Just three years into its life cycle the Sorento has been given a bit of a nip and tuck and, while they’ve been at it, Kia have decided to replace the range-topping KX-4 with the GT-Line S.

Still, it’s an approach that’s worked for VW generation after generation, the gentle evolution of their cars has created a loyal fanbase who find comfort in the knowledge that, outwardly at least, their new Golf looks a lot like their old one.

Conservative it may be – Kia call it ‘Dignity wrapped in a solid package’ – but it’s also quietly handsome; good-looking in an unassuming way and that will go a long way to broadening its appeal. It will also be helped by Kia’s fresh focus on style, quality and refinement, rather that its staple fare of quality and practicality.

Nowhere is that more obvious than inside the Sorento, where the soft-touch materials and not-far-from-premium-but-no-cigar fit and finish ably demonstrate the direction Kia are aiming: Up!

All the switchgear has been endowed with a nice, robust action and the instrument binnacle is clear, bright and easy to read. The centre console is dominated by a 8in touchscreen which provides access to the car’s systems, sat nav, Bluetooth handsfree and audio streaming as well as apps. Its chrome surround, which complements the outermost heater vents, is very much an example of more is less.

Beneath the touchscreen are the heater controls.

It’s a well-laid out, thoughtful cabin, loaded with a generous level of kit, particularly in the new range-topper, the GT-Line model, which also adds a modicum of sportiness to the mix. Visually, at least. That kit includes power-adjustable heated and cooled front seats and heated outermost seats in the second row, a full length panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, reversing camera system and parking sensors.

The leather seats are comfortable, supportive and adjustable in a myriad of ways which ensures that you’ll find a good driving position. The high driving position provides a commanding view of the road for the most although thick C-pillars are a bit obstructive out the back.

The second row of seats slide back and forth to help accommodate people in the third row. When I say people I do, of course, mean children because not only is access to those rear seats limited to the more nimble among you – I haven’t been able to include myself in that category for many years – even if you do manage to manipulate yourself into them it’s unlikely to be too long before you’re filled with regret.

The rear row of seats are easy to deploy, or stow, at least and the second row creates a perfectly flat floor when folded away.

The Sorento features a clever all-wheel drive system that constantly monitors conditions. Under normal driving conditions 100 per cent of the power goes to the front wheels but that can be redistributed up to 60:40 front rear if needed.

For serious off-roading you can manually select lock mode which gives a 50:50 split up to speeds of 25mph.

The 2.2-litre diesel – the only engine that is available in the UK – is a punchy performer but now it delivers drive through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Refinement could be better – at the top and bottom of the rev range engine noise can be a little intrusive – but it’s a much better story at relaxed, cruising speeds, when it’s barely audible.

There are three driving modes to choose from – eco, sport and normal – that adjusts the steering weight and transmission shift pattern. In normal and eco modes the light steering goes a long way to disguising the bulk of the Sorento, while in sport mode the increased resistance improves driver interaction.

The ride never less than comfortable. Even over high frequency imperfections the ride is wonderfully composed and the occupants nicely isolated from the suspension’s travails. It’s a big, heavy, car, so naturally it can be determined to go straight on at corners but there’s enough feel in the steering wheel to let you know when the front end is about to break away and enough stopping power to help you slow enough to keep the Sorento on the road. The brakes, although formidable, do lack some feel so it can be difficult to stop smoothly.

There’s plenty of grip once you’re into the corner and the body’s tendency to lean through bends is well controlled meaning that there’s a surprising amount of scope for having fun.

The boot, in seven-seat mode, is tiny – just 142 litres of space but that increases to 605 litres in five-seat mode and 1,662 with both the second and third rows stowed away.

The Sorento is bigger, greener and with a much more premium feel than the model it replaced. It’s also more expensive. You do get an impressive list of standard equipment, a comfortable, spacious cabin with room for seven, a punchy gearbox- engine combo and a capable, dynamic chassis coupled to a clever all-wheel-drive system. There may be reasons why you’re thinking about buying a German or Swedish 4X4, but the Sorento provides a pretty compelling argument why you shouldn’t.

Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi GT-Line S Auto

Price: £42,325

Engine: 2.2-litre diesel

Transmission: six-speed automatic

Power: 197bhp

Torque: 325lbft @ 1,750rpm

Maximum speed: 127mph

Acceleration (0-62mph): 9.1sec

Urban: 38.7mpg

Extra urban: 47.1mpg

Combined: 43.5mpg

Emissions: 170g/km

For more information visit www.kia.co.uk