First pic: Kia unveils off-roader

KIA will add the Sorento off-roader to its range of vehicles after being unveiled to the Australian public in October at the Sydney motor show.

The five-door wagon had its world debut at the Chicago auto show late last week.

The medium-sized Kia Sorento will form a two-pronged attack with the smaller Sportage in the ever-popular four-wheel drive market.

Seating five people, the Sorento features a 145kW 3.5-litre V6 engine coupled to a four-speed automatic transmission and either a shift-on-the-fly part-time or automatic on-demand four-wheel drive system. Both have low-range gearing.

Built on a ladder-frame chassis, the Sorento uses a double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link configuration at the rear.

Interior room is claimed to be generous, with cargo space assisted with a flat-folding 60/40-split rear seat and under-body-mounted full-size spare wheel.

Standard safety features include dual airbags and front and rear side-curtain airbags, while there are no less than eight cupholders.

A Kia spokesperson said one trim level would be offered in Australia, with pricing to start from about $35,000.

No decision has been reached on which 4WD option will be taken.