Kia Motors has revealed first official images of the redesigned Sorento ahead of its public debut at next month's Geneva show.
The automaker said the car was developed under a concept of 'refined boldness' as stylists sought to maintain "the robust, tough-looking aesthetic of earlier generations while applying a greater degree of refinement and elegance".
It has sharper lines and uninterrupted surfaces so is more sculpted than its rounded predecessor.
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"With more contemporary geometric details and more swept back, elongated proportions, the result is a more confident, more mature and more desirable design than ever," Kia said.
We suspect the prominent bonnet shut line might have posed some challenges for the production engineers.
Kia has used its 'hall mark tiger nose grille' to give the latest Sorento a 'more assertive face while headlamps feature a new 'tiger eye' LED daytime running light.
Proportions have been tweaked to make this (large in Europe, medium in North America) SUV appear longer with shorter front and rear overhangs and a longer wheelbase.
New proportions extend the length of the bonnet, drawing the A-pillar 30mm further back from the front axle for a more 'cab-rearward' design. The trailing edge of the hood wraps around the front wings and turns into a single, strong character line which extends along the side and flows into the new vertical tail lights which pay homage to older big brother Telluride sold in North America.
Photos suggest premium grade materials are specified in the redesigned interior along with larger infotainment screens while three row versatility continues to be offered.
Kia said the new cabin, blending metallic trim, leather upholstery and embossed wood effect surfaces has better connectivity, driver assistance and infotainment.
A 10.25-inch central touchscreen handles infotainment and there is also a new 12.3-inch high-resolution digital instrument cluster.
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By GlobalData"The progressive technologies available in the new model make it the most high-tech vehicle Kia has ever created," the automaker said.
The automaker had reinvigorated its global SUV line over the last few years with a range which also includes the Seltos, Stonic, Sportage, and Telluride.
The new model is the result of a collaborative effort between all three design studios in Korea, Europe and North America.
The latest generation model is also based on a completely new platform.
Powertrain options have not yet been revealed but a look at the automaker's other model lines suggests a full range of both petrol and diesel engines will be offered, with mild hybridisation as a minimum, while there should also be hybrid and plug-in hybrid alternatives.
