The ignition cylinder protector is a hardware modification specifically tailored for vehicle models ineligible for a security software upgrade introduced by Kia earlier this year. It reinforces the ignition cylinder body, preventing its removal through the techniques showcased in widely circulated social media videos that encourage criminal activities.

Scheduled to be available from December 20, this new modification will be offered through a complimentary Customer Satisfaction Initiative for models not qualifying for the software upgrade. After installation, each vehicle will be labeled with window decals to inform potential car thieves about the enhanced theft protection system.

This announcement is part of Kia's ongoing efforts to support its customers and communities affected by criminals utilizing social media-promoted theft methods targeting specific Kia vehicles. Alongside the ignition cylinder protector, Kia has developed a software upgrade that enhances vehicle security by limiting the ignition system's operation if a potential thief tries to steal a locked vehicle without the key. The company strongly advocates for eligible customers to install this software upgrade, with nearly 940,000 installations by dealers since January. Kia has also conducted temporary software upgrade clinics in key cities, with more planned for early 2024.

For models ineligible for the software upgrade, Kia continues to offer free steering wheel locks to affected owners. These locks not only fortify vehicle security but also serve as a visible deterrent to potential thieves. Kia has distributed over 325,000 steering wheel locks to date and remains committed to providing them as needed. Additionally, the company collaborates with local law enforcement agencies and public officials to distribute these locks effectively. Earlier this year, Kia announced an agreement to offer additional benefits to customers impacted by vehicle thefts.

Image source

To qualify for the award in 2023, a vehicle must earn a good rating in the driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, original moderate overlap front and updated side tests. Acceptable or good headlights must be standard across all trims, and a front crash prevention system that earns advanced or superior ratings in both the daytime and nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations must be available.

In contrast, for the lower-tier Top Safety Pick award, an acceptable rating in the updated side test is enough, and only an advanced or superior rating in the daytime vehicle-to-pedestrian test is necessary.

With updates to the side structure made for the 2024 model, the Sportage meets all the requirements for the higher-tier award. All trims come with acceptable-rated LED projector headlights. Standard and optional front crash prevention systems are available, both of which earn superior ratings in the daytime and advanced ratings in the nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations.

The front fascia of the new Kia Sportage flaunts a wide black grille that is similar to what we have seen on the Kia Seltos. The new SUV also has boomerang-shaped LED DRLs that enhances the overall front look of the vehicle. Apart from that, the Matrix LED headlamps are also present. One of the key elements of the new Sportage’s side profile is the alloy wheels. They will be available in 7 designs, colours, sizes, and finishes.

Also Read: Check Out India's First Kia Sonet With A 360-Degree Camera System - VIDEO

The new Kia Sportage measures 4660mm long and 1865mm wide. It has a height of 1660mm and a wheelbase of 2755mm. These dimensions have resulted in the new SUV offering class-leading leg- and headroom as well as luggage capacity. One of the key features inside the cabin of the new Sportage is the beautifully sculpted integrated curved display with a thin touchscreen pad and finely detailed air vents.

The 5th-gen Kia Sportage will be offered in multiple engine options. There will be a 1.6L 4-cylinder TGDi motor producing 180 PS and 264 Nm. This motor will be available in two transmission options - 7-speed DCT and 6-speed MT. Kia will also provide a 2.0L diesel engine with VGT capable of giving an output of 186 PS and 416 Nm. The gearbox here will be an 8-speed automatic transmission. The new SUV will also be offered in hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. More details in this regard will be disclosed in the future.

Also Read: 7-Seater Kia Seltos Spied Testing Abroad Once Again

In terms of safety, the new Kia Sportage will be equipped with high-end features such as Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) that includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC) Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), and whatnot.

Peugeot 3008

Arguably one of the most stylish European C-SUVs, the Peugeot 3008 entered into its second generation in 2017. What works in the case of Peugeot 3008 is the fact that while along with the traditional silhouette of a conventional SUV, it has got a number of distinctive design cues which make it look very unique and contemporary.

The inverted comma-shaped full LED headlamps along with dual tone roof and LED tail lamps in blackened housings give it a striking appeal on the outside. At the same time, the interior looks even more wonderful, thanks to an unconventional design with almost squared steering wheel, raised full TFT instrument console and pop-up style infotainment system among others.

