The all-new 2011 Kia Sorento CUV makes its official US premiere in Los Angeles! Here’s the official press release from Kia Motors America.

Kia Motors America today announced the official North American debut of the all-new Sorento crossover utility vehicle (CUV) during a press conference at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The first vehicle to be built at the all-new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) in West Point, Georgia, Sorento encompasses both the brand’s signature design cues as well as its distinct combination of value, safety and style. Coming to market in early 2010 as a 2011 model-year vehicle, the all-new Sorento presents consumers with a well-equipped, well-appointed CUV with best-in-class power2 suited perfectly for the fun, dynamic and discerning driver.

With a streamlined and attractive look, the new Sorento represents a modern CUV that is just the right size for today’s consumer. Completely redesigned for 2011, the all-new Sorento now employs a unibody design with the ability to comfortably fit up to seven passengers, offering more space and ride comfort than the previous-generation model.

Prominently displaying the signature tabbed grille and wraparound headlamps soon to be seen on all Kia models, Sorento offers a more aggressive stance and sleeker profile than the previous version.

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First official images and information about the 2011 Kia Sorento have been released by KMA.

Kia Motors America has released first official images and information regarding its all-new Sorento crossover. The 2011 Kia Sorento is set t go on sale in January 2010 and will be the very first Kia vehicle to be produced at Kia Motors’ US manufacturing plant, located in West Point, Georgia.

The all-new Kia Sorento adopts Kia’s latest styling DNA. It features attractive exterior design and spacious cabin that offers seating for up-to 7 people. It has grown in size compared to the predecessor and adopted new unibody platform, which replaces the old body-on-frame design. The which provides car-like comfortable ride and

Buyers of the 2011 Kia Sorento can choose between two gasoline engines, that outperform similar engines from Honda and Ford in both, power ratings and fuel efficiency. Base 2.4L Theta four-cylinder engine produces impressive 172 horsepower, while larger, 3.5L Lambda II V6 delivers class-leading 273 horsepower.

Either of available engines in the 2011 Kia Sorento is mated to Kia’s all-new 6-speed automatic transmission, which has been co-developed with its parent Hyundai Motor Company. According to Kia, the all-new six-speed automatic gearbox offers improved fuel efficiency and improves vehicle’s performance. Six-speed manual tranny is available on base Sorento models. Both engines can be mated to either front or all-wheel drive configurations.

In addition to improved comfort and performance, the 2011 Kia Sorento hosts a number of high-tech features, including a push button-start ignition, rear sonar back-up cameras, voice-activated navigation, air ionization purification technology, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for MP3 player, Bluetooth connectivity. For the very first time, Sorento is also available with large panoramic sunroof.

“With a spacious, comfortable interior and multiple convenience features, the 2011 Sorento is the perfect, versatile choice for couples or young families taking a weekend getaway or merely handling everyday responsibilities,” said Tom Loveless, vice president of sales for KMA [Source: Kia]

2011 Kia Sorento gallery:

Kia to celebrate world premiere of Venga mini-MPV and European premieres of the cee’d facelift, Sorento crossover and Forte LPi hybrid in Frankfurt!

Kia today announced it will showcase several production-ready vehicles at this year’s Frankfurt Auto Show designed and built for Europe, as well as demonstrate its “green” credentials with the introduction of Eco-Dynamics sub-brand and the eye-catching Forte based hybrid car.

Taking centre stage for its official world premiere will be the eye-catching B-segment MPV, called Venga. Also debuting at the Frankfurt auto show will be a completely redesigned Kia Sorento crossover and restyled cee’d hatchback. Put on display alongside the eye-catching Venga will also be the Forte LPi hybrid car and hybrid versions of Sorento and cee’d!

In addition, Kia will officially present its brand-new “EcoDynamics” brand, which will soon be applied to the most eco-friendly cars within each Kia model range.

The all-new Kia Venga

The all–new Kia Venga mini-MPV, due to be launched in European markets towards the end of 2009 or early in 2010 will be Kia’s first foray into popular B-segment MPV market, currently dominated by Opel Meriva and Citroen C3 Picasso. Styled and engineered at Kia’s European R&D centre in Germany, the all-new Venga features an unusuall sporty and athletic stance for its segment.

