SPYSHOTS: Next-generation 2016 Kia Sportage on test

Kia-Sportage-001

The third-generation Kia Sportage, which still looks pretty trendy in current facelift form, is five years old now. That means it’s time for a new one, and since sister brand Hyundai has already fired its bullet in the form of the third-gen Tucson – unveiled in February this year – the new Sportage should be out before the year ends.

Our latest set of spyshots show the 2016 Sportage testing in the Swiss Alps. Compared to previous sightings, the mid-size SUV rival to the Honda CR-V, Nissan X-Trail, Mazda CX-5 (and in Europe, the Ford Kuga), shows for the first time its new front end without the previous black bag cover.

The position of the headlamps versus the grille could hint at a face that resembles the KX3 B-segment SUV that surfaced in China late last year, a departure from the current one-piece headlamp-grille arrangement. Zoom in on the grille and you’ll see Kia’s ‘tiger nose’ outline and ‘diamond studs’ as seen on big brother Sorento. The headlamps extend quite far into the front wings.

The new Sportage’s front end could look similar to the KX3 B-segment SUV pictured here

The side profile and greenhouse of this mule appears pretty similar to the current car, but there are some changes at the back. The license plate is now located on the tailgate and not the bumper, while the tail lamps feature triple-stripe U-shaped graphics. Lastly, the mule here is trying on some funky wheels that look a bit like those on the Rio facelift.

Expect a brand new interior and the regular range of Hyundai-Kia MPI engines for our market, although the Cerato Koup’s Turbo GDI motor or the R diesel engine would make things a lot more interesting.


Current third-gen Kia Sportage facelift

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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • One word,
    ugly

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 8
    • Same L0rrrr on Jun 30, 2015 at 5:19 pm

      Look is a subjective measure, some can’t accept it but some love it!
      RV, at the other hand, is objective measure. No RV means no RV. Simple.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 8
  • SamShowedMeTheHilux on Jun 30, 2015 at 4:38 pm

    One word : Hailat

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 5
  • seancorr (Member) on Jun 30, 2015 at 4:58 pm

    This will be interesting to see all new Sportage. I hope it doesn’t follow theKX3 front and rear end coz it looks too identical to another SUV…heheheh.

    Anyhow I’m pretty sure when it lands here it will be miles better off in spec & trim level compared to any Hyundai model no thanks to a greedy Sime Darby.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 2
  • CarmenTung on Jun 30, 2015 at 5:12 pm

    What !? I don’t want the KX3 face I prefer they just refurnished its predecessor

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • The design must be inspired by Nissan Juke.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
    • SamShowedMeTheHilux on Jun 30, 2015 at 7:21 pm

      Correction, KIA must have copied the design from Nissan Juke

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
  • marieta on Aug 10, 2015 at 8:07 am

    Look too tame and punny…I think I’ll go for Sorento that is more manly and king of the road

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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