If you needed any convincing how quickly the world of motoring changes, then look at Kia.

It seems only five minutes ago that this Korean firm was a low-volume manufacturer, majoring on cheap and cheerfulness.

Now, all of a sudden, things have changed. Kia has swapped its Lada-style clothing for something more akin to a Volvo; it still offers good value, but in a much more stylish and desirable way.

Take a look at the Sorento. This is a rather special 4x4, the sort of SUV (sport utility vehicle) that wouldn’t look out of place with an Audi or Lexus badge.

The fit and finish is pretty good, too, and the ride and handling – the make or break feature with any big SUV – is superb.

This dash upmarket has been a gradual process. The quality has improved bit by bit, in step with the styling. The warranty – seven years – is a world-beater.

The Sorento costs from £20,495 up to almost £30,000. Most versions have a 2.2 litre diesel engine, but there is an entry-level 2.4 litre petrol version. The cheaper versions are two-wheel-drive, with the 4x4 versions starting at £23,495.

Refinement is vital these days, with so many people switching to SUVs from saloon cars. The old utilitarian 4x4 has had its day.

Kia’s solution was to reinvent the Sorento from the chassis upwards. The body-on-frame approach has been replaced by a car-like arrangement which is lighter, more refined and better on the road, which is where the majority of Sorentos will spend their time. Most will be asked to cope with snow and ice, and the odd grassy track, but few will ever tackle a river or ravine.

The weight reduction of 250kg helps keep emissions and fuel consumption down to sensible levels, as well as improve the car’s road manners.

It has also allowed Kia’s engineers to develop a seven-seat model alongside the five-seater, giving the SUV a much-needed boost when compared to similar-sized rivals. With more growing families turning to SUVs to replace their estate car or MPV, that third row of seats is a useful addition to the Sorento’s kit list.

The cabin gets a top-to-toe makeover. It has a more upmarket ambience, thanks to better quality materials, while the list of equipment is longer than before. From electric everything to a high-quality audio system complete with the now-expected MP3 and iPod input options, air-con, a cabin full of airbags and enough storage space for a family’s clutter, it’s hard to find fault with the classy interior.

Another classy element is the exterior, which is also all new. Along with the refreshed Cee’d, it is the first to display the new Kia corporate face, which is great.

The final piece in the new Sorento jigsaw concerns the powertrain. Aside from the petrol motor, there’s a new 2.2-litre diesel unit, with a power spread of 174-197 horsepower, depending on the application. A 2.0-litre unit is expected to follow later. There’s also a new six-speed auto gearbox to make life even easier.

What of the two-wheel-drive version? Well, many people don’t need a proper 4x4. There’s no shame in owning an SUV that isn’t actually an SUV. People buy these cars for all sorts of reasons, and hitting the muddy trail might not be one of them. If that’s the case, why haul around a four-wheel drive system you’re never going to use?

Two or four-wheel drive, this second generation Sorento is a mature evolution of Kia’s popular, mid-size SUV. The highlights – improved refinement and comfort, a clever mix of engine and transmission options, attractive styling – make this a fine all-rounder and exceptional value.

Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi:

PRICE: £23,495. The range starts at £20,495.

ENGINE: A 2,199cc, four-cylinder diesel unit generating 194bhp through all four wheels.

PERFORMANCE: Top speed 118mph and 0-60mph in 9.4 seconds.

COSTS: urban (town) 33.2mpg; extra-urban (country) 53.3mpg; combined 43.5mpg.

INSURANCE: TBA.

EMISSIONS: 171g/km.

WARRANTY: Seven years, 100,000 miles.