SINCE the third-generation Kia Sorento launched in mid-2015 it has been a GoAuto favourite in the bitumen-biased large SUV segment.

For the 2018 model year Kia boosted standard safety and driver assistance equipment, with every variant now coming with autonomous emergency braking, radar-based adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance and driver attention alert.

Also headlining the update are a new eight-speed automatic transmission, ride and handling tweaks, upgraded infotainment and, curiously, a slightly larger bodyshell that yields more interior space.

We spent 10 days living with a lower-mid spec Sport variant with a diesel engine and all-wheel drive. Safe to say, the changes have elevated our already high opinion of the Sorento.