The 2011 Kia Sportage prototype made an unexpected road-appearance again. Kia’s upcoming Sportage crossover has been spotted while undergoing testing on South Korean soil and here we bring you a few good-quality shots of a heavily dressed crossover vehicle.
Exterior of the redesigned Sportage remains heavily guarded, but these latest spy shots do reveal us a few exterior sheetmetal pieces that we haven’t seen closely so far. What is immediately apparent on the next generation Sportage is that the model incorporates more modern and sportier overall design compared to the current vehicle.
In front, the 2011 Sportage features distinctive headlights and massive signature grille, reminiscent of that we have previously seen on Kia Kue concept crossover. Together with slightly swept back headlights, the grille creates a clean and aggressive down-road appearance.
Based on the same uni-body chassis that underpins Hyundai’s forthcoming Tucson crossover, the newcomer promises a unique blend of performance and space. Automakers’ most modern four-cylinder engines are expected to propel the newcomer, including a 2.0L R-diesel engine and a range of gasoline engines, equipped with gasoline direct injection -GDI technology.
The 2.7L V6, available with the current Sportage, is rumored to be axed from the range. Engines are expected to be mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox that Kia developed in conjunction with parent Hyundai.
According to Hyundai, the all-new six-speed automatic transmission is lighter and more compact than any comparable product on the market right now. Hyundai-Kia engineers also revealed that their new six-speed tranny provides 12.2% better fuel economy and shaves 0.2 seconds off the zero to sixty time compared to existing six-speed automatic transmission that can be found on some Kia and Hyundai models (Kia Borrego, Hyundai Genesis).
Codenamed SL, the 2011 Kia Sportage is expected to make its first public appearance as a concept car at one of the upcoming auto shows – possibly this year’s L.A. auto show, while production ready model will be officially unveiled early next year. According to sources close to the second largest Korean carmaker, Kia plans to commence the sales of next generation Sportage in South Korea in February 2010.
July 30th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
looks like an SX due to the darkened headlamps.
July 30th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
I just want to see one without the covers. It does no good to see it with the covers on it.
July 30th, 2009 at 10:17 pm
Nice to know about the next Sportage. I want to make a commet on the VG. For some reason, I can’t view commets let alone type my opinion on that article. So, I have to do it on here. The design is nice. I really like the grille. I can’t wait to see this in person. After seeing this sketch, the VG is not a Camry rival it’s a class above thtat. I can’t understand why Kia’s car are so confusing but when it comes to Hyundai new cars, no one is confused. I can’t wait to see this Sportage and the VG.
July 30th, 2009 at 11:04 pm
Even if it’s heavily camoed, the Sportage looks awesome, already! It has great proportions and very high belt-line, which gives it a great looking side profile. I also love the grille and headlights set up. Looks better than on new Sorento.
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What I’m looking forward to are all the new engines that Sportage will have. We could even see a hybrid version!
July 31st, 2009 at 12:33 am
himi-I agree, even hidden this pup is a winner from the Korean boys. And I love that gold color and I like the wheels. Are those 18″ wheels I’m looking at there for the new Sportsman? Unibody construction the norm, no more serious offroading in a new world order Sporty. Man, my ’01 Sportage 4X4 was awesome on the logging roads in 2WD RWD even. Good clearance it had with it. Awesome little SUV. Kinda miss it. =:( =:)
July 31st, 2009 at 3:08 am
(Why on neither one of my computers, I’m not allowed to view commets or post commets on the VG Rendering ad?) Yeah this is very nice even hidden. It’s almost as if the wheels stick out on picture 3. The muscles are covered up. As for a V6 being gone. That’s cool because I feel compact CUVs don’t need V6s let alone 3rd row just so people can complain how little room it is back there. Hey Himi, not only could we see a hybrid version but I’m looking for the fuel cell version they have been testing the entire 2nd generation Sportage’s life. It looks like a great looking crossover. And the best part of all, even though all Kias have the signature grille, they look nothing alike. This doesn’t look like neither the Borrego, Rondo nor Sorento. With the name Sportage, I expect it to be very very Sporty.
July 31st, 2009 at 3:36 am
I don’t see VG thread
October 13th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
I think it looks sweet
February 28th, 2010 at 11:20 pm
es muy bonita, se ve varona espero que la saquen a la luz publica pronto con motor disel silencioso
March 20th, 2010 at 12:55 am
Really looking forward to this model, the change is refreshing for the Kia SUV line!
March 31st, 2010 at 3:31 pm
When will this be revealed in the USA? and start selling?? I am looking into buying a 2010 TUCSON in the next couple of weeks but i would like to know more details before i make my decision!
May 7th, 2010 at 6:28 pm
what is the prices