PARIS MOTOR SHOW: Kia reveals new Sorento

Kia has revealed official images and key dimensions of its third-generation Sorento for the first time, ahead of the all-new seven-seat crossover's global public debut in Korea later this month and its Australian release next February.

Now riding on an 80mm-longer 2780mm wheelbase (10mm shorter than the latest Toyota Kluger's), the new Sorento is 95mm longer than before at 4780mm but remains 85mm shorter than the Kluger.

However, the Sorento's roof height drops a further 15mm to 1685mm. That makes it 45mm lower than the Kluger and, combined with a 'faster' windscreen, higher belt line and more rounded rear shoulders, gives it a more rakish side profile.

Kia says the new Sorento is also wider, helping to deliver more interior space, but provides no figures.

Also giving it a more sporting look are more intricate surface details including prominent body-side sculpting, plus wider wrap-around headlights, oversized triangular fog lights and a larger and more upright ‘tiger-nose’ grille.

The most stylish large SUV yet seen from Kia retains a number of design cues from the current model, including a long clamshell bonnet and coupe-like D-pillar design, firmly stamping it as the latest Sorento.

Kia says the MkIII Sorento's exterior design was led by its Namyang design studio in Korea, "with significant levels of input from the brand’s Frankfurt, Germany and Irvine, California design studios".

It says the car's fresh visual elements were inspired by the Kia Cross GT concept that debuted at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, while the more upmarket design theme continues inside, where there's "a premium look and feel, with more space and numerous innovative features".

No photos of the interior have been released, but the next Sorento's redesigned dashboard was revealed in sketch form recently, when Kia said the German-designed interior will feature plenty of soft-touch materials and high-tech features including a top-shelf HMI (Human-Machine Interface).

Kia released the first official renderings and a teaser video of the new Sorento late last month, following a series of spy shots.

Apart from more mature exterior and interior designs, Kia says the next Sorento will also offer improved comfort and dynamics.

“While we have retained the name based on the tremendous success of the outgoing model, the all-new Sorento has been completely redesigned and re-engineered, and promises to surprise customers with its thoroughly updated styling, a host of new convenience and safety technologies, as well as enhanced space, driving comfort and handling response," said Soon-Nam Lee, Kia Motors Corporation's Vice-President of Overseas Marketing.

The MkII Sorento arrived in Australia in October 2009 and is currently the fourth best selling Kia model here behind the Rio, Cerato and Sportage.

However, it continues to be outsold by the Toyota Prado, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Holden Captiva 7, Ford Territory, Toyota Kluger, Hyundai Santa Fe, Jeep Wrangler, Mazda CX-9, Mitsubishi Pajero and Nissan Pathfinder.

Kia's vital new large SUV will make its motor show debut in Paris on October 2, when the redesigned Carnival people-mover will make its world premiere.