Kia shows off interior of redesigned 2016 Sportage
The Kia Sportage is growing up for the 2016 model year, and it's more than just skin deep.
Less than a week after pulling the covers off the redesigned exterior of the next generation Sportage, Kia has released images of a much more mature looking interior that more closely mimics that of the 2016 Sorento.
Kia says the new interior represents "one of the most significant improvements" over the previous generation, making use of higher quality materials, including metalwork and soft-touch materials.
"Where the cabin of the outgoing Sportage is focused around a clearly-defined central console, with a vertical design, the new model features horizontal lines to emphasize the width of the interior more effectively and generate a greater impression of space and sportiness," Kia said in a statement.
"The confident lateral design of the dashboard divides it into two clear zones—‘display’ and ‘control’. The display zone is focused purely on delivering information to occupants in the clearest way possible via the driver’s instrument (cluster) and optional new (touchscreen) systems in the centre of the dashboard.
"Below a clear line running the length of the dashboard is the control zone, with the central console cascading downwards and tilted 10° towards the driver. With many functions now found on the optional touchscreen infotainment and navigation system, the new, uncluttered dashboard offers drivers a highly ergonomic layout with the control zone’s functions designed to be clearly visible when on the move."
The new Sportage isn't simply about bells and whistles, though, with a more room throughout the cabin.
Kia says it boasts Passenger more headroom—997 millimetres in the front, up five millimetres, and 993 millimetres in the back, up 16 millimetres compared to the outgoing version—while front and rear legroom has jumped 19 millimetres in the front to 1,129 millimetres and 970 millimetres in the back, up seven millimetres.
Cargo room behind the rear seats has also grown, with 503 litres available compared to the 465 litres in the outgoing version.
Cargo space with the rear seats folded was not provided.
