Frankfurt debut: Kia Sorento
To be perfectly frank, seeing the shiny new Sorento on Kia's stand didn't excite us as much as its other new car, the Venga, did. That's not because there's anything wrong with it, but because we've already driven Kia's new SUV.
What's all the fuss about?
Kia has changed tack slightly with the new Sorento because it has made it available as a front-wheel drive soft-roader for the first time and biased its driving dynamics more for road use. Basically, Kia has realised how lucrative it can be making an appealing family SUV and had a go at doing it, moving away from the rugged and cheap utilitarian vibe of the last car.
Anything that stands out?
It most definitely looks better than the outgoing car, and as we've already found out it drives better and is built from better stuff too. That said, we'd still question whether it's good enough to make an impact in the family SUV sector when it's no more spacious or cheaper than other non-premium rivals. Still, it's a step forward from a car maker that's becoming increasingly impressive and whose show stands are getting more interesting by the year.
When can I buy one?
March 2010 is the expected release month for the new Sorento, with prices starting at a similar place to the current car's. However, that essentially means the Sorento will be a little more expensive like for like because the range now kicks off with front-wheel drive, with 4x4 versions costing more.
Frankfurt debut: Kia Sorento pictures
