Next-generation Kia Sportage moves upmarket to fight Nissan Qashqai and Honda CR-V, with KX3-inspired styling and premium cabinThe next-generation Kia Sportage has been spotted testing for the first time, and it shows that the crossover will take on a new shape ahead of its planned launch at the beginning of next year
The new Sportage, Kia's rival for the Nissan Qashqai, Honda CR-V and Ford Kuga, will take styling inspiration from 2014's KX3 concept. Although the KX3 previewed a new model which would be aimed at the Chinese market, elements of the car's styling are known to have been included on the new Sportage.
From these early spy shots, we can see this disguised test mule features Kia's large 'Tiger Nose' grille, while the car's headlights also appear to have been redesigned. At the rear, the Sportage gets new tail light designs and is expected to receive a re-profiled rear bumper.
Although not caught on camera yet, it's understood that Kia will significantly lift the fit and finish of the Sportage's cabin to fight more premium rivals. That could include fitting a new, larger central infotainment screen and using higher-quality materials inside. One of our few criticisms of the current Sportage's cabin is that it feels cheap in places.
Under the bonnet, Kia has only confirmed that a new powertrain will be offered in the Sportage. This is unlikely to be a plug-in hybrid model, but could allude to either a pure EV version (along the lines of the Soul EV) or to a downsized three-cylinder motor. Elsewhere, expect the current 1.6-litre petrol and 1.7 and 2.0-litre diesel options to be refined, increasing fuel economy and reducing emissions.
Judging from the appearance of this prototype, it's unlikely that the new Sportage will make a public motor show debut prior to its early 2016 launch.
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