Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Spyshots: 2016 Kia Sportage Testing on the Nurburgring, Debuts This September

The all-new Kia Sportage has been spied by our photographers undergoing track testing at the Nurburgring. Being based on an all-new platform and powered by advanced engines, this small SUV will be superior to its predecessor in many ways.

With testing going on at the Hyundai-Kia Technical Center in Russelsheim for a year, it's pretty clear that this model will play a crucial role in their expansion plans. Even though it's heavily camouflaged, this prototype confirms that design changes have been made.

The grille has been moved down, while the headlights are on the edges of the bonnet. This will make the new Sportage appear similar to the Nissan Juke and the Niro concept from a few years ago.

Inside, the dashboard will sport similar switches to the Sorento and Sedona. Full-spec models with navigation will also integrate Android Auto into the 7-inch screen.

The platform will be a little wider than before, improving handling. However, refinement is what the Koreans are after. The engine range will start with a 1.6 GDi offered exclusively with front-wheel drive. Just like on the new Hyundai Tucson, there will also be a turbo version of that, packing the same 1.6 T-GDI with 185 PS as on the Cee'd GT. A small 1.2 turbo GDI with over 130 horsepower is also rumored, but no confirmation has been made.

In the diesel range, the 2016 Sportage will debut with an economical 1.7 CRDi that's available with a 7-speed DCT. There will also be a 2-liter CRDi coupled to a conventional automatic.

Specially designed for the US and maybe even the South Koran market, the Sportage 2.0T should offer the best performance, with 245 horsepower being sent through a 6-speed with paddle shifters.

Various sources have confirmed that the new-generation Kia Sportage is likely to be revealed in September. That date coincides with the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, but there could be a separate event in Korea.


No comments: