LOCALLY, the Sorento - one of Kia's sports utility vehicles (SUVs) - was something of a forgotten chapter for the brand.

This wasn't because it was incompetent. In fact, it had lots of space, road presence and decent performance (even off-road). But the lack of practical engine sizes meant it never took off. With only a huge 3.5-litre V6 variant available, buyers didn't bite and the car disappeared quietly in 2006.

But check out the new one: New engine, new platform, new everything. It's handsome, too, with snappy looks courtesy of ex-Audi designer Peter Schreyer (who now heads Kia's design team).

There's even a hint of Lexus around the front. Given the new positioning of the car, it's no surprise. No, Kia isn't going high-end just yet, but the Sorento marks the brand's intention to contest Japanese and sub-luxury European rivals directly.

Madness? Not really. Kia's recent success - the Cerato Forte sedan - signalled a paradigm shift with Japanese-level quality and drive, although it still retained a Korean pricetag.

Although the Sorento is pricier, it is packed with features you usually find in models a class up. In addition, a much more cost-manageable 2.4-litre engine - which we got to rev in the hills around Seoul - will be offered in Singapore.

The car's 174bhp provided smooth, competent power, along with the impressively responsive six-speed automatic gearbox. (Hyundai's Santa Fe - a cousin and rival - makes do with four; even a Honda CR-V has only five.)

But the hills weren't the ideal place to handle a 1.7-ton sports utility bomber (even though it is 200kg lighter than before). However, it showed us that the car handles just as well as rival high-riders.

Plus, that Lexus reference isn't just for show. Like the vaunted RX 350, the Sorento prioritises passenger comfort and provides a plush and refined ride, even though it rolls like a boat in corners and requires more steering feel.

The new platform - which is supposedly 74 per cent stiffer - keeps noise levels in check. You'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference between the Sorento and the RX if you were blindfolded.

It's also a tribute to Kia's sea change that the quality of the cabin is up there with the best of them. You'll find impressive tolerances, sturdy switchgear, soft leather and handsome carbon-fibre trim. There's plenty of room in this seven-seater, with ample space for five adults in the first two rows of seats and two children in the third.

And here's a list of other goodies you'll find: 18-inch alloys, automatic lights, LED rear lamps and side indicators, electro-chromic mirrors, third-row ventilation, cruise control, a rear-view camera, a panoramic sunroof, auto-levelling suspension, climate control, an uprated sound system, xenon headlamps, and six airbags.

We could go on. But judging from this list alone, we can be sure Kia will deliver on its promises when the Sorento arrives next April.

The projected price seals the deal: Dealers Cycle & Carriage Kia say the car will cost close to $90,000, with a lower trim version around $10,000 less.

UPS

- Sharp new look

- Refined ride, comfortable cabin

- Smooth six-speed automatic transmission

- Plenty of features

DOWNS

- Roly-poly cornering

ENGINE 2,349cc, 16V in-line 4

POWER 174hp at 6,000rpm

TORQUE 225Nm at 3,750rpm

GEARBOX 6-speed automatic

PERFORMANCE

186kmh, 0-100kmh 11.6seconds

PRICE To be announced

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