First pictures of the 2011 Kia Sportage, codenamed SL, undergoing durability testing. Next generation Sportage scheduled to make official debut in February 2010.
Autospies have managed to catch the 2011 Kia Sportage while undergoing hot-weather testing on the US soil. Unlike our previous set of spy shots, these latest images reveal more details about the Sportage’s completely redesigned exterior.
While many details are still kept safe and very well hidden from our eyes, it’s clear the 2011 Kia Sportage will feature a sportier and much more exciting exterior design than the outgoing model. It also appears the new Sportage will bear a strong family resemblance to Kia’s new Sorento crossover and is going to adopt many styling elements from latest Kia concept cars.
Codenamed SL, the 2011 Sportage will be introduced with a wide range of four-cylinder engines including a host of technically updated gasoline engines as well as new 2.0L R-diesel engine with 184 horsepower. Mated to these engines will be a six-speed manual transmission or for the first time, a brand new six-speed automatic, co-developed between Hyundai and Kia.
The next-generation Kia Sportage has been scheduled to make its official home debut in February 2010. Following its Korean debut, the new Sportage is expected to arrive Stateside towards the middle of 2010, and will go on sale as a 2011 model.
The 2011 Sportage will compete in the compact crossover category and as such will go up against the 2010 Hyundai Tucson, Ford Kuga, VW Tiguan and other models in the segment.