,440 Mechanical: 194bhp, 2,198cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 6-speed automatic gearbox Max speed: 118mph 0-62mph: 9.6 seconds Combined mpg: 38 Insurance group: 13 CO2 emissions: 194g/km BIK rating: 30% Warranty: 7yrs/ 100,000 miles | 
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