Kia has taken the wraps off its all-new longer and lower Sorento ? the SUV that took the Korean brand onto the world stage in 2002 ? at the Seoul Motor Show.

?The dynamic design of new Sorento adopts simple, linear lines to create a powerful, yet polished appearance. Sporty and striking, the new Sorento represents a new breed of vehicle,? commented Peter Schreyer, Kia's head designer.

Frontal styling incorporates the company?s new ?signature grille? that blends into the new Sorento?s four-light, black bezel wrap-around headlamps. The profile?s rising upper belt-line and the bevel treatment beneath the greenhouse plus the trapezoid C-Pillar reinforce the new appearance. Extending the rear window to the outer edges of the simply styled tailgate hints at the spacious cabin, while the large tail lamps enhance the sporty appearance.

The new, longer bodyshell created for the new Sorento, with its repositioned A-pillars and dashboard (moved forwards) and extended tailgate (moved rearwards), ensures that the cabin is much more spacious than the current model with seating for up to seven people. Interior headroom is increased by 64mm (to 906mm) and legroom by 102mm (to 795mm). Luggage capacity is increased by 15 percent, thanks to moving the tailgate back by almost 70mm.

The real and perceived quality of the cabin is enhanced and optional high-tech features will include: keyless entry, engine start button, reversing safety camera, built-in sat-nav and panoramic glass sunroof.

Inside, the thick-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel is becoming a Kia trademark feature and through it the driver can view another element of Kia?s developing design DNA ? the ?three-cylinder? instrument cluster similar to that fitted to the recently-launched Soul.

Depending on the model, new Sorento will be equipped with a six, eight or 10-speaker audio system, with MP3 and iPod connectivity, plus built-in or external amplifier and a new sat-nav system with a 6.5-inch screen. Remote controls for the audio system are mounted on the steering wheel.

The Sorento will be manufactured with up to four different engines including a 2.7-litre V6, four-cylinder 2.4-litre and the new four-cylinder R2.2 turbodiesel engine. Five-speed and six-speed manual and automatic transmissions will be offered.

Available in 2WD and 4X4 guises, traction is also boosted by the available HAC (Hill-start Assist Control) which prevents the vehicle slipping backwards, and DBC (Down-hill Brake Control) that limits vehicle speed on steep declines. For maximum stopping power, all new Sorento models are equipped with an all-disc braking system. Either as standard or an option, ABS anti-lock and EBD brake force distribution systems are available.

Active safety technologies that buyers can specify include ESC, HAC, DBC, TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) and RPAS (Rear Parking Assist System), plus several systems to boost braking performance during extreme conditions.

So when do we get all this? The new Sorento is not expected to reach right-hand drive markets until 2010.