WHO NEEDS spy photos? Images leaked this morning from Europe’s patent office have revealed the full exterior styling of Kia’s next generation Sportage CUV.
Previously seen only in the form of camouflaged test cars, the new Sportage borrows heavily from the looks of its larger Sorento stablemate, launched in Australia late last year.
Based on the dynamic Kia Kue concept revealed in 2007, the new Sportage bears the more recently developed ‘Schreyer Line’ grille design, now a common feature for all new Kia models.
The new Sportage shares its platform with the Hyundai Tucson’s successor in the upcoming 2010 ix35. Retaining the ‘compact SUV’ layout of the current model, the Sportage is a smaller alternative to the roomier seven-seat Sorento.
As with its siblings in the Kia line-up, the Sportage will likely be offered in two specification levels: an entry-level Si, and a more heavily-featured SLi model. Also possible is a range-topping ‘Platinum’ model (currently offered as part of the Grand Carnival and the Sorento model line-up).
Although difficult to spot in the patent images, earlier spy photos show that the new Sportage will feature integrated Daytime Running Lights in the headlight housings.
It’s too early to know exactly which engines will be offered with the next-generation Sportage, but it is likely to share the ix35’s 123kW 2.0 litre petrol and 102kW 2.0 litre R-series diesel engines.
Kia has offered no word on when the new Sportage will be officially unveiled. Earlier speculation had pointed to December’s LA Auto Show and this month’s Detroit Auto Show, but March’s Geneva Motor Show would seem the next likely date.
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has anyone driven the Kia Soul as yet in auto…
I haven’t really seen one up close or driven one as yet..
they may be too small…
was also looking at a mitsubishi COLT VRX CVT
This looks better than the ix35!
I think these will be very successful.
This looks quite fantastic. Wonder how big it is in comparison to say the X-Trail though…
Wow, an excellent looking car…
I actually nearly bought a sportage last year…
Kia have really got their act together..
I really like their cars..
LEE
I agree..
these will sell like hot cakes..
there are some excellent designers with KIA…
much better than the early models..
LEE
Martin,
the sportage isn’t a large SUV like an X trail..
they have the Santa Fe which is larger…
LEE
I know they aren’t in the same size category, but my question still stands about the size in comparison to the X-Trail.
Don’t you mean the Sorrento 68autobug? Whilst they are closely related, the Santa Fe is still a Hyundai.
Yes, My apologies…
the Sorrento came to mind but I wasn’t sure…
I was looking at buying a santa fe or sportage..
but I ended up buying a Suzuki Swift.. lol
the Santa Fe and Sportage both have the same engines…
as Hyundai owns both companies…
so I got mixed up a bit…lol
cheers
LEE
Martin
I believe the new sportage will be a lot smaller than the X trail..
the sloping back on these new SUV’s like BMW VW Nissan Murano
etc make the luggage capacite much smaller then the square back on the X trail and Challenger and Kruger..
cheers
LEE