Kia-Sorento-003

The next-generation Kia Sorento has been spotted by our European spies undergoing testing in Switzerland. The third iteration of the company's seven-seater crossover is expected to make its debut at the Paris Motor Show in October.

From the front, it appears the new Sorento will inherit the recently-unveiled Carnival/Sedona's oversized interpretation of Kia's signature "tiger nose" grille. Elsewhere, rounder surfaces hints at a car that will look sleeker and more modern than its bluff, brutish predecessors. It also seems to have grown significantly in size, particularly in the rear overhang, presumably for the benefit of third-row passengers.

Engine choices for the new Sorento are expected to be carried over from the current model, which is offered with 2.4 litre inline-four and 3.5 litre V6 petrol engines as well as a 2.2 litre turbodiesel four. A plug-in hybrid model is also rumoured to be available at launch with a 2.3 litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to an electric motor and a 47 kWh lithium-polymer battery.