The Kia Sportage has always lived up to its name, proving that crossover practicality and refined style can go hand-in-hand. We would have been satisfied to see the Sportage head into its next generation relatively unchanged, but Kia had bigger plans. The all-new Sportage had its world debut at last month’s Frankfurt Motor Show and revealed an automaker that’s not afraid to shake things up in the name of evolution.

How to make a powerful first impression

The fourth-generation Kia Sportage is unapologetically different, breaking with current Kia designs while embracing captivating European influences. Familiar Kia accents like the Tiger Nose grille are transformed, compressing and widening into something recognizable yet new. This influence can also be seen in the square-shaped LED daytime running lights which accent the bumper and the protracted front headlights.

The new Sportage also gains a roof-mounted spoiler, showing Kia’s designers haven’t forgotten the model’s sporty roots. Chrome trim and a creased hatch also contribute to the effect, inspired by the 2013 Kia Provo concept.

Beauty is more than skin-deep

The interior of the new Sportage is similarly elegant, featuring a large touchscreen display, increased legroom, and available three-way front heat seating with 10-way power control. It’s important to note that the model shown in Frankfurt was a Euro-spec production, so components and specifications are subject to change when the new model arrives on our shores.

The European Sportage will launch with 1.6-liter GDI and two 1.7-liter CRDI diesel options. The diesel engines definitely won’t be available in America, but no other technical specifications have been announced.

We should know more about the new Sportage after this year’s Los Angeles Motor Show. Until then, check out the Sportage in its first walkaround in the video below, and be sure to let us know what you think about the new model at 3Birds Template.

Image © Kia (European model shown)