Kia has released first photos of the third-generation Sorento with a new swept-back styling that is more upscale, bolder and more mature.

The new Sorento is also longer, lower and wider, with an extended wheelbase, offering more space and numerous innovative features.

The front features a larger, more upright ‘tiger-nose’ grille, with a distinctive three-dimensional diamond pattern, and long, swept-back headlamps. The roofline lis lower and the rounded shoulders at the rear give the car a bolder appearance.

Overall length is now 4,780mm (+95mm), height is down to 1,685mm (-15mm), while the wheelbase is now 2,780mm (+80mm).

Interior images were not released, but Kia says the longer wheelbase ensures more passenger space in all three seat rows.

Engine details remain a mystery, but we can expect to see there a 2.4 and 3.3-litre V6 petrol units, 2.0 and 2.2-litre CRDi diesels, as well as a hybrid.

The new Sorento will debut first in lat August in its home market and in Europe on Thursday 2 October at the Paris Motor Show. First cars are expected to arrive in UK in Spring 2015.