Kia Motors is gearing up for a run at the subcompact crossover market, one of the fastest-growing product segments in the U.S. Spy photographers recently caught a fleet of the vehicles during some hot-weather testing.
The new
crossover’s major competitors will be the Honda HR-V, Chevrolet Trax, Nissan
Juke and Fiat 500X. Kia’s
sister brand, Hyundai, also is preparing to launch a subcompact crossover in
the U.S.
Spy
photos of the Kia prototype
appear to show the brand’s new 1.0-liter “kappa” three-cylinder engine under
the hood.
Like
the Juke, the new Kia small
crossover has its headlights planted high up on the front fenders, but they
appear to be conventionally styled. Kia also appears to have given
the rear of the vehicle plenty of room. There is very little rear overhang, as
the wheels are at the corner of the vehicle.
Also
caught testing was the next-generation Kia Sportage compact crossover.
It looks to be more aerodynamic than the current model. Visible in the spy
photos are Kia’s
trademark “tiger” grille.
As with
the current model, the new Sportage, due out
around 2017, sports a pair of horizontal taillights, a gently sloping roof and
dual exhausts on the upper-trim models.
No comments:
Post a Comment