WITH turbo-diesel engines accounting for a larger slice of the medium SUV market segment, Kia Australia is back in the main game with the introduction a new 2.5-litre common-rail direct-injection unit that the company expects will account for some 80 per cent of sales. The balance of new Sorentos will be powered by a new 3.3-litre V6 petrol engine that replaces the previous model's 3.8-litre variant, sacrificing performance in favour of better fuel economy, lower emissions and a not inconsiderable $3000 price reduction. The new Sorento seems to tick all the right boxes with good looks, performance and value for money. But on the road it fails to live up to the promise with steering, handling and refinement that does not compare with dynamically sharper rivals like the Ford Territory and Toyota Kluger. Nevertheless, Kia expects the latest Sorento will double sales and revive its sagging market share.