Frankfurt 2015: 2016 Kia Sportage unveiled in the flesh

The 2016 Kia Sportage has been unveiled in the flesh at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. The fourth-generation contender to the likes of the Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson has much to offer aside from its avant-garde styling. While the Kia Sportage in GT Line trim has already been seen prior to this, we now have a full look at the entire Sportage range.

As a whole, the Sportage comes with an all-new face that some might argue lends it a look that is all too similar to a certain German SUV. Up front, the new “tiger nose” grille is now separated from the boomerang-shaped headlights. Other changes include a larger insert for the fog lights. In addition to that, the new Sportage is bigger in size compared to its predecessor.

At the rear, it receives sharper LED rear lights that are linked to one another via a chrome trim – beneath which lies a red reflector strip. Distinguishing the Sportage GT Line from the rest of the range are the “ice cube” fog lights, a silver-coloured skid plate in front and a diffuser at the back with twin exhaust tips.

Kia says that the new body has reduced aerodynamic drag from 0.35 Cd previously to 0.33 Cd. The company has also claimed lower noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels – road noise has been reduced by two decibels, from 65 dB previously to 63 dB via the use of new rear bushings and sound absorbent materials in the SUV’s wheel arches. The petrol engine is also two decibels quieter (from 46 dB to 44 db).

The Sportage GT Line receives a new rack-mounted electric motor-driven power steering system (R-MPDS) similar to the Kia Optima GT as standard – it is a cost option on variants. Additionally, the GT Line gets a retuned suspension setup that’s said to provide sharper, more “athletic” handling.

Inside, the Sportage is fitted with soft-touch materials, a five-watt wireless charger and two USB ports. Owners can also choose from a choice of either a seven- or eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation together with Kia’s Connected Services. A standard 160-watt six-speaker system is present alongside an optional 320-watt, JBL eight-speaker sound system with an external amplifier.

Engine choices include a new turbocharged 1.6 litre T-GDI petrol engine which makes 174 hp and 265 Nm of torque or a 1.6 litre GDI petrol which produces 130 hp/161 Nm – the former is exclusive only to the GT Line variant. As for diesel engines, a 1.5 litre CRDi turbodiesel mill is offered alongside a 2.0 litre turbodiesel mill – the former makes 113 hp, while the latter comes in two states of tune (134 hp/373 Nm and 184 hp/400 Nm).

Also new is a seven-speed double clutch transmission (DCT) which is paired exclusively to the 1.6 litre T-GDI engine in Sportage GT Line. The rest of the range can be optioned out with a choice of either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.

Safety wise, the new car includes automatic emergency braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Blind Spot Detection (BSD) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) as well as High Beam Assist (HBA) and Speed Limit Information Function (SLIF) – the latter uses an in-car camera to capture speed limit and road signs which are then projected on to the instrument cluster.

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