The Sorento was awarded a respectable four star Euro NCAP crash test rating and comes with a good level of safety kit for an SUV of this age. Standard equipment, when it was launched in 2003, included driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags. Revisions in 2006 saw the addition of active head restraints to minimise whiplash injuries, front seatbelt pre-tensioners and a passenger airbag cut-off switch.

An electronic stability programme – to help control skids – was added to XT specification. Remote central locking and an alarm and immobiliser are also fitted.

As you’d expect of a 4x4, the Sorento is usefully versatile. All cars come with a 60/40 split rear seat with lift-up cushions and backrests that fold down to leave completely flat, interrupted load area that includes a luggage net and fixings. The boot itself is impressively large with 849 litres of space – more than a BMW X5. There is also further storage under the boot floor and in the rear quarter panels.

Usefully the rear window in the tailgate opens, allowing you to access the boot without having to open the whole tailgate – especially helpful in multi-storey car parks.