Despite the fact that these aren't the best of times for mid-size and large crossovers and SUVs, KIA is moving ahead with the development of its next-generation Sorento that could make its global premiere as early as the 2009 Geneva Motor Show next March. The first and foremost change is that KIA has ditched the current model's separate body-on-frame chassis in favor of a unibody architecture meaning that the new Sorento will lose in terms of towing and off-road capabilities but gain in handling, ride quality and fuel economy.

Since the Sorento will be sold on both sides of the Atlantic it comes to no surprise that KIA is planning to offer its new crossover with a variety of diesel and petrol powerplants. In terms of gasoline engines the Sorento will be available with two V6 powertrains (depending on the market), a 3.0-liter unit developing 240HP and a larger 3.8-liter motor with an output of 260HP. It remains uncertain if KIA will continue to offer the Euro-spec 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine from the current model.

European and other international markets will also benefit from Hyundai's newly developed "R" 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine that will be available in two sizes, 2.0 and 2.2-litres with outputs of 184HP / 392Nm and 200HP respectively coupled with 6-speed automatic or manual transmissions. There will also be a new 3.0-litre V6 CRDi turbo diesel producing 240HP. Though there is a possibility that KIA might consider offering two-wheel-drive variants of the Sorento for even better fuel economy, the Koreans will most likely stick with a standard four-wheel-drive-layout.

Aside from the chassis overhaul and the new powertrains, the new Sorento will grow a few inches in dimensions and it will be offered with the option of seven seats. Our spy shots reveal that while KIA isn't breaking any molds, the Sorento's interior which is apparently influenced by the Korean firm's Forte sedan looks pretty fresh overall. Carscoop's sources also state that the interior's finish will be of noticeably higher quality than any models in KIA's range.

Although it's hard to see any of the exterior details with that all that camouflage (you can however take a peek at the production version by clicking here), the next generation Sorento will take a few design cues from the 'boxy' KND-4 concept (especially in what concerns the front-end of the vehicle) that was penned under the guidance of Kia´s Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer. You can see pictures of the concept below.

The new Sorento is expected to go on sale in Korea in the second half of 2009 with European, North American and other international markets following in late 2009 or early 2010.