Peugeot offers the 3008 with a total of four engine options: 1.2-litre 132 PS turbocharged petrol, 1.5-litre 131 PS diesel, 1.6-litre 181 PS turbocharged petrol and 2.0-litre 177 PS diesel. While the 1.2-litre turbo petrol and 1.5-litre diesel are offered with both the 6-speed manual and 8-speed automatic gearboxes, the 1.6-litre turbo petrol and 2.0-litre diesel are offered only with an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Nissan Qashqai

Currently in its second generation, the Nissan Qashqai looks much like a scaled-down X-Trail. It's Europe's best-selling C-SUV.

The Nissan Qashqai is loaded with features like Nappa leather upholstery, electrically adjustable and heated front seats with memory function, adaptive LED headlamps with daytime running LEDs, panoramic glass roof, dual-zone climate control and a premium 8-speaker audio system from BOSE.

On offer for Nissan Qashqai is a range of powertrain options. Starting off with the petrol engine first, the 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol is available in two states of tune – 140 PS/240 Nm and 160 PS/270 Nm. While the former is available with only a 6-speed gearbox, the more powerful version is offered with 6-speed manual and 7-speed DCT automatic options.

The diesel engine options include a 1.5-litre unit (115 PS/285 Nm) available with both 6-speed manual and 7-speed DCT automatic gearboxes and a 1.7-litre diesel unit (150 PS/340 Nm) available with both 6-speed MT and a CVT.

Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 was Toyota’s first attempt at a C-SUV that offered the stance of an SUV and the driving dynamics of a sedan in a single package. Over the years, the RAV4 has become much sharper and bigger, and in its current, fifth generation, it has an imposing stance and contemporary styling in and out. It is worth noting that this model is the world's best-selling SUV.

The latest Toyota RAV4’s angular design is complemented with the sleek and more aggressive front fascia and angular headlamps and tail lamps. It is offered with features like full LED lights at front and rear, full TFT instrument console, panoramic glass roof and a free-standing touchscreen infotainment system.

The Toyota RAV4 is available with a choice of two engine options, both of which are petrol-powered. One is a 2.0-litre engine that produces 170 PS of power and 203 Nm of torque, the bigger, while the other is a 2.5-litre engine that makes 209 PS of power and 249 Nm of torque. The latter is also available in hybrid version, which makes 222 PS of power and 279 Nm of torque.

The Toyota RAV4 is under consideration for India.

Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage is in its fourth generation currently. It's a mechanical cousin of the Hyundai Tucson, which is sold in India. India will directly get the next-gen Kia Sportage, although the Indian audience has already been made familiar with the nameplate and attracted to it with the brand's TVCs showing the existing model.

The Kia Sportage is offered with features like full LED headlamps and tail lights, black leather upholstery and a touchscreen infotainment system with loads of connectivity options. Engine options include 132 1.6L naturally aspirated petrol unit, 177 PS 1.6-litre turbocharged petrolunit, 155 PS 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit, 184 PS 2.4-litre petrol unit, 115 PS/136 PS 1.6-litre turbocharged diesel unit and 185 PS 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel unit featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid tech.

The next-gen Kia Sportage will likely be made in a 7-seat version as well. Expect it to be locally manufactured and be sold in even the 7-seat version here.

Skoda Karoq

The Skoda Karoq is the successor to the Skoda Yeti, which was sold in India. It was planned to be launched in India this year but the project has been postponed to 2020. It will likely be a CBU import costing easily over INR 25 lakh (ex-showroom) and be sold in limited numbers, not more than 2,500 units annually. In the meantime, Volkswagen Group is likely going to replace the VW Tiguan with the VW Tiguan Allspace in the country to ensure that there's no market cannibalisation.

In terms of size, styling and dimensions, the Skoda Karoq might not be as intimidating and huge as other SUVs in this list. However, this soft-roader from Skoda does pack luxury and premium finish in abundance, with its impeccable build quality and premium equipment like virtual cockpit, panoramic sunroof, electrically adjustable front seats with heating and memory functions and 10-speaker Canton audio system. 115 PS 1.0-litre TSI petrol, 150 PS 1.5-litre TSI petrol, 115 PS 1.6-litre TDI diesel, 150 PS 2.0-litre TDI diesel and 190 PS 2.0-litre TDI diesel are the engine options.

The latest development doesn't really come out as surprise considering the SUV boom in India. Like, Kia, most of the automakers are placing their bets on SUVs for growing in our market. Commenting on the same, Kook Hyun Shim, MD and CEO, Kia Motors India, told BusinessLine, “The Indian market is interested in SUVs and MUVs (multi utility vehicles) right now, so we are thinking of launching another SUV after Seltos. Our dealers are also interested in SUVs.” The company will launch the Seltos later this year, and apart from that, it will also introduce three new products over the next two years.