Venga - means “to come” in Spanish language - features a very long wheelbase of 2.615 mm, meaning the model has a very spacious interior architecture with levels of interior space closer to the C-segment vehicles. Kia Venga is equipped with a range of fuel-sipping diesel and gasoline four-cylinder engines that generate from 75 to 126 horsepower.

Every engine in the Venga line-up will be available with Kia’s Idle Stop & Go -ISG technology, first introduced in the cee’d hatchback. 

When Kia introduced the Soul crossover at Paris auto show last year, the company has set up a special “Soul zone” where it has displayed seven-uniquely styliazed Souls. Apparently the “Soul zone” has been a success so Kia will again set up a very similar “Venga zone” to display five unique Venga mini-MPVs. Kia Venga will make its world premiere on the opening day of the Frankfurt motor show - September 15th (13:00 CET).

New Kia cee’d

Kia cee’d, the most successful Kia car in Europe to date, has been slightly redesigned for the 2010 model year. The model has received the latest version of Kia’s design DNA, giving it the whole new exterior look and stronger road presence. In addition to exterior refinements, the 2010 Kia cee’d hosts a number of interior enhancements as well as equipment updates.

Inside, the 2010 cee’d gets a new-style steering wheel and gear lever, a new centre stack and new audio systems, dual-zone climate control air-conditioning and all-red dashboard lighting.

Just like Venga, the new cee’d will also be equipped with Kia’s fuel-stretching ISG technology on both, gasoline and diesel engines. Under the hood, there will be an all-new 126 horsepower 1.6L diesel engine mated to the six-speed manual transmission. According to Kia, the combination of technical enhancements and new technology will significantly reduce the fuel consumption (-5%) of the car, while at the same time cut the CO2 emmissions to only 110g/km.

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The 2010 Kia Sorento becomes the third Kia vehicle to receive a 5-star safety rating at EuroNCAP crash tests! 

The all-new Kia Sorento crossover, which is going to make its official European debut at the upcoming IAA Frankfurt Auto show next month, has received a maximum 5-star safety rating from EuroNCAP organisation.

The latest 5-star safety rating is another landmark for Kia vehicles and the brand itself. Sorento is already a third new model in Kia’s European vehicle line-up that scored maximum 5 stars at EuroNCAP crash tests and follows up Kia Soul, that was crash-tested earlier this year and Kia cee’d hatchback that achieved 5 stars back in 2007.

The 2010 Kia Sorento has been one of the top performing vehicles in the latest EuroNCAP crash tests and the result places Sorento among the safest mid-sized vehicles in its segment. The all-new Sorento managed to secure 87 percent score for Adult Occupant Protection, 84 percent score for Child Protection and 71 percent score for Safety Assist equipment.

New Sorento was designed and engineered to meet or surpass the expectations of European, North American and global consumers in every respect – including safety.”

“Safety engineers at Kia’s world-class Namyang R&D facility in Korea developed the new Sorento SUV to provide the highest levels of occupant protection in real-world accident scenarios. Our engineers predicted that Sorento would achieve a 5-Star rating in both Euro NCAP and the very different NHTSA tests in the USA. Now, this Euro NCAP result confirms the major advances made by Kia with its latest SUV,” added Mr. Oeyen.

Every Sorento model supplied in Western Europe features an Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) as standard. Sorento buyers in other European markets can specify ESP as a factory-fitted option. This system comes together with TCS (Traction Control System) and BAS (Brake Assistance System).

If a collision is unavoidable, all-new Kia Sorento is engineered to safeguard the occupants with a range of “passive safety” measures as standard – starting with its all-new, all-steel monocoque bodyshell. Featuring high-tensile strength steel in key areas, the bodyshell is designed to offer occupants good protection in front, side, rear and roll-over accidents.

Every Kia Sorento sold in Europe is equipped as standard with dual front airbags, front side and full-length curtain airbags (to protect the occupants in all three seat rows), height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and belt load-limiters, plus three 3-point seat belts for all middle row and back row seat occupants. In addition, all Sorento models can be ordered with ‘active’ front seat head restraints to protect against whiplash injuries.

