Kia has revealed a sneak peek at the new design for its Sportage small SUV.

The model has been designed by Peter Schreyer, Kia’s chief design officer, and has changed design direction to appeal to a more urban and design conscious market.

The new Sportage now features Kia’s “tiger” face and signature grille which is included on the rest of the new Kia model range.

Schreyer said: “In the past to buy a Kia was to make a very rational decision. I want to create the situation where people see a Kia and want one firstly because of the way it looks, and then they discover that in addition to its great design it’s also attractively priced and has a great warranty.

"I want to give Kia global appeal, and I want that appeal to be about design above all else.”