2016 Kia Sportage sketches teased ahead of Frankfurt Premiere

Kuala Lumpur: Korean auto manufacturer Kia has released a few sketches, teasing its all-new 2016 Sportage which is said to premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

Though, the manufacturer has not revealed any details or specifications about the new compact crossover. Still, we can extract a lot of information looking at the exterior and interior sketches and manage to say that it is different from the current model.

It's entirely new design with its signature “tiger nose” grille now sits lower flanked by completely redesigned headlamps with LED DRLs incorporated into it, with similar look as that of the Chinese-market KX3. Below the grille sits a downturned lower air intake edged by large black plastic cladding and later housed fog lamps.

Evident from Kia Sportage's spy shots, it is pretty clear that the new car will feature a different side profile, with a more rounded 'hockey stick' chrome window graphic. While at the back, the redesigned slim tail lights looks sleek being interconnected with a red light bar. Moreover, large dual-tone alloy wheels complete the look of the crossover.

Looking at the interior sketches of the vehicle, you will not miss the presence of the typical Kia three-spoke steering wheel. Very familiar, Sorento-styled centre console with triangular air-con vents is placed around the large touchscreen display. Semi-bucket seats which are speculated to be fitted in the SUV retains comfort of the passengers by Kia.

The new Kia Sportage is a sibling of the new Hyundai Tucson that was revealed in the early starting of 2015. Sharing the similar platform, the Sportage is expected to share the drivetrain, which now includes T-GDI downsized turbo engines and a seven-speed dual clutch transmission.