The Anantapur plant currently has a production capacity of 3 lakh per annum. This plant is capable of producing all kinds of vehicles depending on the demand, and it will be used to produce vehicles for the export markets such as South Africa, West Asia and South America also.

Kia's second offering for the Indian market could be an imported SUV, most probably the Sportage, since all other international models don't fit the bill. The Sorento and the Mohave are already on the verge of full model change, while the Soul and Stonic are longer than 4,000 mm in length and would be too expensive for their segment. The Sportage still has about two years left in its current life cycle, and also, it has already been highly publicised for creating brand awareness in India.

Also Read: Kia Seltos officially unveiled, to go on sale in India in August

Kia will come up with 265 customer touch points in 160 Indian cities in the near future.

[Source - BusinessLine]

Reports suggest that Kia’s line-up in India right from the first year will comprise a mix of locally manufactured and imported models. One of the imported models under evaluation is the Sportage, which the company showcased at Auto Expo 2018 and various regional events throughout the year. However, Kia officials have spoken only about the all-new Ceed hatchback and the facelifted Carnival minivan. The latter has already received the green signal for India.

The Kia Sportage is a C-segment SUV like the Hyundai Tucson. The current, fourth-generation model likely has 2-3 years remaining in its life before it is time for the fifth generation. It sits on the same platform that underpins the Hyundai Tucson and at 4,480 mm in length, 1,855 mm in width and 1,645 mm in height, it is only 5 mm wider and 10 mm lower than its mechanical twin.

Also Read: Kia SP2i (Hyundai Creta rival) launching ahead of schedule

Hyundai has confirmed that it will locally manufacture the fourth generation Tucson. It is only logical to expect Kia to leverage the newly localised platform for its own offering. After all, it wants to establish itself as a premium brand in the country and the demand for C-SUVs is going up.

[Image Source: team-bhp.com]

The Kia Sportage measures 4,480 mm in length, 1,855 mm in width, and 1,645 mm in height (1,655 mm with roof rails). It has a wheelbase of 2,670 mm. Presently in its fourth generation, the Sportage received a mid-cycle facelift in May 2018.

The Kia Sportage is based on the same platform as the third-gen Hyundai Tucson that is currently on sale in India. Globally, the latest iteration of the small SUV is available with a range of engine options. The list of petrol motors on offer includes - 132 PS 1.6L GDI, 177 1.6L T-GDI, 155 PS/157 PS 2.0L MPI and 184 PS 2.4L GDI powertrains. The oil-burner on offer displaces 1.6-litre and is available in 115 PS and 136 PS outputs. It features a mild-hybrid system. Transmission options are 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. Select variants are available with the AWD hardware.

The pre-facelift Kia Sportage that has been put on display at the Autocar Performance Show 2018 is in the GT-Line trim. It looks more aggressive than other versions owing to a high-gloss radiator grille, ’ice-cube’ LED fog lamps, aluminium-effect skid plates, window surround moulding, side sill garnish, 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-tip exhaust tailpipes and tailgate garnish. On the inside, the GT-Line grade brings in an all-black setup with high-gloss black-coloured switch pads and centre fascia, D-cut leather steering wheel with GT-Line logo and sports pedals.

Also Read - Production Kia SP (Hyundai Creta challenger) road trials commence in India [Video]

The production Kia SP will reportedly go on sale in the second half of 2019. It will cost between INR 10-16 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

Unlike the global Kia Sportage update, the China-only facelift features a longer hood and a more prominent tiger-nose radiator grille flanked by substantially sleeker and more streamlined headlamps that are not as swept-back. Right below the lights are the four-level LED clearance lamps. A thin opening in the mid-section of the bumper lends a good amount of aggression. The ice-cube fog lamps too are a little different, and their housing is slimmer.

The Chinese-spec version enjoys exclusivity even at the rear. The tail lamps, connected via a new red strip, sport distinctive graphics. As Chinese customers prefer chrome, there's a chrome strip right above the tail lamps and the red embellisher covering the entire width.

Kia says that the updated model features a new infotainment system co-developed with Tencent QQ Music. So, it is possible to stream music via simple voice commands, such as “play a song of Avicii”, or even just saying “sleepy”, which will lead to an energetic music playlist that keeps the driver awake.

