kia reveals first image of new small suv 2
Sam Charlwood14 May 2019
NEWS

Kia shows first images of its first compact SUV

All-new sub-Sportage small SUV to reach Australian showrooms late this year

Kia has shown the first visual details of an all-new compact SUV that is set to arrive in Australia later this year.

Front-facing and rear-facing sketches of the as-yet unnamed SUV reveal the new production model will take direct styling cues from the Kia SP Signature Concept shown at the Seoul motor show in March.

As we’ve reported previously, Kia’s first small SUV will be launched in Australia in the final quarter of this year, positioned below the mid-size Kia Sportage from around $25,000.

It will do so with what Kia calls a robust yet sporty design, using LED headlights and tail-lights with a three-dimensional light graphic and diamond pattern at the trailing edges.

Kia promises the compact high-rider will feature class-leading technologies that appeal to younger audiences, making it “a proposition that no other car in its class will match”.

There’s no word yet on what drivetrains will be available.

“With a modern and urbane design, inspired by the 2019 Kia SP Signature Concept, the SUV will stand apart from rivals by matching the unique preferences and needs of the millennial generation,” Kia said in an official press release.

kia reveals first image of new small suv 1

“The robust design character of a traditional SUV coexists with sophisticated exterior design details, such as its long hood, a strong, sophisticated character line on the front bumper, and sharp lines pressed into the bodywork.

“Its strong shoulder line, matched with a glasshouse which tapers towards the rear of the car, as well as rear bumper with a metallic muffler effect, lends the compact SUV an air of understated sportiness.”

Kia Australia made room for its first direct rival for the Mazda CX-3 and Mitsubishi ASX when the upgraded 2018 Sportage was launched last year with a higher $29,990 starting price.

“It will have a clear air,” Kia Australia chief operating officer Damien Meredith recently told carsales. “We haven’t done anything silly with Sportage so there’s plenty of space for it.”

Kia will show off the new SUV in full in the coming months before the commencement of Australian sales around October.

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