Kia debuts new Sorento at Seoul Motor Show

Kia has revealed its all-new Sorento at the Seoul Motor Show.

The new seven-seater CUV, first introduced in 2002, is 4.7-metres long, and will be manufactured with a total of four new engines.

Kia say the new model is more comfortable and spacious than the old version, with features including keyless entry, engine start button, reversing safety camera, built-in sat-nav and panoramic glass sunroof.

Kia's chief design officer (CDO) Peter Schreyer said: "The dynamic design of new Sorento adopts simple, linear lines to create a powerful, yet polished appearance. Sporty and striking, the new Sorento represents a new breed of vehicle."

Depending on the model, the new Sorento will be equipped with a six, eight or ten-speaker audio system, with MP3 and iPod connectivity, plus built-in or external amplifier and a new sat-nav system with a 6.5-inch screen. Remote controls for the audio system are mounted on the steering wheel.

Hyoung-Keun Lee, senior executive vice president and COO of the international business division, said: "With the new Sorento, we have created an all-new, seven-seater CUV that will soon be recognized as an 'exciting all-rounder' with a much broader customer appeal.

"Despite the current economic uncertainties, we are confident that the new Sorento will significantly increase Kia's share of the CUV market, achieving annual global sales of 140,000 units from 2010."

New Sorento buyers will be offered a choice of transmissions and drivetrains, depending on model. Five-speed and six-speed manual and automatic transmissions will be offered, and both six-speed transmissions are new or upgraded.

The bodyshell is designed to achieve the top-score 5-Star rating in Europe's EuroNCAP and the USA's current official NHTSA crash tests, plus a 'Good' rating (again the top-score) in IIHS tests for both frontal and side impacts.

For maximum stopping power, all new Sorento models are equipped with an all-disc braking system, and either as standard or an option, ABS anti-lock and EBD brake force distribution systems are available.

The new Sorento is not expected to reach the UK market until 2010.