The 4th
generation of the Kia Sportage is hot on
the trail of Hyundai's new ix35/Tucson, as both Korean SUV models are nearing
the final stages of their development. Our spies stationed in Scandinavia have
managed to get really close to one of them and captured detailed photos, not
only of the exterior design features, but also of the brand new interior.
This is
the first time the cabin of the 2016 Sportage has been seen in such
detail and we're definitely liking what we see. The brand new steering wheel
has a very German look about it and the white dials behind it add a classy
touch. Obscured behind the test engineer's laptop, there appears to be the
latest Uvo infotainment system that you get on certain US-market models,
probably already fitted with Google CarPlay and/or Android Auto.
More refinement
Kia is unlikely to suddenly switch
the type of engines it uses on the Sportage
CUV. Most units will be carryovers, especially the ones on 2WD applications.
However, rumors suggest they will introduce a new Sportage Sport model powered
by a familiar 2-liter turbo engine, just like the one on the 2015 Sonata. This
prototype may or may not be it, since it features an atypical twin exhaust
system.
Instead
of speed, Kia will focus on
creating a more premium driving experience by widening the track and softening
the suspension. The next-gen model will feel noticeably less bouncy over bumps.
Another big change will be felt through the steering system, which will be
progressive for easier town maneuvers. The choice of materials used will
include more high-quality plastics and even mood lighting will be adopted.
Mystery new engine
The
only thing Kia has let slip
about its new Sportage is
that it will feature one all-new engine. There are a number of possibilities,
including the adoption of the EV powertrain from the Soul EV, but that's
clearly not the case here, as no EV would have exhaust pipes.
The
most interesting engine they've shown in years was revealed last year during
the Paris Motor Show. The Optima T-Hybrid was powered by a familiar
four-cylinder 1.7-liter CRDi turbodiesel engine working together with a small
electric motor and a 48V lead-carbon battery. Total output was increased to
around 160 hp while also enabling a "significant reduction" in fuel
consumption and CO2 emissions.
Sportage to mark new chapter in Kia design
For the
past few years, Kia's cars
have undoubtedly been ahead of the competition in terms of design. For example,
the 3-door pro_cee'd coupe is clearly a looker compared even to the Opel Astra
GTC and has won the prestigious Red Dot design award.
The
all-new Sportage
will open a new chapter for Kia's designers,
looking totally different to what we've come to expect from them. As you may
have already noticed, the wraparound headlights are now placed at the top of
the bodywork, which is a setup you normally see on SUVs like the first-gen Porsche
Cayenne or VW Touareg. A gigantic "Tiger Nose" grille will dominate
the front fascia and large LED taillights will protrude from the rear quarters.
Look
for the all-new Sportage to
debut in Korea first, towards the end of 2015, followed by Europe, China and
America later in 2016.
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