We've got another set of images from our spies featuring the new 2010 Kia Sportage. Although the SUV is heavily covered up on a transport vehicle, we can still see a few details through the padding.
From the side, it looks apparent that the new Sportage will have a rounder roofline, eliminating the somewhat steep angle that led from the a-pillar to the trunk. It also appears as though the rear passenger windows and doors may have been extended back a bit. The SUV definitely gets new taillights, while keeping the dual-exhaust and rear windshield wiper. The only new detail we can gleam from the front image is that it appears the turn indicators paired with the headlights have been moved from the lower half to the upper half.
The SUV is expected to get a 2.0-liter turbodiesel R-engine that produces up to 184hp, but a petrol burning V6 is also being considered for the American market. It looks like many customers will have the option between a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox.
The new 2010 Kia Sportage looks as though it may be ready for primetime. Kia may not want to wait any longer, and could start building hype for the vehicle on their home turf when the Seoul Motor Show kicks off. That show begins in early April.
Hope this is better; well, it couldn't be much worse!