When Kia introduced the original Sportage in North America in the early 1990s, the best thing it had going for it was a low-ball price. There was nothing particularly compelling about the way it looked or drove, though it was at least passable on both counts. When the Geneva Motor Show opens up next month, the third-generation Sportage will finally bring the compact crossover to the head of the class in appearance.
Looking like a 5/8-scale version of the recently introduced Sorento, the new Sportage incorporates the Peter Schreyer-penned Kia design language in an an aggressive looking package that should stand out among the Escapes, Rav4's and CR-V's of the world. The new model is longer, lower and wider, but Kia hasn't released any other details yet.
We expect that the Sportage will have the same 2.4-liter inline-four found in the new Hyandai Tucson when it arrives Stateside this fall, although other markets will get a range of gas and diesel power options from which to choose.
[Source: Kia]
OOYYO's comment: I got to say It's gone a long way in looks since back then.
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