2010 Kia Sorento Official Photos

Following the numerous teasers we've seen before the 2009 Geneva Auto Show, here we have the first official photo with the new 2010 Kia Sorento in all its glory. According to kia-world.net, the 2010 Sorento is codenamed XM and is expected to be officially presented to the general public in April at the Seoul Auto Show. Kia will also reveal all engine, equipment and accessories details at the upcoming show, the aforementioned source added.

Although it's only pure speculation, it may seem like the new Sorento will be the first model in Kia's product lineup to incorporate the new environmentally-friendly and fuel-efficient R-diesel engine. The 2.2-liter unit is said to provide a maximum power of no less than 200 hp, with fuel consumption achieving a 33.1 mpg (14.1 km/l) in combined cycle. The engine will be fully compliant with Euro 5 emission standards and will become the most fuel-efficient unit in the Korean market.

Beside the aforementioned configuration, Kia will likely offer two more engine choices, a 2.4- and a 3.8-liter V6, both of them addressed to overseas markets, including European countries and the United States. The Japanese will get a different configuration, namely a 2.7-liter LPI engine, with a 6-speed automatic transmission available as standard.

More rumors claim the American version of Sorento will be manufactured in Georgia, USA at Kia’s new West Point-based facility. The Korean flavor of Sorento will go on sale in April but there are no details whether the automaker plans to release the model in international markets during the same month.