A few weeks ago we brought you the first snippets of official info concerning the all-new Kia Sportage compact SUV including a small helping or cryptic teaser sketches. We were immediately struck by what seemed to amount to a fairly major exterior design overhaul. If speculation surrounding the release of these teasing tidbits was to be believed, the fourth generation Sportage would sport an entirely re-imagined and rather handsome front end.
Well speculate no more, as the covers have finally come off the 2016 Kia Sportage in readiness for its world premiere at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. So now that we have the official press images at our disposal, let’s get our teeth into the design of the next-generation Sportage.
Continuing that metaphor, the tiger nose grille would surely be the most apt place to start. This fresh interpretation of Kia’s distinctive ‘family face’ is now lower and wider chiming with that of its stablemates the Optima saloon and the new Carens MPV.
As previously deduced, the designers over at Kia have really rung the changes at the front of the 2016 Sportage. One thing that stays true to the teaser sketches is the bold new headlamp design. No longer integrated with the grille, the front headlamps rise up along outer edges of the bonnet, tapering off as they stretch back toward the windscreen.
Kia makes the bold statement that the design of the 2016 Sportage echoes that of “some of the most iconic modern fighter jets”. Although we can’t knock the Korean manufacture’s lofty ambitions, potential buyers will likely be more enticed by top spec than top gun.
Characterised by its sportier, more raked profile, the all-new Sportage retains the swept-back silhouette of the outgoing model, with a roofline that tapers slightly towards the rear of the car. Whilst the front of the car has been slightly stretched, rear overhangs have been cut to a minimum. Rear styling is heavily influenced by the Kia Provo concept SUV that debuted at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, particularly the distinctive light strip that links the two headlamps.
Technical data, including the all-important powertrain specifications for the all-new Kia Sportage will be announced when its take its bow at the 2016 Frankfurt Motor Show on 15th September. We will of course bring you all the nitty gritty as soon as it goes public.
