As previously revealed, the new fourth-generation model brings all-new styling, including a bolder front-end with the headlights moved away from the grille and further up the side of the bonnet, giving a wider, lower look to the familiar ‘tiger-nose’ grille.

The all-new interior, shown in the new images, also represents a significant update over the third-generation car with a focus on a wide, driver-orientated dashboard, and upgraded materials as well as greater soundproofing measures. It also features optional new 7.0 or 8.0-inch HMI (human-machine interface) systems in the centre of the dashboard and single or two-tone colour schemes, with customers able to choose from either a single-tone (black) or two-tone (Dark and Light Grey or Black and Canyon Beige) cabin.

For the first time, a new ‘GT Line’ specification is available to Sportage customers, bringing a slightly sportier feel, with a D-shaped leather steering wheel, high quality piano black fascia and aluminium alloy pedals.

And the new model also brings increased passenger space, with headroom rising to 997mm (+5 mm) and 993mm (+16mm) for front and rear passengers respectively, while maximum legroom has expanded to 1,129mm (+ 19mm) and 970mm (+7mm). And boot space in the fourth-generation Sportage has expanded from 465 litres to 503 litres, with a dual-height luggage floor also offered.

Engines include the addition of a new 1.6-litre T-GDI (turbo petrol direct injection), exclusively for GT Line buyers as well as a 1.6-litre GDI unit carried over directly from the third-generation Sportage but with anticipated lower emissions and fuel consumption. The T-GDI unit will also be offered exclusively with the brand’s all-new seven-speed double-clutch transmission (DCT), recently launched in the enhanced Kia cee’d.

The new model will also continue to offer the 113bhp 1.7-litre CRDi diesel engine from the third-generation model and a significantly upgraded 2.0-litre ‘R’ power unit offered in 134bhp and 181bhp variants, and available with both the standard Sportage and the GT Line specification.
The all-new Kia Sportage will go on sale across Europe in Q1 2016. Further technical details for the all-new Sportage will be announced closer to the car’s on-sale date.