Longer, wider and higher than the original Sportage as well as the average small 4WD, the new five-seater Sportage offer customers much of the technical sophistication and stylish looks of the popular Sorento, but in a smaller package. 

The 4350 mm long Sportage will be available with a single monocoque body, but with a choice of two engines, 2-litre and 2.7-litre-V6 engines,  full time four-wheel-drive, five-speed manual as standard and a high level of standard equipment  The V6 version has a four-speed automatic transmission, with fully automatic or manual sequential gear selection as standard.

The generous dimensions of the new Sportage have been used to boost both passenger and luggage space, and to greatly improve the ride and handling, both on and off road. 

The 60/40 split rear seat backrests fold to create a spacious, square-sided, flat-floored cargo area and the top-hinged tailgate features a flip-up window, like the Sorento, for loading versatility.  The smooth, sophisticated looks of the newcomer are enhanced by carrying the spare wheel inside the vehicle - rather than hung on the side-hinged tailgate.

In line with its position as Australia's fastest growing brand, Kia views the new Sportage as a 'next generation' vehicle - spacious, elegant and adaptable. 

It offers consumers three modern vehicles in one - with passenger car refinement, ride and handling, 4WD exterior, ease of access and four-wheel grip, plus wagon-like versatility, people space and cargo space. The new Sportage represent a big step forward for Kia's SUV in suppression of NVH and offers buyers the latest active and passive safety technology, including ABS and ESP, plus side and curtain airbags.

The popularity of the original Sportage, first introduced in 1993, enabled it to become Kia's global best-seller.