Kia Sportage photos leaked

Although Kia has not officially confirmed it as a production car, or even as a concept, the handsome vehicle shows all the hallmarks Kia design chief, Peter Schreyer.  Like other new generation Kias, the imposing off-roader gets several distinctive Schreyer touches, from the corporate `family' H-grille to the slimline headlights.

Unfortunately for Kia, the leaked undisguised images came from the European patent office, known as the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market for the European Union.  There's no word on its debut but the wraps could come of the newest Korean at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

The Sportage is scheduled to hit Korean showrooms later this year and possibly Australia early next year.  Clearly inspired by the just-launched Sorento, the smaller off-roader is expected to share much of its architecture — engines and suspensions — with the stylish new Hyundai ix35.

Only the body will be different.  Like Hyundai, Kia Australia is likely to have both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models of the Sportage, with the entry version being front-wheel drive.

It is expected to share the Hyundai's 124kW/197 Nm 2.0-litre Theta II engine paired with a newly developed six-speed automatic.  A turbo-diesel engine is also expected.  Kia will be hoping for good things from the new Sportage.

Unlike Hyundai, Kia's compact off-roader is not a strong seller locally.  Last year Kia sold 1911 Sportages compared to 11,405 Hyundai Tucsons.