2011 Kia Sportage Base on 2040-cars

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Kia spotted testing new 2016 Sportage in Germany

Though the first-generation Kia Sportage stuck around for a whopping eleven years, its successor was on the market for six years before the current model was introduced in 2010. At that rate, Kia is likely to reveal the fourth-gen model some time next year, and that is precisely what we seem to have here in this latest batch of spy shots. Spotted undergoing testing at the Hyundai-Kia Technical Center in Russelsheim, Germany, this pair of Sportage prototypes are wearing a lot of camouflage to keep us from extrapolating too much about their design. Still, we're expecting much of the KX3 concept to make it onto the production Sportage as Kia moves its crossover design language in one direction and the sedans in another. Look for a wider, lower grille, wrap-around headlamps and more prominent fog lights to characterize the front end, new LED taillights around back and a silhouette similar to the current model's in between. Expect a range of gasoline and diesel engines to be offered in markets around the world, from 130 horsepower up to 250, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Equipment can be anticipated to be upgraded inside as well, bringing to bear the resources of what has become one of the world's largest automakers. Featured Gallery 2016 Kia Sportage: Spy Shots Image Credit: CarPix Spy Photos Kia Crossover kia sportage

Kia Soul to get AWD?

The funky Kia Soul is one of the three affordable, efficient and style-first boxes on sale today (along with the Scion xB and Nissan Cube). Like its competition, it sits atop a front-drive platform with a longitudinally mounted four-cylinder engine.
It's a dandy car in this setup, but it sounds like Kia may be looking to differentiate the Soul from the herd by offering an optional all-wheel-drive system in the future. According to the report filed by Kia World, the popularity of the small, stylish crossover segment is expected to expand considerably over the coming years, especially overseas.
Citing the optional all-wheel drive on the Renault Captur, Ford Ecosport and Opel Mokka (Buick Encore in the US), along with the eventual arrival of a sub-Tiguan Volkswagen, called the Taigun, an all-wheel-drive Soul seems to make a lot of sense for these foreign markets. In the American market, meanwhile, AWD would open the Soul up to a new segment of buyers that like its looks but want all-wheel ability. Kia World is claiming the Soul AWD could hit markets in 2016 wearing a ruggedized version of the sheetmetal shown on the 2014 Soul that debuted in earlier this year in New York. Expect a bit of extra ground clearance to accompany the new drivetrain. Finally, all-wheel drive would likely only be available on the mid-range Soul + and top-spec Soul !.

Kia GT getting closer to production

The Kia lineup in the US has no lack of stylish models in their respective segments, but the brand's range doesn't have a larger, sporty model to appeal to more enthusiast-minded customers. A fix for that is on the horizon, though, because the official unveiling of the production Kia GT is possibly on the way. Since debuting at the Frankfurt Motor Show way back in 2011, the GT has kept tentatively stepping closer to the showroom. Coming from the pens of Peter Schreyer and his team, the concept presented a fastback, four-door coupe that was motivated by a 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 with 389 horsepower driving the rear wheels. As far back as 2013, the vehicle was reportedly being heavily considered for production, and last year it allegedly finally received the green light. With the four-door GT nearing showrooms, the fate of the similarly sized GT4 Stinger coupe concept likely isn't quite so bright. Kia Motors America Vice President of Product Planning Orth Hedrick recently talked about the future of both vehicles to Australia's Drive. "I think for us the GT is a sedan so it has a lot broader appeal than a two-door coupe. They don't do well here. They do really, really good for 18 months and then they really fall off. You can get just as much emotional experience in a sedan, a more practical car, than a coupe," he said. According to Hedrick, the four-door coupe appeals to younger buyers who are already more interested in cars. These are just the type of people that any brand wants to grab the attention of. Finally seeing the GT in its production guise is a chance that might be on the way, too. "We'll have an announcement soon," he said to Drive.