Next-Generation Kia Sportage Teased Ahead of Frankfurt

Having trouble re-entering reality in the wake of the 2015 Pebble Beach extravaganza? Well snap out of it, because the very real Frankfurt auto show is just a few weeks ahead, and Kia’s already teasing the next-generation Sportage, an entirely more attainable vehicle than those that were on display in California this past weekend.

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Designed at Kia’s European design center in Frankfurt, the sketches shown here representing the Sportage in the designer’s purest sense (Doors: Who needs ‘em?), but the essence of the design should make it through to production. Based on the drawings, as well as the direction the crossover segment is moving as whole, it’s a given the fourth-generation Sportage will adopt a more aggressive fascia and lighting. How the Nissan Juke–like high fender sills and and gun-slit greenhouse will translate to the streetable Sportage remains to be seen.

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Kia hasn’t yet offered any other details, only stating that interior of the new Sportage “marries simple, modern style with rich material quality for Kia’s most refined, highest-quality cabin to date.” Which is good, as many in the C/D office felt the interior of our long-term 2012 Sportage was below par for the segment, spoiling an otherwise competent crossover. A little chrome and some two-toned surfaces, as represented in the sketch, would brighten things up nicely. We expect the new Sportage to debut as a 2017 model.

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