Kia Sorento Will be Upgraded at Paris Motor Show

KiaKiaRepublic of Korea, 1944 > present52 models
1724 photos
4 videos
is updating the SorentoKia SorentoRepublic of Korea, 2001 > present3 series
69 versions
86 photos
at the Paris Motor Show, and it will go on sale in Europe later this year. Kia says that the North American version will have slightly different specs than the car for the rest of the world. The new car has a completely new platform that sits lower and is wider than the previous versionKia Sorento Gen.2Republic of Korea, 2009 > 201454 versions
57 photos
. It will also have better fuel economy, lower emissions and a better ride than the previous generation. Kia expects to sell 265,000 Sorentos in 2013. 

“Since its introduction in 2009, the second-generation Kia Sorento has achieved more than 620,000 sales around the world.  This success came after the global sales of almost 900,000 units achieved by the original 2002 Sorento which was a ‘landmark’ vehicle in the history of our brand, starting the process of changing public perception of Kia as a maker of small cars,” said Thomas Oh, Kia’s Executive Vice President.

The Sorento will have the same engines as the previous generation with petrol and diesel engines between 150ps and 280ps. Kia says that it has retuned its engines for better fuel economy. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder produces 192ps and 242Nm of torque and emits 199g/km of CO2. The 2.2-liter diesel produces 197ps and 436Nm for automatic cars and 421Nm with the manual and emits 153g/km of CO2. Europe will get a 2.0-liter diesel with 150ps. Some countries will get a 3.5-liter V6 with 280ps and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 176ps. All engines will be available with either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. Either two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive will be optional. 

The new Sorento has a completely new platform and new exterior styling. The new car has vertical fog lights and LED running lights. It sits 10mm lower, 30mm more second row legroom and 9mm more third row legroom. 

European cars will get a 7in LCD display for the infotainment system. The rest of the world will get an 8in screen. The interior will get an optional panoramic sunroof that opens for two rows of seats, heated seats, Bluetooth and air-conditioned third row. 

The new Sorento will be built in Korea.