Photo: SB-Medien
These are the latest photos of Kia's next generation Sorento SUV, spied undergoing high altitude testing in the Alps. The same prototypes were seen last winter in Sweden, but they've lost a lot of their camouflage, which to us indicates that Kia is almost ready for a reveal.
The model currently on sale is marketed by Kia as an all-new generation, but is largely based on the old Sorento with updates to the interior, chassis frame and suspension. This has led many to suggest it's too early for a replacement and we're acutally dealing not with a new Sorento, but with the replacement for the bigger Borego / Mohave.
Indeed, the prototypes seen testing in the Alps are very big and have a 7-seater configuration. However, Kia is rumored to be axing some of its current models to create a more competitive range. The Borego might not fit that description and would not require two seasons of expensive European tests for its development.
Hyundai's Santa Fe also increased in size and gained a full 7-seat cabin and we believe the same platform is used for this car. Moving
away from body plus frame construction to a car-like unibody means a lighter vehicle with better road-holding attributes and improved fuel economy.
The design of the new Sorento will be based on the Kia Cross GT concept, last shown at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show. Thin headlights with LED accents are connected to a new tiger nose grille with a substantial-looking black mesh insert.
Behind that should be a new family of Kia engines that are Euro 6 compliant. The Cross GT concept featured a 400 hp hybrid powertrain featuring a 3.8-liter V6 mated to the eight-speed automatic from a Genesis. Of course, no Kia currently on sale is allowed that sort of tech, but the Cadenza full-size luxury sedan does come with a smaller 290 hp 3.3-liter V6.
Europeans should also get a couple of diesels, the 2.0 and 2.2-liter CRDi units with tweaked components that allow them to run leaner and greener.
Indeed, the prototypes seen testing in the Alps are very big and have a 7-seater configuration. However, Kia is rumored to be axing some of its current models to create a more competitive range. The Borego might not fit that description and would not require two seasons of expensive European tests for its development.
Hyundai's Santa Fe also increased in size and gained a full 7-seat cabin and we believe the same platform is used for this car. Moving
The design of the new Sorento will be based on the Kia Cross GT concept, last shown at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show. Thin headlights with LED accents are connected to a new tiger nose grille with a substantial-looking black mesh insert.
Behind that should be a new family of Kia engines that are Euro 6 compliant. The Cross GT concept featured a 400 hp hybrid powertrain featuring a 3.8-liter V6 mated to the eight-speed automatic from a Genesis. Of course, no Kia currently on sale is allowed that sort of tech, but the Cadenza full-size luxury sedan does come with a smaller 290 hp 3.3-liter V6.
Europeans should also get a couple of diesels, the 2.0 and 2.2-liter CRDi units with tweaked components that allow them to run leaner and greener.
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