The all new Kia Sorento has officially gone on sale, with prices starting from £28,795.

The manufacturer claims the new model is better equipped, more refined and technologically advanced than ever before, and will change the way people see the brand.

In 2006 Kia began a design-led revolution following the appointment of Peter Schreyer as chief design officer - now president of design for the entire Hyundai Motor Group - which was to be the start of phase one of Kia’s move away from being a company primarily focused on value. Phase two, which starts with the new Sorento, aims for the company to match and surpass not only customer expectation, but the world’s best car manufacturers for engineering, technology, refinement and quality.

There are six versions of the new Kia Sorento, which are all powered by an EU6 compliant 197bhp 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine, with start/stop technology.

It has a 0-62mph of 9.0seconds (automatic 9.6seconds), and all versions have a top speed of 124mph. Manual models on 17-inch wheels (dependent on trim level) have a combined economy of 49.6mpg with CO2 emissions of 149g/km, while for automatics it's 42.2mpg and 177g/km.

All variants feature a new, permanent, Dynamax all-wheel drive system and a versatile seven-seat interior, and, depending on model, buyers have the choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

The new model is available in four trim grades; KX-1, KX-2, KX-3 and KX-4, but standard equipment includes alloy wheels, roof rails, rear spoiler, cornering lights integrated into the foglights, LED daytime running lights, front wiper de-icers, electrically adjustable, folding and heated door mirrors with LED indicators, door sill scuff plates, steering wheel-mounted controls, all-round electric windows, cruise control.

Standard safety functions include electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, trailer assist, ABS with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, six airbags, active front headrests, front seat belt pre-tensioners and load limiters, and an active bonnet to protect pedestrians.