Also Read: Hyundai Styx-based Kia compact SUV to debut at Auto Expo 2020

Dongfeng Yueda Kia will offer the new KX5 with the same engines: Nu 2.0-litre GDI petrol (165 PS/203 Nm) and Gamma 1.6-litre T-GDI petrol (177 PS/265 Nm). These engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission respectively. Customers choosing the 1.6-litre engine can opt for an AWD system.

[Image Source info.xcar.com.cn]

Developed with the company’s new ‘SmartStream’ efficiency technologies, the new 1.6 unit replaces the 1.7-liter CRDi diesel engine. The new engine comes with re-engineered components supported by a new Integrated Thermal Management System (ITMS) to help achieve their claimed benefits. It is also lighter (by 18 kg) than the outgoing 1.7L unit.

Available in Korea and Europe, the 1.6 unit will be sold in two configurations: 115 or 136 ps. Both engine configurations will be driving the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission as standard. The more powerful 136 ps engine will be available with all-wheel drive and a seven-speed double-clutch transmission. The Sportage 1.6 diesel can travel up to 16.3 km on a single liter of diesel on the WLTP combined cycle, with carbon dioxide emissions rated from 126 g/km for 115 ps models, and 123 g/km for higher-powered models.

Another diesel option is a 2.0-litre ‘R’ diesel engine combined with a 48-volt battery and a mild-hybrid starter-generator unit. It is available with an all-wheel drive system, and can be equipped with a six-speed manual or a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2.0L mild hybrid system produces 185 ps and 400 Nm torque. The new mild-hybrid powertrain can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 4% on the WLTP.

If Kia does decide to launch the Sportage in India, it will be assembled locally from CKD kits. Prices will be in the same territory as the Hyundai Tucson. Kia plans to launch its second product in the Indian market in the first quarter of 2020. The Sportage could be a potential candidate. Although, as per reports, the Kia Carnival and Kia Stonic are also being evaluated.

Showcased at the Auto Expo in February 2018, the Sportage is based on the same platform as the Tucson. That was, however, the pre-facelift model. A facelift was unveiled last month with updates to the exterior, interior, and powertrain options. As per the report, the Kia Sportage could be launched in India with the same 2.0 L diesel engine as the Tucson.

Kia Motors India is busy setting up its production facility in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh. The company is investing around USD 1.1 billion in the project and once fully operational, it will have an annual production capacity of 3,00,000 units. The major chunk of the total volume will be for the domestic market. Kia aims to be at least in the top 5 in terms of sales in the Indian market.

Also Read - Kia to launch EV in India by 2021

Kia's first move will be to launch an all-new product in India, which is not sold anywhere else in the world yet. Once launched here, the production version of the SP Concept reach its home market in South Korea as well. Kia is currently running an online competition asking users to select the name for their upcoming SUV. As per the latest results, the Kia Tusker name has garnered the maximum amount of votes. Voting closes on June 20 so, expect an official name announcement post that.

[source - Autocar India]

In an interview with Autocar Professional recently, Kia India Marketing and Sales Head Manohar Bhat revealed that the second Kia model could be launched six months after the Kia SP Concept.

"Once that (Kia SP Concept) is launched, we would want to bring in other models as soon as possible in a lot of other segments. Maybe, six months down the line, we could see the next product getting launched."

In February, Kia President Han-Woo Park had said that the Kia SP Concept's production will commence in September 2019 and the launch will take place before Diwali. Just days later the same month, at the framework installation ceremony at the first Kia plant in India, he said that the construction work is nearly two months ahead of schedule and the launch will take place by mid-2019 (May-August 2019). This means that the second model could be launched in Q1 2020 (January-March 2020).

Kia will follow a top-down approach in India to establish itself as a premium brand. The company will prioritise recreational vehicles such as SUVs and MPVs because it sees a lot of demand for these type of vehicles here. So, it is safe to assume that the second model will be an RV. It could be either a sub-4 metre SUV, the Kia Sportage or the Kia Carnival.

Also Read: Kia could launch made-for-India EV by 2021

The Kia sub-4 metre SUV will be locally manufactured and may take a few months more to arrive. It would take relatively lesser time and be easier to launch the Kia Sportage or Kia Carnival, as both of them would be imported in CKD kits and assembled here.

[Source: Autocar Professional]

The new Kia Sportage is the first Kia model announced with the new ‘EcoDynamics+’ mild-hybrid powertrain. This system uses a combination of a 2.0-litre ‘R’ diesel engine, a 48-volt battery and a mild-hybrid starter-generator unit. Kia is yet to release the output figures and the fuel consumption rating, but it does say that its new 48-volt technology reduces CO2 emissions by up to 4% under Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP).

