These shots, allegedly showing a long-wheelbase prototype version of the Kia Sportage, recently appeared in a South Korean newspaper. The SUV was said to be running road tests.
Kia had previously delayed the reveal of the new Sportage over design controversy. The model counts among the main profit bringers for the marque, so rushing the next – fifth - generation into production is simply not an option.
On a side note, Kia considers the new Sportage to be Mk4, rather than Mk5. The reason is, the first generation came out before the automaker’s merger with Hyundai.
As for the spied prototype, industry professionals believe it is likely targeted towards China, where long-wheelbase cars are highly popular. Others suppose that it might be a resurrected Sportage Grand spec destined for global release.