What's all this about?
This is our first, full look at the fourth-generation of the popular Kia Sportage crossover-SUV. And, as you can see, it's quite a dramatic design departure from the old car.
In what way?
Well, the 'face' of the Sportage previews the future look of the Kia brand and while the 'tiger nose' grille is retained, it's wider because the headlight clusters have been separated from said feature and are now perched either side of the bonnet. Also thrown in are the 'ice cubes' octet of daytime running lights, as seen on the cee'd/pro_cee'd GT hot hatches. At the rear, slim light clusters inspired by the 2013 Provo concept car are joined by one of a few horizontal lines, all of which are designed to make the Kia look wider. And if you're wondering where the indicators are, they're located in slim strips down at the corners of the bumper with the reversing lamps - this is another trick to accentuate the car's breadth.
Wouldn't you say it looks familiar in profile, though?
Yes, you can see the old car's swept-back cockpit and similar glasshouse, but the overhangs have changed - longer at the front, shorter at the rear - while the wheelbase has grown too. This should lead to a bigger interior.
How about the engine and drivetrain?
Can't tell you. As yet. Expect the Sportage to be available in either front- or all-wheel drive, like the outgoing model, with similar engine specs to the current car.
And will this be in Frankfurt?
Of course. The Kia Sportage MkIV has its world premiere at the German show - apt, as its design was led by Kia's European design house, which is based in... Frankfurt. Both the Korean and Californian design teams assisted in the crossover's look.
Matt Robinson - 27 Aug 2015