The Kia Sportage has swapped the 1.7-litre U2 CRDi diesel engine with the all-new 1.6-litre U3 CRDi diesel engine. Like the all-new Kia Ceed, the new Kia Sportage gets the all-new diesel engine in 115 PS and 136 PS versions. Kia will offer a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and an AWD system with the 136 PS version.

The 2018 Kia Sportage has a number of design improvements. On the outside, it features new bumpers, tweaked headlamps and tail lamps, revised ‘ice cube’ fog lamps and new alloy wheels. Kia has introduced five new exterior colours. Inside, there’s a new steering wheel, a revised instrument cluster and a new 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system/new ‘frameless’ 8-inch infotainment system.

The new Sportage comes with Kia’s latest advanced driver assistance systems as well. These include Smart Cruise Control with Stop&Go, Driver Attention Warning and an Around View Monitor.

Also Read: Kia Carnival under consideration for India

The new Kia Sportage will go on sale in Europe in the third quarter of this year (July-August 2018). Reports suggest that Kia could launch this global best-seller in India as a CKD import, with the assembly taking place at its Anantapur plant in Andhra Pradesh. The first model in our market, the Kia SP Concept-based SUV, will arrive in mid-2019. This means, if approved, the new Kia Sportage won’t reach our market before late-2019.

Introduced in 2015, the fourth generation Kia Sportage will receive minor cosmetic changes this year. Exterior enhancements would include tweaked headlamps with full-LED lighting, revised tiger nose grille and lower air intake, restyled bumpers, new alloy wheels and new LED tail lamps. Inside, the 2019 Kia Sportage may feature new upholstery and a redesigned centre console with a floating touchscreen infotainment system.

The Kia Sportage comes with petrol and diesel engines, in 1.6-litre to 2.4-litre capacities. With the facelift, it may gain new 1.6-litre diesel engines as a replacement for its 1.7-litre diesel engines. The 6-speed automatic transmission in its 2.0-litre diesel engine model may be superceed by the new 8-speed automatic transmission. Then is the possibility of the new Smart Stream engine and transmission making its way to the C-SUV. Hyundai had showcased a 1.6L T-GDi engine featuring Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) and an 8-speed DCT at the IAA 2017.

Also See: 2019 Kia Soul with dual centre exhausts spied up close in South Korea

The new Kia Sportage could debut at 2018 Paris Motor Show in October. Reports this year said that Kia is considering the Sportage for India as a CKD import, but we have not heard of further developments.

[Image Source: instiz]

The Kia Sportage would receive minor exterior changes with the mid-cycle refresh. At the front, the 2019 Kia Sportage will likely feature tweaked headlamps, updated Tiger-nose grille, new lower air intake, restyled bumper accentuated by a chrome strip and new fog lights. The new headlamps are similar to those of the third-gen 2018 Kia Ceed and appear to have four-element ‘ice- cube’ LED DRLs with the main beam in the centre.

At the rear, the spy shot shows that the 2019 Kia Sportage will have tweaked tail lamps. Another change may include some revisions to the bumper for a new look. Interior changes may include an upgrade to the infotainment system and new trim and upholstery. Any changes to the engines, if planned, are currently unknown. The pre-facelift model is available with a variety of petrol and diesel engines with displacements ranging from 1.6- to 2.4-litre.

Also Read: Kia SP Concept-based SUV arriving early, to go on sale in mid-2019

The 2019 Kia Sportage could debut sometime in the second half of this year, possibly at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. Kia is reportedly considering importing CKD kits of the Kia Sportage and assembling them in India. There’s no specific timeline available for the Jeep Compass rival’s Indian launch, though.

[Image Source: Motorgraph]

The Kia Sportage is 4,480 mm long, 1,855 mm wide and 1,645 mm (1,655 mm with roof rails) tall. It has a 2,670 mm wheelbase. Now in its fourth generation, the Kia Sportage is underpinned by the same platform as the third-gen Hyundai Tucson, which is available in India. Kia offers it with 132 PS 1.6L GDI, 177 1.6L T-GDI, 155 PS/157 PS 2.0L MPI and 184 PS 2.4L GDI petrol engines and 115 PS 1.7L CRDi and 178 PS/185 PS 2.0L CRDi diesel engines. Transmission choices include 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. An AWD system is available in select configurations.

