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This is our first look at the third generation of Kia's popular Sorento SUV, which has always been a worthy consideration in its class, if not the sharpest-suited machine. The new one seems as if it will change that, as it's a handsome piece of kit.
The Sorento MkIII takes its visual styling from the Kia Cross GT concept premiered at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show. It is longer (+95mm at 4,780mm), lower (-15mm to 1,685mm) and wider (um, no details...) than the old model, with an extended wheelbase (+80mm at 2,780mm) too, but it retains the long bonnet and wide D-pillars of the previous generation.
The front of the Sorento has the 'tiger-nose' grille, Kia's current design hallmark, which features a three-dimensional diamond pattern and is flanked by swept-back headlamps. Much is made of the higher beltline and wider, rounded shoulders, which improve the drama of the SUV's stance.
All this growth outside equates to more space on all three passenger rows, which is good news for cabin occupants. And, for such a coherent design, you might be surprised to know that the Sorento was penned with input from the brand's German and Californian design studios, with Namyang in Korea taking the lead - that's truly global work.
Soon-Nam Lee, Kia's vice president of overseas marketing, said, "While we have retained the name based on the tremendous success of the outgoing 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."
When does it arrive?
The all-new Kia Sorento will be showcased in Korea in late August and will then make its European premiere on October 2 at the Paris Motor Show.
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