The new Kia Sorento range epitomises Kia Motors Australia's revamped SUV strategy by offering more choice in engines and equipment than ever before, while still delivering quality, safety and value. It's all aimed at enabling Sorento owners to go further than they thought was possible ... to where the fun really begins.

Sorento has been a global success story for Kia since it was launched late in 2002. In January 2007, Kia celebrated the sale of the 700,000th Sorento globally.

"In Australia, the Kia Sorento continues to appeal to buyers who want an SUV that delivers 4WD capability, strong towing capacity and a comprehensive specification, while still offering outstanding value" said Bill Gillespie, Director of Sales and Marketing at Kia Motors Australia.

"Now upgraded with new diesel and petrol engines and a raft of other improvements, the new Sorento range delivers lower running costs and emissions and more comprehensive equipment, while still retaining the quality, safety and value for which the model has become renowned."

"Lower fuel consumption and lower emissions also mean the new Sorento range ticks the boxes on the environmental report card."

"The upgraded Sorento really is the affordable medium-sized SUV that helps you go further than you thought possible" said Mr Gillespie.

With prices that are similar to many compact SUVs, the new Sorento range offers real 4WD capability in a medium SUV package with a best-in-class towing capacity of 2,800 kg and the choice now of a more efficient 3.3-litre petrol V6 engine producing 180 kW or the new, torquey 2.5-litre turbo-diesel with common rail direct injection (CRDi) producing 125 kW.

Both petrol and diesel Sorento models feature a ladder-frame construction and a dual-range transfer case 4WD system. These are serious 4WD credentials when most competitors offer only 'soft-roader' torque-split 4WD systems at best.

The launch of the new Sorento introduces three new grades of specification to the Sorento range, all of which offer either the new petrol or diesel engine.

The range starts with the Sorento LX model which features a limited slip differential for greater security on boat ramps and off the road. Sorento LX CRDi offers a five-speed manual transmission in the base version. A five-speed tiptronic-style automatic transmission is also available in the LX CRDi model and standard with the LX 3.3-litre petrol V6.

Next up the range is the Sorento EX, with important extra features including 17" alloy wheels, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with traction control for added safety and traction in all driving conditions. Sorento EX is available with both the CRDi and petrol V6 engines, matched as standard with the five-speed tiptronic-style automatic transmission.

Topping the range is the Sorento EX Limited (known as the EX-L), which adds side curtain SRS airbags, leather trim, electric tilt/slide sunroof, rear spoiler, dual-zone climate control air-conditioning and black woodgrain finish to the comprehensive equipment list of the whole Sorento range. Again, Sorento EX-L is available with either the CRDi or petrol V6 engines, machted to the five-speed tiptronic-style automatic transmission.

The new Kia Sorento range, with the option of torquey 2.5-litre turbo-diesel CRDi or fuel efficient 3.3-litre petrol engines, now offers more choice and equipment to help owners more easily get to the places where the fun really begins, especially when towing a boat, caravan or horse float.

The Sorento CRDi models offer the diesel advantages of enhanced flexibility and drivability around town, allied with outstanding fuel economy and impressive torque for towing and off-roading so owners can literally go further on a tank of fuel and more easily conquer the great outdoors.

"The new Sorento offers the kind of luxury, standard features, comfort and style for which you'd expect to pay many thousands of dollars more. It's such a smart buy ... the SUV with all the features but without the badge premium." said Mr Gillespie.

Standard Equipment

Kia is renowned for offering great value but the new Sorento range also offers an outstanding and complete package of standard specification in all three models.

Sorento LX models, with either 2.5-litre CRDi or 3.3-litre petrol V6 engines, feature:

• Five-speed tiptronic-style automatic transmission (five-speed manual available in LX CRDi model only)
• Selectable 4WD with high and low range
• Limited slip rear differential (LSD)
• Free-running front differential
• Manual air-conditioning with pollen and dust filter
• Power windows, door mirrors and door locks
• ABS (Anti-skid Brake System) and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
• Driver and front passenger SRS airbags
• Active front headrests
• Trip computer with compass and outside temperature monitor
• AM/FM radio with MP3-compatible CD player
• 16" alloy wheels (including full-size spare)
• Tilt-adjustable steering column
• Roof rails
• Retractable cargo area security blind and cargo net
• Body-coloured door handles and mirrors
• Front and rear foglights
• Underbody skid plates

Sorento EX CRDi and 3.3 models delete the Limited Slip Differential, but add to the LX specification:

• ESP (Electronic Stability Programme)
• Traction control
• 17" alloy wheels (including full-size spare)
• Cruise control with steering wheel remote controls
• Leather steering wheel

Sorento EX Limited (EX-L) CRDi and 3.3 models add to the EX specification:

• Electric tilt/slide glass sunroof with shade
• Side curtain SRS airbags
• Body-colour rear spoiler with integrated stop light
• Leather trim, charcoal with red stitching
• Dual-zone climate control air-conditioning
• Leather shift knob
• Black woodgrain finish centre console and door trim

Pricing (RRP)

Sorento CRDi LX manual	$34,990
Sorento CRDi LX auto	$36,990
Sorento CRDi EX auto	$39,490
Sorento CRDi EX-L auto	$44,490

Sorento 3.3 LX auto	$33,990
Sorento 3.3 EX auto	$36,490
Sorento 3.3 EX-L auto	$41,490