Kia unveils upgraded Sportage
The new model pairs an updated exterior and interior design with new safety and infotainment technologies. Powertrains are also fully-compliant with future emissions standards.
The Sportage’s advanced new diesel mild-hybrid powertrain is the first to be launched as part of the brand’s global powertrain electrification strategy.
Kia is the first manufacturer to offer a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric and 48-volt mild-hybrid technology across its full model line-up.
Kia will launch 16 advanced powertrain vehicles by 2025, including five new hybrids, five plug-in hybrids, five battery-electric vehicles and, in 2020, a new fuel-cell electric vehicle.
Kia sold more than 131,000 examples of the Sportage in 2017, representing a quarter of the brand’s total European sales. Upgrades to the Sportage range also include modifications to GT-Line models. European customer deliveries of the new model will start during Q3 2018.
The Sportage now offers a wider range of engines, including Kia’s new ‘EcoDynamics+’ 2.0-litre diesel mild-hybrid powertrain. EcoDynamics+ supplements acceleration with power from a 48-volt battery, and extends engine ‘off time’ with a new Mild-Hybrid Starter-Generator unit.
The Sportage’s new 1.6-litre diesel engine produces 115 or 136 ps, with higher-powered models available with all-wheel drive a seven-speed double-clutch transmission.
Improvements to the Sportage’s sporty exterior design include new front and rear bumpers, as well as redesigned front and rear lamps and new 16-, 17- and 19-inch alloy wheel designs.
GT-Line models are equipped with a gloss black hot-stamped radiator grille, a gloss black and silver skid plate, and dark chrome inserts on the side sills and rear tailgate. The GT-Line’s unique 19-inch alloy wheels have been redesigned, and all models are fitted with a dual exhaust rear valance and revised ‘ice cube’ LED fog lamp designs.
The newly-refined cabin features a new steering wheel and revised instrument cluster, as well as new black-and-grey two-tone upholstery. GT-Line models are available with new black-and-grey two-tone cloth seats, or optional black synthetic leather with red stitching.
The upgraded Sportage adopts Kia’s latest advanced driving assistance systems, including Smart Cruise Control with Stop&Go, an Around View Monitor for easier parking manoeuvres, and Driver Attention Warning, to combat fatigue and inattentiveness at the wheel.