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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:

2010 Kia Sorento XM first-drive

The 2010 Sorento has been officially unveiled to the public at Seoul auto show last month and that means the model is ready to go on sale. First, in Korean market and later it’s sales will gradually spread overseas.

New Sorento is replacing the good-old first generation Sorento model that has been on sale since 2002. It’s sales numbers prove that it has been a huge success for Kia. Since it’s introduction Kia sold nearly 900.000 units worldwide, making it one of the best selling Kia vehicles ever. 

Now, the second generation Sorento has been born and besides a whole new exterior and interior design, there is a wide range of state-of-the-art technologies applied to the vehicle; many for the first time in a Kia vehicle. The most important among all is the all-new EURO5, R-diesel engine developed jointly by Kia Motors and Hyundai Motor Company.

The new diesel engine features all the technical know-how that Korean automaker has aquired over the past few years when it has heavily invested into research and development.

Available in two different displacements, the R-engine has been developed with the aim of being the world’s best four-cylinder diesel engine. According to Kia engineers at Kia-Buzz.com, the R-diesel engine is one of the best in it’s class and outperforms competitors in terms of power and fuel efficiency!

The 2.0L engine, which will soon be available in the next generation Sportage packs 184 horsepower and 392Nm of torque, while it’s bigger brother, the 2.2L engine delivers even more impressive 200 horsepower and a maximum torque of 436Nm. These figures put both engines ahead of those offered by competitors such as Toyota, VW or even BMW and Mercedez-Benz.

In addition to high power, both engines also deliver an outstanding fuel economy. The 2.2L diesel engine equipped Sorento can achieve 14.4 kilometers with only 1L of fuel, which makes it the most fuel efficient crossover/SUV vehicle in the Korean market.

Converted to the US MPG, it means the 2010 Sorento can achieve up to 33 MPG!! That’s better than Kia Soul! Unfortunately, it’s very unlikely we will ever see the engine in the US market, but gas prices are expected to raise back to their record highs already by 2012 and that could force Kia (and other automakers) to change their plans and offer more vehicles with “fuel sipping” diesel engines in the States.

Korean on-line magazine, the Global Auto News has just recently been able to get behind the wheel of next generation Kia Sorento. They have published an extensive test-drive report and taken a huge amount of interesting exterior and interior images. I advise you to visit their website in order to see all of the great shots and check out their first-drive report (translated by Google translate). [Source: Global Auto News]

2010 Kia Sorento engines

At the Seoul Auto Show Kia unveiled it’s next generation Sorento crossover. The all-new Sorento is making  huge step forward in terms of design, refinement and powertrain options. When Sorento goes on sale later this year it will be available with a variety of fuel efficient diesel, gasoline and LPG powered engines. In general, there will be four of them, but availability of the various engine will depend on market and region.

The eco-friendly 2.2L R-diesel engine is equipped with third-generation common-rail fuel injection system and satisfies strict Euro 5 emissions standards. Thanks to the use of advanced technology, the engine out-performs most of diesel engines from rival brands. It generates a maximum power of 200 horsepower and 435Nm of torque.

Gasoline power will come from 2.4L and 3.5V6 engines. The upgraded 2.4L inline four-cylinder Theta II engine will be used as an entry-level Sorento engine in the US market. It features Continuously Variable Valve Timing - CVVT technology and generates 175 horsepower and 23.0 kgm of torque.

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2010 Kia Sorento -R video

Following it’s successful Korean premiere at the on-going Seoul Auto Show, Kia’s all-new Sorento crossover will now be introduced to the public of North America for the first time. The 2010 Kia Sorento, which has seen a remarkable exterior redesign and vastly improved interior, will be put on display at the forthcoming New York International Auto Show on April 9.

Designed under the direction of Peter Schreyer -Kia’s Chief Design Officer, the new Sorento incorporates simple, linear lines that make it look very powerful and sporty. The 7-seat crossover vehicle now features Kia’s new corporate grille, which has been previously implemented to other Kia models, such as Kia Optima and Forte/Cerato sedan… To find complete and detailed information on the 2010 Kia Sorento follow this link.

