The new look is interesting to say the least. From the front quarter, I think the new fascia slightly resembles that of the Porsche Macan with its swept-back headlamp shape and bulging, sculpted hood -- but only at a glance and only from this specific angle. The large quad-LED "Ice Cube" fog light design punctuates the new front end and reinforces the Porsche comparisons.
Or maybe I'm just seeing things. Either way, the illusion falls apart when viewed from almost any other angle. Viewed head-on, the automaker's signature Tiger Nose grill gains prominence, making the new headlights appear a bit smallish and slightly cross-eyed. And in profile, the Sportage is about as bland as the rest of the crossover segment. You'll have that.
Around back, the Kia's distinct tail lights (which used to echo the shape of the Tiger Nose) have been simplified into more generic teardrop shapes joined with a chrome accent bar. This is a shame, because I was a fan of the old design -- at the very least, it had an identity of its own.
Objectively, the next Sportage will be a bit longer (+40mm), but no taller or wider. A 30mm longer wheelbase should net the crossover a tad more space for people and their appendages. The new suspension should be stiffer, more controlled, and repackaged such that allows the rear cargo floor to sit a bit lower for easier loading. Speaking of cargo, the automaker's hands-free access feature will automatically open the rear liftgate when the driver stands near the back of the vehicle with the smart key transponder on their person.
Perhaps the most exciting bit of news here is the addition of a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission (DCT) to the options list. Developed in-house by Kia, the DCT will be packaged exclusively with the available with the 1.6-liter turbocharged GDI engine (177 horsepower, 195 pound-feet of torque) and the automaker's all-wheel drive system. According to the Kia, the new gearbox "has been engineered with low fuel consumption and a sporty driving feel when in manual mode, and with comfort and smoothness when left in automatic mode." Sounds promising.
The European Sportage will also be available with a naturally aspirated, 132-horsepower version of that 1.6-liter gasoline engine with a 6-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive.
Kia expects that most European Sportage owners will choose one of the diesel options, which can be had with either a 6-speed conventional automatic or manual transmission. Available are a 1.7-liter turbodiesel that's good for 115 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque and a larger 2.0-liter diesel can be had in either low (136 horsepower, 275 pound-feet of torque) or high (185 horsepower, 295 pound-feet of torque) tunes.
The Frankfurt auto show also marks the birth of a new GT Line trim level for the European Sportage. This package sharpens the Sportage's appearance, adds a stiffer suspension tune that has been "tested on European roads with European drivers in mind." Inside, the GT Line model features a race car-inspired flat-bottomed steering wheel that is unique to the trim level.
The fourth-generation Sportage will also protect European drivers with active safety features, including lane departure prevention, forward pre-collision braking, and active high beams. Available blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and a standard rear camera with dynamic guide lines help watch the driver's back. I also noticed a button in the cabin that activated the available Smart Parking Assist automated parallel parking system, though Kia's release oddly makes no mention of the feature (which also appears to be missing from its American suite of convenience tech).
The next Kia Sportage will reach European market in early 2016 as a 2016 model. We expect that the crossover will reach the North American market with different engines underhood and bearing a 2017 model year designation shortly after. Hopefully, that 7-speed DCT and a turbocharged 2.0-liter are in the cards, but we'll have to wait and speculate until more details are released.