KIA SORENTO SLI

The $45,990 Sorento SLI petrol boasts front and rear parking sensors, leather trim, an eight-way powered driver’s seat and a crisp, TFT instrument cluster. You get a smart key and pushbutton start, but not a powered tailgate like the Skoda, and the infotainment system’s 7-inch colour touchscreen is an inch smaller than that in the Czech wagon. 16/20

Sorento’s dash layout is intuitive and the cabin nicely finished. Seat comfort and ergo are great up front, but third-row accommodation isn’t so spacious. Still, the second row is on runners which helps apportion legroom. The luggage bay is only 142 litres behind the third row, but there’s a generous 605 litres behind the second row. 16/20

The Sorento’s 3.3-litre petrol V6 has proven economical among atmo rivals, yet at 9.9L/100km it’s significantly thirstier than the turbo Skoda. Good thing the tank is 11 litres bigger, at 71L. The hearty six is gruntier than the Kodiaq’s turbo four, but needs revs to do its best work via a six-speed auto and front-drive. 14/20

The Sorento’s Oz-tuned suspension features unique springs, dampers and anti-roll bars and delivers good ride absorbency. The localisation also adds extra sound deadening, much of it between the engine and cabin, which contributes to a quiet, vibration-free ride and a ticking of the refinement box that’s a family wagon must. 16/20

The Sorento turns into corners and holds its line keenly. The locally tuned suspension contributes to tidy dynamics but the grunty V6 and the relatively modest grip of the standard-issue tyres can undermine the fundamentally good poise and balance. Still, mum’s unlikely to punt it particularly hard on the school run. 15/20