Kia has taken the wraps off its all-new 2010 Sorento - the landmark vehicle that took the Korean brand onto the world stage - at the Seoul Motor Show.

Longer and lower, the new Sorento brings sleek styling and a futuristic touch to the world of the urban CUV. With its longer front overhang, wedge profile, crisply defined greenhouse and accentuated wheelarch volumes, Kia’s new CUV looks thoroughly modern and sporty.

The 4.7-metre long new Sorento moves vehicle design in this segment up to a new level of sophistication. As part of Kia’s drive to expand market coverage with its latest CUV, the new Sorento will be manufactured with a total of four engines - with different engines being available in various regions around the world in order to best suit local requirements and with CO₂ emissions from just 173 g/km.

The original Kia Sorento was a ‘landmark’ vehicle which took the Korean brand into a whole new section of the automotive market all around the world. Introduced in 2002, it marked a huge step for Kia, challenging many established 4×4 and SUV brands and starting the process of changing public perception of Kia as a ‘maker of small cars.’

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April the 1st is known to be the fools day. A day when people make jokes out of each other or make up stories similar to that we have posted earlier today (Wind powered Kia Soul). But rather than making fun all-day long, we are going to show you some real pictures of the 2010 Kia Sorento, that leaked to the web only a day before it’s official Korean unveiling.

In case you didn’t know, the 2009 Seoul Auto Show kicks off tomorrow and Kia will use the event to preview the revamped Sorento to the public for the first time!

Speaking in general, a dozen or so of new concept cars and production ready vehicles are expected to be unveiled during the auto show event. Each of the five Korean automakers, including Hyundai, Kia, GM Daewoo, Renault Samsung, and SsangYong Motor will preview at least one new model to it’s domestic consumers.

Taking the front stage at the show will be the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group with Kia making three world premieres while parent Hyundai will also exhibit several new concept cars. One of the main attractions of this year’s Seoul Auto Show will most definitely be the all-new Sorento crossover, which will be displayed to the Korean car fans alongside Kia Forte hybrid and VG concept sedan.

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2010 Kia Sorento: First interior images emerge

Following the official Sorento teaser shots, released by Kia Motors a few months ago, was a series of unofficial exterior images, previewing the Sorento’s front end styling. Today, we have seen the first round of candid interior images emerging on the web and revealing some parts of Sorento’s interior layout. Sure, we have seen the cabin before, but back then, it was heavily disguised.

As you can see the interior of the 2010 Kia Sorento appears to be completely redesigned. It incorporates three large chrome-accented gauge clusters, a completely redesigned and (finally) attractive-looking steering wheel with audio control buttons mounted on the right side.

The all-new interior also benefits from a revamped center stack console, which features an in-dash built LCD display, positioned in between the elongated vertical air vents and HVAC buttons mounted below. Auxiliary and USB input jacks can also be found in the center console.

A while ago, UK’s 4Car magazine issued a report from their exclusive Sorento-prototype test-drive. When sitting behind the wheel, editors have noticed the cabin received some major styling improvements and was built from higher grade materials. And these very first interior images certainly prove their claims. I’m pretty sure this is going to be one of the best looking interiors we have seen in a Kia vehicle to date!

As we reported, the 2010 Kia Sorento is scheduled to make it’s official debut at the 2009 Seoul Auto Show, and that’s when you can expect more Sorento information and images to be revealed.

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Once again, we are bringing you a very hot and exclusive next-gen Sorento report with a series of spy pics previewing the all-new Kia Sorento in details! These latest spy shots have been taken during the official Sorento-catalogue photo shoot and are revealing us the 2010 Sorento crossover in all it’s glory.

Kia Motors will be officially taking the covers of it’s all-new Sorento at the 2009 Seoul Motor Show, which kicks of in the first days of April. More interesting for us is the official US premiere, which is rumored to happen at the upcoming New York Auto Show of the same month.

What we have learned about the 2010 Kia Sorento so far is the that fact that the next generation Sorento, codenamed XM, will deviate greatly from the current model (technically and styling-wise). Unlike the current model, the next Sorento will not be a proper body-on-frame built SUV, but rather a crossover vehicle sitting on a uni-body architecture.

