Preview: Kia releases two renderings of Sorento (XM)

Kia Motors has released two official renderings of the forthcoming redesigned Sorento, code-named 'XM', which is scheduled to debut at the upcoming Seoul Motor Show in April. Designed by Peter Schreyer, the new Sorento draws its cues from his latest works such as the KND-4 Concept in the front fascia and the Borrego/Mohave in the rear.

The 2010 Sorento will deviate greatly from the current Sorento which rides on a body-on-frame platform. Instead, the new model will ride on a monocoque, also called unibody, platform. In the Korean market, the CUV will be powered by a 2.4L Theta II petrol, a 2.7L LPI, or a new 2.2L turbodiesel R-engine. The 200 PS 2.2L R-engine achieves an impressive fuel economy of 14.1 km/L (direct conversion: 33 MPG), which places the Sorento as the most fuel-efficient SUV in the Korean market.

The USDM Sorento will be available in either the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine or a 3.8L Lambda V6 (est. 270 hp). The Sorento will be manufactured in Kia's new, state-of-the-art West Point, Georgia factory. The Korean-market Sorento is slated to go on sale in April.

[Source: Hankyung.com]

Posted in: Kia,New Car Releases,Seoul