The vehicle is built around the company’s new N3 architecture. With overall length growing by 175 mm to 4 660 mm, the Kia Sportage is now among the largest vehicles in its class. Sitting atop a 2 755 mm wheelbase (up 85 mm), the cabin is said to offer class-leading legroom and luggage capacity – the latter totalling 637 litres with the seats in place. This growth spurt is not surprising, given that Kia now has the Seltos to cater for those seeking a sensibly sized and affordable SUV. Depending on the region, Kia will offer both short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase versions of the new Sportage.

Globally Kia is offering two engine variants, these being a 1,6-litre direct injection turbopetrol, which produces 132 kW and 265 N.m, and a 2-litre turbodiesel that’s good for 137 kW and 416 N.m. The petrol motor is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and the oil burner gets mated to an “extensively re-engineered” eight-speed torque converter auto box. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models are expected to join the range at a later date, with details to be provided nearer to the time.

Kia has reworked the vehicle’s chassis, and the Sportage also sees the debut of a new Terrain Mode, which automatically adjusts the vehicle’s settings to suit the road conditions and environment, and this includes mud, sand and snow. Electronically controlled adaptive suspension and an advanced all-wheel drive system are available too.

Buyers can also look forward to a huge dual-screen infotainment and digital instrument system, housed in a slim, curved display. This includes a 12-inch central touchscreen as well as a 12-inch instrument cluster featuring the latest-generation full thin-film-transistor liquid-crystal display graphics. The new system also allows for over-the-air software and map updates.

Kia isn’t skimping on its driver assist gadgets either, and the key bragging point here is its new in-house-developed Advanced Driver Assistance System, which features “industry leading” Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist as well as a Highway Driving Assist gizmo that combines active cruise control with a lane-centring system to allow semi-automated driving capability. Furthermore, the Smart Cruise Control system makes use of real-time navigation data. The list of advanced gadgets also includes a remote parking system.