My last car was a BMW X5. I decided to investigate the Kia KX3 as when you compare the specifications of the car compared to an identically specified new BMW X5, there was around £20,000 difference. I have had a Land Rover Discovery in the past too, but I think once in a lifetime is enough of an experience.

Despite the protestations of my wife, I dragged her to a Kia dealer to test drive the KX3. I was very impressed with the performance, build and specifications of the vehicle. It's performance is excellent and it's motorway cruising effortless. Mpg is very respectable too.

I cannot praise the vehicle enough. The only area I feel could be enhanced is the quality of the dashboard . It's more the spec of my mum's Toyota Yaris than the higher quality of the BMW. Ventialtion and heating controls work very well. Radio and stereo sound excellent. Quality of leather seat good. Folding additional 6th and 7th seats go flat into the floor area. Cavernous carrying capacity.

I didn't specify Sat Nav as I've found purchasing them separate gets you a far better product at a much more reasonable price. So much easier to update too.

The latest weather conditions never stressed the KX3 at all. I have a steep drive to my home and the car had no problems in climbing through the snow.

Finally, a seven year warranty compared to a three year has to be taken seriously. (BMW, Merc and Land Rover take note). Granted the KIA may suffer more depreciation, but I do have £20,000 invested to ofset the loss over the period of ownership.

My wife is now totally taken by the car and has commented how light the steering is and how lively the engine performs. We are now enjoying our inverted snobbery of driving a KIA, knowing others are paying through the nose for little real extra benefit.

I also test drove a Volvo XC90 with uprated performance chip. It was positively sedentary compared to the KIA and wallowed too much.

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