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  Sorento's Lexus-inspired body shape has been designed with the final hand of new Kia stylist Peter Schreyer. Photo Gallery

• The all-new Sorento is bigger and seats up to seven.
• Prices and final specification are yet to be announced for Australia.
• Kia Sorento retains a 2500kg tow rating.

Big changes spark the release later this year in Australia of the next generation Kia Sorento SUV.

Unveiled this week at the 2009 Seoul Motor Show in Korea, the new Sorento is bigger and gets seating for up to seven.

The sleeker, Lexus-inspired body shape is now monocoque — previously it was a body-on-frame design with a separate ladder chassis — and will be available as either a 2WD or 4WD.

The same philosophy has worked well for the Ford Territory, Toyota Kluger and Hyundai Santa Fe.

Prices and final specification are yet to be announced for Australia, though it's probable we will be offered a carry-over 207kW/335Nm 3.5-litre V6 petrol or a new 147kW/435Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel. This diesel replaces the 125kW/392Nm 2.5-litre unit.

Off-roaders and travellers will be pleased to note the new Sorento retains a 2500kg tow rating.

Transmissions would be a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual.

Global markets can pick from four engines including a 123kW/244Nm 2.7-litre V6 running on LPG — a powerplant that could find favour with Australian motorists.

Designed with the final hand of new Kia stylist Peter Schreyer, the Sorento is about 110mm longer than its predecessor.

Kia claims that leads to an increase in interior headroom by 64mm (to 906mm) and legroom by 102mm (to 795mm).

Luggage space is up by 15 per cent — there is 258 litres behind the third seat row and 1047 litres behind the second row — because the tailgate has been moved back by 70mm.

Optional or standard features likely to come on the Australian model include keyless entry and engine start, a panoramic glass roof, rear camera, sat-nav and an iPod/USB compatible audio with up to 10 speakers.