The Kia Sportage on display at Auto Expo 2018 is in the GT-Line grade. The Kia Sportage GT-Line looks sportier with features like high-gloss radiator grille, ’ice-cube’ LED fog lamps, aluminium-effect skid plates, window surround moulding, side sill garnish, 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-tip exhaust tailpipes and tailgate garnish. The sporty theme continues inside with an all-black colour theme, black high-gloss switch pads and centre fascia, D-cut leather steering wheel with GT-Line logo and sport pedals.

The current Kia Sportage is not an India-bound model. Kia is working on a mid-life facelift for the C-SUV.

In the build-up to its launch in India, Kia Motors has been showcasing potential models for the Indian market to interested dealers as part of the Kia Dealer Roadshow. Interestingly, the Kia Niro and Kia Sportage seen in images here are finished in the same paint shades as the ones spotted at a dealer exhibit back in August. These could be the same display cars in transit to the next Kia Dealer Roadshow venue.

The Kia Niro crossover is the company’s first dedicated hybrid vehicle. It is not expected to feature in Kia’s immediate plans for India. Plus, with the Indian Government's GST structure not offering any substantial benefits to hybrid vehicles, partly electrified vehicles do not seem to be of top priority for any manufacturer in India presently.

The Kia Sportage is a Hyundai Tucson rival that seems more likely to be launched in India than the Niro. However, according to a report from September, the first Kia product to arrive in India will be a sub-4 m SUV.

Kia is likely to shed more light on its plans for the Indian market at the Auto Expo scheduled to kick off on February 7, 2018. The two models seen here along with the ones displayed at the Kia Dealer Roadshow could make an appearance at the bi-annual event.

[source - bunnypunia.com]

The Kia NP has been engineered specifically for the Chinese market. It is based on the previous generation Kia Sportage/Hyundai ix35's platform. It does not feature Kia's signature 'tiger-nose' grille. Instead, there's a large chrome lined grille with chrome louvres and chrome studs. The bumpers get a two-tone look with generous black cladding and silver finish underbody protection. It does get Sportage/Sorento like "ice cube" LED fog lamps. The rear gets a rather plain looking tailgate and split tail lights with LED detailing.

Judging by the conservative looks of the prototype, the actual production-spec model could be nearly identical. The windows and windscreens were completely blacked out so, the interior of the Kia NP remains a mystery.

The Kia NP is 4.41 m long and has a 2.64 m wheelbase. A 2.0 L 160 hp petrol engine with automatic and manual transmission options will be the mainstay of the lineup. A 1.4 L turbocharged petrol could also be offered mated to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic.

Also Read - Hyundai ix35 interior spied

Sister concern Hyundai has adopted a similar approach for the Chinese market. It unveiled the new ix35 at Auto Shanghai 2017 in April this year. Both the Kia NP and Hyundai ix35 share the same platform.

[source - Noticias Automotivas]

The Kia Sportage is 4,480 mm long, 1,855 mm wide and 1,645 mm tall (excluding roof rack). It has a 2,670 mm wheelbase and a 172 mm ground clearance. It is available with three engines: 1.6-litre GDi, Nu 2.0-litre MPI, Theta 2.4-litre GDI petrol engines. The 1.6-litre engine delivers 130 PS at 6,300 rpm and 16.4 kg.m (160.83 Nm) of torque at 4,850 rpm. The 2.0-litre engine produces 155 PS at 6,200 rpm and 19.6 kg.m (192.21 Nm) of torque at 4,000 rpm. The 2.4-litre engine develops 184 PS at 6,000 rpm and 24.2 kg.m (237.32 Nm) of torque at 4,000 rpm. All engines send power to the wheels via an automatic transmission. An all-wheel-drive system is available.

Xenon headlamps with LED DRL, skid plates, LED fog lamps, 19-inch GT Line alloy wheels, rear spoiler, tailgate garnish, dual-tip exhaust tailpipes and LED rear combination lamps are some of key exterior highlights of the Kia Sportage. Inside, Kia has equipped the C-SUV with features like D-cut steering wheel, sport pedals, 4.2-inch MID, panoramic sunroof and fully folding rear seats. Noteworthy safety and driver assistance features include electronic parking brake, parking sensors (front & rear), Blind Spot Detection and six airbags.

The Kia Sportage’s prices in the UAE start at AED 66,900 (INR 11,82,926.78). The compact SUV competes with the likes of Hyundai Tucson and Jeep Compass in the country.