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Kia has given us the first, full look at its fourth-generation Sportage crossover/SUV ahead of a world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show and it's a considerable change from the look of the outgoing model.
While the 'tiger nose' grille is present and correct, the Sportage now has its headlight clusters separated from said design feature, with the lamps instead sitting higher along the edges of the bonnet. Furthermore, the 'ice cube' daytime running lights seen on the cee'd/pro_cee'd GT hot hatches are drafted into service.
From side on, the glasshouse and raked profile is reminiscent of the old car but the front overhang is longer, the rear overhang is shorter and the wheelbase has been extended. The rear is particularly attractive, with neat light clusters inspired by the 2013 Provo concept car and a horizontal line linking them together emphasising the width of the Sportage. The indicators and reversing lights, out of interest, are both located in those strips at the lower, outer edges of the bumper.
No word on mechanicals as yet but expect a lot of the engines from the old line-up to be carried over in some form or another, as well as the Sportage being available in both front- and all-wheel drive.
Due for its full premiere in Frankfurt, the new Sportage's design has been led by Kia's European studio in Frankfurt, Germany, with input from the brand's Korean and Californian design centres too. It will go on sale in Ireland in January 2016.