What's all this about?

Kia is going to show off a facelifted version of one of our favourite big SUVs, the seven-seat Sorento, at the Frankfurt International Motor Show.

What has Kia changed?

There has been some redesigning of the bumpers, plus the addition of new LED headlights and tail-lights, the units at the front featuring Dynamic Bending Light, which means they can illuminate corners as you're turning into them. Some fresh paint colours are dropped into the palette, in the form of New Rich Espresso and Gravity Blue, while the 17-, 18- and 19-inch aluminium alloy wheels are a new design.

OK, and within?

The steering wheel and instrument cluster of the facelifted Kia Sorento are both new, while the Audio Visual Navigation (AVN) is Kia's latest 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Connected Services, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto all included. A wireless smartphone charging pad is in the centre console, while an optional upgrade is a Harman Kardon 'QuantumLogic' surround sound system, comprising ten speakers and 640 watts of power. Aside from this, Kia promises a more premium ambience, thanks to more soft-touch materials and leather used throughout - customers can choose from an all-black or two-tone black and stone-beige finish for the cockpit.

Has the drivetrain been changed?

Not the engine, which is the same 2.2-litre four-cylinder CRDi diesel as before, which comes with a six-speed manual as standard on most models. However, the optional automatic transmission has been improved - gone is the clunky old six-speed unit, in favour of a slicker eight-speeder. This drops the auto Sorento's CO₂ emissions from 172g/km to a more acceptable 159g/km. That should also mean better fuel economy, although Kia hasn't quoted that as yet. The automatic also offers four different driving modes, which are Eco, Comfort, Sport and Smart, while a GT Line model - complete with interior and exterior sporty styling updates, such as 'ice cube' quad LED daytime running lights and red brake calipers - is going to be introduced.

Is the Sorento safe?

The facelifted SUV will benefit from the latest DRiVE WISE Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including Driver Attention Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System and High Beam Assist.

When does the new Sorento go on sale?

Across Europe, the updated Kia Sorento will be hitting showrooms some time in Q4 of this year.

Matt Robinson - 5 Sep 2017