Kia Releases 2010 Sorento Teaser Sketches

Kia isn't being shy about its upcoming next-generation Sorento, releasing two teaser photos here in the midst of Geneva show coverage even when the Sorento won't be making its debut until the Seoul Motor Show in April.

The new Sorento crossover will come with a 2.2 liter R-diesel with 200 hp that boasts a fuel economy rating of 33 mpg or 7 liters/100 km. A 2.4 liter Theta II gasoline engine with about 175 hp is also available but at the top of the range will be 3.8 liter straight 6-cylinder with more than 270 hp. There is also a new 6-speed automatic transmission.

This is another Kia model designed under the auspices of Peter Schreyer, who heads the Korean brand's European design studio and used to work for Audi. Having conquered the realm of quality build, Kia is clearly trying to push their designs forward and make their models competitive with their European counterparts on that front too.

The new Kia Sorento goes on sale in South Korea in April. In Europe and North America, the model will be launched late in 2009.