Kia will unveil three new models at the Geneva Show…

The models, the new Kia Sorento SUV, a short wheelbase version of the new Kia Carnival and a “still-secret show car” will make their debut on February 28, the opening day of the show.

According to Kia, the Carnival ‘stubby’ has been created specifically for the European market. It is based on the Grand Carnival.

Although both the wheelbase and the overall length are reduced from the Grand Carnival, the new MPV remains larger than the outgoing Euro model. The vehicle retains three rows of seating and will go on sale in Europe in the middle of the year.

The Sorento all-wheel drive wagon has meantime received a “healthy power boost” says Kia. Both diesel and petrol engines have been uprated as have equipment levels. The exterior styling has also come in for a freshen up.

For Europe, the 06 Sorento offers a choice of 135kW (up 21 per cent) four-cylinder diesel or 3.3-litre 176kW V6 petrol. Expect the same updates to filter through to other markets.

As for the “still-secret show car”, Kia says simply: “it is based on a five-door C-segment hatchback design.” We expect a development of the platform Kia shares with Hyundai. Late last year prototypes (three-door pictured) of the new shared platform were displayed in the USA.