Kia Sportage: revised styling for updated SUV

Coming just three months after the Kia Sportage Series II went on sale in Australia, the US-spec SUV gains exterior and interior upgrades likely to feature on local cars in 2014.

Available in three trim specifications; LX; EX; and SX, the US Sportage is offered with a choice of either a naturally aspirated 2.4-litre or turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder – the former dropped from the local line-up with the introduction of the Slovakian-sourced Series II.

The mild exterior changes include a lightly revised front grille and restyled fog lights and tail-lights.

Inside, ventilated and reclinable rear outboard seats join an updated in-car connectivity system, dubbed UVO short for 'Your Voice', which allows stereo and phone functions to be controlled through voice recognition software. The system now also has the ability to connect to the internet via an exclusive smartphone app.

Kia Australia public relations general manager Kevin Hepworth confirmed the facelifted third-generation Sportage is due to land in local showrooms by the end of quarter one 2014.

Pricing and specification details will be announced closer to launch.

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