2016 Kia Sportage leaked again

Just a day after Kia’s new small SUV appeared online, weeks before its official launch, yet more pictures of the all-new 2016 Sportage have been leaked.

The new images that surfaced overnight on fan site, The Korean Car Blog, are the clearest yet and show off just how sporty the new Kia SUV will be when it appears at the Frankfurt motor show next month.

As well as the leaked pics, more new information has also been leaked, confirming the new Sportage’s cabin will be dominated by an all-new 8.0-inch touch-screen infotainment system.

The Sportage’s new dash is also said to be very reminiscent of the Sorento and Sedona’s. The new SUV also gains the new Kia Optima’s multi-function steering wheel.

According to Kia, the SUV’s interior will be its best ever in terms of quality.

Under the bonnet the Mk4 Sportage will feature significant drivetrain upgrades, shared with the Hyundai Tucson, that include the introduction of a 131kW 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine that comes mated with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

On the diesel side there’s the choice of an efficient 87kW 1.7-litre and a 2.0-litre with either 134kW or 137kW, which will be available with a heavily revised six-speed automatic.

Later on from launch Kia is expected to offer a downsized 1.2-litre petrol engine that will come with around 80kW. The Korean car-maker will also eventually offer the Sportage with a plug-in hybrid powertrain in some markets.

Like the outgoing car, the Sportage is expected to come with both front- and all-wheel drive.

The current Sportage is Kia's second best selling model in Australia, so expect pricing not to deviate too greatly from the current range, which kicks off at $25,990 and stretches to $41,590.