One of the things I LOVE and HATE about AutoSpies.com are the commenters. Some are incredibly informed and bring a lot to the table. Others, well, they have an IQ hovering around the 60s.
So when I saw that a frequent commenter, MattDarringer, expressed that the teaser images of the Kia Sorento were a "tad dull," I figured it would be a good question to pose since we're now seeing the vehicle doing the full monty.
Personally, I am seeing a bit of Volvo XC60 in the vehicle's front end, some Acura MDX in the D-Pillar and a dash of the Nissan pathfinder in its hind quarters.
So, is the all-new Kia Sorento a STUD or DUD?
Kia's press release follows:
Kia reveals first official photos of third generation Sorento
(SEOUL) August 11, 2014 – First photos of the all-new Kia Sorento released today confirm that the third generation of the popular SUV will feature a new look, with bold, swept-back styling and sophisticated surface detailing.
Longer, lower and wider, with an extended wheelbase, the new Sorento builds on the success of the outgoing model, delivering a premium look and feel, with more space and numerous innovative features.
With the brand's hallmark design features and a more mature appearance, the new model is instantly recognizable as a Sorento. The new look is an evolution of the current vehicle, incorporating fresh visual elements inspired by the Kia Cross GT concept that debuted at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, carrying over the long bonnet and the distinctive treatment of the wide D-pillars from the previous generation.
The exterior styling of the new Sorento was led by Kia's Namyang design studio in Korea, with significant levels of input from the brand's Frankfurt, Germany and Irvine, California design studios.
The front of new Sorento features a larger, more upright 'tiger-nose' grille, with a distinctive three-dimensional diamond pattern, and long, swept-back headlamps. The lower roofline, higher beltline and more muscular, rounded shoulders at the rear give the car a dramatic appearance.
The sleeker look is enhanced by an increase in length (+95 mm to 4,780 mm)* and a 15 mm reduction in height (down to 1,685 mm), while the 80 mm longer wheelbase (now 2,780 mm) ensures more passenger space in all three seat rows.
Soon-Nam Lee, Vice President of Overseas Marketing, Kia Motors Corp., said, "While we have retained the name based on the tremendous success of the outgoing model, the all-new Sorento has been completely redesigned and re-engineered, and promises to surprise customers with its thoroughly updated styling, a host of new convenience and safety technologies, as well as enhanced space, driving comfort and handling response."
The all-new Kia Sorento will be showcased in Korea in late August and make its European premiere on Thursday 2 October at the 2014 Paris Motor Show.