All-new Kia Sorento prepares for '09 launch

Kia's next-generation Sorento draws closer to reality, as these latest pix snapped by the indefatigable team at Carparazzi show.

The photos of an all-but finished product were taken in the USA and provide detail not yet seen of the next mid-size Kia 4WD, including the grille and side profile views. The rearmost aspect in the test prototype were still clad in black tape, but the general profile, with a more or less conventional taillight arrangement and lift-up tailgate, remains clear.

The pictures do confirm the next Sorento will be larger than the current model, yet it will still slot in beneath the larger, recently-launched V6 and V8-engined Kia Borrego seven-seater.

Fans of the present Sorento's genuine off-road credentials will probably be a mite disappointed to learn that the next model will switch to monocoque, rather than ladder-frame construction, and that the 4WD arrangement will likely change as well, from a bush-track part-time, dual range system to more SUV-style mechanicals. The Kia could thus become yet another road-biased SUV, better suiting mass market expectations and requirements.

No word yet on powertrains, although it could be expected that the Sorento will get punchier V6 petrol engines, as well as a range of new turbodiesels including V6 and four-cylinder versions. Sources suggest a V8 -- borrowed from the Borrego -- will be on offer, but likely only for the US market.

The current Sorento may have disappointed those who expected a close-to-impossible seamless combination of real off-road ability and sedan-like on-road behaviour, but at least it looks good and is packaged well. The next generation Sorento still appears to look stylishly well balanced and should offer more passenger and luggage space -- as well as more road-friendly dynamics.

The next generation Sorento is expected to debut at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show prior to a launch into major international markets later in the year.