2010 Kia Sorento Gets 5-Star Euro NCAP Rating

The 2010 Kia Sorento Highline Cruiser received a 5 star rating after undergoing Euro NCAP testing procedures. The SUV managed to achieve a 87 percent score for adult protection, 84 percent for child protection and 71 percent for safety equipment. Pedestrian protection was the lowest of all, with only 44 percent.

"Our safety specialists in Namyang have designed the new Sorento SUV to ensure the best protection levels for occupants in real life accident scenarios. Our engineers have predicted both a 5 star Euro NCAP rating and a top NHTSA one. The Euro NCAP rating confirms the progress made by Kia with the new SUV," Benny Oeyen, Kia Motors Europe marketing director said in a release.

"The latest Euro NCAP score is another important success for Kia. It is the third 5 star rating received by a new Kia model," he added. "The Sorento continues the success story started by the cee'd in 2007 and continued by the Soul earlier this year. The new Sorento was created to fulfill and exceed the expectations of our customers in all aspects, including safety."

The new Sorento, launched earlier this month, is powered by a 2.2l diesel engine (the so called "R", a unit which will play an important role in the future of Kia vehicles) developing 194 bhp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The SYV will be showcased at next month's Frankfurt Auto Show, with sales expected to begin in early 2010, with the UK as the first market to get it. Prices have not yet been announced, but more is expected to be unveiled at the Frankfurt event.