Kia Motors has released first official photographs and technical details of its all-new small SUV, which will make its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in September.

The four-wheel drive system will be fully automatic and standard equipment includes traction control, while ESP (Electronic Stability Program) will be available as an option and every model comes with front, side and curtain airbags.

The Sportage will be available with a choice of three engines (2-litre and 2.7-litre V6 gasoline, or 2-litre diesel), two-wheel or four-wheel drive powertrains, five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions (with full auto or manual selection) and two trim/equipment levels. Automatic transmission will be optional with the diesel.

Sportage customer deliveries in Europe are scheduled to start during October and more than 20,000 models will be available for the European market during 2005, including right hand drive UK specification models.