Kia's popular Sorento mid-sized SUV, including the sought-after 2.5-litre CRDi models, is now available for a limited time with $3,400 worth of extra equipment that makes Sorento perfect for your next trip, whether it's circumnavigating the world or just going away for the weekend.

Styled along the lines of the Kia Sorento used by Swedish adventurer Christer Gerlach in his 2005 solo circumnavigation of the world and his retracing of the route for the cancelled 2008 Paris-Dakar rally earlier this year, the new Sorento Global Circuit is packed with lots of must-have equipment for no extra cost.

The limited edition Sorento Global Circuit pack, with a retail value of $3,400, adds a towbar with wiring, nudge bar, roof bar set, genuine tailored carpet mats, rear parking sensors, alloy side steps, rubber cargo mat, ARB recovery kit and unique Global Circuit badging - at no extra cost.

"In Australia, Sorento appeals to buyers who want 4WD capability, strong towing capacity, comprehensive equipment, outstanding value and the confidence of a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty," said Bill Gillespie, Director of Sales and Marketing at Kia Motors Australia.

"Sorento now offers a choice of 2.5-litre common rail diesel or 3.3-litre V6 petrol engine, with lower running costs and emissions, renowned quality and higher levels of safety."

"Christer Gerlach, considered by many to be the most experienced solo endurance driver in the world, has proven the strength and reliability of Sorento across thousands of kilometres of the roughest terrain."

"He drove it solo around the world via Mongolia and Siberia, he drove it through some of the toughest environments in Africa, and he's earned entries in the Guinness Book of Records for his feats."

"This limited edition Global Circuit pack recognises the significance of his achievements by bringing together some of the equipment most sought by Sorento customers who want to undertake their own big adventure."

"Best of all, this equipment comes at no extra cost - it's a great deal," said Mr. Gillespie.

The new limited edition Sorento Global Circuit pack is available through Kia dealers across Australia from July to October this year.

Priced similarly to many compact SUVs, the new Sorento range offers real 4WD capability, best-in-class towing capacity of 2,800 kg and the choice in all grades of an efficient 3.3-litre petrol V6 engine producing 180 kW or the new, torquey 2.5-litre turbo-diesel with common rail direct injection (CRDi) producing 125 kW.

Sorento features a ladder-frame construction and a dual-range transfer case 4WD system - serious 4WD credentials when most competitors offer only 'soft-roader' torque-split 4WD systems.

The Sorento range comprises the base model Sorento LX, the mid-range Sorento EX and the top-of-the range Sorento EX Limited. All models are available with a five-speed tiptronic-style automatic transmission, with a five-speed manual transmission also available on Sorento LX CRDi.

Sorento has been a global success story for Kia since it was launched late in 2002, with more than 750,000 sold around the world and continues to rack up awards around the globe.

In 2007, it was recognised as the "Leading mid-sized SUV" in the Strategic Vision Total Quality Index in the USA and as the "Best Medium Off-Roader" by Planet 4x4 in the United Kingdom. In 2008, Sorento has already been recognised as "Best All-Wheel Drive over 1800 kg" in the Towcar of the Year awards in the UK.

"I believe the Sorento Global Circuit is probably the best value, fully-featured medium SUV on the market at present," concluded Mr. Gillespie. "It offers the luxury, standard features, comfort and style for which you'd expect to pay many thousands of dollars more, and adds $3,400 worth of valuable equipment for no extra cost.