The power will come from a variety of engine options including a gasoline powered 2.4L four-cylinder and a 270+ hp 3.8L V6. Gasoline engine range will be joined by newly developed 2.2L R-diesel engine and LPG powered 2.7LPi engine, which will only be available at South Korean market.

The R-diesel engine has been developed in conjunction with Hyundai and meets EURO 5 emission standards. It also boasts best-in-class 200 horsepower and achieves an impressive fuel economy of 33 MPG (14.1 km/L). All available engines will be mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2010 Kia Sorento is sporting a dynamic exterior look reminiscent of that seen on the KUE-4 concept car. It’s front features Kia’s new signature radiator grille integrated harmoniusly between black-bezel trimmed headlamps while the sporty image is further enhanced with two-tone front bumper and mesh around the fog lamps. The new Sorento will also be the first Kia vehicle to come equipped with a panoramic-glass roof! [Kia Forums]

Kia Sorento gallery: 

Click image to enlarge!

Continuoing our stream of image updates on the 2010 Kia Sorento, we have a set of fresh new pictures from South Korea for you.

Apparently, Kia Motors hosted a test-drive event to introduce it’s all-new Sorento to the Korean media and press ahead of it’s formal debut, where Autotimes.co.kr took some more images of the 2010 Kia Sorento.

We have already seen the new face of Kia Sorento and it’s interior earlier today, but now, guys from Autotimes surprised us with shots showcasing the new Sorento from the side and rear points of view. This is actually the first time we see the production-ready Sorento from behind. How do you like it?

Follow the jump to see two more shots…

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Interior image of the 2010 Kia Sorento

Earlier today we have shown you the “front fascia” of the 2010 Kia Sorento and now, we are continuing our exclusive revealings with the first interior rendering previewing the new cabin lay-out in the next Kia Sorento.

The 2010 Kia Sorento is an all-new model, so it’s exterior has seen a complete restyling in comparison to the current Sorento and the same has been expected to happen with it’s interior. As this rendering indicates, the overall cabin design (dashboard, steering-wheel, door panels, seats, etc…) will greately deviate from the current Sorento’s interior (glad to see that, since the current Sorento interior already looked dated) and is expected to be a massive improvement.

As early interior spy shots revealed, interior of the Sorento looks more modern and, according to several Kia insiders, higher quality materials should also make it look much more upmarket than before. Due to some extra centimeters that Sorento adopted from the redesign, the cabin now offers more passenger room and reportedly, a placing for seven adult people!

Kia will officially unveil the 2010 Kia Sorento this April in South Korea at the 2009 Seoul Auto Show, while it’s official US debut is scheduled for next month’s New York Auto Show.

It seems like we have been waiting for ages to see the 2010 Kia Sorento breaking the cover. After seeing a countless number of spy photos and prototypes in various testing stages, the wait is finally over and we can exclusively show you the new face of the next generation Sorento crossover!

Codenamed XM, the 2010 Kia Sorento is scheduled to make it’s official debut at the Seoul Auto Show in April and that will be the place where Kia Motors will reveal more precise details on it’s powertrain options, equipment and accessories.

Not willing to wait additional three weeks to get to know more about the new Sorento, I gathered some additional information from various Kia sources worldwide.

Redesigned Sorento will become the first Hyundai-Kia vehicle in the family to come equipped with the all-new environmentally-friendly R-diesel engine. The 2.2L diesel engine boasts best-in-class 200 horsepower and best fuel economy performance of 14.1km/l making it the most fuel-efficient crossover in the Korean market. The new state-of-the-art diesel engine also satisfies EURO5 emission standards.

The engine range will also include a four-cylinder 2.4L and a 3.8L V6. Both are destined for the International markets, including US and Europe. On it’s domestic market, new Sorento will also be available with a 2.7L LPI engine. Standard powertrain package also includes a 6-speed automatic transmission developed with proprietary technology.

Size-wise, the 2010 Sorento has grown in size and now measures 4.685 mm (+95mm) in length, 1.885 in width (+35mm) and 1.710 in height (-15mm). It’s wheelbase has been shortened by 5mm to 2.700mm.