FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW: Kia shows off Sportage cabin

You’ve seen the exterior of the new Kia Sportage, now here’s the interior.

Set to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this month, the all-new fourth-generation Sportage promises to be a step-change for the car-maker. The Korean brand says it will use interior design to help separate itself from the pack – and the new Sportage is the first vehicle to benefit from the extra attention to detail.

As these images show, the cabin of the Mk4 Sportage, which shares its platform with sister Korean brand Hyundai's new Tucson mid-size SUV, represents a significant upgrade.

Says Kia: “The new-look interior features high-quality materials… as well as great practicality and a range of technologies to improve comfort, convenience, connectivity and safety.”

The orientation of the cockpit of the new Sportage moves from the vertical to horizontal. This is to “emphasise the width of the interior more effectively and generate a greater impression of space and sportiness,” says Kia.

The intention is also to split the dashboard which divides it into two distinct areas: display and control.

Kia says a display zone is focused “purely on delivering information to occupants in the clearest way possible via the driver’s instrument binnacle and optional new 7.0- or 8.0-inch HMI systems in the centre of the dashboard.”

The control zone comprises a “cascading” centre stack angled towards the driver. Many functions have been moved to the Sportage’s new touch-screen setup which helps tidy up the interior.

The new Sportage will also introduce a new ‘GT Line’ specification to the soft-roader’s line-up.

“Designed and engineered to appeal to those looking for a sportier driving experience from their Sportage, the GT Line specification delivers all the versatility of the standard Sportage while adding greater visual and dynamic appeal to those customers that desire it,” the company claims.

“Buyers specifying the new GT Line can enjoy a cabin with a slightly sportier feel, with a D-shaped leather steering wheel, high-quality piano black fascia and aluminium alloy pedals,” Kia’s release states.

Expect the GT Line to be a popular choice should it come Down Under.

The fourth-gen Sportage rides on a 30mm longer wheelbase (now 2670 mm) and is 40mm longer overall (to 4480mm). By way of comparison the new Tucson is 4475mm.

Passenger space is increased, with headroom up 5/16mm to 997/993mm for front and rear passengers respectively. Legroom has been increased by up to 19mm.

The rear seat now has a 30mm higher hip-point and there multi-position adjustment to its rake.

Kia says luggage capacity has grown from 465 to 503 litres. The boot gets a dual-level load floor and underfloor tonneau storage – claimed to be unique in the class.

Claimed to be “the safest Sportage yet”, the new vehicle will feature Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB); Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) – even speed sign recognition.

Connected Services and wireless phone charging are also promised.