Shadowy images first pointer to ‘nature meets technology’ design trend.

COUNTDOWN to the full unveiling of the next-generation Kia Sportage has reached the obligatory ‘sneak peek’ phase, with the brand today releasing three images that give just a hint of what we’re in for.

Sharp-eyed brand faithful will note the ‘Tiger Nose’ grille that has become synonymous with the brand’s identity is retained, albeit with a more bulked-up side profile. C-shaped LED running lights flank the nose and at the rear there are more C-shaped LED lights and a full LED strip connecting each taillight.

Don’t fret if you cannot spot every altered detail. The general dimension is already known … because, of course, its continuing to share the same basic hardpoints and platform with the new Hyundai Tucson that’s very close to national launch.

Well ahead of this Sportage. The covers come off fully in July, but here’s talk the car itself won’t reach New Zealand until 2022. Yes, even though the current car – their strongest seller in 2020 - was recently withdrawn from local availability.

Kia is promising more than just an arresting exterior shape. The fifth-generation car will also deliver a significant overhaul inside the cabin; the image of the cockpit reveals a glimpse of the new curved twin-screen display with a new steering wheel and a similarly ‘cutting edge’ dash design.

The screens are expected to be twin 10.25-inch displays, with the driver’s display potentially growing up to 12.3-inches across. Expect Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and potentially wirelessly connected, too. Because? Well, Tucson …

Anyway, Kia says the car takes inspiration from a ‘nature meets technology’ ethos, with head of global design Karim Habib saying it will “challenge the norm with an adventurous and contemporary exterior and a carefully conceived, beautifully detailed interior.

“With the all-new Sportage, we were fully focused on challenging ourselves and pushing our fifth-generation SUV to a new level.”

No official word on the drivetrains, but of course you’d be safe in wagering that whatever the parent brand has created for Tucson will be offered.

Hyundai’s line runs four-cylinder engines, a 115kW/192Nm 2.0-litre petrol being the base mill, matched to a six-speed auto and driving the front wheels.

More upmarket four-wheel-drive editions pack a 132kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbo petrol mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch auto. The make also retains a diesel choice, this being a 137kW/416Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre married to an eight-speed automatic.

In some markets Tucson also packs mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, these based around a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine and producing a combined 171kW/350Nm. Kia will very likely have access to those.