Large 4x4s aren’t the cheapest cars to run but Kia Sorento running costs, for the manual version in particular, aren’t too scary.

Choose the manual gearbox and the official fuel consumption claim of 50mpg impresses on paper but we’d imagine a number in the low 40s is more realistic for most motorists. With CO2 emissions of 149g/km the manual Sorento falls into VED car tax band F.

Opt for the automatic and it’s a less rosy picture, with Kia posting a claimed figure of 43mpg (expect mid-30s in the real world) and CO2 output of 172g/km, placing it in VED car tax band H.

Other manufacturers offer their rival cars with smaller, more efficient diesel engines, but Kia’s relatively small volume (3,500 Sorentos are expected to find homes in its first year) plus existing owners’ tendency to exploit its virtues as a tow car, make this prospect unlikely, in the shorter-term at least.

Although the Kia Sorento still emits a relatively high level of CO2 emissions, they are reduced compared to the outgoing model.

Only one engine, a 2.2-litre diesel with 197bhp is on offer, with four-wheel drive as standard.

Kia expects most company car drivers will opt for automatic transmission models with a VED car tax band H rated 172g/km output.

Private buyers should fare better, the company expecting most to favour the manual gearbox, emitting a more palatable 149g/km of CO2, placing it in VED car tax band F.

Based on the outgoing model’s impressive record and feedback from our Owners’ Review section, we expect Kia Sorento reliability to be incredibly robust.

Backed by Kia’s own seven year/100,000 mile warranty and an impressive level of fit and finish, inside and outside of the car, the Sorento has all the ingredients to be a painless car to own. Kia makes great play of its collated owners’ review feedback in its marketing, reinforcing how reliable its existing cars have proven to be.

Consider too that it’s even better built and employs higher grade materials than before and it becomes an even more tempting package.

Kia is also working hard to bolster its dealer network on the rare occasions faults do arise, ensuring that issues are dealt with promptly and satisfyingly.