Tuesday, February 3, 2015

2016 Kia Sportage Interior Spied for the First Time, Features New Steering Wheel and Uvo




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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