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2016 Kia Sportage First Walkaround Video Reveals Radical Design Changes

If you want fresh sushi, you need to go to Japan, and for the newest Kia SUV, you need to go to South Korea. We now have the first walkaround video of the all-new 2016 Kia Sportage, which isn't available in America or Europe yet.
2016 Kia Sportage First Walkaround Video Reveals Radical Design Changes 1 photo
Photo: screenshot from Youtube
We've always admired the current Kia Sportage model, which looks sharp and classy. However, the 2016 model will take some getting used to. It's about as bold and polarizing as the Nissan Juke.

While the big picture is strange, the Koreans paid a lot of attention to the details. We like the finish of the front grille, and Kia has always been good with taillight design. The most distinctive feature is the placement of the headlights, which are high and look like they come out from under the bonnet.

The Korean carmaker says the rear of the car is inspired by the 2013 Kia Provo concept car, with a strong line running horizontally across the boot lid between the light clusters. The indicator and reversing lights are much lower down and sit in a separate cluster on the rear bumper, giving the SUV a taller appearance.

The interior is a step in the right direction while the engines compete with the Qashqai in both power and efficiency.

“We recognise that for a more demanding audience issues such as interior quality, refinement and ride and handling are essential,” said UK Kia boss Paul Philpott. “All of those aspects have been addressed. We have done this because of what our customers have told us.”

Just like the new Hyundai Tucson, the 2016 Sportage will be available with a 1.6-liter GDI mill good for 132 horsepower and 161 Nm of torque. There will also be a turbocharged version of that with 177 hp and 265 Nm of torque. Diesel options will be divided between the 1.7-liter (available with a DCT) and the more powerful 2-liter.

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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