Next-Generation 2010 Kia Sorento Bound for Geneva, then Showrooms

Kia's latest crossover offering will continue moving ahead with production despite a global auto sales climate where midsize and large crossovers and SUVs aren't exactly selling like hotcakes. The next-generation Kia Sorento, redesigned for 2010, will move away from the traditional body-on-frame chassis on which the current Sorento rides in favor of unibody architecture.

Thanks to the unibody chassis, the Sorento will get better handling, ride quality, and fuel economy due to the lighter chassis. The move to a unibody chassis has been part of an industry trend with increased focus on a more responsive ride and better fuel economy. The downside to the unibody chassis includes losing towing and off-road capabilities due to a slightly less durable chassis.

A wide range of diesel and regular gas powerplants is being planned for placement into the new Sorento due to its future global availability. Final engine decisions will depend on the market. The Sorento's current gasoline engine choices include a 3.0L V-6 making 240 hp and a 3.8L V-6 with 260 hp. Still up in the air is Kia's decision on continuing to offer the European-spec gasoline 2.4L inline-four engine that is available on the current model.

Diesel choices benefit from Hyundai's newly developed "R" series turbodiesel engines, with the availability of three different diesel engines. Two four-cylinder variations will be available in either a 2.0L making 184 hp or a 2.2L making 200 hp. Both four-cylinder variations can be mated to either a six-speed automatic or a manual transmission. The third choice will be a new 3.0L V-6 CRDi making 240 hp. There have also been rumors that Kia might offer a 2WD variation on the Sorento on top of the standard 4WD layout.

Other changes to the Sorento include an expansion in size, giving it an option for seven seats. The interior is influenced by the Hyundai Forte sedan, and the exterior has been slightly modeled after Hyundai's "boxy" KND-4 concept.

The 2010 Kia Sorento will make its global debut at the 2009 Geneva motor show in March 2009. It is then expected to go on sale immediately in Korea, with releases in Europe, North America, and other international markets following in mid-to-late 2009.

By Benson Kong
Source: Carscoop