[THE INVESTOR] Kia Motors launched an upgraded Sorento crossover on July 20.

The upgraded Sorento incorporates a new grille and front and rear graphics and LED accents that make the car sharper. It can be equipped with a choice of 2.0-liter turbo gasoline, a 2.2 diesel or 2.0 diesel engine with buyers given the option of an eight-speed automatic transmission, the first of its kind for a locally produced midsize SUV, the company said in a statement. 

“All previous Sorento SUVs were equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. A higher gearbox helps improve the vehicle‘s fuel efficiency and offers a comfortable ride to the driver,” a spokesman said.

The 2.2 diesel-powered Sorento has a competitive mileage of 13.4 kilometers per liter of fuel, the carmaker said, a slight improvement from the existing model. It said fuel economy has been improved for the gasoline version as well.

Kia said the three SUVs are available from 28 million won (US$25,000) to 31 million won, Kia said.

By Song Seung-hyun and newswires (ssh@heraldcorp.com)