KOREAN car maker Kia has released the first pictures of its sporty new Sorento SUV which will be going on sale in Britain early next year.

The third generation 4x4 is longer, wider and lower than the current model with swept back styling and Kia's bold tiger-nose grille flanked by large light clusters..

The wheelbase is also more than three inches longer which Kia says creates more room in all three rows of seats.

With its roots in the Kia Cross GT concept which was shown at the Chicago auto show in 2013 the new Sorento will make its debut in its native Korea later this month before being seen in Europe for the first time at the Paris Motor Show in October.

Soon-Nam Lee, vice president of overseas marketing for Kia, said, "The all-new Sorento has been completely redesigned and re-engineered, and promises to surprise customers with its thoroughly updated styling, a host of new convenience and safety technologies, as well as enhanced space, driving comfort and handling response."

The new Sorento is due to be released in the UK next spring and although prices are still to be announced the current model runs from £27,000 to £36,805.