2010 Kia Sportage snapped

Kia, one of the world’s top five automakers, is readying its new SUV – and we’ve got the pics.

The new Sportage, set to be released in 2010, is still shrouded in secrecy – but we know it’s going to be a bigger than the car it replaces.

We know that it’ll use the same 2.0-litre diesel ‘R’ engine as the Hyundai iX35. This means 184bhp and 400nm.

Also, the new Sportage will share the Hyundai’s ISG stop/start system, which will add to its eco-credentials.

On the engine front the Sportage won’t be lacking options – the aforementioned 2.0-litre diesel, a petrol V6 and a 2.0-litre petrol. It appears that the US market won’t get the diesel engine, preferring higher-powered petrols.

Both automatic and manual six speed gearboxes will be available, with the possibility of a tiptronic paddle shift.

We’ll see more of the Kia Sportage at this September’s Frankfurt Auto Show.rr