Initially launched ‘down under’ just one year ago, availability and update details for the latest Kia Sorento SUV have been revealed by Kia Australia.

The updated-for-2011 model gains several new standard feature and trim updates, including Bluetooth hands-free setup and media streaming across all grades, including the entry-level Si.

Another notable addition is a ‘headlamp escort’ feature. At night, once the car is stopped, low beam headlights illuminate the ground in order to guide the exiting passengers.

The higher trim models – SLi and Platinum – receive other clever upgrades such as rear-view camera with high-resolution in-mirror screens and parking lines. The upper two trims also gain a classy leather enfoldment for the instrument cluster, auto up-down electric window function, and for the Platinum, an alarm-equipped panoramic sunroof. The latter is automatically activated once ignition is turned off and the driver leaves the vehicle. Pretty clever.

Pricing has also been unveiled by Kia Australia, and is unchanged for the petrol variant at a reasonable $36,490, and the 2.2-litre diesel at $39,990 and $41,990 for manual and automatic versions respectively. Lastly, the higher-end SLi and Platinum models receive the new upgrades for a minor $200, thus pricing is $46,190 and $49,190 respectively.