The redesigned Kia Sportage, which will premiere in two weeks at the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show, continues to tease compact CUV fans with new pictures of the interior and further details about equipment.
The quieter, more spacious cabin will put occupants in the safest Sportage ever created, with numerous available driver-assist technologies like autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and lane departure warning. Other options include navigation and a 7” or 8” display.
Pedestrian safety is further improved with a lower leading edge on the hood and a larger impact absorption area, which has been revised with greater use of highly absorbent safety foam and synthetic rubber.
The new Sportage is 40mm longer than its predecessor, with a 30mm longer wheelbase. Look for 16”, 17” or 19” wheels, heated front seats, as well as an available 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support.
The engines for the North American market have yet to be specified. In Europe, there will be a 1.6L GDI, a 1.6L T-GDI, a 1.7L diesel, and a 2.0L turbo-diesel.
UPDATE
Kia today unveiled the all-new Sportage at the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show. The vehicle is set to go on sale across Europe in the first quarter of 2016.
For the first time, a GT Line package will be available, adding sportier features like ice cube-shaped LED fog lights and offering a more dynamic driving experience.
Outside, the new Sportage proudly wears the signature “Tiger Nose” grille, which was slightly tweaked for a more aggressive look. The headlights were raised to make the vehicle appear larger than it really is despite the unchanged width. In the rear, certain elements were inspired by the Provo concept from 2013. The horizontal taillights remain, but the reverse lights are now separated from the turn signals.
The interior is much roomier both for passengers and their luggage. The trunk has a capacity of 503 litres (+38 litres), while the heated front seats were redesigned and include 10-way power adjustments with lumbar support for the driver. The back seat can recline 23-27 degrees.
Furthermore, the 2016 Kia Sportage offers numerous available driver-assist technologies like autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and lane departure warning. The list also includes road sign detection, as well as automatic headlights that adapt to incoming cars or road conditions.
The engines for the North American market have yet to be specified. In Europe, there will be a 1.6L GDI, a 1.6L T-GDI, a 1.7L diesel, and a 2.0L turbo-diesel. Similar to the Hyundai Tucson, the new Sportage will come with a standard 6-speed manual transmission, with a 7-speed dual-clutch unit being optional.
Pricing and a release date for Canada will be announced in a few weeks.
