The new 2014 Kia Sorento has been unveiled in Korea – with a whole raft of new photographs and details about the SUV. It’s the third-generation of Sorento, and doesn’t deviate far from the format of the previous two crossovers.
The new Kia Sorento is quite distinct from the Sportage, with a more American/Asian design vibe; it was designed in the Namyang studio in Korea.
This is a full-sized crossover, not a five-seater aimed at Europe and, seen from behind, it ain’t going to win any rear-of-the-year awards. It’s all about packaging over posing.
Kia Sorento (2014): what we know
Little has been confirmed about the new Sorento yet, but we do know this car is longer (+95mm), lower (-15mm) and wider than today’s model. The car had previously been teased in these early design sketches.
There’s a 80mm longer wheelbase, too, all the better for making more space for bags and bodies inside. Boot space rises from 515 to 605 litres and there’s an extra under-floor cubby, too.
Kia claims the new Sorento is inspired by the design template set by the Kia Cross GT concept from the 2013 Chicago motor show. Prices are expected to start at around £25,000 for an entry-level model.
Inside the cabin
Kia has now revealed the interior of the Sorento. The cabin is slicker than the outgoing model’s, as you’d expect, and Kia claims more luxurious materials. Note the SUV-style grab handles and the ‘Swiss-watch-inspired’ centre console with Kia’s latest multimedia controllers.
Is the new Kia Sorento still a seven-seater?
You bet. As you can tell from these first official pictures, there are three rows of seats in the new Sorento (although you can choose a five-seater with a bigger boot). Engines announced at the Korean motor show are:
2.4-litre GDI petrol
3.3-litre MPI petrol
2.0-litre turbodiesel
2.4-litre turbodiesel
Power outputs span from 170-268bhp; the diesel will be the staple engine in the UK.
Soon-Nam Lee, Kia’s vice president of marketing, said: ‘While we have retained the name based on the tremendous success of the current model, the all-new Sorento has been completely redesigned and re-engineered, and promises to surprise customers with its thoroughly updated styling, a host of new convenience and safety technologies, as well as enhanced space, driving comfort and handling response.’
See the Sorento’s European debut in Paris on 2 October 2014.