This may look like a minor facelift to you, but Kia assures us that the 2013 Sorento represents something of a “front-to-rear, top-to-bottom re-engineering” of the vehicle.
Although it was unveiled 'Stateside earlier this year, the one you see here is the European model, which is likely the one that we'll be seeing here in South Africa.
Besides the updated exterior styling, the new softroader features an upgraded interior with more equipment, revised suspension, steering and brakes and better efficiency.
While the front end retains a familiar look, the vehicle does have a new bumper as well as projection headlights and LED daytime running lights.
The changes are more apparent at the rear end, where you'll find completely reshaped taillights complete with LEDs. The tailgate has also been completely redesigned and the new colour-coded bumper features a step.
ECONOMY IMPROVED
Beneath the subtly enhanced sheet metal is what Kia calls an all-new platform, including a more rigid body shell that's better equipped to absorb impacts from all angles and torsional stiffness has reportedly been improved by 18 percent.
In Europe, all versions are now powered by a revised version of the familiar 2.2-litre CRDi turbodiesel engine, which produces 145kW at 3800rpm and 422Nm from 1800rpm. Sending power to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox, the new engine is slightly more efficient, with claimed combined consumption of 5.9 litres per 100km.
MORE SPACE
Moving inside, Kia has managed to provide an extra 30mm of knee room in the middle row and 9mm in the back row (all models now have seven seats).
More pleasing on the eye too, the cabin benefits from new soft-touch materials and additional chrome and wood trims - depending on the model in question. Some models even boast a seven-inch TFT LCD multi-function high-definition display and a 10-speaker premium audio system with 495 watts of power.
Although local specs have yet to be confirmed, our contact at Kia says he expects the new Sorento to reach our shores during the first quarter of next year.