02 Apr 09 16:10
Kia Sorento
Kia has chosen its home motor show to unveil the next-generation Sorento 4x4.
Longer and lower and more spacious than the model it replaces, the more spacious Sorento appears at the Seoul Motor Show which opened today. The new car will offer space for seven and 15% more luggage space than the current model.
The firm finally ditches the crude ladder-frame chassis for a more modern monocoque which promises both a better drive and superior ride quality.
Cabin quality is also said to be improved and new technology such as keyless entry, engine start button, reversing safety camera and built-in sat nav are introduced
The new Sorento will offer four engines: two petrol V6s, one 2.4-litre four cylinder and the third-generation version of the 2.2-litre diesel that produces 195bhp and emits 173g/km of carbon dioxide.
Both two-wheel and four-wheel drive versions will be offered with either a five- or six-speed manual - depending on the engine - or a new, more efficient six-speed automatic that's claimed to cut fuel consumption by 12%.
The Sorento is expected to go on sale on 2010 with pricing expected to start at around £20,000.
