Kia has released some information and details about the 2010 Kia Sorento in advance of the vehicle’s official debut. The Korean carmaker confirmed that the all-new Sorento crossover will make its official European premiere at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show in September, where it will be put on display alongside facelifted cee’d hatchback and production YN mini-MPV.
Kia’s Official press conference for European press and media is scheduled for September 15th (13:00 Central European Time).
New Kia Sorento
In comparison to previous model, the 2010 Sorento sports sleeker exterior lines and more modern look. It successfully incorporates Kia’s up-to-date design DNA into its “stand-out” looks, while featuring a much more spacious and luxurious cabin. The 4,7 m long Kia crossover is also significantly sleeker in comparison to the previous model with an aerodynamic drag down from Cd 0,43 to 0.38.
New Sorento is available with various four-cylinder and six-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines, but in Europe, the most popular engine choice is expected to be the all-new 2.2L diesel engine with 197 ps and 421 Nm of torque. Buyers will be able to choose between a 6-speed automatic and a 6-speed manual transmission.
The all-new Sorento sits on monocoque bodyshell, which improves the vehicle’s on-road handling and comfort while keeping its original off-road ability intact. Thanks to the new monocoque bodyshell, Kia’s engineers managed to reduce the weight of the new Sorento by 215 kg, which will greatly affect the vehicle’s fuel economy ratings.
Kia Sorento highlights
- more spacious cabin
- 7-seats
- weight lowered by 215 kg
- greatly improved drag coeficient (from Cd 0,43 to 0.38 )
- ultra modern 2.2L R-diesel engine
- all-new 6-speed automatic gearbox
- panoramic glass-roof
“With the all-new Kia Sorento crossover,” said Panu Vainamo, General Manager Marketing, Kia Motors Europe, “we have created an all-new, “Highline Cruiser” that we believe offers buyers the benefits of an exciting all-rounder with a much broader appeal.
Kia Sorento will be the first Kia vehicle in Europe to offer a panoramic glass roof. It will also feature high-tech gadgets such as engine start button, in-mirror reversing camera and keyless entry.
The 2010 Kia Sorento will be launched on September 15 but pricing and final specifications will be announced closer to the car’s on-sale date. [Source: Kia]
Kia Sorento gallery:
August 11th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
I really think that they will have to bring that 2.2L R diesel engine to Australia, and keep it under the $45,000 mark maybe? Other wise I think some people will be put off, unless there is a decent diesel in the lineup.
August 11th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Australia will probably get ONLY the 2.2L diesel.
August 11th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
250kg = 473.9 lbs
Wow, that is a lot of weight loss! Awesome !
August 11th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
Is the VG going to be in Franfurt as well?
August 11th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
I hope the VG is at the bottom of a well!!
August 12th, 2009 at 3:59 am
I’m not sure about Kia’s comment… “The all-new Sorento sits on monocoque bodyshell, which improves the vehicle’s on-road handling and comfort while keeping its original off-road ability intact.” Especially where they say “the off road ability will remain intact”??
The current Sorento has been proven worldwide as a really capable 4WDriver and an excellent tow vehicle, but the new one, I’m not so sure. To start with it won’t have the option of low range, which is ultra important when going off-road, in sand especially. I would imagine it would just fall in the class of vehicle that will be great on-road, but have the ability for the occasional light, off road work, just like a whole range of SUV’s around at the moment. So it puts it in a completely different class to the current vehicle, but I guess Kia has seen that this is the way to for the future of their company. Now, “full-time” 4WD, that would make it a completly different ball game.
Greg, I think you’re right about Austarlia only getting the diesel, because at the moment the current Sorento sales would indicate 80 or 90% to 10% petrol, but of course as I keep saying, it’s a different class of vehicle, petrol is perfectly ok for mainly on-road use vehicles.
August 12th, 2009 at 7:20 am
fuel price also is a factor. ppl will want to use cheaper fuel.
August 12th, 2009 at 8:21 am
i love it! its very “Borrego meets Forte” loves it.
August 12th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
i think sorento will launch in UAE at Dubai’s autoshow in December. Kia is in the list for the show. it was disapointing that they werent there at the last show.
August 13th, 2009 at 2:08 am
Price is always an issue… but what of the SorentoW pedigree?
Have not seen anything about towing capacity?
The RV fraternity loves their KIA Sorento… Have Kia alienated and limited there market?
August 13th, 2009 at 7:52 am
Anyone else noticed the European style acceleration pedal?
August 15th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
I own this Car!
This is My Car!
This is fvcking good i ever owned SUVs.
Superb Fuel conomy and Enough H.P.
Anyway, fvcking good. if this car is not selling well, it mean may people still don’t know what is the hidden jewel.
August 15th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
@Ozy Tone
Kia Mohave (a.k.a Kia Borrego) is frame based Luxury SUV.
But, monocoque SUV is trend.
August 15th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Many people still like classic Sorento.
I think Kia redesigned frame based classic Sorento, keep produce it, which have distinguigh name from 2010 Sorento.
August 17th, 2009 at 4:53 am
Wow!! great to hear from a new Sorento owner, you must give an extended review of what YOU think the vehicle is like. I gather you are from South Korea, are you?? As you guys are the only country, so far, that’s lucky enough to even see and drive this great and should be exciting vehicle. Good to hear from you mate.
August 17th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
This car have almost all premium things. I choose 2WD top trims with diesel engine.
Superb fuel economy, (2.2 engine, 200 hp, 14.1 km/l fuel economy)
enough interior space.
It have start button ignotion, panorama moonloof, rear view camera, tire air checker, all safety stuff(vds, 9 air bags, tcs… and so on), cruise control, led rear lamp, ion producer, supervision cluster, full auto aircon, leather seats, heating seat…etc…
This car have premium stuffs.
I originally want buy hyundai genesis. but, price is too high to me. so, this car is my 2nd choice.
But, i have ‘great buy’ feeling.
I have this car for 1 month. absolutely no problem. and i still have great buy feeling. i feel like i buy a BMW X5 with kia price.
This car is much better feeling than my old generation(2001) santafe.
only unfavor things are ‘red light interior lamp’. i want blue interior than red.
and exterior size is little bit big to me.
August 17th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
But, I can’t say exterior design is good.
it is only personal favor.
I personally think old generation sorento is nicer look than sorento-r (2nd gen sorento).
Peter Schreyer ,audi designer, designed this car? i’m not sure.
it looks like a panda or bear to me. (too cute. but, i want serious looking)
August 17th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Korea version sorento-r’s Ride quaility is absolutely good.
However, suspenstion setting will difference in overseas.
August 17th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
I’m with you Sorento-R Owner, about the dash lighting, I prefer blue myself. My current car has this beautiful blue hue to the interior when the dash lighting is on and I think red is a little harsh on the eye. Personal choice, of course. Oh and thanks for your informed comments on your Sorento-R.
August 17th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
I personally like the blue backlighting in the Optima better than the red.
August 18th, 2009 at 2:42 am
Good, we’re all in agreement, red has got to go. It’s a wonder in this day and age you can’t have a choice of color, just like the “mood” lighting in the Soul.
I know somebody that drives a Mazda 3, and the backlighting in that is red, and she loves it. Who needs that after a night on the turps!! Of course I wouldn’t be driving then, would I??
March 16th, 2010 at 11:59 am
What is the weight of this 2,2 litre diesel engine ?
Borje
November 2nd, 2010 at 2:03 am
O kia sorento é mesmo lindo!! gosto muito desse carro!